Six new City Council-funded ‘Homework Plus’ clubs have opened in Milton Keynes, taking the total to eight.
At the clubs, school pupils get support with their homework, including internet access, and a substantial meal.
Milton Keynes City Council launched the scheme earlier this year to help local organisations run after-school clubs for children and young people. Club organisers can apply for a one-off grant of £1,000 to assist with the costs of setting up a club.
Following demand, the City Council has extended the window for local organisations to come forward. Interested organisations need to fill out the simple form (which includes full conditions) and send it to HAF@milton-keynes.gov.uk before Friday 15 December 2022.
Clubs must provide regular sessions of at least 90 minutes, be available to all children and young people, and be free or low cost to access.
Councillor Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequalities and Child Poverty said: “Our Homework Plus clubs provide a safe place for children and young people to socialise and learn alongside access to a free healthy meal. The rise in the cost of living impacts all families and this growing scheme is one of several ways we are trying to help.
"We’re delighted to see so many new clubs opening and would encourage more local organisations to consider using this funding to start or perhaps re-start, an after-school club.”
Last year, the City Council’s Poverty Commission found almost 23,000 children were living in poverty in Milton Keynes.
The Homework Plus scheme is one of many of its initiatives designed to help families following a national rise in the cost of living.
A recently announced Winter Plan includes a £3.3m package of support for residents made of City Council funds and Government grants.
To learn more, including advice and links to ongoing and emergency funds, click here.
A list of all existing Homework Plus clubs and how to make contact can be found below.
To find out more about Homework Plus clubs, click here.
