Milton Keynes City Council is funding thousands of activities for children, young people, and their families this summer, giving away more than 25,000 free tickets for activity sessions.
The city council’s Summer of Play programme, which is exclusively for local families whose children receive benefit-related free school meals, is intended to provide much-needed support to families. There are hundreds of free activities available, ranging from rock climbing and animal encounters to football and gymnastics.
Each session, which is set to run from July 29 to August 22, offers free food and at least four hours of activity. There will be a variety of sports, arts and crafts, cooking classes, music, and other activities for kids of all ages spread across 62 locations in Milton Keynes.
All sessions welcome children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 1,620 tickets have been set aside for SEND specific activities, an increase of more than 500 since last year.
Eligible families can book tickets via the online booking system at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/HAF.
Cllr Joe Hearnshaw, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said, “We’re pleased to build on the success of last year with this diverse programme of free activities backed up with healthy notorious meals. We know that the school holidays are difficult times for parents and the cost of clubs and days out can be a barrier to many.”
Cllr Hearnshaw concluded, “By expanding our dedicated provision for children and young people with additional needs, these events are even more inclusive and supportive.”
This year, Milton Keynes City Council worked with 42 local clubs, charities, schools and organisations to provide activities alongside its own Children and Family Centres and Music Hub.
Answers to frequently asked questions be found at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/HAF alongside the full programme of activities.
