Helping parents through the summer break

I wasn’t surprised to read the results of a survey published recently by Save the Children, which found that two-thirds of parents in low-income households are worried about their children missing out on experiences during the school holidays. A third said they were having to scale back their food shops in order to survive the summer break

We know that low-income households, including many of those living in social housing, have been hardest hit by the cost of living crisis. And while our residents benefit from paying heavily subsidised rents and can access money guidance through Clarion Futures, many are still in a precarious financial position. 

“Parents can feel conflicted – looking forward to spending time with their children, but concerned about the challenges the school holidays can bring”

Over the summer break, many councils rely on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to support low-income families. This is funded by the government and, as the name suggests, it provides “healthy food and enriching activities” to children eligible for free school meals.  

This is undoubtedly a fantastic programme, but it’s not reaching all those who need it. There are too many families who don’t meet eligibility criteria for free school meals, but who are experiencing hardship.

That’s why we work with participating councils and local partners running the HAF schemes – anything from drama groups and dance camps to sports clubs and play groups – to provide funding to cover additional free spaces for children who don’t receive free school meals, but are in need of support.

One example of this is our support for the AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s Active Dons holiday scheme in Merton, south west London. It runs four days a week throughout the summer, with around 100 8-16 year-olds signed up.

Our funding has topped up that provided by Merton Council through HAF, meaning the scheme can run for an additional hour each day. It also enables them to hire a member of staff to support children with special educational needs, as well as offer spaces to children not eligible for free school meals. The children get a hot lunch every day and healthy snacks, and it’s all completely free – a lifesaver for parents who wouldn’t be able to afford expensive holiday clubs.

“There are too many families who don’t meet eligibility criteria for free school meals, but who are experiencing hardship”

In the same vein, our Roman Road Adventure Playground in Tower Hamlets – the first adventure playground in the country built by a housing association – continues to offer a safe place for children and young people to play and explore their imagination. It’s something I’m really passionate about, especially at a time when council play provision is dwindling due to budget cuts.

Open each weekday during the summer holidays, and after school and on Saturdays in term time, the playground is staffed by a team of play workers who facilitate a wealth of self-directed activities completely free of charge, as well as trips to the beach and other local attractions subsidised by Clarion Futures.

We know from speaking to parents that it’s invaluable at all times of the year, but even more so in the summer, giving them a break from the childcare rollercoaster and providing a space for kids to just be kids.