Targeted summer provision in Highland

The Highland Council worked with Partners to support pre-planned summer activities at venues across the region. In total £177,000 of Scottish Government funding supported 34 projects and attendances at activities amounted to over 9K, with many children attending multiple sessions.

Cllr John Finlayson, Education Chair said: “The targeted summer programme, funded by the Scottish Government, is a fantastic opportunity for our children and young people to discover new experiences and friends while having some fun! The delivery of the vast and varied programme is only achievable thanks to the fantastic partnership working and amazing 504 young leaders, volunteers, and staff who organised and ran the many activities on offer.”

The Scottish Government announced funding to Local Authorities earlier this year to provide targeted holiday provision for school age children during the summer.

This funding is provided for the 23/24 financial year only, to support activities targeted towards childcare and food during the summer holidays for children from low-income families.

The range of activities provided included, arts, craft, dance, music, football, youth clubs, swimming, gardening, paddleboarding, trips, walking, mountain biking, drama and scavenger hunts.

Free food included snacks and lunches at activities, and some provided free pick-up packed lunches for the whole six weeks. One Partner provided a hot lunch every day for up to 150 children per day, this included sausage casserole, macaroni and mince and tatties.

The video includes activities at The Field in Alness where The Place ran a full summer programme, and a sample of activities across Highland provided in every area.