Families with children up to the age of 14 who are at higher risk of child poverty will be eligible for the support, which is being funded by the Scottish Government and allocated to local authorities to supplement existing holiday programmes or develop new ones. Childcare provision will depend on need and vary from place to place.
The six priority families identified as being at higher risk of child poverty are:
- Lone parent families
- Minority ethnic families
- Families with a disabled adult or child
- Families with a younger mother (under the age of 25)
- Families with a child under one
- Larger families with three or more children.
Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said, ‘School holidays can be expensive for families, especially when household bills are soaring. This funding means children and young people who really need it will be able to access coordinated childcare, activities and nutritious food over the summer.
‘They will have opportunities to play, socialise and access a range of activities that broaden their experiences and supplement their learning.
‘We have a national mission to tackle child poverty and, along with £21.75 million in funding for alternative holiday food provision for families eligible for free school meals, this offer will provide much-needed support over the summer.’
COSLA children and young people's spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan, added, ‘The rising cost of living is exacerbating the already stark and unacceptable reality of poverty in the lives of children, young people, families and communities. We are pleased that this additional funding will enable local authorities to build on their regular summer programmes to enhance opportunities and support for priority groups of children and young people.’
