Plans are underway for the October Week Snack and Play scheme, hot on the heels of the success of the summer activities that ran across East Dunbartonshire for primary aged children experiencing
In the last academic year, 178 families benefitted from free holiday fun at five hubs across the area where children enjoyed games, activities, food and snacks over the October break, the Easter fortnight and the Summer holidays.
As well as Snack and Play, the Council ran the Woodland View Playscheme over three weeks this summer at its ASN school and 71 pupils came along to the sessions, giving families some much needed respite.
Feedback from families, children and staff from has been very positive and the Education Service is looking at how it can build on that to enhance the scheme further by reviewing locations, activities, the timing of sessions, transport provision and meal options.
Some comments provided by parents and carers include:
- Having this time allowed me to attend my cancer treatment appointments without having to worry about the boys. They absolutely loved the team! It has been so valuable to us as a family and we really appreciate the support at this very difficult time.
- This is an amazing organisation for myself and other single parents. It really takes the pressure off… Snack and play great set up.
- Staff were amazing. My son really enjoyed his time here and this service is that good I would pay for my son to attend here. It’s made a massive difference to us over the summer holiday.
- I can only speak for myself but what a help it has been for our household as these summer holidays can be long for the kids, upsetting and hard on them being out of their routine so again thank you it is appreciated.
“It is clear from the feedback gathered and the comments from families, that these holiday food and play initiatives are highly valued and play an important part in the lives of those families who need extra support.
“For some they value the financial help with food and activities as the cost increases when school is off and for others they have some respite time knowing their child with additional needs is having fun and being looked after.
“The Snack and Play scheme for October is being planned just now, taking account of feedback with staff doing what we always do, looking at any way we can build on our success to improve the experience of local families in the future.”
