An evaluation of the enhanced programme of holiday activities, childcare and food for low income families in East Dunbartonshire during the school year 2021 -2022, found the provision was well received by children and young people and their parents and carers.
Additional funding from the Scottish Government augmented existing holiday provision delivered within the Primary, Secondary and Additional Support Needs (ASN) sectors in East Dunbartonshire.
During 2021/22 primary school ‘Snack and Play’ sessions were delivered from six hub schools based in Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Bishopbriggs, Milngavie and Bearsden during the summer, Easter and October week holidays. Similarly, Merkland Playscheme operated during the summer, Easter and October week holidays and Campsie View Playscheme ran for three weeks during the summer. Activities were provided at all sessions by the following agencies:
- Operation Play Outdoors
- Indepen-dance
- Creative Sparks
- EDLC Trust
- Little Lotus Yoga
- Summer Reading
For secondary school pupils, the ‘Summer of Fun’ provided young people from low-income families free leisure activities within EDLC leisure centres. All young people were also able to attend EDC Youth Services drop-in sessions across the authority area where they could take part in an array of activities from DJ workshops and garden projects to orienteering and tubing. Youth services also partnered with Merkland School to deliver a summer programme specifically for young people with additional support needs.
Convener of Education, Councillor Lynda Williamson, said, “The Council has conducted an evaluation of the holiday childcare, activities and food provision delivered in East Dunbartonshire during 2021/2022. The results show that increasing numbers of children and young people attended sessions throughout the year and the feedback from families on their experiences of the provision was very positive.
"Children and young people really enjoyed the variety of activities on offer and the opportunity to meet new friends from different schools. However, we have taken on board the views of parents looking for additional ASN provision and feedback about the variety of meals offered and we aim to address these issues as we plan for sessions in 2023.”
Councillor Williamson added, “I would like to thank all the families that contributed to the evaluation and our hard working staff in Education, Facilities Management, the EDLC Trust and Transport services for ensuring low income families in East Dunbartonshire are supported during the holiday periods, particularly in the current financial climate.”