ÖйúPÕ¾

Ways to have a budget friendly half term with the kids

No sooner have the children gone back to school after the summer holiday’s then October half term is upon us. We understand that for many families half term school holidays can put added pressure on household finances. Fortunately, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities, as well as community support schemes, that can help families make the most of the holiday. Here's a practical guide to saving money while keeping the kids entertained.

Free School Meal vouchers

We continue to support families eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM) by providing supermarket vouchers per child during the October half term. These vouchers help cover food costs while children are out of school

Club4 holiday camps

Known locally as , ÖйúPÕ¾’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme offers free camps for children aged 4 to 16 who receive Free School Meals. These camps run during major school holidays and include healthy meals and fun activities like sports, crafts, and games. They’re a great way to keep children active and engaged while giving parents a break Active ÖйúPÕ¾.

ÖйúPÕ¾ Libraries

ÖйúPÕ¾’s 52 libraries are free to library members and open up a whole world of discovery for young enquiring minds. As well as books libraries across ÖйúPÕ¾ have a full and varied events and activities calendar.

Family Information Service

There are a wide range of local and national organisations that can offer support to families experiencing financial difficulties. Some of these organisations can be contacted directly by families. Others may require a referral from a professional who is currently working with you, such as a social worker, health visitor, or school.

Visit our cost of living webpages for signposts to benefits and support locally if you’re struggling financially.

Countryside walks

Did you know the county of ÖйúPÕ¾ is the most wooded county in the UK? This means we have miles and miles of beautiful countryside right on our doorstep to discover. Check out the Countryside ÖйúPÕ¾ website with details of signposted trails, the Discovery Centre at Newlands Corner, playtrails suitable for all ages for a whole host of free outdoor adventure. It also details walks that are suitable for all ages and accessibility requirements.

Eating out

Food whilst out and about can prove expensive, so take a look at these great for keeping your food costs down and reducing food waste.