Toby Lipatti-Mesme

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Email the studio

The Beautiful South

Perfect 10

Listen Live Podcasts

Council to get £1.4m for free holiday activities for children

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 08:25

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

North Yorkshire Council HQ in Northallerton.

North Yorkshire Council is to get more than £1.4m to provide free holiday activities for children.

The government money will fund thousands of places for children from low-income homes as part of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme scheme.

Free places will be offered to all means tested free school meal-eligible school age children up to the age of 16.

The programme will include non-subsidised fee-paying places for other children.

The scheme will offer four hours of activities per day for four days at Easter, 16 days during the summer holidays and then four days at Christmas.

This will be the fifth year the council has taken part in the scheme.

In North Yorkshire, the programme is delivered as a partnership between the council and local community providers.

The North Yorkshire programme – FEAST – is coordinated by North Yorkshire Together members, North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Youth and Rural Arts.

Marie-Ann Jackson, the council’s head of localities, said in a report for councillors:

“The programme is fully funded and offers valued free to access activities and food to children and families on low incomes when free school meals are not available.

“Without the grant these activities would not be available.”

The grant is set to be formally accepted at a meeting of senior councillors and officers from the children and young people’s service today (Tuesday).

FEAST vouchers for free places are sent to eligible children’s primary by email or text.

For details of activities, visit www.northyorkshiretogether.co.uk

More from Local News

Communities asked to help support new opportunities in Harrogate

Communities and businesses in Harrogate are being invited to help shape ambitious new plans to boost investment and opportunities in the town.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust signs Smokefree Pledge

The trust confirmed its commitment to supporting patients, staff and the local community to quit smoking.
Henshaws Festive Showcase to return to Ripon for a second year

The Henshaws Festive Showcase will return to Ripon Cathedral on Monday 24th November 2025, following a successful debut last year.
Dame Judi Dench calls Harrogate Spring Water plans '‘environmental vandalism’

A decision on plans by Harrogate Spring Water to remove part of Rotary Wood for expansion has been delayed, following a meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre.
Theme park in Ripon listed for sale at £3 Million

Lightwater Valley, one of Yorkshire’s best-known family attractions, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £3 million.
Ripon Community Bonfire to return next week

Specsavers Ripon has been announced as the lead sponsor for this year’s Ripon Rowels Rotary Club Bonfire and Firework Display.
Harrogate festival shortlisted for 'Best Festival Newcomer' award

Love to be… Harrogate Festival has been shortlisted for the “Best Festival Newcomer” category at the 2025 Access All Areas Awards.
Do Not Drink Warning issued for parts of Harrogate after water quality tests

Residents in parts of the Harrogate district are being advised not to drink their tap water following test results showing the supply does not currently meet usual safety standards.
Police identify man who died after collision in Beckwithshaw

The police have revealed the identity of the man who died last Friday after a collision.
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has spoken in Parliament about adopting a more flexible approach to school term-time holidays.
Specsavers to support Halloween events in Ripon

Children in the local community are being invited to take part in a range of Halloween-themed activities at Specsavers Ripon this half term.
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has completed one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign

Local community running group Early Bird Run Crew is inviting women to take part in its early morning 5km runs on Friday, 31st October, in support of the national campaign Let’s Lift The Curfew, led by This Girl Can.
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion

A new independent community survey has revealed that 86% of Harrogate residents disagree or strongly disagree with the proposed Harrogate Spring Water bottling plant expansion.
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business

A Harrogate animal charity has received a major boost after a local pet food company responded to its appeal for help.
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children

Stuart Owen, a local sports coach, is offering free access to online sports courses for all primary school aged children in the Harrogate area through his social enterprise, Skillabus CIC.
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice

Martin House hosted a Glitter Ball at Rudding Park to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision near Harrogate.
New Cold Bath Road restaurant announces opening date

A new independent restaurant and bar is preparing to open its doors on Harrogate's Cold Bath Road.
Kids eat free at Zizzi in Harrogate this half term

Families in Harrogate can enjoy a great value meal out this October half term, as Zizzi is offering free kids' meals for members of its loyalty club.