Bryn Hafren and Barry Comprehensive Schools have opened their doors this summer to children invited to take part in ‘Food and Fun’ days as part of the new School Holiday Enrichment Programme backed by the Welsh Local Government Association.
For three days a week over August children are provided with a healthy breakfast, lunch and a programme varying between physical activity, creative play and learning workshops including food skills and literacy/numeracy sessions. One task the children are given is calculating how much sugar is in their favourite drinks and comparing the nutritional value of school meals to takeaway food.
The programme is intended to address the summer holiday gap in free school meal provision. Free School meals during term-time are, according to the WLGA, a vital support to low income families in regards to easing financial burdens and maintaining health and wellbeing.
Last week local MP Alun Cairns visited Bryn Hafren where girls were learning a high-energy dance routine.
The Vale MP said, “Everyone was having great fun at the Food and Fun I visited in Bryn Hafren. The children were benefitting not only from learning about nutrition, but also from the opportunities for getting active.”