Funding secured for breakfast and after school clubs for Bristol's primary schools
Cash approved by councillors this week means every primary school in Bristol will be able to provide breakfast and after school clubs
Cash approved by councillors this week means every primary school in Bristol will be able to provide breakfast and after school clubs.
They've been handed £1.9 million from the Department for Education to set up and expand 'wraparound care arrangements' to support working families in the city.
This new funding would see schools being supported to secure universal provision across the city from September 2024.
The local authority say they're committed to helping those from lower income households.
Councillor Craig Cheney Deputy Mayor for City Economy, Finance and Performance, said: “I’m delighted that we have secured this funding to support working families to balance the demands of work and childcare. Our administration has prioritised support for working families, particularly low-income households, throughout our time in office. This latest investment follows our year-on-year protection of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, our commitments to being a city where everyone is paid at least the real Living Wage and the delivery of our city’s first Youth Zone in South Bristol.
"With this latest investment, we will help schools to put in place the wraparound care that will offer a benefit to thousands of households across the city and ensure families have the flexibility they need, and the support children require to flourish.”
These 'wraparound' arrangements mean the provision directly before and after the school day between 8am and 6pm, during term time for school age children at the school they attend.
Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor for Children's Services, Education and Equalities, said: “With this funding we can start the process of working with primary school leaders to identify their needs and those of families. We’re aiming to help schools deliver provision that that is child-centred, easily accessible, and responds to the needs of the families, including those of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
"This approach will deliver benefits for children, families, schools and our network of childcare providers.”
Funding is being received from the Department for Education in batches over three years.
The first sum of £18,000 has been received for the 2023/24 financial year with further sums of £1.2 million and £570,000 due to be received in 2024/25 and 2025/26 respectively.