The popular ‘Food and Fun’ scheme will be running across six schools in Blaenau Gwent this summer, giving young people the opportunity to socialise; get active and enjoy healthy nutritious meals.
‘Food and Fun’ is a school-based programme which is funded by Welsh Government and co-ordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association. The schemes are delivered locally by the Local Authority; school staff and a range of partners to provide a fun social environment during the school summer holidays. In Blaenau Gwent we are working with partners including Aneurin Leisure Trust and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Blaenau Gwent are embracing the Food and Fun ethos in six schools across the borough this year:
• Abertillery Learning Community (Roseheyworth Road Campus)
• Blaen-y-Cwm Primary
• Bryn Bach Primary
• Rhos-y-Fedwen Primary
• St Illtyd’s Primary
• Willowtown Primary
Around 260 pupils are expected to take part in the programme, running for 12 days between 22nd July and 6th August 2021.
Activities already lined-up include dance; Eco Educational, Cooking Together, and a range of sporting providers such as bowls, cricket, netball, Skateboard Academy and Taekwondo.
Staff from the participating schools lead the programme, with support from the Council for catering and cleaning. Children are provided with a healthy breakfast and lunch and nutritious snacks as part of the day.
The children are taught how to cook basic healthy meals, whilst learning about the nutritional benefits of eating healthier and being more physically active, in a setting that is familiar to the children allowing them to socially interact in a fun, relaxed atmosphere
COVID risk assessments will be in place for each school site and parents of those attending will be continually reminded about following infection preventative measures; to be on the lookout for symptoms and to not send any children that are feeling unwell or are isolating as a contact.
Councillor Joanne Collins, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Education says:
“The ‘Food and Fun’ scheme is a fun and engaging way to keep children happy, healthy and active during the summer break, and in the past we’ve had some great feedback from the children and families that have been involved. That’s why I’m so pleased that with a few tweaks for COVID safety measures, we’re able to offer the scheme here in Blaenau Gwent once again this year, and to more children this time.
“I think children really need schemes like this to look forward to as we start to recover from the effects of the Pandemic. Thanks to everyone who has made this possible and I hope everyone has a great time!”
Gareth Winmill, Sports Development Manager for Aneurin Leisure Trust said:
"This is a fantastic programme which provides invaluable support to children and families during the holidays. It gives children the opportunity to learn and have fun while engaging in the many activities provided to help improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
“My team and I find that it's not only the children which gain a lot from the programme; it's incredibly rewarding to be involved."
Head-teacher at Rhos-y-Fedwen Primary School in Ebbw Vale, Keri Smith says:
“This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for our learners to undertake new experiences. We’ve had the pleasure of taking part in Food & Fun before and every day a range of experts and providers visit the school to deliver exciting and engrossing workshops and sessions, such as sport and outdoor games, biodiversity and sustainability, skateboarding, graffiti art and cooking. In addition, there are daily food and nutrition sessions, teaching children how to keep themselves healthy through making good food choices.
“Add to all of that a delicious daily breakfast and lunch and you can see why we are always absolutely delighted to offer the school premises to support our children and families in accessing this fantastic scheme.”
Participating schools have communicated with families directly about pupils accessing the scheme.