The Families First holiday activity sessions are offered to P1 to P3 pupils who are entitled to free school meals; to children who attend additional support needs schools; and also to children under five who attend a council pre-five centre during school holidays.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, education convener, paid a recent visit to a holiday activity camp to meet children benefitting from the programme.

Councillor Henry said: “The key aim of our Families First programme is to improve early years and it continues to deliver a wide range of benefits to Renfrewshire’s children as we work harder than ever to give them the best start in life.

“The holiday activity clubs mean our primaries one, two and three pupils who are entitled to a free school meal, and children who attend an additional support needs school, can go along and have fun with other children at a local venue where our sports staff have a packed programme full of activities for them. And while they are there they are provided with a healthy meal, all completely free of charge.

“Another element to this is that nursery children who attend a pre-five centre during the school holidays enjoy a fun packed programme of activities too.

“Times are unfortunately still tough for many – and some families can find themselves stretched during the school holidays. Our Families First holiday clubs are an important part of offering support to Renfrewshire families while helping our youngest children to thrive.”