Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson visited The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton on 30 March 2026 to highlight support available for families during the Easter break. The visit focused on the government-funded Holiday Activities and Food programme, which provides free holiday activities and hot meals to eligible children.
The national programme, which has been extended with over £600 million in funding to continue until 2029, is designed to help families manage costs during school holidays. According to the government, the initiative helps participating parents save over £300 per year on childcare expenses while ensuring children have access to healthy food and enriching experiences.
In Wolverhampton, The Way Youth Zone is supporting local families by offering 40 funded places per day during the Easter period. The sessions, running from 30 March to 2 April and 7 April to 10 April, meet the requirement of providing at least four days of face-to-face support for children who receive benefit-related free school meals.
Opened in 2016 through a partnership between OnSide Youth Zones, the City of Wolverhampton Council, and local businesses, the facility serves young people aged 8 to 18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Beyond its holiday programmes, the centre remains a hub for the community, where young people can access activities and meals for a 50p entry fee.
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