New holiday clubs for Flintshire children with complex needs
Two Flintshire schools have been awarded £30,000 to expand holiday provision for children with complex Additional Learning Needs (ALN) across the county.
Following a successful pilot earlier this year, the Community Focused Schools funding will enable Flintshire County Council to offer structured holiday activities for pupils from Ysgol Pen Coch and Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, as well as other local schools, during the 2025–26 academic year.
The programme will operate for up to four days a week during the 13 weeks of school holidays, offering activities such as swimming, crafts, musical theatre, soft play, bowling, dancing and gymnastics.
It aims to address a long-standing gap in provision for families of children with complex ALN, who often find it difficult to access suitable and consistent holiday activities.
Many children require structured routines and continued professional support during school breaks, making general holiday clubs unsuitable.
Parents whose children attended the pilot sessions earlier this year shared positive feedback.
One parent said: “We have loved this week attending all the sessions. For us it has meant much needed routine to our week off. It has also been nice to be with other families we already know and to meet some new parents too. It can be quite difficult arranging days out with friends from school because their needs are all so different, so this has been lovely and stopped the isolated feeling that comes with the holidays.”
Another parent said: “It has been such a lovely week attending something that is perfect for the needs of my son and him having lots of room to play without the business of the public in half term holidays. He met up with school friends and met new friends too which is amazing. The staff were friendly and always smiling which I loved! We are both really hoping that this programme can continue as it makes such a difference to us, and my son especially.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “This funding recognises the vital importance of ensuring all children have access to enriching holiday experiences. The feedback from families in Flintshire demonstrates the transformative impact this provision can have for entire families. I’m delighted that, through our Community Focused Schools approaches, we can support Flintshire to expand this innovative programme, which will provide essential respite, peer support and opportunities for social interaction throughout the school holidays.”
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