Free school holiday swimming for eligible children starts this Easter

Wiltshire Council is offering free swimming to all primary and secondary school pupils who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, starting from the Easter holidays.

It follows the success of last year’s pilot scheme when children and young people enjoyed free swims during the summer holidays. The scheme will now start in the Easter holidays and then run through all school holidays. It will be available across all council-run leisure centres with a pool* to children and young people who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals.

Last summer’s pilot attracted more than 5,000 visits with most people making five visits. There was a total of 979 memberships issued - 705 juniors and 274 accompanying adults accessing a concessionary swim price if they were required to support a child or children taking part.

The free swimming initiative will build on this success and aims to support families and promote healthy, active lifestyles for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access leisure activities over the holiday period.

The offer is available for all eligible primary and secondary-aged children who have benefits related free school meals. From the Easter holidays, the offer will provide one free swim per eligible child per week during school holiday periods, for up to 13 weeks. More details on how it will be rolled out will be shared in the coming weeks.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We want every child and young person to enjoy healthy, active opportunities and I’m delighted last year’s pilot scheme was such a success. Families told us how much they valued spending quality time together and the positive impact on mental wellbeing and confidence. I’m thrilled we can continue this offer not just for Easter but throughout the school holidays helping families plan ahead.

“I hope to see more children and young people having fun at their pool, being healthy and enjoying sport.”

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Visiting your local pool and enjoying a swim should be something all our children and young people can enjoy. I am very proud that our eligible children and young people can now have access to free swimming during school holidays starting from this Easter.

"Our Wiltshire Plan is about fairness – giving everyone the best chance in life and tackling inequality. This is a fun, practical way to make holidays healthier and happier for families. I look forward to seeing our pools buzzing with energy and laughter.”

Research shows that children from low-income families are less likely to take part in structured out-of-school activities and are more at risk of experiencing poor nutrition, reduced physical activity, and social isolation during the school holidays. A report to the council’s Children’s Select Committee on 21 January highlights the result of a post pilot survey showing the positive response to the scheme and the way forward.

The programme will be reviewed after each holiday period to ensure an appropriate balance between supporting vulnerable groups and maintaining commercial sustainability. Outcomes from each review will inform the offer in the following year.

More information about free school meals, including eligibility and how to register is available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-free-school-meals.

All children under 8 years of age and any child who cannot swim must be accompanied by a responsible adult as outlined in the pool admission policy. Accompanying adults will be charged at the concessionary swim price of £3.10.