Wiltshire Council to pilot free summer swimming for children

Wiltshire Council is making a splash this summer by offering up to 10 free swimming sessions for more than 6,000 children and young people.

Throughout the school summer holidays, the free swimming pilot scheme will be available across all council-run leisure centres with a pool* to children and young people who are part of the FUEL holiday activity and food programme, as well as children in secondary school who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals.

The pilot 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. Following the end of the pilot, the scheme will be reviewed in the autumn.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “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.

“We want to provide this offer for children and young people to have access to fun activities during the summer holidays. While our FUEL programme is designed to support this goal, our experience shows that secondary-aged children—though eligible—often do not engage with or attend the programme. 

"By offering free swimming to those accessing our FUEL programme and secondary school-aged children in receipt of free school meals, this not only reflects our commitment to equality and community wellbeing but explores new ways to try to reach and include older children. This initiative builds on the inclusive and accessible activities already available through FUEL. We hope it will pave the way for similar opportunities and an increased swimming offer in the future.”

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The FUEL programme continues to be a much-loved part of our school holiday offering, and I’m delighted that we’re expanding it this summer with 10 free swimming sessions. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to stay active, have fun, and make the most of their holidays. I look forward to seeing our pools buzzing with energy and laughter.”

The HAF (Holiday Activity and Food) programme, funded by the Department for Education, is delivered in Wiltshire using the brand FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy, Laughter). The FUEL Programme is a bespoke provision for school-aged children from reception to year 11 (16 years and under) who receive benefit-related free school meals. For more information, including how to apply to attend a camp, visit: FUEL programme - Wiltshire Council

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

From 21 July, eligible families who have been allocated places on FUEL activities this summer, can take their confirmation to participating leisure centres to activate their 10 free swims. Eligible secondary aged families will receive a letter confirming eligibility to take to the participating leisure centres to access the scheme.