Moray secures £1.6 million for wider after-school activities pilot
Children and families across Moray are set to benefit from a new £1.6 million pilot programme designed to make after-school activities more accessible and affordable.
Moray Council is one of six local authorities selected by the Scottish Government to test new approaches to wider after-school activities for primary school children. The funding will support the development and delivery of locally tailored programmes, initially in Buckie and Forres, with the aim of informing future provision across Moray.
The programme is targeted at children and families who are experiencing, or are most at risk of, poverty. It will provide access to safe, inclusive and engaging activities during term time, while also helping to reduce barriers that can prevent parents and carers from entering employment, increasing their working hours, undertaking training or sustaining work.
Activities will be developed in partnership with local communities, voluntary organisations, third sector partners and other providers to ensure they meet local needs and complement existing services. The pilot will also support children’s health, wellbeing and development.
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Siobhian Brown, said: “Every child deserves the chance to take part in activities that help them thrive, regardless of their family's income, and every parent deserves the chance to work. This additional investment will open doors for more children and families across Moray to access after-school clubs, helping children build confidence and skills while giving parents the support they need to increase their hours or take up training.
“This is central to tackling child poverty, which remains a top priority for this Government. I look forward to learning from the approach Moray is taking to extending support for families now, as we continue to make plans to transform our childcare offer for children and families across Scotland in the future.”
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Moray and for local families. The funding will allow us to test new ways of delivering high-quality after-school activities that help children thrive while also supporting parents and carers who want to access employment, training or additional working hours.
“We know that every community is different, so this programme will be shaped by local needs and developed alongside our communities and partners. It is an important opportunity to tackle inequalities, improve opportunities for children and create lasting benefits for families across Moray.”
Further details on the pilot will be available in due course.