Free school meals holiday vouchers ending, worried about affording holiday outings

[elliejjtiny]

Free school meals holiday vouchers are going.

I know people are going to say don't have children you can't afford etc etc.

But when our youngest was born dh had a good job, I was a SAHM and we could afford stuff.

We can still afford to feed us and the dc but those vouchers meant we could afford to go out once in the school holidays. Not to alton towers or anything like that but somewhere local like an interactive museum or soft play. These outings mean so much as the dc are getting older and I am conscious that our time with them being able to do stuff like this is running out. Our food shopping bill goes up a lot during the holidays as well.

I wouldn't mind if we could use the HAF scheme as that would give the dc the opportunity to go out and do something fun but we can't because of the dc SEN.

Are there any HAF special needs activities ?
My son gets extra sessions with his SEN holiday club with HAF

Excuse my ignorance but I don't couldn't have children. Do you mean that everyone gets vouches during school holidays to buy food for their kids- because they aren't at school?

I knew vouchers were given out during covid, but had no idea they were given out for every holiday too. Hopefully someone in the know can help.

Only if the child receives free school meals its £15/ week / child.

Only for income related free school meals.

How old are your dcs? There are plenty of places that are far more interesting then softplay and are free.

Do your research early on local authority web sites, art centres, RAF bases, wildlife trusts, canals, and heritage sites.

Pack a picnic to take with you. You'll be fine.

No, only those on FSM, to ensure they don't go hungry when schools are closed, which requires a very low income.

dc are aged between 19 and 11.

11 and 12 year old struggle with mobility, 15 year old is at that awkward stage where he can't be left on his own but finds a lot of outings "boring" and would rather be at home on the computer.

The best days out are free. Friends, park, climbing tree, paddle stream, picnic. Get some friends together and put dates in the diary. Tesco days out are good, too.

Is there a reason the 15 year old can’t be left alone?

Yes, he has autism and adhd

Could you afford to save a few pound a week toward the six week summer holiday?

Do you get universal credit?

Are there any community fridges near you? I think they’re listed in the hub bub website

If your children are aged betweeen 19 and 11 surely they don’t go to soft play anymore ???

try other free activities such as beaches, country walks and museums they are much more age appropriate and free!

Not everyone gets them.
My children are on fsc but we haven't had the vouchers for a few years now.

It must depend on where you live and individual councils.

Are you happy to share which county you're in? I saw in our school newsletter that the vouchers had stopped, but the LA were putting another scheme in place which although couldnt be set up in time for the Easter hols, would be ready by the summer holiday. There may be people in the same county with additional knowledge.

Our county also does a number of either free or very low cost activities and holiday clubs for SEND children and these always include at least one "group" trip to a big local attraction. I say "group" as you book through the inclusion team, pay a couple of quid and then can essentially do what you want when you're there.

There are also other schemes locally where you can request free tickets to certain local attractions through the inclusion team too.

https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub/parenting/money-and-finance/universal-credit-days-out-2026

I don’t want to sound insensitive but if you want trips out look for free things or save up like plenty of other families do. You say you can afford to feed your children which is what the vouchers are for so as long as everyone is fed that’s the main thing.

Thankyou. We don't live near any of the places that offer free activities for families on universal credit unfortunately. We have used the free tickets to local attractions scheme, although they get booked up 6 months in advance and you can only book one activity at a time. We managed to get some tickets for the summer holidays so we are going to the zoo. 12 year old is on a waiting list for an operation so hopefully he won't be recovering then.

There are activities for children with SEN but they are really expensive.

Is there any local parents group / forum ? They often have events or at least info about events.
I would also check local offer on your council’s website.
Some places charge you and family members £1 each if you are on UC.
Also kids with disabilities are entitled to Max card which gives free/ discounted access to some places. Google it up. Not sure if all councils take part in this scheme but it’s worth investigating. When my DD got one it’s game changing for our holidays.

Apologies if you know all of these already.

If you don't want to sound insensitive, maybe don't say insensitive things!

The OP clearly has a lot of additional requirements in the family, it's ok for her to express disappointment at this negative change for her family.

Why are you on a very low
salary to be receiving FSM? How can you improve your income?

Given that your kids are aged 11 to 19 do yiu have a job now?

Even a term time only job would give you some money towards more treats for the family as well as essentials.

OP is also here for advice so I gave advice!