Overview

This bill mandates that schools in England located in deprived areas must hold open days during school holidays, providing free school meals to eligible pupils. The aim is to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds during holiday periods when access to food and activities may be limited.

Description

The School Holiday Open Days Bill requires the Secretary of State to establish regulations for schools in England within the most deprived 20% of postcodes to operate open days during school holidays. These open days must occur at least three times a week for a minimum of five consecutive hours each day.

The regulations must detail the involvement of external organizations such as local authorities and community groups in facilitating open day activities. Funding for these days will be sourced from parents/guardians, schools, local authorities, or government funds.

The bill also amends the Education Act 1996 to ensure that eligible pupils attending these school holiday open days receive free school meals.

Key Definitions:

• Deprived postcodes: The most deprived 20% of postcodes in England.
• Open days: School holiday days with free activities for registered pupils, staffed by school personnel.
• School holiday: A period of two weeks or more when school is not in session.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact government spending figures. Funding for the open days will be shared between parents/guardians, schools, local authorities, and the government; the exact proportion is not defined.

Groups Affected

• Schools in deprived areas: Required to organize and run open days, potentially incurring costs and requiring additional staffing.
• Eligible pupils: Benefit from free school meals and supervised activities during school holidays.
• Parents/Guardians: May be expected to contribute financially towards the open days.
• Local authorities and community groups: May be involved in facilitating activities, requiring resource allocation.
• Government: Responsible for establishing regulations, potentially providing funding, and overseeing implementation.

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