West Lothian Council has launched a £2 million summer programme of play, sports, and arts for children and young people, funded by the West Lothian Summer Programme Grant Award Scheme. The initiative, which kicked off at the start of the school holidays, delivers activities through community organisations across the county, offering games, sport, arts, and play.
Sport Scotland Funding
Sport Scotland has contributed £445,000 to the council to deliver free, targeted, or reduced-cost events focused on children and young people aged three to 26. The funding is aimed at launching interest in sports and building an ongoing programme that develops coaching skills.
Council Report Details
In a report to the Education PDSP, Beverley Akinlami, the council’s Community Learning Services Manager, said: “The 2026 Summer Programme will provide holiday clubs over the six-week school holidays. In addition, direct payments will be made to the families of children and young people entitled to free school meals over the summer holiday period.”
The 2026/27 revenue budget for school holiday provision is £240,000, with a further £1.513 million allocated for free school meal payments during school holidays. Officers will coordinate the delivery of summer holiday provision in partnership with regulated childcare providers, third-sector organisations, and community groups.
Four Key Funding Areas
The West Lothian funding has been split into four key areas:
- £120,000 Summer fund: Aims to enhance equity in holiday provision for children and families living in poverty who may experience barriers to accessing activities, food, and childcare, as well as those facing barriers to participation.
- £120,000 Beyond Summer fund: Extends the impact of summer holiday physical activity and sporting programmes beyond August.
- £30,000 Step into Coaching fund: Supports people in accessing scholarships to start a coaching journey or progress through qualification levels in their chosen sport.
- £15,000 Community Sport Hubs fund: Available to established Community Sport Hubs in West Lothian to run a large-scale event or series of events, or to provide opportunities for targeted children and young people throughout the year.
Community Impact
The programme aims to support targeted groups and provide wider provision for young people in West Lothian, ensuring that children and families have access to enriching activities during the school holidays.
