People and communities Help for families and children

School holidays

For kids activities in the school holidays go to www.loads to do.co.uk.

Families with children

Families with children who are eligible for free school meals during term time will receive the following payments for each eligible child, during the school holidays, to prevent holiday hunger. Please contact your child's school for more details about free school meals support during school holidays.

This scheme will help around 47,000 children in Manchester, it includes: 

  • A £30 payment for each eligible child for the 2025/26 Easter holiday. 
  • A £15 payment for each eligible child for the 2025/26 May half-term. 
  • A £50 payment for each eligible child for the 2025/26 Summer holiday. 
  • A £15 payment for each eligible child for the 2025/26 October half-term. 
  • A £30 payment for each eligible child for the 2025/26 Christmas holiday. 
  • A £15 payment for each eligible child for the 2025/26 February half-term. 

All free school meals payments will be distributed by Manchester schools. Arrangements will be made with other Greater Manchester councils for children attending school outside the Manchester area. The funding includes pupils in school nursery classes and sixth form.