Homework help and a meal at Council-funded after school clubs

Cllr Jane Carr with volunteers outside The Mead Centre, Newport Pagnell

(Above) Cllr Jane Carr with volunteers from the Newport Pagnell Community Larder who will provide meals for the local Homework Plus Club

The first two Milton Keynes Council-funded ‘Homework Plus’ clubs have found a home. The first opened at Youth Network in West Bletchley this month and the second, based at The Mead Centre in Newport Pagnell, will open in September.

At the clubs, school pupils will get support with their homework, including internet access, and a substantial meal. The recently opened Newport Pagnell Community Larder will help to supply food for the club at The Mead Centre.

Milton Keynes Council launched the scheme earlier this year to help local organisations run after school clubs for children and young people. Club organisers can apply for a one-off grant of £1,000 to assist with the costs of setting up a club.

Following demand, the Council has extended the window for local organisations to come forward. Interested organisations need to fill out the simple form (which includes full conditions) and send it to HAF@milton-keynes.gov.uk before Friday 1 July 2022.

Clubs must provide regular sessions of at least 90 minutes, be available to all children and young people and be free, or low cost to access. The scheme is one of many MK Council initiatives designed to help families who are struggling with cost of living rises.

“We want Homework Plus Clubs to provide a safe, quiet place that supports children and young people with homework, socialisation, and a healthy meal. We hope more local organisations will consider using this funding to start or perhaps re-start, an after-school club.”
- Cllr Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequalities and Child Poverty

Last year, the Council’s Poverty Commission found almost 23,000 children were living in poverty in Milton Keynes. The Council is working with local partners on a range of initiatives:

  • Launching a school uniform recycling scheme, where uniforms can be bought at a reduced cost.
  • Piloting a childcare deposit scheme to support parents and carers who want to work, but struggle with upfront childcare costs.
  • The Council also provides advice and links to ongoing and emergency funds and support at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/cost-living-support

To learn more about Homework Plus Clubs, please visit: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/HAF (see bottom of webpage).