Published in the Glenrothes Gazette and East Fife Mail on 3 April 2024
Spring has finally sprung. The days aren’t quite getting warmer yet, but they are certainly getting lighter. It’s refreshing to see the daffodils peeking through in Balbirnie Park and kids out playing in the parks again as the Easter holidays get underway.
All over the constituency events have been underway – from Easter Egg hunts in Riverside Park in Glenrothes to ‘Messy Easter’ crafts and games at Leven Baptist Church – there’s been a great array of different activities in the local community to help keep the kids occupied during the school break.
If you are looking for more low-cost activities for the holidays, I would encourage you to check out the ‘50 things to do before your five’ website (50thingstodo.org), which highlights a variety of games, activities and outings for young children and families to enjoy in the local area. Fife is the first local authority in Scotland to take part in the new initiative, which also includes local links, additional support needs information, top tips, and a host of other helpful resources for parents.
I know the holidays can be a tough time financially for many, so please make use of Café Inc. services that will be open over Easter to provide a free lunch club, open to children, young people and families across Fife from 1st – 12th April. There is no need to register in advance, but children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult; just drop in, grab a bag of food and go. There are several venues within Levenmouth and Glenrothes that provide this lunch club from Monday to Friday, however, timings may vary, so please make sure to check with your local centre.
As Education Secretary in the Scottish Government, I understand the importance that access to free, high-quality, and nutritious food plays in improving learning for youngsters and reducing the impact of poverty on thousands of families across the country. That is why we are committed to expanding free school meals to P6 and P7 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, ensuring that children have access to food all year round.
Easter is, of course, also the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. It’s a celebration of joy and new beginnings. Much like spring, Easter is therefore a time to look forward and be hopeful. I would like to wish all my constituents, however they may have celebrated it, a very Happy Easter.
