Children and young people in Haringey have enjoyed yet another incredible summer as they prepare to return to schools and sixth form colleges across our borough next week.

Many of our youngsters will have participated in a broad range of more than 50 exciting and engaging activities and events as part of our Summer Holiday Fun programme.

From boxing, football and tennis to drama, roller skating and yoga, there was something for everyone to enjoy and many of the hobbies and sports were provided either free of charge or at low cost.

A lot of these activities and events will have taken place in our parks and green, open spaces and it was fantastic to see young people from Haringey and beyond enjoying our major events schedule in Finsbury Park.

Stars like Michael Bibi, Doja Cat, Hozier and Nicki Minaj entertained thousands of fans here in Haringey – a borough with a long-standing history of hosting such concerts and gigs stretching back decades.

It’s that heritage we’ll be maintaining too as we gear up to being the London Borough of Culture in 2027.

Another amazing initiative this summer has been our Holiday Activities and Food programme, which is completely free for young people who are eligible for benefits based Free School Meals.

Peray Ahmet says that children and young people in the borough enjoyed the summer holidaysPeray Ahmet says that children and young people in the borough enjoyed the summer holidays (Image: Haringey Council)

Offering a selection of physical and enrichment activities from trusted, local clubs and organisations, every child involved in the programme across Haringey received a tasty, nutritious lunch as they enjoyed an active and healthy summer holiday.

As we approach the winter months I know the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect thousands across the borough and we are doing everything in our power to assist and help our most vulnerable families

One of the biggest support schemes is Free School Meals and I would like to encourage all eligible Haringey families to continue to apply for them.

We all know the benefits that a nutritious meal provides for our young people at school every day and the crucial cost savings for a number of our young families.

It also helps to unlock Pupil Premium funding – a vital source of income for our headteachers and the enrichment and extra-curricular experiences they are able to offer our children.

Supporting our young families is vital and I welcome the decision by the government to turn existing targeted breakfast club provision into a universal offer in the near future.

This is accessible to all primary school pupils in England and will save parents up to £2,000 a year.

Our young people need the best possible start in life and this will help them to prepare for the school day and achieve their full potential.

  • Cllr Peray Ahmet is the leader of Haringey Council.