The Sunday Times is today launching its Christmas charity appeal, in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), aiming to help families in some of the poorest communities in Britain at the time they need it the most.
The appeal’s aim is to ensure their local school can stay open, providing food and a safe place to play throughout the holidays, as well as a host of educational day trips and expeditions that can support their learning.
The first community featured in The Sunday Times’ Christmas appeal is Blackpool, one of this country’s most deprived areas. The paper reports on the families its readers’ donations will help and the schools which are more than just places of learning – they are a vital local service, feeding the children and providing essential support for struggling families
You can find out more in this (non-paywalled) letter to readers from the Magazine’s editor, Eleanor Mills.
Sir Kevan Collins, the EEF’s chief executive, comments:
“For too many children in the poorest parts of our country, school holidays are endured not enjoyed. That cannot be right.
“I’m really pleased that The Sunday Times’ Christmas appeal is offering an opportunity for its readers to make a practical difference to these young people’s lives. This is an incredibly worthwhile initiative and we are delighted to support it.
“Every pound donated will be distributed by the EEF to fund schools putting on holiday activities for children in disadvantaged areas of the country.
“Our mission is to break the link between family income and educational achievement. As well as offering practical advice, the EEF will look at ways we can evaluate the impact of the work that takes place to gain wider learning that can be applied in the future.
“The EEF is already working with our national network of Research Schools, including in Blackpool and other areas with disadvantage, to ensure that schools across the country can access the evidence-based resources and training they need to boost learning for their pupils.”
You can make a donation to The Sunday Times’ Christmas appeal here:
If you are a company or organisation which could offer a holiday experience or activity, please get in touch directly with the newspaper at thestmagazine@sunday-times.co.uk.
About the EEF:
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. The EEF isn’t just a grant-funder, nor just a research organisation. What we are is a charity with a moral imperative – to support teachers and senior leaders to raise attainment and close the disadvantage gap – which roots its response to this educational challenge in the best available evidence. Find out more about our mission here.