Minister 'determined' to cut child poverty

Education Minister Catherine McKinnell visited a session at the Teesside Academy of Gymnastics

A government minister has said tackling child poverty is a "huge challenge" while visiting one of the country's most deprived areas.

Education Minister Catherine McKinnell visited a gymnastics academy in Middlesbrough, which offers free places to children from low-income families through the government's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Middlesbrough has some of the poorest areas in the country, including its Newport ward where 85% of children live in poverty, according to data published by the Department of Work and Pensions.

McKinnell said the government was "absolutely determined" to ensure where youngsters came from did not determine what they could achieve in life.

"We are trying to break down the barriers for opportunity that some of these children might face otherwise," she said.

"But I recognise there is a huge challenge.

"It is worrying that child poverty has been going up and up, which is totally unacceptable and needs to be turned around."

McKinnell said child poverty needs to be tackled but admitted it was a difficult task

The Labour MP for Newcastle North made her comments at the Teesside Academy of Gymnastics, on Newport South Business Park, during a class for about 40 children.

Those who took part were able to access healthy food and snacks, through the HAF programme.

Middlesbrough's version of the scheme, called Bring it on Boro, has offered 27,000 places via 50 different providers during July and August.

It is available for those who receive free school meals, aged between five and 16.

McKinnell said the children told her how the HAF programme taught them new skills and helped them to make friends.

"Not only does it give parents a chance to work, it really boosts the children's outcomes as well," she said.

Middlesbrough Council recently extended the scheme into half-term holidays using its own funds.

The town's mayor, Chris Cooke, previously described the child poverty statistics in central Middlesbrough as "dire", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He said Bring it on Boro's sessions kept children active and the academy had produced "brilliant gymnasts".

"It's an inspiring place and HAF opens the doors to kids who wouldn't normally come here - they'll definitely want to come back," he said.