The government has announced funding for a national network of activity programmes for vulnerable children to take place during the school holidays, writes Amy Taylor.

Ivan Lewis, parliamentary under secretary of state for adult learning and skills, made the announcement at a conference on reducing young offending organised by the Youth Justice Board.

The scheme is set to launch in May and builds on similar projects run last year by local authorities, Connexions, and the Youth Justice Board.

Lewis said that funding will increase by 10 per cent on last year, and there will be a 40 per cent increase in funding for Connexions advisers involved in the project: "All areas will see an increase on the funds they had available last year." he said.