Council’s free holiday activities for children returns this winter
Thursday, 9 December 2021
During the Christmas holidays, we are once again offering free holiday activities to children entitled to free school meals.
During the Christmas holidays, we are once again offering free holiday activities to children entitled to free school meals.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and sees the council work with partners across Central Bedfordshire to provide free, fun activities for children.
Most recently we ran similar activities over the summer holidays which proved to be a hit, with 1,496 children taking part in holiday and youth clubs, sports activities, and dance, drama and music workshops. Of 114 parents surveyed at the time, 99% agreed that the scheme was worthwhile and 95% agreed that it had helped their children be more active and gain new skills.
The HAF programme is now returning for the Christmas holidays, with activities suitable for children aged five and upwards. The sessions are inclusive so are suitable for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), but we are also working with providers to run a series of activities specifically for children with SEND.
Organisations like Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Safari Park, Luton Carnival Arts and Bedford Blues are running activities, which will range from sports and games sessions, craft and creative activities, and some exciting trips to see Christmas productions. Each child who attends a session in person will be provided with healthy snacks and lunch.
Councillor Sue Clark, Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:
We are really pleased to be bringing the HAF programme back over the Christmas holidays this year, giving children an opportunity to take part in fun activities near them. Many parents can feel under pressure at this time of year, and I hope the HAF programme eases some of that stress for parents as well as providing lots of fun for children.
Following the summer holiday activities, one parent said:
I was very worried for [the] kids what are they going to do for the summer holidays, and this was one of the best summer holidays they had.
The HAF programme is designed for children eligible for benefit related free school meals, which is a requirement from the DfE who is funding the programme. Parents of children eligible for free school meals can register online for this winter’s activities.