The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme offering funded Easter holiday scheme places and nutritious meals for eligible school aged children is currently underway.
Cambridgeshire children are taking part in a wide range of different schemes across the county, from sports and play focused schemes, to those centred on drama, technology and more.
Coordinated by the Council on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), with funding now guaranteed by Government to December 2028, HAF provides primary and secondary aged children with access to healthy food and opportunities to stay active, learn new skills and enjoy enriching experiences throughout the school holidays. The Easter programme started on Monday, 30 March, and runs until Friday,10 April.
Local authorities are required to coordinate The HAF Programme, working with schools, approved holiday scheme providers, district councils, and voluntary and community organisations to deliver high quality support for families.
Eligibility vouchers were sent to all families in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, providing 16 hours of free access to a local HAF-registered scheme during the Easter period.
More than 130 schemes are happening this week and next, collectively offering over 2,600 places for children across the county.
As part of the programme, eligible children are enjoying:
- A wide choice of schemes, including sports, playschemes, drama, technology, outdoor adventure and youth activities.
- Fun and enriching experiences designed to support skill building and boost confidence.
- At least one nutritious meal each day, along with healthy snacks.
- Daily physical exercise through active play and sports.
- A supportive, engaging environment delivered by approved local providers.
Cllr Edna Murphy, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “The HAF programme provides invaluable support for families across Cambridgeshire, ensuring children can enjoy healthy meals and confidence-boosting activities throughout the Easter break.
“The HAF scheme makes a real difference to children who need it most, and we’re very proud to help deliver this vital support, which allows every eligible child to thrive during the holidays.
“As a council, we are committed to helping every child lead a full and healthy life, promoting fairness and opportunity wherever possible, and this programme is a strong example of that.”
Janette Bowden, Manager of Come and Play Holiday Club in Whittlesey, said: “We offer children opportunities to participate in enriching, fun experiences such as gymnastics, soft play, swimming and dance, as well as having a lunch and snacks included. We have seen recently that the food provided is an increasing priority for parents, with children also offered breakfast on arrival.
“Our places are fully funded by the HAF Programme, allowing our passionate staffing team to build relationships with local families and offer activities children may not otherwise have access to during the school holidays.”
The next HAF programme will run during the summer holidays, from 21 July to 28 August, with over 135 scheme providers expected to register from across the county. Find out more: Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
