A FREE Easter activity programme is on offer for youngsters who receive benefits-related free school meals in Warwickshire.
Eligible children aged 5 to 16 can attend up to four activities over the Easter break as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme supported by Warwickshire County Council (WCC).
WCC is working with over 70 providers across Warwickshire which are offering a range of inclusive activities including multi sports, dance, gymnastics, arts, crafts, equestrian and drama.
Each session is at least four hours long and includes a meal to help children learn about nutritious food and the preparation of healthy meals. All providers offer accessible activities so if a child needs additional support to attend, this can be discussed with individual providers.
Over 17,000 eligible families across the county have already been sent an HAF Code to enable them to book activities directly with providers.
WCC leader Coun Izzi Seccombe said: “Warwickshire’s programme aims to offer valuable support to families on lower incomes, through access to a range of activities alongside healthy meals.
“I am also pleased to announce that the Department for Education (DfE) will continue to provide funding for the HAF programme until March 2025, which means we will be able to develop and expand the programme over the school holidays throughout the year.
“The HAF programme supports our Child Friendly Warwickshire programme, ensuring children and young people are healthy, skilled and happy.”
Priority support from the Local Welfare Scheme is also being offered to families with children eligible for benefits-related free school meals during school holidays, when some families have difficulty covering these periods.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis for more information about the HAF programme in Warwickshire.
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible to book free HAF activities but hasn’t received a code can email [email protected].
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme for more information on the Local Welfare Scheme, and www.childfriendlywarwickshire.co.uk to find out more about Child Friendly Warwickshire.
