Summer HAF activity booking opens next week
Families who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals still have time to register for the summer HAF. This summer, using grant funding, the council is once again able to extend fun, enriching holiday activities to all children and young people through its Holiday Activities Programme (HAP).
Both the HAF and HAP summer programmes are running across four weeks during the school holidays and families are encouraged to check their local district HAF webpage to see what’s happening near them. Activity booking will open at midday on Monday 1 July.
Once again, there are lots of great options to choose from including drama and science workshops, sports and games, art and crafts, music and dance, indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the ever-popular ticketed attractions. More information about the programme is available at: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.
If they haven’t done so already, families are encouraged to:
· Register for the Children’s Activities Booking System (CABS) now to make sure they can view the activities which will be available in their district, and select their choices when booking opens on Monday 1 July.
· Follow their district lead on social media to see what is happening in their area.
Families who require additional support to choose, book or attend HAF activities, can receive support from six HAF Community Connectors, one for each district of Gloucestershire.
Families eligible for pupil premium (income-related) free school meals can also apply for Holiday Free School Meal vouchers, which the council is providing for two weeks during the school holidays. Parents will receive £15 per week, for each eligible child from reception to year 11.
Applications opened at midday on 25 June and close at midday on 9 July. Vouchers will be distributed from 15 July. Families can find out more at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/holiday-school-meal-vouchers/
Parents who have registered previously are automatically included and do not need to reapply. Families whose circumstances may have changed, can find out about eligibility for free school meals on our website, and should contact childrensfund@gloucestershire.gov.uk to inform the team of any changes by midday on 10 July.
Feedback from families about the HAF programme is overwhelmingly positive:
· “Both of my children enjoyed their time, and both learned an activity they had never tried before.”
· “My child has additional needs and I am always wary of sending him anywhere, but he couldn’t wait to go back. It’s made a real difference having access to an activity he enjoys so thank you.”
· “My child struggles with social anxiety, the art teacher was amazing and knew exactly what to do.”
· “This has been a life-saver, we’re not having a holiday and I don’t know what we’d have done without these activities.”
· “I loved the archery contest, making a paper aeroplane and the buffet was really nice.”
· I’ve been to other things, but this is the best. We know and trust the staff. The children are safe, they meet new friends, learn new things, and bring things they have made home with them.”
Ann James, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Now in its fourth year, the HAF continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the strong and successful partnerships with local providers who help to make it all possible.
“We have an exciting jam-packed HAF programme ready for families which will help keep children and young people happy, healthy and entertained during the school holidays. I would encourage eligible families to take a look at what’s on offer now, so they are ready when booking opens on 1 July, as some activities do get booked up very quickly. For families who need extra help, HAF Community Connectors are ready in each district to help those who need support to choose, book or attend HAF activities.”