Families get set for free summer holiday activities
Families who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can register now for the summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) funded by the Department for Education.
This summer, using grant funding, Gloucestershire County Council is once again able to extend fun, enriching holiday activities to all children and young people in the county, through its Holiday Activities Programme (HAP).
Both the HAF and HAP programmes will run for four weeks during the school holidays. Families are encouraged to:
- Register for the Children’s Activities Booking System (CABS) now to make sure their account is ready for when activity booking opens on Wednesday 5 July. Some activities get booked up very quickly.
- Follow their district lead on social media to see what is happening in their area.
There are lots of great options to choose from again including drama and science workshops, sports and games, art, and crafts, as well as the ever-popular ticketed attractions. More information is available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.
To help families who may require additional support to allow them to book or attend HAF activities, we have introduced six new HAF Community Connectors, one for each district of Gloucestershire. Find out more about Community Connectors.
Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can apply for Holiday Free School Meal vouchers, which the council is providing for two weeks. Parents will receive £30 per child (£15 per week, per child) from reception to year 11. Applications will open on 27 June and will close at midday on 11 July. Families will be able to 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.
Anyone who needs additional support over the summer can apply to the Household Support Fund which supports households in the most need with food, energy and water bills and other essential items. The council’s Support Hub also includes links to helpful information and advice including tools to help save money, and look after health and wellbeing.
Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children’s social care and early years at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Together with our partners, we have provided over 50,000 activity sessions for families across the county through the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
“It supports children and young people to build confidence, make new friends, try new foods, and learn new skills. It is wonderful to see the difference it makes, and I would encourage eligible families to register now, so they are ready when summer booking opens.”