Get ready to book free activities for children this summer
Nutritious food and free activities are on offer to help keep children in Gloucestershire happy, healthy, and entertained. Children in reception to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals can take part. Gloucestershire County Council is also extending holiday activities to all children in the county through its Holiday Activities Programme (HAP) using grant funding.
Both the HAF and HAP programmes run during the summer school holidays which begin on Monday 21 July. Activity dates may vary slightly between schools.
Families are encouraged to visit the new Family Hubs booking system: https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ to register for, view and book activities.
To help families plan ahead, activities can be viewed on the new booking system from Monday 16 June and booking opens at midday on Monday 30 June.
This summer, there are lots of exciting options to choose from including drama and science workshops, sports and games, art and crafts, music and dance. More information about the programme is available at: https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.
Families eligible for benefits-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 will open at midday on Tuesday 24 June and close at midday on Tuesday 8 July. Vouchers will be distributed from Monday 14 July. Families can find out more at: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/holiday-school-meal-vouchers/.
Parents who have registered previously for benefits-related free school meals are automatically included and do not need to reapply. Families whose circumstances may have changed, can read about eligibility for free school meals on our website: childrensfund@gloucestershire.gov.uk and should contact us if there are any changes.
Families who need extra support to choose, book, or attend HAF activities can get support from our HAF Community Connectors. There’s also a Specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) Community Connector to improve support for children and young people with additional needs.
Cllr Ben Evans, cabinet member for children’s safeguarding and care at Gloucestershire County Council, said:
“The Holiday Activities and Food Programme continues to make a real difference to families across Gloucestershire.
“I encourage families to check the website to see what’s on offer so they’re ready to book these free activities when booking opens at midday on Monday 30 June.
“By offering fun activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays, we’re helping children stay active, discover new interests, and make lasting memories. It’s a vital part of our commitment to giving every child the opportunity to thrive.”