Get ready to book free family fun

Families who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals still have time to sign up for this spring’s HAF. Using grant funding the county council is once again able to extend holiday activities to all children and young people through its Holiday Activities Programme (HAP). The fun-filled activity programmes run for two weeks from 14 April to help keep children and young people happy, healthy and entertained during the school holidays.

Families are encouraged to check their local district HAF webpage to see what’s happening near them.

There are lots of great options to choose from including circus skills, forest school, drama and science workshops, sports and games, art and crafts, music and dance, as well as the ever-popular ticketed attractions.

More information about the HAF 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 ready to select their choices when booking opens on Monday 31 March.

·       Follow their district 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 assistance from our HAF Community Connectors. There is one for each district, as well as a Specialist SEND Community Connector to improve support for children and young people with additional needs.

Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can also apply for Holiday Free School Meal vouchers, which the council is providing for one week during the school holidays. Parents will receive £15 per week, for each eligible child from reception to year 11. Applications opened at midday on 18 March and will close at midday on 1 April. Vouchers will be distributed from 7 April. Families can find out more at https://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 read about eligibility for free school meals on our website childrensfund@gloucestershire.gov.uk and should contact us if there are any changes.

Ann James, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Families have told us that the Holiday Activities and Food programme is a fantastic way to stay active, learn new things, and make wonderful memories. This spring, there are lots of amazing free activities for children and young people to enjoy.

“Please check your local HAF website to see what’s on offer. Booking opens on Monday, and these sessions are incredibly popular, so they do get booked up quickly.

“HAF Community Connectors are ready across the county to provide support if anyone needs help with choosing, booking, or attending activities.”