Free activities and meals for children as holiday scheme returns in 2023
Published: 15 December 2023
The programme offers a range of activities and provides a nutritious meal
Children will be able to access a packed schedule of activities over the winter break thanks to the Derby Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF).
Derby City Council is working in partnership with Community Action Derby to provide free holiday club places during the school holidays.
The scheme offers activities and food to children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals in Derby. Youngsters can learn new skills and be active while socialising and having fun with their friends.
They will also be provided with a healthy meal and given the opportunity to learn about healthy food and nutrition through family food experiences and cookery sessions.
There are 21 providers offering a range of activities in all wards across the city, including three special educational needs and disability (SEND) specialists. The holiday clubs will offer the chance to try new and enriching activities including animal handling, rap and performing arts as well as sports and physical activities like football, cricket, street dance, wrestling, yoga and archery.
The summer HAF programme was a great success, with a total of 2,191 Derby children taking part during the six-week break.
This winter’s providers include Freedom Foundation, offering children and young people the chance to express their creativity and release their anxieties through the power of dance and music, while gaining support with emotional wellbeing.
The Imbue Ventures Tech Winter Spectacular will see children participate in digital physical activities in their new immersive studio, which provides children with over 30 different activities to try. Children will also design games, learn how to code and programme, enjoy sensory spaces and Virtual Reality (VR).
Meanwhile, Everyone Active will hold fun-filled activities at Moorways Sports Village. From soft play to dodgeball, reaction games to team games, and Bikeability to swimming, there will be something for everyone. There will also be workshops on healthy lifestyles and the opportunity to try new foods or drinks.
Councillor John Whitby, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Learning and Skills, said:
The Derby HAF programme continues to go from strength to strength and we’re thrilled it’s returning this winter. As always, there’s a fantastic range of providers offering children and young people the chance to take part in a wide and exciting variety of activities, and enjoy a nutritious meal.
We’re committed to making sure our children have access to meaningful experiences that will promote their physical and emotional wellbeing and – very importantly – be great fun!
The HAF scheme, which is funded by the Department for Education, aims to make the positive benefits of holiday clubs available to all those on benefits-related free school meals for at least four hours a day, four days a week for six school holiday weeks of the year.The Derby scheme runs from 2-5 January.
Parents and carers with children who are eligible for free school meals need to register their child for the scheme to receive a booking code to use with activity providers. Visit the HAF web page for more information about the scheme and how to register for your booking code.
For anyone struggling with the cost of living, Derby City Council, Derby Homes and Community Action Derby work in partnership on an online hub offering much-needed advice as well as contact information for useful services.