Thousands of children have enjoyed free activities and food as part of a successful school holiday scheme.

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme, run by Derby City Council and Community Action Derby, welcomed children during the summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays. It offers activities and food to children aged five to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals in Derby.

Youngsters can learn new skills while socialising and having fun with their friends. They are also provided with a healthy meal and given the opportunity to learn about healthy food and nutrition.

The Department for Education-funded scheme has gone from strength to strength since it launched in Derby in 2021 and, during the 2022/3 financial year, supported 7,668 children – 6,086 from primary education and 1,582 in secondary.

After starting with 16 activity providers in its first year, the scheme had 31 during the most recent school break and continues to grow. New providers this Easter holiday included Moorways Sports Village, AM Sports, Umbrella and Bridge the Gap. Seven providers, including Bridge the Gap, specialised in activities for children with SEND and supported 254 youngsters.

Bridge the Gap is a child mental health organisation that delivered HAF sessions for the first time over Easter. Sessions incorporated ‘Mindful Movement’ and ‘Brainstem Calmer’ activities to help children embed moving more and physical health into their daily lives, as well as giving them an understanding of how it supports them emotionally, and how movement can change how we feel.

Feedback from parents showed the positive impact sessions had for children who would usually struggle with certain activities. One parent said:

There aren’t any words to describe the opportunity given to my child through this club. She finds large groups so intimidating and when she knew that it was at Bridge the Gap, she instantly felt calmer and knew she wanted to go.

She made friends but also made strong relationships with the adults there, she was able to talk when she needed to and really enjoyed the sport activities. She came home so excited for each day.

Another provider, Fusion Scape, worked with a group of refugee families living in a Derby hotel from countries including Columbia, Afghanistan and Eritrea. Activities included music workshops, basketball, football, gymnastics and dance.

Edward Nkwelle from Fusion Scape said:

It’s really exciting that out of the Easter HAF, several children and young people have agreed to set up new clubs, including a girls’ only football club. Several refugee and asylum-seeking girls are taking the lead on this, which is amazing.

The HAF scheme has been praised by parents across the board. One parent, whose child went to sessions with Genius Tuition, said:

I cannot thank the organisers enough for giving my child an unforgettable experience. They were so happy every day and couldn't stop talking about the fun activities they did. As a single parent struggling to make ends meet, it meant the world to me to see my child happy and cared for.

Another, whose child took part with AM Sports, added:

It is amazing that this is on our doorstep and knowing the children are safe and the food provision really helps us during the holiday.

Organisers and providers are now planning for the return of the HAF scheme during the summer holidays.

Councillor John Whitby, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Learning and Skills, said:

It’s wonderful to hear so many heart-warming personal stories come out of the HAF scheme. Many parents have told us how their children have reaped huge benefits from taking part and the children themselves have given fantastic feedback.

We’re excited to have so many excellent providers on board throughout the city and look forward to the scheme returning in the summer.

Kim Harper, CEO of Community Action Derby, said:

We are delighted that the Holiday Activities and Food Programme is returning for the summer holidays in 2023. The programme continues to grow and has developed incredibly over the last few years. We continue to provide the best possible support for families, young people and children in the heart of their communities.

Our partnership with Derby City Council and our providers shows commitments and dedication which highlight the success and contribution to this fantastic programme.

Visit the Derby City Council website for more information about the next HAF programme.