Children in Derby will once again have access to an exciting schedule of activities over the winter break, thanks to the Derby Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF).
Derby City Council is partnering with Community Action Derby to provide free holiday club places during the school holidays. The scheme is designed for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, offering them the chance to learn new skills, stay active, and enjoy time socialising with friends in a fun and engaging environment.
To be able to book a place at a HAF holiday club, parents must have their child’s own unique code. Parents with eligible children may already have received a code from their school. The code will remain valid while the child remains at the same school and places can’t be booked without it.
Participants will receive a healthy meal daily and have opportunities to learn about nutritious food through family food experiences and cookery sessions. This initiative aims to support families while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
There are 30 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, orienteering, music and performing arts as well as sports like football, cricket, basketball, dodgeball, archery and even wrestling!
The summer HAF programme was a great success, with a total of 2,254 Derby children taking part during the six-week break.
This winter’s providers include Baby People, offering children and young people the chance to express their creativity by through music, art, graffiti, games, dancing and so much more!
Progressive Sports Holiday Camp will see children participate in an action-packed, fun-filled camp with an awesome line-up of sporty activities that’ll keep your little ones moving, laughing, and making memories.
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 Paul Hezelgrave Derby City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme is a vital initiative for families in Derby, ensuring that children have access to fun, enriching activities and hot meals during the school holidays. It’s wonderful to see so many opportunities for young people to stay active, learn new skills, and build friendships. This scheme makes a real difference to children’s lives and helps support families during the winter break.
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.
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 website page for more information about the scheme and information regarding your booking code.