Children in Derby will once again have access to an exciting schedule of activities over the Easter break, as the Derby Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) returns with a new booking system.
Derby City Council is once again partnering with Community Action Derby to provide free holiday club places during the school holidays, after the Department for Education announced the programme would be extended for another year.
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.
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.
If your child is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and would like to book a place, you will need a unique voucher code. A new, user-friendly booking system has been introduced ahead of the Easter programme, which will see voucher codes sent directly to parents by email or text.
Registered families will receive an email or text from ‘Holiday Activities’ this week with their child’s voucher code and a link to the booking system. The new voucher codes will replace any that have been issued previously.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
Derby's Holiday Activities and Food programme returns this Easter, providing free fun, nutritious meals, and experiences for thousands of children. Bookings are now easier with our new system so make sure you have your new voucher code to secure your child's place. The HAF programme is always really popular, so spaces will fill up fast!
There are 39 clubs running during the holiday, offering a range of activities in all wards across the city, including seven special educational needs and disability (SEND) specialists. The holiday clubs will offer the chance to try new and enriching activities including animal handling, climbing, music and performing arts as well as sports like football, cricket, judo, dodgeball, archery and wheelchair basketball!
This Easter, providers include Derbyshire Institute of Sport, who will be offering a new specialist SEND club at Derby Arena, offering gym sessions, inspirational talks from an elite athlete and the chance to try out new sports like Padel.
New providers include Roll With Us CIC, who will be introducing young people to Dungeons and Dragons, one of the world’s favourite Table Top Role Playing Games. Not only is it a lot of fun, it develops life and wellbeing skills such as communication, adaptation and perseverance.
Visit the HAF website page for more information about the scheme and information regarding your booking code.