Children and young people across Derby will once again be able to take part in a wide range of exciting activities this Easter, as part of the Derby Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
Derby City Council is continuing its partnership with Community Action Derby to deliver free holiday club places during the school break, following confirmation from the Department for Education that the programme has been funded for the next three years.
The HAF programme supports children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. It provides opportunities to learn new skills, take part in enriching activities, stay active, and socialise with friends in a safe and welcoming environment.
Each child attending a session will receive a healthy meal, alongside opportunities to explore nutrition and healthy lifestyles through hands-on activities. The programme is designed to support families during the holidays while promoting healthier lifestyles.
Eligible families should have been sent an email by ‘HolidayActivities’ on Tuesday 3 March, which will include their child’s voucher code and a direct link to the booking platform.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council, said:
We’re thrilled to be offering so many fun and engaging activities for children and young people this Easter. The HAF programme gives families the chance to enjoy a safe, welcoming environment where children can try new things, make friends, stay active, and enjoy healthy meals all while having a fantastic time during the school holidays.
This Easter, 60 clubs will be running in wards across Derby, including seven clubs offering specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Activities on offer range from animal handling, climbing, music and performing arts, to sports such as football, cricket, judo, dodgeball and archery.
Among this year’s providers is Nadia Jane Performing Arts, who due to high demand for places has opened a new HAF club in Allenton. The club will offer boxing and fitness classes, dance challenges and exciting team games for young people from 8-16 years old.
A new club delivered by YMCA Derbyshire will offer older children to take part in their ‘Easter Challenge Bootcamp’ sessions, including a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) based day, with an escape room challenge and an opportunity to work with robots and wind turbines.
For full details about the programme and information about booking codes, visit the Holiday Activities and Food page.