FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY SCHEME FOR CHILDREN IN RECEIPT OF FREE SCHOOL MEALS

A scheme to provide holiday childcare, activities and food for children in Cambridgeshire is now taking bookings for the summer holidays.

Any child receiving benefits related free school meals is eligible to access free holiday provision under the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), it enables local authorities to coordinate free holiday childcare, including healthy food and enriching activities.

The programme will be delivered by approved holiday scheme providers and childminders, and co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Up to four weeks of activities will be offered during the school summer holidays. Each eligible child will be entitled to up to 64 hours of free holiday childcare throughout the school summer holiday period. Parents can book places directly with participating holiday schemes from Monday 7th June. More information and registration instructions can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/haf

As part of the HAF programme, eligible children will be able to access:

  • Fun and enriching play opportunities
  • At least one meal a day
  • Sessions on healthy eating such as getting children involved in food preparation and cooking, growing fruit and vegetables
  • Support for families with guidance on how to source, prepare and cook nutritious and low-cost food
  • Information and signposting to other services and support which might be helpful.