Parents and carers in Newham are being encouraged to access free activity sessions, which will provide their child with at least one healthy meal and snacks throughout the day. We are once again working with a number of sports activity providers and community groups to deliver the food, alongside a wide range of exciting activities. It’s all part of the government-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. The sessions on offer include multi sports, dance, music programmes, arts and crafts, drama, cookery sessions and much more, to suit different ages, abilities and interests.
The HAF programme is for children and young people, from Reception to Year 11, eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM). It’s a response to research showing that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families, with children from some low-income households less likely to access organised out-of-school activities which promote their physical health; more likely to experience hunger and also more likely to experience social isolation.
Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I am delighted we are once again able to offer eligible children access to a range of exciting activities, as well as a healthy meal. The thought of the summer break can fill some parents and carers with dread, partly because they are struggling to make ends meet. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme really is a massive support to so many families in our borough.
“The government’s funding through the scheme makes a difference to the lives of so many young people in Newham. No child in our borough deserves to suffer from a poor diet, hunger, loneliness and a lack of physical activity during the school holidays.
“I would encourage any eligible parents and carers to have a look through the range of sessions. There really is something for all ages – and knowing children will return home feeling full and content is a huge bonus. I am pleased we are continuing to honour our commitment to ensuring our children and young people are safe, happy and cared for, with access to positive and enriching activities to secure their long-term wellbeing.”
The Council’s expectation is that every HAF funded session should last at least four hours a day. They offer children and young people at least one meal, as well as access to healthy snacks. The meals offered meet the school food standards, which are set by the government. The funded provision provides fun and enriching activities, allowing children and young people to develop new skills or knowledge; consolidate existing abilities; try out new experiences, all while also having fun and socialising. Examples include football, creative activities and nature walks.
All clubs cater for children with low-medium levels of SEN and/or disability and children will be considered by each club on a case-by-case basis. The programme also offers SEND specific clubs which are suitable for those children and young people with more complex needs. Parents and carers are advised to ask the clubs directly about the support they offer.
Since 2022, the government’s entire HAF programme has provided 15.6 million HAF days to children and young people in this country. Across the 2023 to 2024 academic year, almost five million HAF days were provided during winter, Easter, and summer delivery. As stated by the government, ‘research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low income households are:
- less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
- more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
- more likely to experience social isolation
The HAF programme is a response to this issue. Evidence shows that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people.’
For more information about the HAF programme, visit www.newham.gov.uk/haf. You can also find information about how to book activities on the Newham families page.
