Croydon Council has welcomed the return of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in April, offering a wide range of sports, music and outdoor fun, and free meals for eligible children.
The government-funded HAF Programme provides families receiving benefits-related free school meals with access to free holiday programmes, where children can enjoy safe and supported care.
This Easter there will be 67 holiday clubs run by partner organisations across Croydon providing programmes such as sports, cooking, coding, and music. Each eligible child can attend four sessions during the Easter holidays, whilst parents and carers can benefit from the programme’s childcare support.
Eligible families will be given a voucher by their child’s school and will be emailed a unique voucher code from the HAF platform, HolidayActivities. Families with eligible children who live in Croydon, but attend school outside the borough, can fill in a Voucher request form. Parents should contact the club in advance to discuss any specific support they need, such as for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
“The HAF Programme is a fantastic opportunity for our children to stay active, learn new skills, and make new friends over Easter, whilst ensuring they receive a hot, nutritious meal each day. This programme provides essential support for our community, which is why I contacted the Secretary of State for Education last September to emphasise why it should continue beyond March this year.
“We are working with many partner organisations to run the clubs across the borough. Do sign up your child before the holidays start so they can enjoy the programme this spring.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
