Free summer sessions now open for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme

Thousands of free places for summer activities are now available to book online, for parents and carers of children eligible for income-related free school meals.

Cheshire East Council has once again worked together with local schools, childcare providers and community and voluntary organisations to provide a range of activities over the summer holidays, including sports, arts and crafts, baking, games and trips out.

The Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) has been running since 2021 and is available to children aged 5 to 16, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The sessions offer a great opportunity for pupils to have fun, learn a new skill and make new friends, while receiving a nutritious meal on the day.

There are also limited spaces available to support children and young people who don’t receive income-related free school meals but would benefit from the scheme. Examples could be supporting a child with a disability, or those supported by a social worker or other professional.

Parents and carers are advised to speak to their child’s lead practitioner or social worker who can support their application, or contact the HAF team, should they have any queries on eligibility.

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for children’s services at Cheshire East Council, said:

“With the six weeks summer holidays soon upon us, we’re so pleased to once again offer a whole host of free fun, varied and exciting sessions available to book, as part of our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

“These activities are unsurprisingly always popular, so we’d urge families of children in receipt of income-related free school meals to book their child’s place now, before spaces run out!”

Councillor Emma Gilman, cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities at Cheshire East, said:

“Last year we were delighted to see the scheme extended, and we’ve seen first-hand the many benefits this offers to those who attend and make the best memories with new friends over the summer.

“We’ve continued to receive great feedback from both parents and their children who have attended our activity programmes, and many who return to book on to these, year after year.”

The sessions available throughout the summer half term can be found here: 

HAF booking platform