Get ready for a jam-packed winter school holiday! Thanks to the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, children across the borough can access a wide range of activities from cooking to sports, as part of a wider national scheme funded by the Department for Education.
The aim of the programme is to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, encouraging them to engage in interactive and fun activities. The programme kicks off on 18 December and runs until 31 December, and will be delivered by over 20 selected providers across Brent.
The programme will offer free places to school-aged children (aged 4-16, in Reception – Year 11), who are eligible for and in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
There will be a variety of activities and something for everyone including sports, dance, arts and crafts, day trips, cooking healthy food and much more, helping Brent’s children to stay active and have fun.
We want every child to have a great holiday exploring new adventures, making friends, playing, and eating healthy and tasty food.
Our aim is for Brent’s children to socialise, learn and play during the school holiday and have a great time doing it.
The programme includes:
- A wide range of fun, physical and enriching activities
- Education around healthy eating and preparing food
- A nutritious meal each day
- Information, advice and workshops for parents, carers and families
- A safe space for children to interact with others
Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader said: “We want children to be happy, healthy, and entertained this Christmas school holiday. It is a special time for children, and after the challenges they have faced due to Covid, we hope to see as many of you enjoying the activities that are going to take place.”
Cllr Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills said: “This Christmas is very different to how children spent it last year, so it is wonderful that we can offer children and young people in Brent the opportunity to take part and enjoy these activities for free.”
To find out more visit www.brent.gov.uk/haf.