Easter holiday scheme on offer for Peterborough children who receive free school meals

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers fun with friends and free food for primary and secondary school children in both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The sessions will include a healthy meal, a variety of exciting activities or sports and the opportunity to socialise with other children. Any child or young person receiving benefits-related free school meals is eligible for the programme.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the HAF scheme enables local authorities to coordinate free holiday childcare and enriching experiences locally. The programme will be delivered by approved providers, co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.

Each eligible child will be able to access up to 16 hours of free holiday childcare or enriching experiences through the school Easter holiday period. Further information can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/haf and Early Years & Childcare | Peterborough Information Network

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

Fun and enriching play opportunities or new experiences that provide children with new skills and knowledge.

At least one meal a day.

Guidance on healthy eating and getting children involved in food preparation and cooking.

Support for parents, carers or other family members 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.

Both councils are working with local schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers to deliver the HAF programme.