Bookings now open for winter holiday activities in Staffordshire

Cllr Mark Sutton

Thousands of children and young people will be able to enjoy a range of exciting activities this festive period as part of Staffordshire’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme. 
 
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme enables local authorities in England to deliver inclusive, enriching activities including a hot meal over the school holidays to those children and young people eligible for benefit related free school meals. For the winter holidays, eligible children can have up to four fully funded places.  
 
Bookings are open from today (Monday 11 November 2024) and the scheme will run from Saturday 21 December 2024 until Saturday 4 January 2025 at schools, community centres and leisure complexes across Staffordshire. 
 
Children and young people will be able to ‘pick and mix’ from a range of fun and engaging sessions on offer including sports, Christmas creative clubs, Santa special activities, a New Year party, animal care, mindfulness activities and many more. Providers will include a healthy hot meal for every booked place where possible. 
 
Bookings are now open to over 24,000 eligible children aged between 5 to 16 years, who receive benefit related free school meals. 
 
Professionals can also request a place for a child who is not eligible for free school meals but who they think would benefit from a place. 
 
Some clubs are also offering additional paid places to children and young people. Parents and carers can book online via the county council website for a funded or paid place. 
 
With over 40 clubs providing more than 9,500 places filled with fun and engaging activities to choose from, children will be spoiled for choice this winter. 
 
Mark Sutton, Cabinet Lead for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council said:

"We’re thrilled to welcome both new and returning providers as we kick off another season of unforgettable experiences for children and young people across Staffordshire. 
 
"We had an incredible response earlier this year, with so many organisations eager to join us in delivering our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme over the summer holidays. 
 
"Our upcoming Winter HAF programme will be packed with exciting opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and enjoy their holiday to the fullest. 
 
“So, whether your child wants to dive into a new hobby, make new friends, or simply have a great time, our activities offer something special for everyone this festive season.”

To book or to find out more please visit Holiday Activities and Food - Staffordshire County Council.