Bookings are now open for children to enjoy free fun activities over the school Christmas holiday. Children and young people from reception to year 11 who live in or attend school in the borough and receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM) can take advantage of a packed programme – with something for everyone, whatever they’re interested in.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “The Christmas holidays can be tough – keeping children occupied when it’s too cold to play outside, all while juggling the extra financial pressures of the season, like trying to keep your family warm and happy. That’s where the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme comes in. Not only does it offer an incredible variety of fun activities, but every child who attends will get a healthy lunch – and it’s all completely free.”
The winter holiday activity and food programme (HAF) is funded by the Department for Education and is a great way for your child to get involved in activities, socialise and meet new friends during the Christmas break. And it’s a packed programme of activities available this year, with something for everyone, from filmmaking and performing arts to dance, basketball and football.
Ealing Council’s winter HAF programme will run in the Christmas school holiday on:
- Monday 23 December 2024
- Monday 30 December 2024
- Tuesday 31 December 2024
- Thursday 2 January 2025
- Friday 3 January 2025
It will run at different locations across the borough, with eligible children and young people able to attend for up to 5 days over the Christmas school holiday. There are also programmes that are specifically designed to be inclusive of children with SEND needs.
Find out more and search the different programmes to find the perfect programme and location for your children.
Who is eligible?
Ealing Council’s HAF programme is available for children and young people from reception to year 11 who live in or attend school in the borough and receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
How do I apply?
Eligible families will have received their HAF/FSM code by email or letter last week. To view the offer or book, or just to find out more, you can visit the Ealing HAF website. If you believe you are eligible but have not yet received your code, or want to ask for information, you can email HAF@ealing.gov.uk
You can also visit the Ealing Families Directory website for information. HAF video subtitles can be translated into several community languages, you can find these on the HAF gallery page.
Help with meals and bills
The Household Support Fund is part of the council’s commitment to tackling inequalities across the borough. The fund is allocated to the council by Department of Work and Pensions.
Families eligible for benefits related free school meals will get supermarket vouchers worth £30 per child. Families with children under the age of 5, who get housing benefit and/or council tax reduction are also eligible, as are care leavers.
There is a range of help available to deal with increased costs over winter like energy bills, to find more information on help that is available, and what you might be entitled to, visit the Ealing Council cost of living hub.
