The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is running over 5 weeks this summer offering holiday fun funded by The Department for Education.
Council leader Peter Mason and Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start, visited the Alec Reed Academy, just one of the 85 venues where activities are taking place, to find out more for themselves.
Councillor Peter Mason said: “Just today we’ve seen netball, football, dodgeball and more. But the HAF programme isn’t all about sport, we’ve also popped into sessions on healthy eating, and keeping safe online. It’s great that all this – and a healthy lunch – is all provided for free, and it’s all part of our promise to work hard to make sure that every young person in Ealing can thrive.”
Providers
ENG are running a Multisports Camp for eligible 5-16 year olds. They provide an inclusive mainstream provision where children are encouraged to take place in a variety of sporting activity. This is their second summer at Alec Reed Academy, where they also run programmes at Easter and Christmas.
Sportworks is also providing sports, games, and fun activities for eligible children and young people of school age with SEND and typically work on a 1:4 staffing ratio, allowing children and young people to get the support they need whilst in a more open and active environment. Daily activities may include Football, basketball, cricket, tennis and school yard games such as British bulldog, dodgeball, floor is lava and sensory activities.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal said: “This is a great programme of fun and activities which really meets the needs of children and young people with SEND. If you have a child who is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, I urge you to find out more.”
Free healthy meals
All children attending any of the activities over the summer will receive a free healthy lunch. Often they are encouraged to get involved in helping to prepare the lunches and have the opportunity to learn about healthy eating.
ENG work with the Felix Project, and any surplus food is redistributed to families attending.
Eligible children and young people have a code to book their activities. Other vulnerable children and young people can be referred for a place on the programme by a professional such as their school or social worker.
There are 50 HAF providers running across 85 venues around the borough throughout the summer holidays. Full details and booking arrangements are online.
Check out other fun activities available over the summer in the borough and often free or at a reduced cost for those struggling with their budget.
