The Department for Education (DfE) is providing funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children during the 2021 Summer & Christmas Holidays. Hampshire County Council is delivering this funding through the innovative connect4communities programme.
3,500 free spaces are still available across Basingstoke for children on several activities and food schemes being run this summer holiday (26 July to 1 September 2021). A wide range of activities are on offer for all ages – from dance and theatre workshops to sports and outdoor programmes – which also provide a nutritious meal. There are free spaces available for children who receive benefits-related free school meals as well as places on a paid-for basis.
Maria said: “Hampshire’s connect for communities programmes is a fantastic resource for children from families who are facing financial difficulties. I am pleased that so many children will be taking part in this scheme over the summer. Spaces are going quickly, so I would urge all eligible families to act now to secure a free place.”
Parents and carers who want to find out what is on offer locally can search the Family Information and Services Hub. The grants issued for the summer holidays have contributed to existing or new schemes/clubs in priority and rural areas, or to events, short activities and innovative projects targeting priority and rural areas, older children and young people (11-16 year olds) and families.
The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education. Local authorities are using the funding to organise schemes that offer healthy food and enriching activities to children eligible for free school meals during the 2021 school holidays.
The aim of the HAF programme is to make free places available to eligible children for the equivalent of at least four hours a day, four days a week and for six weeks a year.
