Comments

• Would it be possible to run these on different days of the week throughout the year? They always fall on Thursdays and Fridays which I find difficult to get off work. Perhaps have one on a Monday, the next one on a Tuesday etc

• I think it’s a lovely idea having stay and do things but it’s also a lot of pressure for parents that work. My daughters both feel sad at these events when we can’t attend

• Any, just nice to see the children in their classroom environment!

The HAF Programme is funded nationally by the Department for Education and supports local organisations to provide free holiday provision to school aged children and young people from reception to year 11 (inclusive) on benefits-related free school meals (FSM), helping them to access healthy food and take part in fun activities and a chance to meet new friends in a safe and fun environment.

There are also paid places available with some providers for those who do not meet this criteria, so they too can join in.

Full information can be accessed on the dedicated HAF website – accessible here   Cheshire West and Chester provision

What is happening?

We have 79 clubs run by 47 organisations which will help those who attend to access healthy food and take part in fun activities over the summer school holidays and, more importantly, for them to have fun and make memories in a safe environment

Edsential Community Interest Company is working with several organisations, including schools, community, voluntary and faith sector organisations to organise 65 holiday activity clubs throughout the borough.

Each eligible child will be provided with a good quality nutritious meal, plus they can look forward to a wide range of activities designed to be engaging and fun. From sports such as football, dodgeball, rounders, football. Yoga, den building, baking, and cooking classes, growing clubs, forest school activities, building bug hotels and bird feeders, music related activities, performing arts, bingo, bowling, and special day trips.

Brio Leisure is offering a variety of engaging activities for young people over the summer holidays. Sports camps will be held at Neston Recreation Centre, catering for 4 to 12-year-olds. Additionally, fun and floats and craft SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) sessions are available for young people aged 5 to 18 years at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Winsford Lifestyle Centre, and Northwich Memorial Court. For further details or inquiries, please email info@brioleisure.org.

Young People Service will deliver a Future Focus Summer Scheme. The programme is aimed at young people aged 16-19 who are currently not in employment, education or training, or leaving Year 11 this summer and have not yet secured a post 16 placement for September. The range of activities will include confidence building and employment skills, team building and emotional and financial wellbeing.

Youth Zone for 11–16-year-olds (up to 25 for our SEND children and young people) will provide a summer programme include activity day trips, indoor and outdoor sports sessions, team building skills, Breakout rooms, Chester Zoo, Chill Fest, Create Fest, Party Fest, summer safety sessions and healthy balanced meals. For more information, email the Youth Service  YoungPeoplesService@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Provision is available for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) who are eligible on benefits related free school meals with some providers able to offer paid for places for those not eligible based on the guidance, to also can attend SEND-specific HAF programmes. 

This is in addition to other programmes being offered by providers more widely.  The SEND specific offer will include sessions for children and young people such as multisport, fun floats and swimming offered by our partners Brio CIC, as well as provisions offering the chance to attend sports, arts and crafts These are just some of the offers our providers will be delivering.  For more information, please check out our site or email if you have any queries: AimingHighForDisabledChildren@cheshirewest.gov.uk

My children are not currently on Free School Meals - how can I check?

Further information on eligibility for Free School Meals accessible here
 

If you have any questions, please email HAF@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Throughout all the school holidays you can also find a comprehensive list of ALL Activities taking place throughout all the school holidays periods this is to enable parents and carers to be able to easily access information related to activities taking place throughout the Borough.

All information will be promoted on – School Holiday Webpage  

Cost of living support available

Due to the cost-of-living crisis, you may be worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food, and transport.  Or may need help accessing welfare rights, benefits and debt advice, support getting all the money you are entitled to, or simply want to know more about national recent support measures.

Whatever your money worries may be, the Council has put together some useful information to help.  The link below includes a wealth of information on the Household Support Fund, the Council’s HELP Scheme and much more.

Visit : Cost of living support