Programme of free summer holiday activities for children published

A programme of summer holiday activities taking place across Shropshire – which will be free for eligible children– has been published on the Shropshire Council website.

Through the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Shropshire Council has provided Department for Education funding to activity providers, to ensure that children aged 5 to 16 who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals can take part for free.

The activities are also available to other children, who can pay to take part.

The aim of the HAF programme, campaigned for by footballer Marcus Rashford, is to make holiday activities as accessible and inclusive as possible.

In Shropshire, there are more than 5,500 children and young people registered to claim benefits-related free school meals who will be eligible to attend these holiday activities for free.

Eligible families will be receiving the HAF Voucher and Activity Programme through their schools to enable them to choose and book onto a free place at the range of activities.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“It is so exciting for Shropshire to be involved in the HAF programme for the first time. This year, especially, I want children to make the most of their school holidays so it is fantastic to see that so many providers are able to open their doors to more children through this HAF grant scheme to have healthy meals, fun activities and learning opportunities during the summer.

“The summer HAF programme will provide fantastic opportunities for all our children and young people regardless of circumstance, to engage in exciting activity during the holidays, to socialise, learn new skills and have fun in their local community.”

Visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/HAF to find out more about the programme and to see the full programme of activities, and to find out how to access the free places.