Council holiday club scheme creates a summer to remember for harder-pressed families

Thousands of children across the county have painted, kayaked, acted, nerf-gunned, cooked and exercised their way through the summer thanks to the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme laid on by Buckinghamshire Council.

The Buckinghamshire HAF programme has enabled school-aged children who receive benefits-related free school meals to enjoy high-quality holiday clubs completely free of charge. Each holiday club session has included a free nutritious meal, with children and young people learning cooking skills at some clubs by helping to prepare their meals.

HAF holiday clubs have been running right across the county and have been delivered by experienced local holiday club providers including local businesses, charitable organisations and schools.

The costs of the scheme are funded by central government with all the local arrangements being made by the Council. Dozens of activities have been laid on for a variety of age ranges so that children and young people can develop a hobby or try something new. And at one session in High Wycombe, celebrity chef Tom Kerridge dropped in to surprise the kids and give them a masterclass in making healthy coleslaw!

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, Anita Cranmer, said she’d heard some wonderful testimonials of praise for the scheme and how it had really helped families over the summer break. “The summer holidays can be a difficult time for some families because of increased costs, such as food and childcare, as well as reduced incomes. The HAF holiday clubs are providing a lifeline by helping to ensure that children from those families are able to have a good holiday experience – learning skills, socialising with others and most importantly having fun.

“The providers we’ve worked with to provide the HAF holiday clubs have been magnificent and have used their knowledge and experience to give children and young people a summer of fun and activities that they’ll definitely remember. I’d like to thank them personally for everything they have done, and for going the extra mile. I’ve heard some heart-warming stories including providers continuing to look after children after sessions end and providing food for them to take home and have afterwards. It’s wonderful to see such commitment from local organisations and really demonstrates the success of the HAF programme and the care it provides.”

Cabinet Member for Communities, Steve Bowles added: “Using the COVID Local Support Grant, we were able to provide additional support by giving out £70 food vouchers in July for children who needed it the most over the summer. Can I remind those parents and carers who have received a food voucher to redeem these before they expire. If anyone needs help, please contact our Helping Hand support line on 01296 531151.”

Following the success of the HAF summer programme, the Council can confirm funding is in place for the 2021 Christmas holidays too.

For further information and to register interest, please visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/haf