School holidays can be a stressful and costly time for parents but there are a range of schemes and activities available to help with this extra cost and workload.
During the school holidays parents have to find the money for nearly six months of extra food, childcare and activities.
There are a range of schemes and activities available to help with this extra cost and workload including holiday clubs, activity groups and free meals.
The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF)
The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) is a Department of Education (DfE) funded programme to support children aged 4-16 years (reception -Year 11) who are in receipt of pupil premium (or benefits related) free school meals (FSM) to access enriching activities and food during Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays.
Full details of the programme are available at this link.
The programme, which is available to children in every local authority in England, is funded by Government and run by councils then delivered through holiday clubs.
Some councils may coordinate the clubs themselves, and others may choose to work with another organisation to provide clubs on their behalf.
Full details of the programme in your area are available from your Local Council.
Help with Childcare
Details of the help with childcare is available at the following links:
- Help with childcare costs
- Summer Holiday Child care options
- Summer childcare issues
- Summer Holiday Childcare tips
Activities
Details of activities for your children area available at the following links:
- School and holiday clubs
- Cheap days out and ideas to entertain the kids during the holidays
- 10 things that'll entertain your child all summer
Financial help
Details of financial help and free meals during the school holidays are available at the following links:
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