Free Easter holiday activities for eligible children
Darlington Borough Council is thrilled to announce an exciting Easter Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
HAF, funded by the Department for Education (DfE), provides free activities and nutritious meals for all eligible young people aged 5 to 16 years in Darlington.
All children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can participate in the sessions every weekday during the Easter Holidays, from Monday, 14 April to Friday, 25 April (excluding Sundays and bank holidays). Over 70 events are arranged throughout the school Easter holiday, offering more than 3,000 places.
The activities, taking place at various locations across the town, include sports, arts and crafts, bouldering, cooking, climbing, amazing creatures, and much more, with a nutritious meal provided for every participant at each event.
Families with eligible children will receive information from their child’s school regarding the available sessions and how to access the booking system.
A range of activity sessions is available for children and families with additional needs.
If you have a child who receives benefit-related school meals and they haven’t received a letter from your child’s school regarding the free HAF Easter holiday session, contact your school directly.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The HAF activity sessions are going from strength to strength, and we are delighted to support families providing free, organised, safe, fun activities for children who receive benefit-related school meals. Activities, such as golf, archery, basketball, dance and enrichment activities, including arts and crafts, and life skills sessions, such as cooking and learning to ride a bike, are great fun and every child who joins in gets a free meal too.
“Every child aged 5-16 years, living in Darlington, who is eligible for benefits-related free school meals can attend – families who qualify will be contacted by your child’s school.
Nick added, “We hope the activities and meals will help support families this Easter and that the children love the opportunity to try new things, discover new interests and meet new friends.”
Mrs Steadman, who has three children who attended the summer HAF activities last year, said: “I am so grateful to the council for organising the activity sessions and providing them with a meal too. Money is tight, budgeting is key, and to have this support to entertain and feed my children during the Easter holiday is an absolute Godsend.”
Bethan and Ben Stanley attended some of the sessions last summer. Bethan said, “I loved all the sessions last year – holding the creatures was my absolute favourite, and my brother Ben loved playing football!
For more information www.darlington.gov.uk/HAF
email [email protected]
or call 01325 405400