Around 18,000 Coventry children will be eligible to enjoy free holiday activities and healthy food over the coming year through a £1.6m government grant to the city.
The grant is an extension of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) that started in 2021. It operates through the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays, and is an enrichment programme for disadvantaged children which includes the provision of healthy food.
The programme is primarily for pupils of statutory school age, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals and Coventry has extended eligibility to other children as well.
Councillors at the Cabinet meeting on 18 March will hear how the funds will allow the city to build on the success of the 2024/25 programme that saw thousands of children and family members enjoying over 22,000 sessions offering a diverse range of activities and memorable experiences.
The city’s programme has been voted an outstanding success.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council said: “It’s welcome news that the Government has extended the HAF programme for another 12 months as I’ve personally experienced first-hand the amazing activities on offer and how it makes such a huge, positive difference for Coventry families throughout the holiday season.
“I’m also very pleased to see an increase in the diversity of activities in line with our principle of ‘something for everyone’, a stronger partnership working with family hubs including family cooking sessions, and specific activity tailored for children with special education needs at local venues.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the additional support of Coventry Building Society and Stellantis, plus the important role that community and voluntary organisations have contributed in its success so far, everyone plays a part alongside the Council in delivering a great programme.”
Currently there are approximately 18,000 Coventry children who will be entitled to access free enrichment activities and healthy food during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays of the 2025/26 financial year.
The programme is delivered across a wide range of venues and locations including schools, community centres, leisure centres/sports facilities, and other venues.
Activities have included: archery, art master classes, bushcraft and survival, a chef academy, cheerleading, circus skills, cooking, a forest school, go- karting, gardening, karaoke, movie making, paintballing, photography, robotics, roller skating, swimming lessons and much more.
Coventry has also extended the eligibility criteria for the programme across several areas and people can look at the full criteria list at on the Council’s HAF webpage.