Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme

The summer HAF programme is in full swing!

The HAF programme delivers a wide range free fun activities and a nutritious meal to children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals. There is something for everyone; equine learning, animal care, sports, arts & crafts, dance & performing arts, tennis, and much more!

Every child with an eligible HAF code will be able to access 16 days/sessions over the summer holiday free of charge. All bookings are taken by the provider, each provider will have details of how to book listed on their page. Sessions often reach capacity, so please book quickly to avoid disappointment.

If your child gets benefits-related free school meals and doesn’t have a code, you can still apply via a brief online form. This form only takes a couple of minutes to complete, with a separate form required for each eligible young person.

If you have any queries, please email the HAF team: hafprogramme@warwickshire.gov.uk

Holiday activities at Warwickshire Libraries

Plan a visit to your local library where children aged  4-11 can join in the Summer Reading Challenge and take part in fun and free events.

Kate’s Storytree will also be returning to the Libraries this summer. Kate will be telling stories from myth, legend and Aesop’s Fables.

Summer guide: helping families stay safe and well

As schools close over the summer, families may be looking for things to do to keep children occupied, healthy and safe.

The Summer Guide includes advice about sun and water safety, ideas for things to do to stay active, support and guidance from the Family Information Service and some help to be ready to go back to school in September.

Look out for printed copies in schools, libraries and Children and Family Centres.

Kids eat for ‘free’ or ‘£1’

Money Saving Expert have put together a list of places where children can eat for ‘free’ or ‘£1’.

Please note, some of these come with conditions, e.g. a minimum spend or with an adults main meal. However, some places are offering free or low cost items with no conditions, e.g. Morrisons cafes are offer free crumpets when you “ask your Ellen”, kids can eat for £1 in Asda cafes and kids eat for 95p or £1.50 at Ikea.

School Health Readiness Questionnaire

Starting school for the first time is a significant milestone for every child, and often a scary and exciting time for them and their parents/carers.

Connect for Health want to make sure all children and families have the support they need with their health, wellbeing and development to prepare for this.

That’s why they’re asking parents to complete the School Readiness Health Questionnaire. This questionnaire helps to identify when families may need support and advice in order to help children meet their full potential as they enter education. The answers are treated confidentially and stored securely online. Based on the answers provided, parents will be offered advice and guidance, as well as an opportunity to contact the team for further support.

The questionnaire is open to all parents/carers with a child due to attend a Warwickshire school for the first time in September.

Holiday clubs in Warwickshire

View a list of holiday clubs across the county compiled by the Family Information Service. The list is not exhaustive. Please contact activity providers directly if you have any questions about their provision.

Reminder:
Working families, who earn at least £152 per week but less than £100,000 per year, can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for childcare costs over the summer. Tax-Free Childcare can be used to help pay for accredited holiday clubs, childminders or sports activities.

Working families gaining Universal Credit can also get help with up to 85% of costs for childcare while they work, including registered school holiday clubs.

View Childcare Choices for more information.

Holiday activities at Warwickshire Country Parks

Warwickshire County Council’s Country Park Rangers have announced an action-packed summer holiday activities programme for children and families across the County.

Taking place at Ryton Pools Country Park and Kingsbury Water Park, these events offer an opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature, encounter fascinating wildlife, and take part in interactive experiences that blend outdoor fun with education.

Child Friendly Warwickshire summer newsletter

The summer edition of the Child Friendly Warwickshire Newsletter is here!

In this edition, you’ll discover lots of fun activities, events, and resources to keep your children happy, entertained, and safe throughout their summer holidays. Whether it’s outdoor adventures or creative workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

School transitions support

Over the summer, it’s worthwhile taking some time to talk to your child or young person to help prepare them for any changes coming in September. They may be moving to a new class, or key stage, or they may be moving to a new school or setting.

Some children will take these changes in their stride but others might need extra support, so it is helpful to prepare your child in good time to help them get used to new routines, and to talk about any worries or feelings they might have.

Warwickshire’s Local Offer webpages provide a wealth of resources to support school transitions, from videos and stories you can share with your child, activities you can do together and checklists.