AROUND 18,000 Coventry children will be able to enjoy free holiday activities and healthy food over the coming year thanks to a £1.6million government grant to the city.
The grant is an extension of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) that started in 2021.
The programme, which operates through the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays, 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.
Coventry City Council says the funds will allow the city to build on the success of the previous year’s programme which saw thousands of children and family members enjoying over 22,000 sessions, offering a range of activities and memorable experiences.
Coun Dr Kindy Sandhu, the council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “It’s welcome news that the government has extended the HAF programme for another 12 months, as I’ve personally experienced the amazing activities on offer and how it makes such a positive difference for Coventry families throughout the holiday season.
“I’m also very pleased to see an increase in the diversity of activities 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.”
Currently there are around 18,000 Coventry children who will be entitled to 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 range of venues and locations including schools, community centres, leisure centres and sports facilities.
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 and swimming lessons.
Eligibility criteria for the programme have been extended. Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/haf for more information.
