THE summer holidays are here and with that Devon County Council (DCC) have opened up extra places for even more children and young people to attend its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

The Government-funded scheme is primarily to provide activities and nutritional meals during the holidays to children aged five to 16 year olds who receive benefits-related free school meals.

DCC have an extended criteria, if there are still enough places and sufficient funding, to open the programme up to include children in that age group who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or children in care, or young carers.

The council have teamed up with more than 100 different activity providers across Devon to offer a programme that promises a wide range of fun and educational activities for children of all ages to spark their creativity, encourage exploration, and help them develop new skills and make friends. 

From arts and crafts workshops to sports tournaments and outdoor activities, the programme is designed to keep children engaged, active, and well-nourished during the school break.

All clubs will be operating for a minimum of four hours for four days and will include a hot meal.

DCC have also increased the number of places for secondary school aged children, with some sessions taking place during the evenings and at weekends.

The council are encouraging parents and carers of children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, those who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or children in care, or young carers to book their child’s place as soon as possible.

Simply search for a provider in your area using the interactive map on DCC’s website, see what they’re offering, and book a place directly using your unique HAF code or by letting them know that you are asking for an extended criteria place.

For more information on the HAF programme, including booking details and eligibility criteria, visit DCC’s website.