Free holiday activities to support children

Free holiday activities to help children catch up on learning are available for eligible children this half-term, from 21st – 27th February.

West Sussex County Council is funding places at holiday clubs to offer children activities that support them with the subjects they learn at school.

Children (age 4-16) eligible for free holiday activities clubs

• Children who are eligible for free school meals, or have been eligible in the past 6 years
• Children who are currently in care
• Children who have been adopted from care or have left care
• A calendar of the clubs with free places is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk/haf and families should book directly with the clubs. Places are limited and some clubs are providing free meals.

These free holiday activities over February half-term are being funded directly by the council to support families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It follows the Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programmes over the summer and Christmas school holidays.

Free holiday activities for the family

In addition to the holiday clubs, free online Maths and English live lessons are available for all children over the half term with the Invicta academy. This includes daily Taekwondo classes to get children ready for learning. Sign up for those interested: www.invictaacademy.com

Family-friendly local libraries are free to visit and people can find books and activities for all ages to enjoy, staff can advise about local groups and support available, and half-term events are taking place at some libraries which are free but need to be booked.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills, said: “Over the summer and Christmas holidays around 2,700 children took part in our Holiday Activity and Food programme.

“Once again lots of sports clubs and groups will be taking part to offer an exciting range of activities and fun, and with plenty going on in our libraries as well, there is lots to keep children entertained this half-term.”

Free school meal vouchers

West Sussex County Council is supporting every child who receives free school meals (benefits-related) with supermarket vouchers for the half-term week. A £20 per child voucher was distributed to around 15,000 children through schools. The voucher scheme is funded through Government’s Household Support Fund.

Support available

Families and individuals who are in need of support can find information about the help that is available to them on the County Council’s website. This includes information about support for children and families who are not eligible for free school meals.