Winter holiday activity booking set to open

Families can book a range of fun, festive activities to help keep children and young people active, entertained and enjoying healthy meals during the Christmas school holidays.

Together with its partners, the county council is providing a wide range of activities across Gloucestershire for four action-packed days of the school holidays from 19 – 22 December.

The winter Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) is funded by the Department of Education for families eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Using grant funding, the council is giving all families in Gloucestershire the opportunity to join in the fun by offering enriching holiday activities to all children and young people, through its Holiday Activities Programme (HAP). More information is available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.

Now in its second year, the HAF continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to strong and successful partnerships with local partners who help make it all possible.

• Gloucester – The Venture White City Ltd
• Cheltenham – Cheltenham Borough Council
• Tewkesbury – Young Gloucestershire
• Stroud – Stroud District Council
• Cotswolds – Cotswold District Council
• Forest of Dean – Forest Voluntary Action Forum

This winter there are 49 activity providers across the county. Activities available include Christmas parties, drama and science workshops, various sports and games, art and crafts, ticketed attractions and more.

Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can also apply for Holiday Free School Meal vouchers, which the council is providing for two weeks. Parents will receive £30 per child (£15 per week, per child) from reception to year 11. Applications close at midday on Tuesday 6 December. Find out more at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/holiday-school-meal-vouchers/.

Parents who have registered previously are automatically included and do not need to reapply. Families whose circumstances may have changed, can find out about eligibility for free school meals on our website.

Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children’s safeguarding and early years at Gloucestershire County Council said: “There are lots of fantastic activities on offer this December and we want families across Gloucestershire to enjoy them.

“Together with our local partners, we have made sure that there are plenty of options to choose from so children and young people can have fun, learn, meet new people and enjoy healthy nutritious meals at the same time.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk