Free holiday activities for young people over winter holidays

Posted on: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

During the Easter and summer holidays Newark and Sherwood District Council supported Nottinghamshire County Council to deliver the Department for Education Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. It’s now back this winter and places are up for grabs for young ones to attend in the winter school holidays.

The Notts Winterfest scheme is only for children and young people aged between 5 and 16 who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.

Places are on offer on a first come, first serve basis. The District Council is supporting three of the programmes including at the Palace Theatre, Active4Today and the Social Action Hub.

The Palace Theatre in Newark is running the programme for 5 to 11 year olds on Tuesday 21 December, Wednesday 22 December, Thursday 23 December and Thursday 30 December. Young people will have the chance to have a hot lunch, take part in arts and crafts and will get a special 2 hour pantomime performance.

32 places are available for this programme and parents/guardians are asked to call 01636 655755 to book a place.

Active4Today will be running their programme for 8 to 13 year olds at the Dukeries Leisure Centre in Ollerton taking place on Monday 20 December, Tuesday 21 December and Wednesday 22 December. There will be hot lunch provided and activities including swim session and sports.

20 places are available for this programme and parents/guardians are asked to email sportsdevelopment@active4today.co.uk to book a place.

The Social Action Hub is holding their programme for 8 to 11 year olds at the Rainworth Youth and Community Centre on Monday 20 December, Tuesday 21 December, Wednesday 22 December and Thursday 23 December. Hot lunch is provided and young people can get involved in play activities.

40 places are available for this programme and parents/guardians are asked to email Maigan.freknall@socialactionhub.com or call 01623 490498 to book a place.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s great that the HAF Programme has returned this winter. It’s an opportunity for parents and guardians in the community to get that little bit of extra support in the holidays to help with childcare.

“We’re hoping lots of families take advantage of this amazing opportunity and make the most of the programmes available across the district.”

Parents/guardians are asked to drop children off at the venues and pick them up after the day has finished.

For more information and to find out about more programmes as part of the scheme, go to: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/youth-services/nottinghamshire-holiday-activities-and-food-programme-2021