Thousands of children across Worcestershire attended Christmas holiday clubs over the festive period.

More than 2,000 children and young people, including those on free school meals and with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), attended the Ready Steady Worcestershire – Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

The initiative, delivered by Worcestershire Children First in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, provides free, enriching activities centred around nutritious meals and snacks over Easter, summer, and Christmas to benefit-eligible children.

 

 

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2,300 children and young people attended the club, with 1,781 of them receiving free school meals and 675 with SEND

The club delivers a variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, performance, outdoor adventure, and more.

The programme received plenty of praise from families following its Christmas clubs.

One parent commented: "My son came home every day happy, with a full belly, and enjoyed his day."

Another said: "Gives some stability to a busy and overstimulating time of year for the children that need it.

"It helped my son feel calmer and more settled."

A third said: “My two children participated in the Lakeside activities provided by Worcester University, it was fantastic. The kids had plenty of fresh air and were able to do things they’ve not done before.”

Councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member with responsibility for education, said: "It’s brilliant that so many children and young people are benefiting from the HAF Worcestershire programme.

"We’re so grateful to all the providers who get involved to put on such a varied programme of activities across the county."

Families and schools are now able to apply for the upcoming Easter programme of activities.

Those interested can visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/haf for more information.