Bookings Open For February Half-Term Activities And Free Meals For Island Children

Bookings have opened today for a wide range of February half-term activities offering fun experiences alongside nutritious meals for children and young people across the Isle of Wight.

The programme is funded through the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) initiative, with additional support from the Isle of Wight Council via the Household Support Fund.

Free places are available for children and young people who receive benefits-related free

school meals, with paid places also on offer.

Thanks to extra Household Support Fund funding, eligibility has been widened to include families receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the usual income-related free school meal criteria.

The scheme is also open to children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans, those supported by social care services, and children with special educational needs and disabilities.

All activities are designed to be fully inclusive.

This year’s programme includes a broad range of activities such as football, horse riding, farm-based sessions, music, cheerleading, dance, circus skills, cooking, multi-sports and multi-activity holiday clubs.

Activities will run from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February.

Families are being encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment, as places are expected to fill quickly.

Councillor Paul Brading, chair of the council’s children’s services, education and skills committee, said school holidays can place extra financial pressure on families and that the scheme aims to support households while giving children access to new opportunities and experiences.

Bookings can be made through the Eequ booking system, where families can view available sessions and secure places.