Easter Holiday Activities And Food Programme Returns To Isle Of Wight

Families across the Isle of Wight are being invited to sign children up for two weeks of activities, meals and entertainment as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme returns for the Easter break.

The scheme, run by Isle of Wight Council, will run from Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April, offering a wide range of sessions designed to keep young people active, creative and engaged during the school holidays.

Activities will be delivered by providers from across the Island and include horse riding, farming experiences, sports coaching, music-making and film-making, along with a number of new activities being introduced this year.

Each session also includes a healthy meal, helping ensure children taking part are well-fed as well as entertained.

Free places are available for children who receive income-related free school meals, with a limited number of discretionary funded places also available for families who may not meet the criteria but would still benefit from the programme.

Paul Brading, chair of the council’s Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee, said:

“We’re thrilled to bring back the HAF programme for Easter.

"Every school holiday we see children building confidence, trying things they’ve never tried before and coming home buzzing with stories.

"Whether it’s feeding goats, learning a new sport, or discovering a love of music or film, these activities give our young people experiences that stay with them.

"At the same time, the programme helps families by providing nutritious meals and a supportive, welcoming environment.

"The enthusiasm from our local providers is incredible, and together we’ve created a programme the whole Island can be proud of.”