School aged children and young people who receive benefit related free school meals can enjoy Easter fun with the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
From Thursday 14 March, parents and guardians will be sent an E-voucher from their school via email or text containing a unique code that can be used to book their children on to the sessions for the Easter holidays. Sessions run from Tuesday 2 April to Friday 12 April.
Providers in Southend-on-Sea are ready to accept bookings for Easter sessions from Thursday 14 March. To view participating providers and to book sessions directly, parents and guardians will need to visit the dedicated HAF section on the Livewell Southend website.
Children and young people who receive benefit related free school meals are eligible to take part in the programme and families can book up to a maximum of four sessions and attend one club daily.
Councillor Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children's services, education and learning, said: “I'm pleased that we are once again able to provide eligible families with extra support during the Easter Holidays.
“In addition, I'm delighted that we can also offer holiday activities this year as the Department for Education grant funding continues until 2025.
"We understand that the school holidays can bring additional challenges and I urge families to only book sessions that they can attend, so that all eligible children can benefit. The programme offers great support and gives children and young people access to fun activities and healthy food during the school holidays.
“I hope that eligible families will take up this wonderful opportunity for their children and book them on the sessions to keep them healthy, active and entertained.”
If you think your child or young person is eligible, and you do not receive your E-Voucher, please contact your child's school or email the HAF team.