Holiday Activities and Food (HAF): Information for parents and carers

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Free holiday clubs
  3. Who can attend

Overview

We are waiting for an update from the Department of Education (DFE) about funding for 2025. 

Hundreds of children across South Tyneside accessed free, nutritious food and enriching activities over the school holidays, after the Department for Education (DFE) confirmed funding for the holiday activities and food programme (HAF) throughout 2024.

These free holiday clubs supported families who are eligible for benefit related free school meals, over the holidays.

Activities included:

  • football and other camps offering a wide range of sports
  • surf school
  • swimming
  • musical theatre, dance, and drama workshops
  • our new 'Teen Ticket' which allows teenagers access to many attractions across South Tyneside

Free holiday clubs

All events are subject to availability and booking is essential.

Booking will now require you to create an account and choose your places on Plinth.

The sessions take place at a number of locations in South Tyneside and will include: 

  • a variety of fun activities
  • exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills
  • a nutritious meal each day
  • additional creative and cooking classes

Who can attend

To be eligible to attend the free holiday club activities, children and young people must:

  • be eligible for benefit related free school meals
  • be aged 5 to 16 years old or up to 18 with SEND (SEND children must still qualify for free school meals)
  • live or go to school in South Tyneside