HAF Programme
HAF Programme
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF):
Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children, this can lead to a holiday experience gap, with children from low-income households being:
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less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
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more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
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more likely to experience social isolation
The HAF programme is a response to this issue, with evidence showing that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people and that they work best when they:
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provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities
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cover more than just breakfast or lunch
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involve children (and parents) in food preparation
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use local partnerships and connections, particularly with the voluntary and community organisation sector
Within Merton, SMSC is part of a community of over 30 main providers building over 1,000 places for children and young people to receive free school meals.
During summer 2022 we ran a large programme based at St Mark's Church of England Academy and have now expanded to 3 venues for the October half term with further venues planned for summer 2023 offering places to over 100 children in the Merton borough.
HAF PROGRAMME