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
PLEASE COME BACK SOON FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR OCTOBER HALF-TERM CAMPS