Children across Derby will once again be able to enjoy a vibrant programme of winter activities this December as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme returns.

Funded by the Department for Education, HAF provides free holiday club places for children who receive benefit-related free school meals, ensuring they can enjoy nutritious meals, exciting activities, and opportunities to learn new skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Derby City Council is working in partnership with Community Action Derby to deliver the winter programme for school-aged children from reception to year 11. The activities help young people stay active, make friends, explore their interests, and experience new opportunities throughout the festive break.

To book a place, parents and carers will need their child’s unique booking code, which they will receive by email from Holiday Activities. 

Children attending the programme will receive a nutritious meal each day and can take part in food-focused sessions such as family cook-alongs and workshops designed to encourage healthier eating habits.

This winter, more than 25 providers across the city will be offering a wide mix of activities. Families can expect a rich and varied programme, featuring:

  • A diverse range of providers offering sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, coding, and much more
  • SEND specific sessions, including ID Derby, who offer music, art and creative therapies for children with additional needs
  • Christmas Stars Holiday Club at St. Werburgh’s Church, offering a fun and active club, ending with a festive community meal
  • Inspire Fitness offering a huge range of sports including football, basketball, dodgeball, boxing fitness, tennis, bowling-style challenges, and loads of exciting team games.

The continued growth of the programme reflects the strong demand across the city for accessible, high quality holiday provision that supports children and families.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council, said:

The HAF programme continues to play a crucial role for families in Derby. It ensures that children can enjoy enriching, active, and supportive environments during the winter break, while also benefiting from healthy meals every day.

It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends with similar interests. It’s inspiring to see so many providers coming together to create meaningful opportunities that help young people feel supported.

Further details about the scheme can be found on the HAF webpage.