Supporting children at holiday times
Supporting children in school holidays.
The Free School Meal Supermarket Voucher Code scheme is no longer active. The Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) is however still in operation for children entitled to Benefits related Free School Meals who are aged from 5 to 15 years-old.
The HAF programme in Essex and Thurrock is known as the Essex ActivAte programme – all of the information can be found here – Essex Activate | Active Essex
Active Essex work with the Holiday Activities booking system (WONDE). Schools in Thurrock supply the detail for the children entitled to Benefits Free School Meals at their school a few weeks prior to each school holiday, and a unique WONDE code is sent directly to the eligible parents, who can then access the Holiday Activities booking platform to book a place for their child. Parents can also view clubs that are delivering on the Activity Finder here Search for Activities | Active Essex
The holiday activities and food programme (HAF) provides opportunities that make sure children can:
- be more active and enjoy time outdoors
- have a tasty, healthy lunch
- take part in activities that make their lives better
- be safe and not feel socially isolated
- learn more about eating well and staying healthy
- get help with anything they're worried about
Parents and carers of children who are not eligible for free school meals should ask about costs.
The programme is funded by the government's Department for Education (DfE).
If you have not already applied and been entitled to Benefits Related Free School Meals, you can find more information and apply on the following link https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/school-meals/free-school-meals
Getting help and support
If you need help with childcare, housing, education, employment or any other family matter, go to our Ask Thurrock: young people and families directory or contact our Family Information Service.
Family Information Service
: 01375 652 801
For more information on HAF, or assistance with WONDE codes, please email haf@activeessex.org
If you are experiencing financial difficulty due to the increased cost of living, please visit our Thurrock Cares support page, linked below.