Barking and Dagenham Council is announcing the return of its Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme this Easter, which provides up to four days of activities, for children and young people aged 5-16. All activities are designed to keep the kids active, engaged, and healthy.

This year’s Easter holiday programme includes:

· Sports: Football, dodgeball, cricket, athletics, basketball, handball, netball, tennis, volleyball, fencing, archery, non-contact boxing

· Creative activities: DJing, dance and theatre, cheer, arts and crafts (painting, clay modelling, colouring), exploring the wild, sensory play (soft, water, sand), music and dancing, playdough and Lego

· Educational workshops: Cooking (healthy eating), funtrition, acting, singing, and movement, interactive workshops (CPR, First Aid), art techniques (patterns, reflection, vocal expression)

· Outdoor and physical activities: Adapted sports (football, yoga), outdoor/all-weather play, herb, fruit, and vegetable patches, swimming lessons, fun splash sessions

The programme will run for 4 days, from 14-17 April. Each activity includes a nutritious hot meal, and booking is essential.

*The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme is free to children and young people who live or go to school in Barking and Dagenham and are eligible for benefit-related free school meals, with paid places available for everyone.

Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “It's fantastic to see so many activities on offer for our children this Easter. The opportunities for fun, learning, and making new friends are exceptional. I urge every parent and guardian to take advantage of this programme and ensure their child doesn't miss out."

The full programme is available here: https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/events-and-activities-children/free-holiday-activities