Free holiday activities

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.

This Winter get involved with our HAF Programme. We have a range of organisations providing fun, enriching, and healthy activities across Barking and Dagenham. Each activity will provide a healthy hot meal, keep children active, while making friends and having fun.

The Winter holiday programmes are open to all school-age children from 5-16 years old. 

Free spaces and fee-paying spaces are available.  Parents and carers throughout Barking & Dagenham may be eligible for tax free childcare.

Booking is essential on all activities so book early to avoid disappointment.

Funded by the Department of Education

For any queries, please contact: hafprogramme@lbbd.gov.uk 

Barking & Dagenham Haf Annual Report 2023-2024 (PDF, 12.19 MB)

Free holiday activities

5 to 12 year olds

ARTBASH Camp FESTIVE

ARTBASH Camp FESTIVE is a three-day art programme filled with festive cheer and awesome art making that runs 9am – 1pm on the 27th, 28th & 29th December in Valence School, St Georges Road, RM9 5AJ.

The 30th of December is a drop-in day to celebrate all the amazing artwork created in a gorgeous exhibition. Parents/carers must attend with their children. Take away lunch will be available as well as tasty festive snacks. 

Our Festive Camp will explore different art techniques and artists, delve into some brilliant break dancing, and celebrate each day with a wonderfully festive warm lunch. Booking is essential.

Age: 5 to 12 

Location: Valence School, St Georges Road, RM9 5AJ. 

Dates: 27 to 29 December, 30 December.

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 13:00

Booking information: georgia@artbash.uk to request booking link

 

Ballerz Winter Camp 

Ballerz will be running a 4-day multi-sports camp this winter at Valence Primary School (Dagenham) and Northbury Primary School (Barking). Operating on both sides of the borough, Ballerz provides a reliable, trustworthy and safe space for your children to keep active and spend time socialising with friends during the school holidays.

We also offer enrichment activities for the children to try new things such as Nerf Wars, NFL Flag, Lacrosse, Dance, Inflatables and many more. 

Our aim is to provide the highest quality service we can for the families in Barking and Dagenham through games, activities and sports! 

We look forward to seeing you for some festive fun this winter! 

 

Age: 5-11 years olds

Location: Valence Primary School, Bonham Road, Dagenham, RM8 3AR

Dates: 23 and 30 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 08:30 to 16:15

Booking information: www.ballerz.uk

Valence contact number: 07523283451

 

Age: 5-11 years olds

Location: Northbury Primary School, Northbury Close, Barking, IG11 8JA 

Dates: 23 and 30 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 08:30 to 16:15

Booking information: www.ballerz.uk

Northbury contact number: 07482468659

 

Everyone Active – Becontree Heath Leisure Centre

Everyone Active will be running a HAF programme for 4–7-year-olds and 8-16 year olds at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre this winter. During the week, children will partake in activities such as swimming lessons, fun splash, multi-sport, arts and crafts, and a variety of workshops including nutrition and first aid. Children in the under 8 age group will also have access to the soft play facilities.

Age: Under 8’s 

Location: Becontree Health Leisure Centre, Althorne Wy, Dagenham RM10 7FH

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 13:00

Booking information: https://forms.office.com/e/Giuv4MkQhk

Age: Over 8’s 

Location: Becontree Health Leisure Centre, Althorne Wy, Dagenham RM10 7FH

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00

Booking information: https://forms.office.com/e/Giuv4MkQhk

 

Inspire Minds Through Sports 

Inspire Minds Through Sports is excited to offer their Winter Camp at two locations this year: William Ford and St Peter’s.

Committed to keeping children safe and active during the school holidays, Inspire Minds Through Sports aims to inspire students through sports and other enrichment opportunities. These programmes are offered in the community to give children in Barking and Dagenham the best opportunities to develop a mindset that they can achieve anything if they believe in themselves.

Back by popular demand, a visiting pantomime will perform for all the children, helping everyone get into the Christmas spirit.

Age: 5 to 12 

Location: St Peter’s RC Primary School, RM9 6UU

Dates: 23 and 24 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00.

Booking information: www.imtsports.org.

Location: William Ford Junior School, RM10 9JS

Dates: 23 and 24 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00.

Booking information: www.imtsports.org

 

Learning Hive Winter Camp at Gascoigne Primary School

Learning Hive is excited to announce their Holiday Camp at Gascoigne Primary School, designed to make this winter break unforgettable for young people and families. From 9 am to 1 pm, children will have the chance to dive into a variety of fun and engaging workshops that keep them entertained, active, and imaginative.

Activities Include:

  • Winter-themed Cooking: Get creative in the kitchen with fun, seasonal recipes.
  • Thrilling Adventures: Embark on exciting quests and challenges.
  • Interactive Karate Sessions: Learn new moves and build confidence.
  • Friendly Football Matches: Enjoy some friendly competition on the field.
  • Creative Arts & Crafts Projects: Let your imagination run wild with various art projects.

To keep everyone energised, free nutritious lunches and healthy snacks will be provided throughout the day. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for a fun-filled winter break. Enrol your child now in Learning Hive’s Holiday Camp and make this season one to remember!

Age: 5 to 12 

Location: Gascoigne Primary School, Gascoigne Rd, Barking IG11 7DR

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 13:00.

Booking information: https://www.learninghive.co.uk/events

 

HAF at DABD (Pembroke Gardens, Dagenham)

The Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham (DABD) is thrilled to announce an amazing HAF programme for the Christmas and New Year school holidays! 

We’re offering 4 days of FREE activities for special educational needs and disabled (SEND) children and young people who attend school or further education in the borough and are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

What’s in Store? Our morning events are packed with fun and educational sessions tailored for SEND children and young people. Activities include:

  • Healthy Eating Demonstrations
  • Specially Designed Exercise Activities
  • Painting, Soft Play, Sensory Play, Water Play, Sand Play
  • Arts and Crafts, Drawing/Colouring, Music, Dancing, Play dough, Lego
  • Sports and Exercise Activities like football and sensory-adapted yoga

Plus, enjoy our bespoke SEND-themed outdoor/all-weather play and exercise area, featuring 5 static all-weather exercise machines and a fully accessible herb, fruit, and vegetable patch. These facilities support our healthy eating and budget-friendly cooking sessions.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and have loads of fun this winter!

Dedicated service for SEND children from 5-16 years

Age: 5 to 16 

Location: Pembroke GardensDagenham, Essex, RM10 7YP 

Dates: 23 Dec, 30 Dec, Jan 2 and 3 Jan. 

Time: From 9am to 1pm

Booking information: Alina Manole 

Contact number: 0330 054 2500 x137

Email: send@dabd.org

Malearn Winter Holiday Camp 

Parents can book for their children to enjoy a range of activities at the winter holiday club. Each day offers a different experience, including:

  • A Christmas Party, Santa Visit, and/or indoor bouncy castle
  • Winter-themed art and craft materials for making designs and decorations
  • Food workshops to create Christmas tree, gingerbread man pancakes, fruit platters, and milkshakes
  • Physical games, ball play, and/or indoor hockey
  • Tabletop games and other workshops

A healthy hot lunch will be served daily. The club aims to create a positive environment to support children’s mental and emotional well being, behaviour, and social skills. Ensuring children’s safety is a key priority.

Dates: 23 December to 24 December & 30 December to 31 December 

Location: Thames View Junior School, Essex, IG11 0FJ

Delivery Times: 10:00 to 14:00.

Booking information: https://form.jotform.com/Malearn/HAFWinter24ThamesViewJuniorSchool

Contact Number: 02080641145

Contact Email: info@malearn.co.uk

Dates: 30 December to 31 December and 2 January to  3 January

Location: Castle Green, Jo Richardson Community School. RM9 4UN

Delivery Times: 10:00 to 14:00. (Except 31 – 09:00 to 13:00)

Booking information: https://form.jotform.com/Malearn/HAFWinter24CastleGreenJoRichardson

Contact Number: 02080641145

Contact Email: info@malearn.co.uk

Premier Education Multi Activity Camp

This winter, Premier Education has an exciting schedule planned, including Football, Dodgeball, Dance, Cheer, Nerf Wars, Funtrition, Cricket, Volleyball, Fencing, Archery, and many more activities! Alongside their sports delivery, they offer a variety of Arts and Crafts, including Painting, Clay Modelling, Colouring, and more. Each child will receive a healthy meal at lunchtime and snacks during breaks. Water refill is available at the camp. Premier Education’s Holiday Camps are designed to help kids get active, introduce them to new and exciting activities, and create a fun-filled experience they will remember forever.

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Location: Marsh Green Primary School South Cl, Dagenham RM10 9NJ

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00.

Booking information: https://forms.gle/6sRGbXrfFTbkmdYVA

Dates: 23 and 24 December and 27 December and 30 December.

Location: Roding Primary school Cannington Road, Dagenham, RM9 4BL 

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00.

Booking information: https://forms.gle/6sRGbXrfFTbkmdYVA

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Location: Hunters Hall Primary School RM10 8DE

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00.

Booking information: https://forms.gle/6sRGbXrfFTbkmdYVA

The Explore the Wild winter programme

The Explore the Wild winter programme is a children-focused health and wellbeing programme for 7–11-year-olds. Across four days this winter, Company Drinks will transform the old bowls club and bowls green in Barking Park into a well-being space for wild play, growing, cooking, feasting, resting, creating, and eating nutritious food. 

Company Drinks will be partnering with Made Up Kitchen to deliver nutritional food and cooking workshops through holistic approaches. We will invite some of our favourite local artists and practitioners to lead a wide range of creative activities inspired by winter. 

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Location: Outdoor Bowls Pavilion, Barking Park , Longbridge Road 

Barking, IG11 8TA 

Delivery Times: 10:00 to 14:00.

Booking information:  https://forms.gle/Avnc5aV6tL1fy86E7

We are aware that local schools break for the holiday and different times, so please check in with your children’s school and only sign up for the dates you are available. 

The Football Fun Factory Winter Camp

Parents are invited to register their children for a truly unique football experience this school holiday. Young football enthusiasts will have an unforgettable time with fun and exciting football inflatable activities. Each day will also feature traditional football activities and ample time for matches.

Dates: 23 December, 30 December & 2 January to 3 Janaury

Location: Jo Richardson Community School, Castle Green, Gale St, Dagenham, RM9 4UN

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:30

Contact information - markroberts@thefootballfunfactory.co.uk

Contact Number - 07814093169

Pullums Dance Academy Winter Club:

Dates: 30 December  to 31 December & 02 January to 3 January

Location: George Carey Primary School, IG11 0FJ

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 16:00

Booking Form: Register with Pullums Dance Academy | membermeister

This winter, Pullums Dance Academy will host a Performing Arts Programme, featuring dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, and Street Dance, along with sessions in acrobatics and singing. By the end of the programme, attendees will have learned dance routines, songs, and basic acrobatic skills.

Additionally, Pullums will educate children and families on the importance of nutrition. Children will learn to make healthy snacks, and information will be provided to promote affordable healthy eating at home. Each child will also receive a hot meal daily.

Most importantly, Pullums aims to ensure that all participants have fun while learning new skills and making new friends.

The Ultimate Sports Activity & Game Camp 

This winter at Ultimate Vision Sports, children will participate in a range of sports such as football, dodgeball, cricket, athletics, basketball, handball, netball, tennis, and more. Additionally, workshops and enrichment activities will be provided to help children learn new skills, make new friends, and develop problem-solving, imagination, and creative abilities. At the end of the week, each child will receive a reward for their effort and participation.

Dates: 23 December to 24 December.  27 December & 30 December

Location: Goresbrook primary School, RM9 6XW

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 14:00

Booking Form: https://bookwhen.com/uvsports

Contact email: info@ultimatevisionsports.co.uk

Contact Name & Number: Sean Bush - 07960 232873 

Dates: 23 December to 24 December , 27 December & 30 December

Location: Ripple Primary   School, IG117FP

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 14:00

Booking Form: https://bookwhen.com/uvsports

Contact email: info@ultimatevisionsports.co.uk

Contact Name & Number: Sean Bush - 07960 232873 

Dates: 23 December to 24 December , 27 December & 30 December

Location: Grafton Primary School, RM8 3EX

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 14:00

Booking Form: https://bookwhen.com/uvsports

Contact email: info@ultimatevisionsports.co.uk

Contact Name & Number: Sean Bush - 07960 232873 

Winter Dance Camp – DNA

The Dance Network Association (DNA) invites everyone to four festively fun days of dance in Barking and Dagenham! Children aged 5-11 years will enjoy sessions in dance, wellbeing, nutrition, and craftmaking, along with opportunities to make new friends. The experience will conclude with an informal sharing session for parents and carers.

Dates: 30-31 December 2024 &  02-03 January 2025

Location: Dagenham Park Church of England School, RM10 9QH

Ages: 5 - 11 years

Book here: https://www.dancenetworkassociation.org.uk/book-winter-dance-club

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 to 16 year olds

Carter Productions & Co  HAF Winter Creative Camp

Join our exciting holiday camp for a visual exploration of dance and movement through frame-by-frame animation! Participants will dive into the world of TikTok trends and live art, drawing inspiration to create their own unique animations. It's a fun and creative way to spend the holidays, perfect for young artists and dancers alike!

Age: 12 to 16 

Location: The Galleon Centre, IG11 7JR

Dates: 30 dec, 31 Dec, Jan 2 and 3 Jan. 

Time: 11:30am to 4pm

Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/GalleonAC/carter-productions-winter24HAF

Contact Name: Sharlene Carter 

Contact Email: carterprodco@gmail.com

Contact Number: 07895 656759

 

Everyone Active – Becontree Heath Leisure Centre

Everyone Active will be running a HAF programme for 4–7-year-olds and 8–16-year-olds at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre this winter. During the week, children will partake in activities such as swimming lessons, fun splash, multisport, arts and crafts, and a variety of workshops including nutrition and first aid. Children in the under 8 age group will also have access to the soft play facilities.

Age: Over 8’s 

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Location: Becontree Health Leisure Centre, Althorne Wy., Dagenham RM10 7FH

Delivery Times: 09:00 to 15:00

Booking information: https://forms.office.com/e/Giuv4MkQhk

 

HAF at DABD (Pembroke Gardens, Dagenham)

The Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham (DABD) is thrilled to announce an amazing HAF programme for the Christmas and New Year school holidays! 

We’re offering 4 days of FREE activities for special educational needs and disabled (SEND) children and young people who attend school or further education in the borough and are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

What’s in Store? Our morning events are packed with fun and educational sessions tailored for SEND children and young people. Activities include:

  • Healthy Eating Demonstrations
  • Specially Designed Exercise Activities
  • Painting, Soft Play, Sensory Play, Water Play, Sand Play
  • Arts and Crafts, Drawing/Colouring, Music, Dancing, Playdough, Lego
  • Sports and Exercise Activities like football and sensory-adapted yoga

Plus, enjoy our bespoke SEND-themed outdoor/all-weather play and exercise area, featuring 5 static all-weather exercise machines and a fully accessible herb, fruit, and vegetable patch. These facilities support our healthy eating and budget-friendly cooking sessions.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and have loads of fun this winter!

Dedicated service for SEND children from 5-16 years

Age: 5 to 16 

Location: Location: Pembroke GardensDagenham, Essex, RM10 7YP 

Dates: 23 Jan, 30 Jan, Jan 2 and 3 Jan. 

Time: From 9am to 1pm

Booking information: Alina Manole 

Contact number: 0330 054 2500 x137

Email: send@dabd.org.

 

Food for the Soul - Winter Edition

Get ready for an awesome winter with the Secondary HAF programme led by the Music Service! This 4-day programme is packed with cool activities:

  • Music Production Software Lessons with Create Define and Release.
  • Theatre Workshops with Green Shoes Arts.
  • Writing and Beat Poetry with Write Back.
  • Lyric Making and Songwriting with True Cadence

Delicious food from local plant-based company Soul and Sound

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to dive into the arts, set their hopes and aspirations for 2025, and have a blast! There are 20 spaces available, and we want to fill them up fast. The workshops are free for those on benefits-related free school meals and just £5 per day for everyone else. All activities will take place at Factory 15’s Make It space.

Don’t miss out on this chance to make your winter break unforgettable! 

Age: 12 to 16.

Dates: 30 and 31 December, 2 and 3 January.

Delivery Times: 12:00 to 16:00.

Booking information: Elizabeth.kitto@lbbd.gov.uk

TKO Boxing Club Winter Camp

TKO Amateur Boxing Club welcomes everyone to its Winter Holiday Activities & Food Programme (HAF)! This winter, children have the opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and enjoy nutritious meals over four exciting days with TKO’s HAF programme. Parents can enrol their children, aged 12-16 years, to participate in a variety of activities, including learning the fundamentals of non-contact boxing in a safe, coached environment. In addition to boxing, sessions in football, athletics, and other fun activities will be offered to keep kids engaged and moving.

Each day, a hot lunch will be provided, which is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to support healthy growth and development.

To extend the healthy eating experience to home, every participant will receive a recipe card with each meal, allowing families to recreate these wholesome dishes together.

Join TKO Boxing Club for an active, nourishing, and fun-filled winter break!

Age: 12 to 16.

Location: Jim Peters Stadium, RM8 2JR 

Dates: 23 to 24 December, 27 December & 30 December

Delivery Times: 12:00 to 16:00.

Booking information: https://tally.so/r/nWpWDj

Contact Email: team@tkoboxingclub.com

Contact Number: 07538916121