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Cotswold District Council Launches Holiday Activities and Food Program for Summer 2025

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cotswold District Council, in collaboration with the Department for Education and Gloucestershire County Council, is set to deliver a summer packed with free activities and healthy meals for children from reception age up to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will commence on Monday, 21 July, with bookings opening on Monday, 30 June. This initiative aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to stay active, try new things, and enjoy nutritious meals. The programme will be delivered in partnership with local community organisation World Jungle and various local providers, including Sportily, Bloodhound Education, and Cotswold Forest School.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will be delivered in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council and local community organisation World Jungle, funded by the Department for Education.
  • The programme will cater to children from reception age up to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
  • The programme will offer a range of activities, including sports camps, forest school adventures, arts and crafts, cookery workshops, and dance sessions.
  • Local providers such as Sportily, Bloodhound Education, and Cotswold Forest School will deliver sessions designed to keep children active, engaged, and well-fed throughout the summer break.
  • The programme will commence on Monday, 21 July, with bookings opening on Monday, 30 June.
  • The Holiday Activity Programme (HAP) will also be running this summer after securing grant funding, offering free holiday activities to all children between the ages of four and sixteen across the district.
  • Families are encouraged to visit the new Family Hubs booking system to register for, view and book activities.
  • Additional family support is available through Community Connectors, Bloodhound Education, as part of the Summer Holiday Activity and Food Programme 2025.
  • Bloodhound Education can be contacted via email (accounts@bloodhoundeducation.com) or phone (0208 150 3767, Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 2:30pm).

Statistics:

  • The HAF programme will cater to children from reception age up to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
  • The programme will offer a range of activities, including sports camps, forest school adventures, arts and crafts, cookery workshops, and dance sessions.
  • The programme will begin on Monday, 21 July.
  • Bookings for the programme will open on Monday, 30 June.
  • The programme is funded by the Department for Education.

Sources:

  • Cotswold District Council
  • Department for Education
  • Gloucestershire County Council
  • World Jungle
  • Sportily
  • Bloodhound Education
  • Cotswold Forest School
  • Family Hubs booking system: https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/
  • More information about the programme: https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf

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