Holiday Activities and Food Programme - 2025
We are pleased to be delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme again this year, working in partnership with both Southend and Havering Councils. This government-funded initiative offers free access to holiday camps for children aged 5-12 who are eligible for free school meals due to their benefits status.
Kidz Camp Essex is OFSTED registered and committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. Our team of fully trained and DBS-checked staff have extensive experience working with children of all abilities and needs. Since Easter 2021, we have been a trusted HAF provider for Southend Council and are now also delivering the programme in Romford.
Each day includes a structured schedule of activities, such as team sports, arts and crafts, music and drama workshops, and special themed events like Nerf wars, go-karting, animal encounters, and more. In addition to physical activity and enrichment, the programme includes nutritional education, with children participating in food-related learning and hands-on experiences. A catering team is on-site to prepare and serve healthy meals each day. Food options include hot dishes such as jacket potatoes, pasta, curries, and wraps, all served alongside salads, vegetables, and fresh fruit through a child-friendly self-service system, encouraging independence and choice.
Our Southend HAF programme is held at Hamstel Junior School, and our Romford HAF programme takes place at Hylands Primary School. To book a place at either location, please follow the booking links below. Please note that the HAF programme runs during the Easter, Summer, and Christmas school holidays only.
For further details about eligibility and how the programme is run in each area, please refer to the local authority websites below:
Southend Council: https://www.livewellsouthend.com/activities/holiday-activities-food-programme-haf
Havering Council: https://familyserviceshub.havering.gov.uk/kb5/havering/directory/advice.page?id=q86bRhQY2iE
We look forward to welcoming your child to a safe, active, and enriching summer experience.