THOUSANDS of Croydon children who qualify for free school meals can now sign up for free activity clubs with healthy meals over the summer holidays.

Open to eligible children and young people aged 5-16 years, Croydon’s programme offers: free, healthy, nutritious and tasty food with fun physical activity sessions and opportunities to learn more about food and nutrition. The programme is on offer at more than 40 locations across Thornton Heath and Croydon. To see the list of clubs and details of how to apply for a place go to: www.croydon.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/holiday-activities-and-food-haf 

Croydon is delivering this with funding from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, which aims to encourage young people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles during the holidays.

Increased costs and reduced incomes can make the school holidays pressure points for some disadvantaged families, who might be unable to access organised out-of-school activities because of financial challenges.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “The school holidays can be an incredibly difficult time for some families and we want to do all we can to help and support them. No parent should be going into the summer worrying about how they are going to feed their children while school is out.

“That’s why we’ve teamed up with partners from across our communities to organise this fantastic programme, where children and young people of all ages can be guaranteed a healthy meal and some holiday fun. There’s a huge range of activities on offer so whatever your child’s interests, there should be something for everyone. I’d urge anyone whose family is eligible to sign up without delay.”

Croydon children are also invited to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with a Wild World Heroes theme focusing on making a difference to the environment.

Once again all 13 of our libraries will be taking part in the event and children can sign up for free and collect their posters and stickers. 

 

Family summer art in the park 

FAMILY art workshops are being held during the summer holidays in Grangewood Park.

Resident artist Karen Barnett will be running her popular art in the park sessions thought July and August from this week.

Children get the chance to enjoy the outdoors while making their very one piece of art to take away.

Recent art projects have included make a snail and create a poem or story to their trail and making a paper garden in box.

July: 28, 29, 30, 31

August: 4, 6, 7, 13, 14, 18, 28 

11-12pm and 1-2pm; 

To book email Karen: kbcuppatea@yahoo.co.uk Meet up outside the Art Hive by the playground at Grangewood Park; £5 per child.

No ‘hard knock life’ this summer just plenty of ‘food, glorious food’

A SUMMER camp is offering the perfect activity for boys and girls to learn musical numbers from the world’s most amazing musicals: Annie and Oliver!

The four-week activity programme is being run by Upper Norwood Library Hub Croydon Libraries and takes place at Thornton Heath Library. Budding performers will learn from industry professionals discovering new skills, techniques and building confidence as the learn about singing, acting and movement.

At the end of the summer, families will be invited to watch a showcase of the camper’s achievements.

Healthy meals and snacks will be provided every day. The camp is free to all Croydon children who receive Free School Meals.

Monday to Thursday August 2 to 26

9am to 1pm or 1pm to 5pm.

To book visits www.uppernorwoodlibraryhub.org

There are lots of other summer activities taking place at Croydon’s libraries throughout August including a Road Dahl children’s camp and a wizardry camp click her to find out more
www.tickettailor.com/events/uppernorwoodlibraryhub

 

Summer school and free support for families

ST JAMES the Great School in Thornton Heath, Windsor Road, will host a number of activities throughout August including dance, drama, singing, arts and crafts, sports nutrition education activities, parent workshops and family support.

Skipz Productions is running two Croydon Summer Holiday Activities Clubs.

Lunch is provided for those in receipt of school meals.

Monday to Thursday 2nd – 26 August 10am-3pm

Children aged 6 -11

To book your free place visit www.skipzproductions.org/skipzhafcroydon

Free. For those not on benefits the fee is £26 per day and your child will require a packed lunch.

The second summer club run by Skipz Productions is being held at the Harris Academy Purley , Kendra Hall Road, South Croydon

 

Learn wellbeing and employability skills

YOUNG people’s charity Music Relief has already begun its summer holiday activities for young people aged six to 18 providing outdoor and indoor activities for the younger ones with free cooked meals daily.

Sadly demand has been high and they are fully booked and can no longer take anyone else on.

However, for ages 16 to 18 Music Relief which is based in Thornton Heath Leisure centre is offering wellbeing skills and employability boost program.

There are spaces for 10 young people and it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Email or the employability program mohan@music-relief.org

 

 

Aim high with summer activitIes for all

JOIN Aim High Academy this summer holiday for a range of sports, art, cultural activities, healthy eating workshops and nutritious fun.

Each child will receive four hours of jam-packed entertainment including a variety of; dance, drama, football, basketball, tennis, bench ball, rugby, dodgeball, boxercise, poetry, talent shows, team games and more.

All classes will be led by experienced and fun coaches whilst following government guidelines.

Your child will also have healthy eating workshops and a nutritious meal to enjoy and receive a take and make box which will provide them with the ingredients and instructions to produce their own health meals with you at home.

Now until August 27

8am – 12pm 5- 11 years

12:30pm- 4:30pm 11- 16 years

This camp takes place at Ashburton Hall and Park and is FREE for children who receive free school meals. Those that are not eligible for free school meals receive camp @ £15 per session.

To book aimhighdance.simplybook.it;
email: info@aimhighacademy.co.uk
or call/ WhatsApp on 07904 313 603