PARENTS are being urged to plan ahead and book their children on free Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions across Stoke-on-Trent after unprecedented demand saw thousands of places snapped up in less than a week.
Bookings for The Hubb Foundation’s six-week summer holiday programme went live last Friday evening (July 10th) and already 60 per cent of the places – more than 16,000 – have been reserved.
The Stoke-on-Trent City Council supported programme, which starts on Monday, will see a total of 825 different events, activities and trips, with 27,300 places available for children receiving free school meals, those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disadvantaged young people across Stoke-on-Trent.
Activities between Monday July 20th and Friday August 28th for five-to-16-year-olds include performing arts sessions at Fenton Town Hall, allotment gardening in Burslem, gymnastics sessions at Festival Park, play sessions at Northwood Community Stadium and forest school activities for SEN children and their families in Hanley.
Holiday club events will run in 40 primary and secondary schools across the city, while a total of 30 free trips are planned, including visits to Ninja Warrior, Go Ape, Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre, Peak Wildlife Park and Derby Theatre.
Hubb Foundation Chief Operating Officer Adam Yates said: “In the five years we have run the HAF summer holiday programme, we have never seen places booked up so quickly. We know many parents struggle for childcare, and with the cost of living rising so sharply, money may be tighter than ever for families across Stoke-on-Trent.
“The HAF programme has become a lifeline for parents over the years and is a real boost for children across the city who otherwise would have very little to look forward to over the holidays. We would urge parents to book places as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
“There are 17,000 children in Stoke-on-Trent who qualify for free school meals and giving them opportunities in their own communities to try new activities and make friends, as well as enjoy a healthy meal are so important.”
The HAF scheme is funded by the Department for Education through Stoke-on-Trent City Council. To find out whether your child is eligible and how to apply click here and to check out activities in your community, click here.
Featured post image: Hubb Foundation Summer HAF 2025 Activities
