
Free summer fun returns for children and families in the Cotswolds
Families across the Cotswold district can look forward to a summer packed with free activities and healthy meals as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme returns for summer 2025.
Funded by the Department for Education, Cotswold District Council is working with Gloucestershire County Council and local community organisation World Jungle to deliver the HAF programme for children from reception age up to year 11 who are recipients of benefits-related free school meals.
Children and young people on the scheme can enjoy everything from sports camps and forest school adventures, to arts and crafts, cookery workshops, and dances sessions.
Local providers such as Sportily, Bloodhound Education, and Cotswold Forest School will be delivering sessions designed to keep children active, engaged, and well-fed throughout the summer break. The programme will begin on Monday 21 July, with bookings opening on Monday 30 June.
In addition, the Holiday Activity Programme (HAP) will also be running this summer after securing grant funding. This programme of free holiday activities is offered to all children between the ages of four and sixteen across the district, regardless of free school meal eligibility.
Cllr Claire Bloomer, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’re thrilled to see the return of the HAF programme this summer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active, try new things, and enjoy nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment. We know how important these sessions are for families, especially during the long summer holidays, and we’re proud to support such a valuable initiative.”
Families are encouraged to visit the new Family Hubs booking system: https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ to register for, view and book activities.
More information about the programme is available at: https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.
Family support is also available through our Community Connectors, Bloodhound Education, as part of the Summer Holiday Activity and Food Programme 2025.
They are on hand to help with booking activities and signposting families to other agencies where a need has been identified.
To get in touch with Bloodhound Education, please email accounts@bloodhoundeducation.com or phone 0208 150 3767 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 2:30pm).