Holiday programme food and fun for children receiving free school meals Winter 2023

Winter 2023 holiday activities and fun

Lewisham have teamed up with a range of local organisations to offer a fun-filled programme of free activities for the winter holidays. There is something for everyone – from sports and drama, to arts, crafts, and trips to exciting venues.

Remember – you need to book your activity in advance. Places are allocated on first-come, first-served basis and are prioritised for children eligible for benefit related Free School Meals.

This is being provided with funding from the Department of Education.

A wide range of providers in Lewisham are supporting the delivery of this programme, offering various fun-packed sessions, including arts, crafts, sports and trips.

There will be free activities and lunches for children and young people who are:

aged 4 to 16 years (reception to year 11)
in receipt of benefit-related Free School Meals

Each club will provide:

a wide range of exciting activities to suit different ages and personalities
fun physical activity sessions
free, nutritious, and tasty food

How to book

Families who receive benefit related free school meals will receive a HAF Code via email or text message. This code will enable you to access a webpage with details of all activities and book your child’s space. Please ensure you follow the link and instructions in the message. Please note each code is unique to each family. Families with more than one child will receive a code for each child.

If you haven’t received a HAF code and your child receives benefit related free school meals, or if you require any support with bookings, please contact HAFProgramme@lewisham.gov.uk.

Free School Meals: find out if your child’s entitled to Free School Meals during term-time
Short Breaks: see what SEND Short Breaks are available in the borough with our SEND Local Offer
Family Information Service: get help and advice on a range of issues affecting you and your family from Lewisham Family Information Service

“My child and I have really enjoyed coming to Little Explorers. It has helped my child to get used to see other babies and have interaction with them, which has been really important for him after the pandemic.”

“It's absolutely fab to be able to have access to all of the Domestic Abuse services in one place and to just click on a link to get to the website.”

“The Children Centre is our favourite place to come, we have been coming here since my child was 6 months old, he is now 4 years old and is still enjoying! Well done staff”

“I have just found the ‘taking care of ourselves’ section, which is massively important for us all, especially compassion fatigue.”

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“The Outreach Team have such outgoing, friendly and fun personalities and made each Outdoor Learning session a great experience.”

“The Explorers session has helped my child a lot with his communication and his development. It’s really been impactful for him; we are really grateful to have this opportunity to attend the session and meet other parents as well.”

“The sessions help my daughter with speaking English, as well as helping her to listen and follow directions. I am very happy, my baby is very happy, and I feel relief when I come.”

“The Children Centre is very beneficial for my child, she has developed lots of skills e.g., sharing toys and naming colours. Also, the staff are very friendly and helpful.”

Welcome to the Lewisham Children and Family Centre Website

Winter 2023 holiday activities and fun

How to book