Bookings have opened for Cheshire East's Holiday Activities and Food programme.

Thousands of places for free summer activities are now available to book online for parents and carers of children eligible for income-related free school meals.

Cheshire East Council has worked with local schools, childcare providers and community and voluntary organisations to provide a range of activities over the summer holidays, including sports, arts and crafts, baking, games and trips out.

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for children's services, said: "With the six weeks summer holidays soon upon us, we're so pleased to once again offer a whole host of free fun, varied and exciting sessions available to book, as part of our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

"These activities are unsurprisingly always popular, so we'd urge families of children in receipt of income-related free school meals to book their child's place now, before spaces run out!"

The HAF programme has been running since 2021 and is available to children aged five to 16, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

There are also limited spaces available to support children and young people who don't receive income-related free school meals but would benefit from the scheme.

Examples could be supporting a child with a disability, or those supported by a social worker or other professional.

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Parents and carers are advised to speak to their child's lead practitioner or social worker who can support their application, or contact the HAF team, should they have any queries on eligibility. 

The HAF programme has been running since 2021 (Credit: CEC)

Councillor Emma Gilman, cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities, said: "Last year we were delighted to see the scheme extended, and we've seen first-hand the many benefits this offers to those who attend and make the best memories with new friends over the summer.

"We've continued to receive great feedback from both parents and their children who have attended our activity programmes, and many who return to book on to these, year after year."

The sessions available throughout the summer half term can be found on the HAF booking platform.