Derby’s free children’s holiday programme is back for Winter 2025

Children across Derby will once again be able to enjoy a vibrant programme of winter activities this December as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme returns.

Derby City Council is working in partnership with Community Action Derby to deliver the winter programme for school-aged children from reception to year 11. The activities help young people stay active, make friends, explore their interests, and experience new opportunities throughout the festive break.

This winter, more than 25 providers across the city will be offering a wide mix of activities. Families can expect a rich and varied programme, featuring:

• A diverse range of providers offering sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, coding, and much more
• SEND specific sessions, including ID Derby, which offers music, art and creative therapies for children with additional needs
• Christmas Stars Holiday Club at St. Werburgh’s Church, offering a fun and active club, ending with a festive community meal
• Inspire Fitness offers a huge range of sports, including football, basketball, dodgeball, boxing fitness, tennis, bowling-style challenges, and loads of exciting team games.

Funded by the Department for Education, HAF provides free holiday club places for children who receive benefit-related free school meals, ensuring they can enjoy nutritious meals, exciting activities, and opportunities to learn new skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Children attending the programme will receive a nutritious meal each day and can take part in food-focused sessions such as family cook-alongs and workshops designed to encourage healthier eating habits.

For more information about the HAF provision, visit: www.derby.gov.uk/education-and-learning/extra-curricular-activities/derby-haf/