Best Ever – Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

31st March 2023Elaine Quinn

What is the HAF Programme?

HAF is a Department for Education (DfE) funded programme aimed at enabling children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals (FSM) and In need over to attend school holiday activities and experiences during Easter, summer and Christmas.

In Newcastle , we work with over 150 organisations to deliver the programme for families. This includes our schools,  Children & Families Services,  voluntary sector including  community providers – youth & play services – sporting organisations,  workshop- training providers, supermarkets, food & catering suppliers.

The programme creates free places for eligible children to attend, with a focus on enriching activities and experiences with a healthy meal and snacks included.

Newcastle Best Ever (HAF) recognises the challenges facing children, young people and families following the Covid pandemic and as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis Newcastle’s HAF programme is a response to this issue, with evidence showing that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people.  Providing healthy and nutritious meals, fun physical activities, places to be social and feel safe, with opportunities to take part in engaging and enriching activities which support the development of resilience, character and wellbeing along with their wider educational attainment.

Eligibility Criteria

The HAF programme funding is primarily for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM).

Benefits-related FSMs are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.

For more information and to apply visit Free School Meals 

In addition, there are a small proportion of places available for children from the following groups:

  • Children assessed by the local authority as being in need, at risk or vulnerable (this means the child has a CIN (Child in Need plan), CPP (Child Protection Plan) or EHA (Early Help Assessment).
  • Young Carers
  • Looked-after children or previously looked after children (Kinship carers only)
  • Children with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
  • Children directly referred by providers, school, parenting practitioner, health visitors, housing association (see below referral process)
  • Children from refugee families.

The 15% flexibility is used at the discretion of HAF providers and places are limited due to funding criteria. Priority for HAF places will be given to FSM eligible children. Below is a guide for what can /could be included in the additional eligibility criteria.

Check the link below for a list of activities around Newcastle.

Newcastle Support Directory | Newcastle Support Directory

 

Free holiday activities at Seven Stories

31st March 2023Elaine Quinn

This Easter Seven Stories again will be running free holiday activities as part of the Newcastle City Councils’ holiday activity fund. With activities available to anyone aged 4 to 16 years attending a Newcastle school and in receipt of free school meals.

We will be running 2 sessions a day (10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm) from Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th of April. 

From each session expect interactive activities, stories, games, and a hot meal!

Please dress appropriately as we may be venturing out to explore the Ouseburn valley.

Places are limited so booking is essential, confirmation that you have received a space will be given via a confirmation email. Completion of the form does not guarantee a space.

Please note under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult.

If you have any queries please contact info@sevenstories.org.uk 

South Sheilds Funfair

30th March 2023Elaine Quinn

Did you know ❓

If your child or young person needs someone to go on the rides with them at South Shields Ocean Beach Pleasure Park (fair) you can get a concessionary wristband.

This means the carer doesn’t pay.

All you need to do is show proof e.g a DLA letter at the kiosk in the middle arcade (silver doors) when asking for it.

 

Perfect for some Easter holidays fun!

Hadrian Happy Hairshop

30th March 2023Elaine Quinn

Another busy day in the Hadrian hair shop!
Lots of new little faces starting to join in our termly hair shop which is wonderful.
There was a lots of pampering with foot spas, nail painting , massages and haircuts.

The children showed us their skills on the staff as well as the girls world dolls.

Look out for the next dates which we be available after the Easter break.

]

Changes for Blue Badge and Disability Tax customers using the Tyne Tunnel

14th March 2023Elaine Quinn

Removal of inspection lanes to claim toll exemption

We are writing to inform you of upcoming changes for Blue Badge & Disability Tax customers who have not already registered their vehicle as exempt at Tyne Tunnels.

From Friday 31st March 2023, those who receive toll exemption when travelling through the Tyne Tunnels, with a Blue Badge or tax exempt vehicle, MUST register their vehicle for an exemption account prior to travel.

These customers will not be able to pull into an inspection lane and show their Blue Badge to claim their exemption from this date.

This means that all Blue Badge exempt vehicles can drive straight through without stopping in their registered exempt vehicle, enjoying faster, smoother journeys.

What do I need to do?
We would be grateful if you could spread the word about this change by sharing this information to unregistered exemption customers with a Blue Badge.

Vehicles can be registered as exempt with a Blue Badge by filling out this form here.

If a Blue Badge holder does not have access to the internet to use this registration form, please direct them to our customer experience team who can arrange for a postal form to be sent.

One vehicle can be registered to one Blue Badge – this vehicle can be changed once per month in the account.