HAPpy Holiday Camps

Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low-income households are:

• Less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
• More likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
• More likely to experience social isolation

The HAPpy programme aims to provide a fun, enriching experience for young people from reception to Year 11 who are registered to receive benefits-related free school meals. The programme is delivered in the 3 core holiday periods – Spring (Easter), Summer and Winter (Christmas).

Commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) work alongside Hertfordshire Community Foundation to offer opportunities across Hertfordshire to eligible families.

The HSP Team support the delivery of the programme by:

• Providing key insight into where activity is needed most.
• Collating and acting upon Youth and family voice for the creation of opportunities
• Supporting providers through the process of setting up, marketing and delivering their opportunities
• Offering an extensive training programme to all activity providers – giving the opportunity for providers to ensure they meet the minimum operating standards as well as ensuring their staff can be upskilled on key topics including supporting children with Neurodiversity and SEND.
• Co-ordinate a robust auditing process of camps during each phase.
• Work with local professionals, schools and organisations to facilitate the referrals of young people into the programme when needed.
• Supporting Parents to find and book activities as part of the programme and to engage with the opportunities provided
• Signpost families to services and opportunities which help to support them further including support services and cost of living

All of these functions combine to ensure the HAPpy programme can help to support Hertfordshire’s most vulnerable families.