Get ready for an egg-stravaganza of fun this Easter!
Children and young people on the Isle of Wight are in for a treat with a diverse range of free activities, courtesy of the Isle of Wight Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Organisations across the Island are teaming up to offer a cracking selection of activities for children aged five to 16 over the Easter school holidays.
The initiative, which also includes a nutritious meal, aims to provide enriching experiences and support for families during the school break.
Free places are available for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals, with additional paid options also available.
Some spaces are also reserved for other vulnerable families. With limited spaces, families are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and ensure their youngsters don’t miss out on the fun.
The Easter programme offers a fantastic selection of activities, including horse riding, football coaching, multi-sport games, animal care, theatre skills, and arts and crafts.
These activities are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and help children develop new skills. It’s sure to be a hopping good time!
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Our goal is to provide children and young people with opportunities to explore new activities and make new friends.
“This programme is a valuable support for many families during the school holidays. We understand that families are facing increasing pressures, and the dedication of organisations to supporting families in this way is incredibly meaningful.
“By offering a diverse range of activities, we hope to inspire children and give them memorable experiences that they can cherish. Let’s make this Easter egg-stra special for everyone!”
The Easter HAF scheme is funded by the Department for Education.
Contact Information
Martin Neville
Isle of Wight
martin.neville@iow.gov.uk
The Department for Education (DfE) has provided every local authority in England funding to coordinate free holiday provision, including healthy food and enriching activities, for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
The programme covers the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. The Isle of Wight Council has been awarded a total of £413,120 for 2025/26.
The aim of the HAF programme is to make free of charge places available to children eligible for benefits-related free school meals for the equivalent of at least four hours a day, four days a week and for six weeks a year. This
would cover four weeks in the summer holidays and two weeks at Easter and Christmas.
Organisations are also able to offer additional places to fee paying families.
