School holidays should offer children opportunities to stay active, explore new interests and spend time with others. For many families in Harlow, however, the cost of holiday activities can put those opportunities out of reach. This October half-term, Changing Lives Community Services brought together sports, enrichment activities, meals and creative food education at Passmores Academy, with funding support from Essex County Council and Feeding Britain helping make holiday provision accessible.
Something different to try
Our programme offered skateboarding, laser tag, archery and multisports, giving children a varied choice of activities and opportunities to explore their interests. Alongside physical activity, children could spend time together in a welcoming environment and take part in creative learning. For parents considering our holiday provision, this combination reflects our focus on an experience that brings together activity, enrichment and practical family support.
Food that supports children and families
The food offer was an important part of the club, providing meals for children while easing pressure on household food budgets during the holidays. We also enhanced our food education activities with resources and crafts, making learning about food accessible, creative and engaging. This meant food was both a source of practical support for families and an opportunity for children to learn.
Reaching families who might otherwise miss out
The rising cost of living is placing significant pressure on families in our town. Some fall outside the eligibility criteria for other funding support and benefits, yet still cannot afford paid holiday provision. Feeding Britain funding helped us reach families in this position. By removing the cost of places and providing meals, this support enabled children to take part while allowing families to use their money for other essential household expenses. For us, this is a vital part of the programme’s impact: helping ensure that financial pressures do not prevent children from accessing holiday activities.
Learning alongside the programme
A highlight of the half-term programme was a continuing professional development (CPD) and safeguarding training day delivered by an FA tutor. The training ran alongside the club and involved children in the practical coaching elements, connecting learning directly with activity delivery.
Keeping activities going despite the weather
Wet weather meant moving more activities indoors. With higher attendance and fewer no-shows, having enough space was especially important. Access to additional areas at Passmores Academy allowed us to keep groups separated and maintain suitable activity spaces, so we could continue offering a varied programme. This reinforced the importance of flexible wet-weather plans and indoor capacity for all booked children.
Building on this half-term
Running a smaller camp at one venue, with additional staff available, gave camp leaders more opportunities to shape schedules and activities. For future holidays, we will build on this approach through clearer responsibilities, regular check-ins and supportive director oversight, keeping delivery coordinated and focused on children’s experiences.
We are grateful to Essex County Council and Feeding Britain for their funding support, and to Passmores Academy for the space that helped us adapt throughout the week. This half-term showed the value of bringing activities, food and family support together. If you are a parent or carer interested in future holiday clubs, or a funder or community partner who would like to support accessible provision in Harlow, please get in touch with Changing Lives Community Services to find out more.
