A holiday camp for children who receive free school meals is returning to West Nottinghamshire College for the third time this October half-term.

With funding from Nottinghamshire County Council, the Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) programme, the college will be offering more than 30 places per day during the next school holidays, seeing youngsters enjoy a range of games, activities and social connections.

It follows two previous and hugely successful HAF camps in the Easter and summer holidays throughout this year and the college is now an official approved HAF provider following successful quality assurance assessments.

The next HAF programme will be held at the college’s Derby Road campus, Mansfield, on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October, and Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October, from 9am-3pm, with a special Halloween party taking place on the final day.

Eligible children, aged 5-11, can get involved in activities including sport, physical activity, team-building, Halloween-themed crafts, drama, a book club, and esports, with children being able to attend single or multiple days. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are all provided.

Sessions will be led by qualified staff, supported by students on sports apprenticeship courses. Children taking part must wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for indoor and outdoor pursuits.

Programme area leader for sport Scott Corah, who organises the scheme, said: “We can’t wait to welcome more children to our popular HAF camps this half-term, with more exciting activities and events happening throughout the fortnight.

“Our students who help to mentor and supervise these groups are looking forward to organising the fun and energetic sessions as well as get into party mode for the Halloween event on 30 October, where children can dress up if they wish.

“I’m delighted to see that the HAF scheme has really grown in popularity over the last year and we aim to make every individual’s time a memorable and worthwhile experience.”

Parents and carers interested in booking a place for their child should complete the online form by visiting https://forms.office.com/e/sttHsFZ7cs . Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

The form will close once all places have been booked. Applicants will be notified about whether their child has secured a place.

If anyone has any queries, they can email Scott Corah at [email protected]