Why are free holiday clubs needed?
School holidays can be tough for children from disadvantaged families who struggle to afford the extra costs such as food and childcare. This means they are less likely to access organised out-of-school activities, more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition, physical health and more likely to experience social isolation.
What does BACE Holidays stand for?
Barnet. Active. Creative. Engaging. Holidays.
Who is the BACE Holidays funded by?
BACE is provisioned by Barnet Council with funding provided by the Department for Education as part of a nationwide programme for all Local Authorities to help combat holiday hunger.
Who is the programme for?
Children and young people who attend school in the Borough of Barnet who receive Free School Meals.
What should I expect from the BACE Holidays project?
At least one healthy meal a day, fun and enriching activities and daily physical activities. Organisations will also give some nutritional education to improve children's and young people's knowledge of healthy eating. Our Website, Pre-recorded videos and Booklet will also offer parents advice, cook-a-longs, sign posting on making nutritious low-cost food, emotional wellbeing and keeping active.
What is the aim for children and young people taking part?
We want children and young people who attend BACE Holidays to: Eat more healthily over the school holidays Be more active during the school holidays Take part in engaging and enriching activities which support the development of resilience, character and wellbeing along with their wider educational attainment Be safe and not to be socially isolated Have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition Be more engaged with school and other local services.
What ages is BACE Holidays for?
The project is for children and young people in Reception up until Year 11. Activities and clubs are divided into different age groups.
How many children / young people will take part in each activity?
Following COVID19 guidance, group sizing will be followed by goverment guidance. If you wish to place your child in a bubble please email the team: BACEHolidays@barnet.gov.uk
What will the healthy lunch include?
Where possible a hot healthy nutritionally balanced lunch that follows Public Health Englands guidance. Some locations will have a packed lunch which will meet the requirements above. When booking your child / young person's place you will be asked for any dietary or allergies.
What will the activities include?
The activities will include a focus on the following: Physical health and exercise Nutritional guidance and education Emotional Wellbeing Building confidence and having fun
Are the activities face to face or online?
All activities will be face to face unless the Government guidlines or restrictions change. If your activity is online then you will be sent all the details via your dashboard.
Can I book BACE Holidays for my child or young person who has SEND (Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and/or Autism)?
Yes. All of our activities are inclusive for SEND children and young people with additional needs. It is important that we are informed of any additional needs your young person has, so we can support them in the best way possible. If your child or young person requires 1-to-1 support, this needs to be arranged by the parent/carer and the details provided to our team by email: BACEHolidays@barnet.gov.uk