Coventry holiday club wins national award after going 'above and beyond' for children

A Coventry HAF (holiday, activities and food) club recently won a national award for the UK's 'best HAF provision'. Larks and Owls Club, based at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Keresley, won the title earlier this week.

The holiday club was awarded the title for the range of activities it provides for children during the school holiday and for going 'above and beyond' what is expected of it by helping families in need, judges said.

The team was praised for cleaning a second-hand clothes rail, engagingly using food to encourage healthy eating at home, and supporting a family in temporary accommodation with laundry and cleaning.

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Co-ordinator of the Larks and Owls Club, Sarah, said: "We are thrilled to win this award! We have been part of the HAF programme since the start of 2021, offering children access to activities, a hot meal and supporting families through the holidays.

"Delivering these clubs has given us the experience and the understanding of how best to deliver an inclusive environment and a supportive network for parents. By offering our HAF club this year, we have gone beyond our expectations on how to help struggling families, meet the Special Educational Needs of some of the children and the planning of an interesting, healthy, and fun programme."

Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, added: "Congratulations to Larks and Owls Club for winning the award and the amazing work they do in providing support to some of our most vulnerable children and families as part of the HAF programme.

"It’s great to see national recognition for the dedication of the team and the variety of activities provided during the club, including cookery sessions where children would take home a meal they had prepared for their families and inclusive craft and sports sessions ."

For more information about the HAF programme, including whether families qualify for support, visit the Coventry City Council website.

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