Sports Cool HAF
Food education sessions to support organisations and local communities
Delivering the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme nationally for the last few years, Sports Cool has brought their knowledge, experience and successful delivery model to Essex, specifically in the Harlow area, offering their provision at The Downs Primary School.
The HAF programme has emerged as a cornerstone in addressing and supporting the wellbeing of children and families during the school holidays and term times.
Since joining the HAF programme, Sports Cool have fully immersed themselves into the initiative and set out a number of objectives to ensure they embed themselves into the Harlow community to support as many children and families as possible.
Key objectives include to address food insecurity during school holidays, providing nutritious meals to children who might otherwise lack access to balanced nutrition, prioritise the provision of physical activities for children during holiday periods, actively involve local communities, creating a sense of ownership and inclusivity and include partnerships with educators to incorporate elements of academic support and skills development in holiday activities.
Partnering with Trailnet, SportsCool recently delivered cycling sessions to children with additional SEND needs at The Downs Primary School holiday club. Funded by Active Essex, the sessions are designed to promote inclusivity, enhance cycling skills, encourage physical activity and support social engagement among a group of children facing diverse challenges.
A Breakfast Club has also been set up, with SportsCool presenting an overview of their organisation’s initiative before school sports clubs for children. These clubs were specifically designed to promote physical activity, skill development and a sense of camaraderie among participating children, fostering a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and physical health.
Active Essex have also provided guidance and assistance that has been crucial to SportsCool’s’ ongoing development as an organisation. This includes support around OFSTED registration, additional training for staffs, resources for use in our projects, access and guidance around funding, as well as ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions to further enhance colleagues’ key skills and confidence.
