Big Norfolk Holiday Fun: Running 23 July to 2 September

The time has come again to look forward to the summer Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (BNHF) programme, where children receiving benefits-related free school meals can access up to 16 free activity sessions during the school holidays. On Monday 23 June, we will open bookings for the summer programme, with activities running from Wednesday 23 July to Tuesday 2 September.

Your support remains invaluable. Thanks to you, 57 schools hosted or ran events in the last year, and since the beginning of the scheme in 2021, we have engaged over 20,000 unique children across Norfolk.

Our surveys have highlighted a range of benefits to children's learning and wellbeing. Here's what some parents and carers had to say.

'My son has friends at school, but he doesn't socialise much outside of school... It was so nice to get him outside at new activities playing with new friends and having a great time. When I picked him up, he said, "Mum I made a new friend!" which he was very excited about. He had a fab time and wasn't stuck inside bored for the holidays.'

'A huge difference for my granddaughter to experience some different activities and to meet new children, she struggles with friendships at school, but she felt included and made new friends along the way.'

Since Easter 2024, there has been a continued trend of more positive attitudes towards physical activity and food outside of the scheme. A consistent pattern reveals that around 60% of children that attend BNHF activities continue with physical activity, and over two thirds have an improved attitude to food and cooking.

Through supporting the programme, you are making a worthwhile difference.

However, we still have schools who miss out on signposting to families of eligible children. To make sure that the children you work with are aware of these free holiday activities, please help us spread the word and order a pack of our free promotional materials.

Order Bookbag Flyers, Posters and Banners

Help up promote the programme to families receiving benefits-related free school meals. You can order free flyers, posters, and even a free banner you can use from programme to programme to spread awareness of the programme to families of the children you with.

Complete the form here to receive promotional materials for your schools.

You will have until 5:00 PM on 11 June to complete the form.

The Programme

If you don't already know, the Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (BNHF) programme provides holiday activities for schoolchildren aged 4 - 16 in Norfolk. After an initial 4 years of funding, the Department for Education agreed to a further year's extension in early 2025, meaning activities will go ahead this summer and winter.

Children receiving benefits-related free school meals can claim up to 16 free spaces on the summer programme, whilst paid spots are available on many activities for those who don't.

The programme is a fantastic way to encourage children and young people to try new things whilst keeping their brains and bodies active over the school holidays. All children taking part will also receive a free nutritious meal as part of the offer.

BNHF Bank Staff

Would you like to help in the summer holidays? We are looking for experienced people who work with children and young people to join us to support our activity providers as and when needed. We are especially keen to hear from anyone who can assist children with additional needs who require 1-2-1 support.

If you are interested, and have time this holiday, please complete this form and we will be in touch.

If you have further questions about the programme, please email: bnhf@norfolk.gov.uk.