HAF Programme Summer Survey 2022 – Parent and Carer Feedback

375 parents and carers had their say about the HAF programme in the Summer Survey 2022. This page set out what you told us through the survey, and you can also read details of the changes that we’ve made as a result of this feedback.

A printable presentation of the information on this page is available here.

About the respondents

375 parents and carers shared their thoughts on the HAF 2022 Summer Programme. All questions were optional, so some responses will total less than 375.

Age

330 responses were from parents and carers for primary school aged children (4-10 years).
39 responses were from parents and carers for secondary school aged children (11 years +).

Free school meal eligibility

267 parents and carers responded for children eligible for benefits related free school meals.
101 parents and carers responded for children not eligible for benefits related free school meals.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

251 parents and carers were responded for a child without SEND.
86 parents and carers responded for a child with SEND.
Some of the respondents had children on the SEND pathway.

Experience using HAF schemes

176 parents and carers used HAF for the first time this summer.
193 parents and carers have used HAF before.

How did you hear about HAF?

The most common routes of communication for parents and carers were (in order):

School
Social media/ internet
Friends
Word of mouth
Other
Leaflet/ Poster

Other routes of communication included; Children’s Centre, Health visitor, Early Years Complex Needs team members, Portage worker, Direct from provider, Family support worker, Community groups, SHDC contact, Early Help practitioner, Local council, Social worker.

What encouraged you to book your child in to the chosen HAF scheme?

The most common reasons for choosing a scheme were (in order):

Range of activities
Club was fully funded
Other
Helped financially
Lean new things
Make new friends

Other responses included:

Chance to meet and chat with other parents/ mix with other children with SEN and their parents
Total trust in the staff
Familiar environment with known peers and adults
All of the above
Work
Great for keeping active and socialising
Feels safe there with (child’s) additional needs
Was locally close

What did you think about the food on offer at the HAF scheme?

362 people responded to this question. 128 responses were ‘good’ (35%).

Responses were mixed between liking the choices on offer, and asking for a wider range of meals/ menu.

Some parents and carers noted their child’s ‘fussy diet’ due to their tastes or needs. Some children expanded their diets at the schemes, and some needed to be catered for separately.

What was your child’s favourite memory of HAF?

Sports (and winning!) – Huge variety of sports; playing football, skateboarding lessons, dance class, dodgeball, hula-hooping, virtual reality headset, archery, zorbing.
Fun events – discos, puppet shows, trips to Woodlands, The Big Sheep and the zoo, broadcasting on the radio, craft workshops, sensory room
Outdoor activities – jumping off paddle boards and into rivers, water fights, swimming, canoeing and coasteering, fire lighting, high ropes, whittling
Animal encounter – Including farm animals, alpacas, an armadillo, snakes, puppies, ducks
Playing with friends – Making new friends and playing together throughout the holiday. Socialising with friends and staff increased their confidence.
Food – Fruit kebabs, making pizza, making cakes, picking blackberries. Trying new foods (asking to make them at home!)

What do you think your child(ren) gained from the HAF scheme?

Responses in order:

Enjoyment
Tried new activities
More exercise
Other
Less screen time
Made new friends
Tried new foods
Lunch provided

Other responses included: All of the above (30 responses), gained confidence from trying new things, and confidence to spend time without their family, time with friends, widening life experiences, kept a routine.

What difference did HAF make to parents and carers?

Relieved stress – children were settled and comfortable. Staff were friendly and great with he children. kept everyone safe.
Catch up with home life – parents and carers could relax, work, or catch up with housework knowing their child was safe and having fun.
Meet other families – parents and carers were able to meet families with children with needs similar to their own.
Happy and having fun – parents and carers enjoyed seeing their child have a great time. Enjoyed taking part in the family activities.
Saved money – Reduced financial pressure on families over the holiday. Children were able to take part in activities they could not otherwise afford.

How could HAF be improved?

Extend the offer to longer hours and more days.
More meal options for the child to have a choice of meal.
Offer more engaging activities for teenagers.
Promote the programme’s inclusive approach.
Run communications and promotions earlier. Spread the word wider.