Holiday Childcare Scheme

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• Food at the scheme and packed lunch guidance

The Tower Hamlets Holiday Childcare Scheme is Ofsted registered and provides childcare for children aged 3 to 13 years old.

The schemes take place during the school holidays, (excluding the Christmas break) within a Tower Hamlets school. See our activity plan for the full timetable of activities available. 

Next scheme

Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April 2026 (8 days, excluding 3rd and 6th April bank holiday days)

Venue: St Mary and St Michael school, Sutton street, E1 0BD

Booking closes: Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 12pm or earlier once bookings are full

Bookings opening dates and times

All bookings must be made and paid for in full through our online booking system to be confirmed.

You will not be able to attend the scheme without a confirmed booking.

We reserve the right to alter scheme operation dates/times in line with the requirements of the service.

Apply for a place

Cost

Places are only confirmed once full payment has been received. You will be eligible for an extra subsidised rate, if you are a:

• working parent/carers resident in Tower Hamlets (TH) in receipt of working tax credits and
• non-working parents/carers in receipt of benefits (such as Income support, JSA, ESA or DLA)

To qualify, you must give recent proof of benefits (i.e. within the last 3 months), by emailing holiday.childcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk before booking. Subsidised payments will not be applied until proof has been shown.

Fees can increase annually. New fees may apply from the Easter 2027 scheme.

Cancellation fee

A £18.20 cancellation fee will be applied to all cancellations no matter the reason. 

Online booking system

Parents/carers may cancel a booking through the online booking system up to 5 working days before the start date of the holiday scheme.

Written notice

If written notice of cancellation is received at least 5 working days before the scheme starts, a partial refund will be issued (the cancellation fee will still apply).

Written notice must be sent by email to: holiday.childcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Cancellations made fewer than 5 working days before the start of the scheme

Cancellations made fewer than 5 working days before the start of the scheme are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Late child collections

Parent/carers must notify the scheme if they will be late collecting their child. A late collection fee of £12.20 per child up to 30 minutes late and £10 extra per child for each half hour late. If the scheme is not informed, the uncollected Children policy will be followed.

Apply for a place

Inclusive provision and referrals 

Tower Hamlets Holiday Childcare Scheme is a universal service providing support to all children including those with SEND.

Children requiring additional support

Places for children who require additional 1:1 or 1:3 care can be supported on completion of a special needs’ assessment (SNAF) and completed online booking.

The SNAF process can begin before the bookings open please contact holiday.childcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Referrals

Referrals from social care and schools can be supported after receiving a referral form and completed online booking. Referral forms can be completed before the bookings open and should be returned as soon as possible.

Please email holiday.childcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Feedback

Attended one of our childcare schemes? Why not tell us about your experience by completing our short survey.