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 28 July to Friday 22 August 2025 (20 days)

Venue: St Anne's and Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School, Underwood road, London, E1 5AW

Booking closes: Tuesday 22 July at 12pm or earlier once bookings are full.

Bookings opening dates and times

Cancellations and refunds

Parents/carers can cancel a booking made through the online booking system. You can to do this up to five working days before the start date of the holiday scheme. Any cancelled bookings will result in a £17.40 cancellation fee. Please check before booking.

Parents/carers will only receive a refund if they give notice five working days before the scheme starts. Notice must be in writing by emailing holiday.childcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk. Cancellations made after this date (five working days before the scheme starts) are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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 three months), by e-mailing holiday.childcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk before booking. Subsidised payments will not be applied until proof has been shown.

Please note fees can increase annually. New fees may apply from the Easter 2025 scheme.

Cancellation fee

A £17.40 cancellation fee will be applied to all cancellations no matter the reason. 

Late collections

Parent/carers must notify the scheme if they will be late collecting their child. A late collection fee of £11.60 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.