Laura Eden, Newham Council's Corporate Director for Children and Young People has made a decision to extend the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme Procurement Framework Agreement for one year. The decision has been made in light of the Department for Education (DfE) confirming funding for the programme for an additional year, to cover the 2025 Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays. The decision means that the council can continue to provide free holiday clubs and activities to children who receive free school meals during term time.

Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme Procurement Framework Agreement Extension

The council's existing HAF Procurement Framework Agreement is due to expire in March 2025, and so in order to continue to provide the programme, the council needs to extend the contract.

The contract should be extended by one year to align with the additional funding period, ensuring continuity of services and full utilisation of the allocated resources. By re-opening the framework, the Council ensures best value as we are able to maintain cost-effective pricing and avoid the expenses associated with re-tendering or transitioning to new providers. Additionally, it leverages the established relationships and proven performance of existing suppliers, ensuring consistent quality and reliability. ¹

The report considered the option of not extending the contract and allowing it to expire, and procuring new providers through a full tender process. However, this was ruled out on the grounds that a full tender process could not be completed in time to allow the programme to be delivered over the Easter holidays.

The extension to the Procurement Framework Agreement will allow the council to spend up to £1.3m on externally provided holiday clubs and activities. In addition, the council has allocated up to £500,000 for its own services to deliver elements of the programme.

The council has committed to spending at least £200,000 on administrative costs associated with the programme. The administrative costs will include funding for a HAF coordinator who will oversee the programme, as well as funding for staff to work on the programme year-round. These staff will include an officer, jointly funded by the council and Public Health, who will be responsible for providing nutritional information sessions to both providers and families, as well as undertaking quality inspections of the food provided as part of the scheme.

This will ensure that the food quality and information given to families is cohesive with the Eat For Free scheme and supports the Whole System Approach to Healthy Weight.

The report argues that the HAF Programme supports the council's commitment to giving all children the best start in life, as stated in Priority 6 of the council's corporate plan, 'Building a Fairer Newham'.

We want to give all our children the best start in life and for Newham to be the most child friendly borough. We want to enable all our children and young people to reach their potential, be safe, happy, and healthy regardless of their background.