Purpose

This report seeks
approval for award of an additional supplementary grant to the
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in 2025-26, to off-set
a required increase in the provider rate to mitigate inflationary
cost pressures; whilst maintaining levels of spaces for children
and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
(SEND).
 
The Holiday
Activities and Food Programme offers nutritious meals and engaging
activities during school holidays to children and young people who
are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, as well as
those who are otherwise vulnerable (e.g. children with
SEND). 
 
The programme is
funded through the Department for Education (DfE) and is in its
fifth year. The Young Camden Foundation (YCF) is commissioned by
Camden as main delivery partner to administer and distribute the
grant to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) providers on Camden's
behalf.
 
The programme has
the following objectives:
 

•        
Encouraging children and young people to make healthy food
choices.

•        
Encouraging physical activity.

•        
Encouraging participation in stimulating activities that
promote resilience, character development, and well-being, as well
as broader educational achievement.

•        
Ensuring safety and reducing social isolation.

•        
Improving knowledge of health and nutrition.

•        
Increasing engagement with school and local
services.

 
The DfE funding
allocated to Camden has reduced for 2025/26. Additionally, due to
inflationary pressures, the provider daily funding rate per child
has required an increase to ensure that valued providers are able
to continue to participate in the programme.
 
Additionally, the
investment is required to sustain the level of places for children
with SEND who require additional support to access HAF provision.
Feedback from parents of children with SEND has consistently
highlighted a need for inclusive activities during school holidays,
particularly for those below the threshold for Short
Breaks.
 
The HAF programme
aligns with Camden Council’s We Make Camden vision,
contributing to the Council’s wider efforts to reduce child
poverty, tackle food insecurity, and address health inequalities.
By providing free, accessible holiday activities, the programme
ensures that all children have opportunities to learn, play, and
thrive.

Content

The Director of
Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Best Start for Children and Families, is asked to
approve the allocation of an additional supplementary grant of
£53,302 for Holiday Activity and Food Programme delivery in
2025-26.