Purpose

The Department for Education (DfE) provides
funding to all local authorities in England to deliver a Holiday
Activities and Food (HAF) programme. The programme is targeted at
children and young people from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive) and
in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. Eligible children
are provided with free places in holiday clubs across the borough
during the spring, summer and winter school holidays. The programme
includes the provision of healthy meals alongside enriching
activities.
 
This report seeks approval to fund 37 clubs
(delivered by 32 providers) located in areas of high need across
the borough. The total value of the winter HAF programme is
£150,988.70. The programme will run from Monday 22 December
2025 until Friday 2 January 2026.
 
This grant is administered by the
Children’s Commissioning and Youth Services team and is
delivered via a grant process as per Section 3 of Contract Standing
Orders

Decision

1.       To approve grant
funding of £150,988.70 for 37 Holiday Activities and Food
(HAF) clubs for the winter school holidays from Monday 22 December
2025 until Friday 2 January 2026.