Decision

Decision
 
For the reasons set
out in the report Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:
 
i) 
The acceptance of the grant for the anticipated amount of c
£2M from DfE for the delivery of the HAF programme for the
Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in 2025.
ii) 
To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children and
Young People in consultation with the Lead Portfolio Holder to
accept the grant funding from DfE for the school holidays in
2026-2028.
 
Alternatives
Considered
 
a) 
Option 1: Do not accept grant
A lack of
free holiday and food provision for vulnerable children places them
at greater risk of food poverty, social isolation, and poor
physical and mental health and is likely to have a negative impact
on their education outcomes. It also means that the Council will
not be able to deliver the Holiday Activities and Food Programme,
which may lead to reputational damage and a missed opportunity
to invest in much needed services and support
for Newham’s vulnerable children a0nd young people. The DfE would not award any of the grant to the
Council if the programme was not delivered.
  b)  Option 2: Accept the grant but allocate it to
internal services only.
This
option would not be in accordance with the requirement of the DfE
grant as it would not provide sufficient HAF provision, nor would
it provide a diverse enough range of activities or specialist
support.