Decision Maker: Service Director Partnership, Early Intervention and Localities

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: April 14, 2025

Purpose: The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme was launched by the Department for Education in 2018 as a pilot initiative to support disadvantaged families during school holidays. The programme provides healthy meals and enriching activities for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. The programme has been extended for an additional year with all local authorities across the country receiving an allocation of funding dependent on the number of children receiving benefits related FSM. Accepting this funding will ensure the programme can operate effectively and reach eligible children

Content: Acceptance of £1,382,170 funding from the Department for Education for the HAF programme to provide healthy food and enriching activities for primary and secondary school-aged children during the school holidays.

Alternative options considered: Do nothing / Reject funding offer: This option was rejected as it would leave many children without access to essential food and activities during the holidays.