Plans to continue free holiday activities and meals for local children set for Cabinet decision

Proposals to continue West Northamptonshire's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will be considered by Cabinet next week, helping ensure local families can continue to benefit from free holiday clubs, healthy meals and enriching activities during school breaks. The programme supports childr...

The report, due to be considered by Cabinet on 15 September, recommends accepting future Department for Education funding and commissioning a specialist coordinator to oversee the delivery of the programme across West Northamptonshire from 2027 to 2029.

The HAF programme supports children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, as well as other vulnerable children, by providing free access to holiday clubs, healthy food, physical activity and enriching experiences during the Easter, summer and winter school holidays. 

Over the past year, the programme has provided more than 31,500 holiday places and supported 3,488 children and young people across West Northamptonshire. Feedback from families has highlighted the positive impact the programme has on children’s confidence, wellbeing, friendships and access to activities that may otherwise be out of reach. 

The programme helps tackle holiday hunger and food insecurity, while supporting children to stay active, make friends, learn new skills and return to school ready to learn. It also provides valuable support for families facing financial pressures during school holidays.

 Cllr Michael Stratton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "School holidays should be a time when children can have fun, stay active and enjoy new experiences, regardless of their family's circumstances. The Holiday Activities and Food programme has made a real difference for thousands of children and families across West Northamptonshire by providing access to activities, healthy meals and support when it is needed most.

"The proposal being considered by Cabinet would help secure the future delivery of this important programme and maintain the support available to eligible families during school holidays. We know how much families value these opportunities, and the positive impact they can have on children's wellbeing, confidence and development."

Cabinet will consider the recommendations at its meeting on 15 September. If approved, the Council would begin the process of appointing a delivery partner to coordinate the programme and oversee provision across West Northamptonshire from 2027 onwards.