County Council welcomes holiday activities and food programme extension

News that a scheme which helps eligible families during the school holidays is to be extended for a further three years has been welcomed by Staffordshire County Council.

Delivered at schools, community venues and leisure centres countywide, the Holiday Activity and Food programme offers a ‘pick and mix’ of fun and engaging sessions including everything from sports, forest schools and outdoor adventures to computer programming, dance, gymnastics and animal care.

This summer, 130 clubs have offered over 47,000 funded places for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Eligible children were able to book up to 16 free sessions and many providers also offered paid places to non-eligible families.

Nicholas Lakin (pictured), Cabinet Member for Children and Young People with the council, said: “The HAF programme is incredibly important and helps support thousands of families in Staffordshire every year and this extension and additional funding is very welcome.

“Through the programme, thousands of eligible children and young people are able to take part in a wide choice of exciting, funded activities, while also enjoying a healthy hot meal each day where possible.

“But it’s about more than just activities – it’s about supporting learning, building confidence, making friends and, most importantly, having fun during the school holidays.

“While the HAF funding is welcome, we also continue to lobby the government for wider support for children including the reform of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system and for it to be fairly funded.

“This is a top priority for the council and we are determined to ensure that all children in Staffordshire receive the support they need at the earliest opportunity.”

The Department for Education (DfE) have announced an additional £600 million for HAF over the next three financial years (from 2026/27).

Exact details of how much funding each local authority will receive are still to be confirmed.