Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2026

Bedford Borough Council (‘The Authority’) is seeking to commission a number of local organisations capable of delivering high-quality Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme services across the Bedford Borough during the Easter, summer and December school holidays (there may also be opportunities to deliver provision during selected half-term holidays, subject to review). A bespoke multi-Supplier Framework Agreement will be set up to that effect.

The Framework Agreement will be structured across three Lots, reflecting different types of provision, including open access holiday clubs, bespoke targeted provision, and specialist SEND provision. They are as follows:

Lot 1: Open Access Holiday Clubs

Lot 2: Bespoke, Targeted and Non-Standard Provision

Lot 3: SEND Specialist Provision

It is anticipated that the Framework Agreement shall commence on 1st July 2026 for a period of two (2) years from the Commencement Date with an option to extend for an additional 24 months (in two 12-month-installments).

The Authority intends to re-open the Framework Agreement on an annual basis (typically in March) to allow new Suppliers to apply. Existing Suppliers appointed to the Framework Agreement will not be required to reapply but will continue to be considered for delivery through the Delivery Proposal process.

Suppliers appointed to the Framework Agreement will be invited to submit Delivery Proposals ahead of each holiday period (typically issued approximately two months in advance). The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education. Allocation of provision, including sessions, places and associated funding, will be determined by the Authority based on demand, performance, geographical coverage and available funding.