North Northamptonshire Council - Provision of Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is a programme funded by the Department for Education (DfE). This funding is for the 152 upper tier local authorities to coordinate and provide free holiday provision including healthy food and enriching activities. Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children this can lead to a holiday experience gap, with children from low-income households being:

• less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
• more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
• more likely to experience social isolation The HAF programme is a response to this issue, with evidence showing that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people. The current contract for this service is due to expire on 28 February 2027. The Department for Education have confirmed that funding will continue to be available until at least the financial year 2028-29. The Council is therefore procuring a supplier to deliver the service for two years (until the end of the 2028-29 financial year, with the option to extend for a further 2 years (1+1) should further funding be available). The Council intends to award a contract to one (1) Provider for the delivery, coordination and implementation of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme across North Northamptonshire.