Thousands of Newham’s pupils could soon benefit from government funding as Newham Council’s Cabinet members prepare to discuss a Department for Education grant on 4 February.
- Cabinet due to discuss Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme grant
- Supports children in receipt of Free School Meals through holiday periods
- Newham pupils eligible for Free School Meals has risen by nearly one fifth in almost 18 months
The money is aimed at supporting the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food programme for the Easter, summer and Christmas breaks throughout 2025.
The scheme will apply to families receiving benefits-related free school meals. Figures show around 24,000 children and young people in Newham are currently eligible for Free School Meals, up from around 20,000 since the school census was conducted in October 2023. The HAF programme is a response to research showing that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families, with concerns about a holiday experience gap for some children. It means children from some low-income households are less likely to take part in organised out-of-school activities; more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’, in terms of nutrition and physical health, and also more likely to experience social isolation.
Councillor Melanie Ovovo, Cabinet Member for Youth Power, said: “The Government’s HAF grant will make a difference to the lives of so many young people in Newham. No child in our borough deserves to suffer from a poor diet, hunger, loneliness and a lack of physical activity during the school holidays.
"Newham's Eat for Free scheme currently ensures students in primary school have free school meals but, without the HAF programme, disadvantaged students wouldn't have guaranteed access to nutritious meals and enrichment in the school holidays. The HAF programme directly tackles that, reducing the strain on families undergoing financial insecurity and dealing with the cost of living.
“The grant has already benefited thousands of children in Newham, whether that be through dance, arts and crafts or by eating a healthy and nutritious meal. The HAF programme has helped countless families who do their best to provide for their children but are struggling to make ends meet. By accepting these grants and continuing this programme, we would be honouring our commitment to make sure our children and young people are safe, happy and cared for, with access to positive and enriching activities to secure their long-term wellbeing.
"On behalf of the Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all HAF delivery partners who have already delivered exceptional services and, with the funding, would be able to continue to do so. Such dedication and hard work makes a profound difference to children and families in our borough who really need support.”
Newham pupils have already benefited from the funding, with a range of local clubs providing opportunities for young people to meet new friends, learn something new, stay active and eat nutritious meals. During 2024/25, the Council partnered with 35 voluntary, community and faith sector organisations, as well as delivering programmes by internal services such as Youth Empowerment, Libraries, Youth Justice Services, 0-19 Children’s Health and Disabled Children and Young People’s Services. The programme has contributed to reducing social isolation, increasing community cohesion, and improving physical wellbeing through physical activity and nutritional education. The programme provided healthy, nutritious meals to children during the 2024 school holidays and increased provision for SEND children and young people.
The Council’s expectation is that every HAF funded session should run for at least four hours a day. They would offer children and young people at least one meal and access to healthy snacks. The meals offered would meet the school food standards, which are set by the Government. The funded provision would also provide fun and enriching activities, allowing children and young people to develop new skills or knowledge; consolidate existing skills and knowledge; try out new experiences, while also having fun and socialising. Examples include football, creative activities and nature walks.
During the 2024 HAF programme, almost 50,000 sessions were attended, all of which included a healthy meal. Comments from children and young people who have previously benefited from the HAF Programme include: “this is really fun to play with my friends”; “I’ve not been bored in these holidays” and “I’ve learnt to do new things.”
If you are worried about a child and think they may be a victim of neglect, abuse or cruelty, you can contact the Council. If you are a parent/carer or a member of the public and want to make a referral or an anonymous request, contact the MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) on: 0203 373 4600. If you are a professional and you are making a referral on behalf of a parent and the child does not have a social worker, click here.
For more information about the HAF programme, visit: www.newham.gov.uk/haf.
For information about how to book activities, visit: https://families.newham.gov.uk/kb5/newham/directory/advice.page?id=Z_FceI02bS0.
