Nottinghamshire County Council announced that the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme funding will continue for 2025.
This means that children and young people aged 5 to 16 years who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will continue to benefit from enriching activities and nutritious meals during school holidays.
Councillor Tracey Taylor, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:
“I am delighted to welcome the continuation of funding for the HAF programme for 2025–26, meaning local children and young people will be able to benefit from hundreds of activities around the county in the year ahead. This is a testament to the positive impact the programme has had to date, and I am sure this will be a welcome boost for families.
“I’m pleased that we will be able to build on its success and remove some of the barriers that families face during the school holidays. We aim to ensure even more eligible families benefit from it this year.”
The HAF programme supports families during school holidays, a time when some children may experience limited access to healthy food, physical activity, and educational engagement.
Working in partnership with local providers, schools, and community organisations, the council delivers a diverse range of activities, including sports, arts, crafts, and other fun and enriching activities for all eligible children and young people to participate in. Young people also receive a nutritious meal as part of the session they attend. Nottinghamshire’s programme runs during the Easter, summer, autumn, and Christmas school holidays.
Since 2021, Nottinghamshire has developed a fun and varied programme. In 2024, more than 52,000 Nottinghamshire children signed up for activities run by the council and 100-plus registered providers across the county.
Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive. One parent, whose children attended the programme, said: “An absolutely brilliant service for our children. The summer holiday HAF was particularly helpful as my child gets very fed up. All staff have been great, friendly, and approachable—like new friends! I would definitely recommend HAF!”
The recent announcement from the Department for Education means that the council will be able to build on its success to date, ensuring that every eligible child has access to experiences that promote well-being and resilience during school holidays.
Eligible families are encouraged to take advantage of the programme and participate in upcoming sessions. For more information, including details about the 2025 schedule—such as dates, locations, and activities—please visit Holiday activities and food | Nottinghamshire County Council.
