Council looks to extend children’s activities and food support

04 August 2026

Thousands of children and young people in North Northamptonshire will continue to benefit from free holiday activities and nutritious meals, under council proposals to extend a programme of support. 

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will be asked to approve plans, on 11 August, to recommission the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, ensuring the continued delivery of free meals and enriching experiences for children and young people across the area.

Funded entirely by the Department for Education, the HAF programme supports children aged 5 to 16 years old who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, alongside other vulnerable children and young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Since its introduction in North Northamptonshire in 2021, the programme has provided thousands of children with opportunities to take part in sports, arts, cultural and educational activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays, while also helping to address food insecurity, social isolation and the challenges many families face outside term time.

The current contract, delivered by Northamptonshire Sport, will come to an end in March 2027 following the full use of its extension options. The Executive report recommends undertaking a new competitive procurement process to secure a provider from March 2027 onwards, with an initial two-year contract and options to extend for a further two years.

The Department for Education has confirmed funding for the programme until at least 2028/29, providing confidence that the scheme can continue to make a positive difference to local families.

During Summer 2024, more than 2,600 children participated, benefiting from over 24,000 activity days. Participation by children with SEND has also continued to grow, reflecting the programme’s increasing inclusivity and accessibility.

Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with:

• 95 per cent of parents and carers saying their child enjoyed attending the sessions
• 93 per cent agreeing the programme improved their child’s wellbeing
• 90 per cent agreeing it helped boost their child’s confidence
• 96 per cent agreeing their child was well cared for during activities

The programme was also recognised externally, winning the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Award for Community Project of the Year in 2024.

This programme makes a real difference to children. It provides access to healthy meals, enjoyable activities and valuable opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships, and stay active during the school holidays. We are committed to ensuring that the programme continues to be accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of local communities. By recommissioning the service, we can build on the success achieved so far, continue supporting vulnerable families and work alongside our excellent local voluntary, community and sports organisations to deliver high-quality holiday provision for years to come.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Children, Education and Families

Subject to Executive approval, the procurement process is expected to begin in August 2026, with a new contract awarded in November 2026, and the service starting in March 2027.