Holiday activities and food service programme

The Council and its ancillary arms (such as arm’s length bodies and/or wholly or partly owned subsidiaries and partner organisations) requires services to manage the provision of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, which will be structured under two Lots (see specification). LOT 1 is about HAF Programmes Services for Ages 4 to 11 years old, and Lot 2 is about HAF Programmes Services for Ages 12 - 16 years old.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is a national initiative funded by the Department for Education (DfE) aimed at supporting children and families during school holiday periods. The programme provides access to enriching activities, nutritious meals, and safe childcare environments for children from low-income households, particularly those eligible for benefits-related FSM.

Since its national launch, the HAF Programme has grown substantially. Between 2022 and 2025, it delivered over 15 million HAF days to children and young people across England. The programme operates during the Easter, Summer, and Winter holidays only, offering a minimum of four days of provision during Easter and Winter, and twelve to sixteen days during the Summer.

The programme is primarily targeted at children in receipt of benefits-related FSM, but local authorities are encouraged to use up to 15% of their funding to support other vulnerable children who may benefit from the offer. This flexibility allows councils to respond to local needs and ensure broader inclusion.

Further information and tender documents are available on our e-tendering portal https://lbbd.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml

Any questions regarding the tender should be addressed through the portal in the messaging section.

Closing date noon 27th April 2026