In 2023, Stoke-on-Trent City Council received £1,573,730 in funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to further develop and deliver the Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF).
This critical investment focused on supporting children from low-income families who rely on benefit-related free school meals during term time. For many, the Holiday Activity and Food Programme serves as a lifeline during the key holiday periods of Easter, Summer, and Christmas. It provides not only access to healthy meals but also engaging activities and free childcare when school is out.
Tackling Holiday Challenges
The importance of the HAF programme cannot be overstated. National research highlights that school holidays often bring increased financial pressures and reduced incomes for families, leading to “unhealthy holidays” where children may lack proper nutrition and physical activity. Lower-income families are also less likely to access fun and enriching activities, which can leave children socially isolated.
To combat these challenges, the HAF programme has established six key objectives for children:
✔️ Encouraging healthier eating during school holidays
✔️ Increasing physical activity levels
✔️ Providing enriching activities that support resilience, wellbeing, and educational development
✔️ Ensuring children are safe and socially engaged
✔️ Building knowledge of health and nutrition
✔️ Strengthening engagement with schools and local services
A Partnership for Success
Recognising the need for strong partnerships to deliver an exceptional programme, Stoke-on-Trent City Council partnered with The Hubb Foundation in 2022 to manage and coordinate the HAF programme which continues today achieving positive outcomes for children and young people across the Stoke-on-Trent.
Building Strong Community Connections
The success of the Stoke-on-Trent HAF programme lies in its collaborative approach. The Hubb Foundation works closely with local schools, community venues, voluntary organisations, leisure services, activity partners, and food suppliers to deliver a comprehensive programme. This network of partnerships is built on mutual respect and a shared passion for supporting children, young people, and their families.
A Year of Positive Impact
The past year has seen the delivery of an extensive, high-quality HAF programme that has been a source of pride for the city. The dedicated commitment of The Hubb Foundation, combined with the support of Community minded partners, has ensured that eligible children and families have access to safe, fun, and enriching holiday provision.
At the time the Stoke-on-Trent Holiday Activities and Food Programme Annual Report 2023 was put together we had 14,530 children and young people whose parents/caregivers were claiming free school meals, and these numbers continue to grow.
Positive Numbers from the 2023 Stoke-on-Trent HAF Programme
As we reflect on the past year, the Stoke-on-Trent Holiday Activities and Food Programme showcases the incredible achievements made possible through collaboration, dedication, and community spirit. The positive stats from 2023 speak volumes about the programme’s far-reaching impact:
1,212 sessions delivered across the city
4,248 hours of provision, offering enriching activities and support
44,673 opportunities created for children and young people
Hosted in 29 of the 35 council wards, ensuring broad access across Stoke-on-Trent
Reached 85.13% of children receiving benefit-related free school meals (FSM)
Engaged with 769 SEND children, ensuring inclusivity
60% of schools in the city hosted or delivered HAF activities
Partnered with 161 delivery partners, fostering strong community connections
75% of provision rated as Good or Excellent through robust quality assurance processes
Total expenditure of £1,561,663, maximising value to support families
These numbers reflect a year of meaningful progress and highlight the importance of theHAF Programme in providing vital resources, opportunities, and support to children and families across Stoke-on-Trent.
Feedback and Testimonials
| I found HAF session to be refreshing. As a mum of 5, 3 with confirmed SEN needs it was amazing to see children of all abilities playing together, learning to understand each other and most of all enjoying their time. The HAF programme is amazing and is really good for my son to see his friends in the holidays and also loves all sport activities and it’s a great help because it’s at school so I can walk to it. Can it be open again for more sessions? My child enjoyed the sessions and wanted to come back. There is lots of activities and they enjoy seeing friends, due to some bad weather the children would have been sitting in the home where here, they have been able to do activities and meals were provided which is good for money at the moment. I enjoyed the climbing wall the most, I was scared because I don’t like heights but the trainers were really supportive and I managed to get to the top. |
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