Healthy Holidays Calderdale 2027

Healthy Holidays Calderdale is funded by Department for Education as part of the Holiday Activities & Food Programme DfE (HAF). It is designed to bridge the ‘holiday experience gap’ for children on targeted benefits-related free school meals.

Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low income households are:

• less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
• more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
• more likely to experience social isolation

The HAF Programme is a response to this issue. Evidence shows that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people. They work best when they:

• provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities
• cover more than just breakfast or lunch
• involve children and parents in food preparation
• use local partnerships and connections

If you think you could support children in having a fun, structured and healthy holiday in 2027 please apply for funding below.

Calderdale Council has been awarded 3-year funding  for Healthy Holidays Calderdale. 2027 is the second year of the funding. Currently Calderdale is expected to receive the same amount of funds in year 2 despite the changes in numbers of children on free school meals this year. Any awards offered to you for this fund will be conditional on full confirmation from DfE on funding. This is likely to be early 2027.