Government funding for a programme offering children from low-income families free meals and activities during school holidays will be extended for another three years. The Department for Education confirmed the extension of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which supports families on free school meals.
The government is investing £600 million to continue the programme, which could save working families on free school meals more than £800 per year. The funding will enable councils to provide holiday childcare, activities and food for eligible children.
The announcement comes as working parents in England will gain access to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children older than nine months from Monday. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has urged eligible parents to take up the expanded offer.
Programme reaches school-age children
The Holiday Activities and Food programme covers school-aged children from Reception to Year 11, helping parents save more than £300 annually according to the Department for Education. The programme provides structured activities and meals during periods when schools are closed.
The expansion of funded childcare was introduced by the previous Conservative government and began rolling out in England last April for working parents of two-year-olds. Working parents can currently access 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time before the full 30-hour rollout.
In July, the Coram Family and Childcare charity called for the Holiday Activities and Food programme to be maintained after March 2026 to ensure disadvantaged children have childcare during school holidays. The charity's intervention highlighted concerns about programme continuity beyond the current funding period.
Industry welcomes extension
Andrew Forsey, national director of Feeding Britain, welcomed the extension. "Today's news will be welcomed by hundreds of thousands of parents across England," he said.
"The support provided to children from lower incomes through the Holiday Activities Fund eases the pressure on family budgets during the school holidays, enhances their access to enriching and physical activities, and gives them a healthy meal each day during the school holidays. This delivers a raft of benefits for children and their families, so it is excellent news that the Government is extending this provision for a further three years."
Government prioritises early education
Phillipson emphasised the government's commitment to early childhood support. "Giving every child the best start in life is my number one priority, which is why we are delivering on our commitment to provide hundreds of thousands of children with 30 hours government-funded early education," she said.
"Whether it's to save up to £7,500 a year, support parents to get back to work or reduce the pressure on grandparents who so often have to step in, the benefits are widespread. The offer is just around the corner, and so I'm urging every eligible parent who wants it, to take it up."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
