Aims/priorities: The programme aims to help eligible children eat more healthily, be more active, and develop resilience, character, and well-being through enriching activities and to ensure that children are safe, not socially isolated during the holidays, and return to school feeling more engaged and ready to learn.
There are many benefits for children who attend the HAF programme. HAF providers should ensure a high-quality experience that will result in children:
- receiving healthy and nutritious meals
- maintaining a healthy level of physical activity
- being happy, having fun and meeting new friends
- developing a greater understanding of food, nutrition and other health-related issues
- taking part in fun and engaging activities that support their development and well-being
- feeling safe and secure
- getting access to the right support services
- returning to school feeling engaged and ready to learn
HAF also improves accessibility and affordability of childcare during school holidays opening up work opportunities for parents on low incomes to support their families. Adopting mixed models or longer sessions can also help to support families more broadly to work or manage other commitments.
Families can also benefit, when HAF providers include their needs in planning and delivering their programme. This could be through:
- providing opportunities to get involved in sessions, for example cookery classes
- ensuring they are signposted towards other sources of information and support, such as health services or employment and education opportunities
Who can apply? Check your eligibility here
Grant amount: Not specified.
Application process: The application must be submitted via webform on the Oldham Council website. The link to the webform is here:- https://www.oldham.gov.uk/xfp/form/1183
We will only be accepting applications via this weblink. The webform does not have the functionality to save forms part way through the application process and we would therefore suggest that an initial viewing of the form is undertaken and all required documents are collated before beginning the population of the form. Our web team have advised that due to the requirement to upload documents to the weblink, its best to complete the application via a desktop or laptop, rather than a mobile device. Please be mindful that the webpage will timeout after 30 minutes of inactivity. For ease we have provided a Word version of the webform. Whilst we are not able to accept a final submission in this format you will be able to view the questions prior to beginning the webform.
We have provided a link to the DfE guidance here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-2026-to-2027.
We request that you take some time to consider the guidance before submitting your expression of interest to ensure your provision can meet the standards. Please consider carefully how your organisation intends to meet ALL of the required HAF standards. Take some time to consider these questions carefully as they will make up a key element of the panel’s decision making process. It is vital that the team delivering your sessions are aware of the expectations of the programme, how you have stated you will meet them and are able to fulfil them during the delivery period.
We have included guidance to support with the completion of the application into the Frequently Asked Questions document on the front page of the above link. Please refer to this for any clarity.
You will also find the budget proposal proforma. Please use this to break down the amount you are bidding for and upload to the webform when prompted. Please be sure to delete all the example cells before you start to complete this document. Budget proposals in other formats will not be considered.
Some important things to consider before applying:-
- All HAF attendees should be registered using the Eequ Booking System
- Daily Registers must be completed using the Eequ Booking System
- 50% payment will be paid prior to delivery. Further funds will be paid post-delivery, based on sessions attended
- The activity timetable and menu provided in your application will make up part of the Quality Assurance process
- It is the responsibility of the provider to ensure that all places funded are used by HAF eligible children
- HAF Signage must be displayed outside and throughout all venues (these will be provided by Oldham Council). Placement and maintenance is the responsibility of the provider
- Department for Education, Oldham Council and Oldham HAF logos must be included in any and all promotional material
In the previous rounds of funding, some organisations used AI platforms in their applications. It is important that the panel can understand your application and therefore we encourage applicants to use their own words and focus on providing specific, detailed information.
Deadline: The strict deadline for the return of expressions of interest via the weblink is on or before 9.30 am on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
Contact information: Email: Carrie-Ann.Varey@oldham.gov.uk
Website: Holiday activities and food programme 2026 to 2027 - GOV.UK