Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme

 
Our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is a Department for Education-funded initiative, delivered in school by Together for Children, designed to support children, young people and families across Sunderland during school holiday periods.

Through our Spring, Summer and Winter programmes, our pupils can access a rich and varied offer of high-quality activities, including sport, dance, creative arts, outdoor learning and STEM-based experiences. These opportunities are carefully planned to promote physical health, creativity, resilience and social development. In addition, targeted sessions on food preparation and nutrition empower children and families to make informed, healthy lifestyle choices.

The programme plays a key role in enhancing our pupils’ personal development by providing safe, inclusive environments where they can build confidence, develop new skills and form positive relationships with their peers. Alongside engaging activities, all pupils receive nutritious meals, supporting their health and wellbeing.

 
Eligibility

The programme is available free of charge to children and young people who:

• Are of statutory school age (4–16 years)

• Live in Sunderland

• Are eligible for means-tested free school meals

• Have special educational needs or disabilities (up to age 25)

 
This targeted provision ensures that those most in need are supported to access enriching experiences and maintain healthy routines beyond the school term.

How has the HAF programme impacted on our pupils?

Easter Holiday Camp 2026

Our school makes a highly effective contribution to pupils’ Personal Development through its delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. Engagement is strong, with full attendance of over 20 pupils during the Easter provision (April 2026), including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, demonstrating the programme’s success in removing barriers and ensuring equality of opportunity.

The impact on our pupils is significant. All of our pupils demonstrated increased confidence, higher levels of engagement and improved physical fitness as a result of participating in a broad and well-planned programme of activities. The inclusive nature of our school’s HAF programme ensures that our pupils with SEND are fully supported and able to access and benefit from all opportunities alongside their peers.

Pupil voice is overwhelmingly positive and reflects the strong behaviour and attitudes promoted through the programme.

One pupil commented, “I have really loved the Easter holiday camp. I have made new friends and I loved all the activities which were so much fun. Sharon made the best lunches ever!”

Another shared, “I have had such a brilliant time at the Easter camp. Seeing all of my friends and having so much fun at school was great.”
 
These comments demonstrate high levels of enjoyment, social development and positive relationships.

Parental feedback further evidences the programme’s impact: “Thank you to the school and all the staff on the HAF programme for providing such a worthwhile holiday camp during the school holidays. My children have absolutely loved their experience. Having lots of physical activities to keep them busy and a hot healthy meal each day has really helped us as a family over the Easter break. I can't recommend the school’s HAF programme  enough.”

Our HAF provision strongly promotes our pupils’ health and wellbeing, with high-quality, nutritious meals provided daily alongside opportunities to develop knowledge of healthy lifestyles. As a result, pupils are supported to develop positive habits, remain active and return to school ready to learn.