Applications Open to Provide Holiday Activities to Children

An initiative that provides holiday activities to children and young people is inviting providers to help expand its offer across Tameside.

Delivered by Tameside Council, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and takes place during the school holidays. It supports school-aged children from Reception to Year 11 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

The national HAF Programme aims to reduce holiday hunger, tackle social isolation, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and offer children opportunities they may not otherwise access. The programme has grown year-on-year in Tameside and supports thousands of children to take part in sessions that build confidence, encourage physical activity, and create positive social connections. Activities typically include sports, creative arts, outdoor play, team‑building, cooking and music.

Applications are now open for organisations interested in delivering funded HAF provision. This may include creative, educational, physical or community‑based activities, and providers must ensure that all children attending receive at least one healthy meal per day. Applicants can choose to deliver at one or multiple venues and can apply to run programmes during Easter, summer, and winter holidays, as well as half‑term periods.

Tameside Council are encouraging applications from organisations in the borough including but not limited to charities, schools, childcare and wraparound settings, sports clubs, faith groups, CICs, youth organisations, sole traders and specialist SEND providers. Groups that can offer high‑quality, inclusive, and engaging holiday experiences for children and young people across Tameside are particularly welcomed.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children and Families, Councillor Teresa Smith said: “The HAF Programme is invaluable for Tameside families, and the range of activities on offer brings out the playful, inquisitive nature of children attending which is lovely to see.

“Expanding the offer with even more choice of activities is key to continuing the success of this popular and exciting programme, and I encourage organisations to apply to offer their expertise and support during the school holidays across the borough.”

To support both new and existing providers, an online HAF drop‑in session will be taking place where organisations can ask questions and learn more about the programme. For further information or to request access to the session, contact hafenquiries@tameside.gov.uk.

The deadline to complete the online application is Friday 27 February 2026.

The HAF Programme standards framework and service specification can be viewed via the links.

Further details of the HAF Programme can be viewed at www.tameside.gov.uk/haf