The funding is designated for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which supports children in receipt of Free School Meals during holiday periods.
Thousands of children in Newham could soon benefit from government funding as Newham Council’s Cabinet prepares to discuss a Department for Education grant on 4 February. The funding is designated for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which supports children in receipt of Free School Meals during holiday periods.
Figures show that approximately 24,000 children and young people in Newham are currently eligible for Free School Meals, a significant rise from around 20,000 in October 2023. The HAF programme aims to address challenges faced by low-income families during school holidays, when children may miss out on nutritious meals and organised activities, leading to potential social isolation and unhealthy lifestyles.
Tackling Holiday Hardship
The HAF programme seeks to bridge the gap for disadvantaged children by ensuring they have access to healthy meals, physical activities, and enriching experiences. Research has shown that children from low-income households are less likely to participate in structured holiday activities and are at higher risk of experiencing ‘unhealthy holidays’ due to a lack of proper nutrition and exercise.
Councillor Melanie Ovovo, Cabinet Member for Youth Power, welcomed the government’s funding and highlighted its impact on young people in the borough. She said:
“The Government’s HAF grant will make a difference to the lives of so many young people in Newham. No child in our borough deserves to suffer from a poor diet, hunger, loneliness, or a lack of physical activity during the school holidays.
“No child in our borough deserves to suffer from a poor diet, hunger, loneliness, and a lack of physical activity during the school holidays.” – Cllr Melanie Onovo
“Newham’s Eat for Free scheme currently ensures primary school students receive free school meals, but without the HAF programme, disadvantaged students wouldn’t have guaranteed access to nutritious meals and enrichment during the school holidays. The HAF programme directly tackles that, reducing the strain on families facing financial insecurity and the rising cost of living.
“The grant has already benefited thousands of children in Newham, whether through dance, arts and crafts, or simply by providing a healthy meal. Many families are doing their best to provide for their children but struggle to make ends meet. By continuing this programme, we honour our commitment to ensuring our children and young people are safe, happy, and have access to positive and enriching activities that support their long-term wellbeing.”
Support for Children and Families
Newham pupils have already seen the benefits of HAF funding through a range of local clubs and activities that provide opportunities to socialise, learn new skills, and stay active. During the 2024/25 period, the Council partnered with 35 voluntary, community, and faith-based organisations, alongside internal services such as Youth Empowerment, Libraries, Youth Justice Services, 0-19 Children’s Health, and Disabled Children and Young People’s Services. The programme has played a vital role in reducing social isolation, strengthening community bonds, and promoting physical wellbeing through physical activities and nutritional education.
Figures show that approximately 24,000 children and young people in Newham are currently eligible for Free School Meals, a significant rise from around 20,000 in October 2023.
As part of the programme, every HAF-funded session is expected to run for at least four hours a day, offering children and young people at least one meal and access to healthy snacks. These meals adhere to school food standards set by the Government. The funded provision also includes a variety of fun and enriching activities, allowing children to develop new skills, reinforce existing knowledge, and try new experiences. Activities have ranged from football and creative arts to nature walks, ensuring a well-rounded experience for participants.
During the 2024 HAF programme, nearly 50,000 sessions were attended, each providing a healthy meal. Feedback from children and young people who have taken part in the scheme has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants saying: “This is really fun to play with my friends,” “I’ve not been bored in these holidays,” and “I’ve learnt to do new things.”
Looking Ahead
The continued funding of the HAF programme would ensure that Newham’s most vulnerable children have access to essential support throughout the school holidays. Councillor Ovovo expressed her gratitude to the programme’s delivery partners, saying:
“On behalf of the Council, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all HAF delivery partners who have already provided exceptional services. With this funding, they can continue their invaluable work, making a profound difference to the lives of children and families in our borough who need support.”
For more information on Newham’s participation in the HAF programme, visit: https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/2025-area-focus/sutton/
If you are concerned about a child’s wellbeing and suspect neglect or abuse, you can contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at 0203 373 4600 for support or to make an anonymous referral.
