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Fuelled Holiday Activity and Food Programme Annual Report 2025-26
Background
The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme is funded by the Department for Education to provide activities and nutritious meals for children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals during the three main school holiday periods: Easter, Summer and Winter.
School holidays can present significant challenges for some families, often widening the holiday experience gap. Evidence shows that children from lower-income households are less likely to take part in organised activities outside of school and are more likely to face ‘unhealthy holidays’, including poorer nutrition, reduced physical activity and increased social isolation.
There are many benefits for children who attend the Fuelled HAF programme these include:
- 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.
In North Lincolnshire, the programme is known as the Fuelled Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF), a name chosen by the young people who take part, reflecting their vision: “Fuelled to learn, be active and have fun.”
We continue to build on the success of the Fuelled HAF programme by working in partnership with both new and established providers, adopting a holistic approach to place based health and wellbeing that places families at its heart. We are committed to ensuring that delivery is led by local organisations offering a diverse range of food and activities, with strong existing connections to communities and families across the county. This approach helps ensure that children benefit from accessible and supportive holiday provision run by trusted adults within their local neighbourhood.
This report provides an overview of the North Lincolnshire HAF programme delivery from April 2025 to March 2026, highlighting key achievements, challenges and future priorities. During 2025–2026, the programme expanded its offer, delivering a wide range of provision for eligible children and young people of all ages, including those in both mainstream and SEND settings.
With 88 holiday clubs delivered by 54 providers across the Easter, summer and winter holiday periods, the programme has supported over 37% of eligible children and young people, demonstrating its value as an essential resource for families, particularly in the context of the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
Mapping
North Lincolnshire is ranked 77th in England for having the proportion of LSOA’s in the 10% most deprived areas. 18.4% of small areas (LSOA) in North Lincolnshire are within the 20% most income deprived in England, where the income deprivation affects children. In the period to the school census of May 2025 the number of children on free school meals was 7,306, representing 31.7% of the total school roll. An increase of 8.7 percentage points since the Fuelled HAF programme commenced.
To support commissioning decisions, North Lincolnshire uses mapping software to analyse the postcodes of eligible children across the county. This helps to identify levels of need and the geographical distribution of provision. The approach ensures that more provision is targeted in high-need areas, whilst also identifying and supporting smaller pockets of need in rural communities. As a result, activities are delivered where they are most needed.
Governance
In line with government guidance, governance arrangements for HAF delivery and quality assurance are provided via a multi-agency development group. The group includes representatives from Positive Activities, local academies, ONGO, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Humberside Police, RDASH Foundation Trust and Active Humber. The group provide strategic direction and guidance ensuring projects align with organisational goals and objectives.
The steering group provides oversight and due diligence of the budget and commissioning processes and plays a critical role in ensuring all providers meet the national framework of standards. The group are responsible for programme delivery oversight and the application of delivery throughout the year. This ensures monitoring, eligibility and reporting processes are clear and understood. Additional support provided by North Lincolnshire Council includes finance, data, catering, marketing and promotion.
Finance
For the financial year April 2025 – March 2026 the DfE grant funding for North Lincolnshire was £722,130. This was calculated on the number of children eligible for, and in receipt, of benefits-related free school meals. The total HAF expenditure included a proportion of funding allocated to programme administration (for staffing and staff-related costs). The DfE allow a discretionary 10% to cover this, recognising these costs are associated with implementation and coordination of the programme.
The total spent was £722,130 with 88% of the funds being used directly on face-to-face provision. In addition to face-to-face provision, funding was also spent on:
- Letters and flyers to publicise the scheme
- Booking systems
- Staff and provider training
- Management and administration of the programme
Quality of provision
Fuelled HAF clubs provide safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people can take part in activities in a secure and supportive environment. In North Lincolnshire, provider organisations are required to meet established standards. These include safeguarding, health and safety, food hygiene, equality and diversity, alongside maintaining appropriate public and employer’s liability insurance. This gives parents confidence that their children are well cared for and supported whilst participating in activities away from home.
Provider policies and paperwork are examined on application. Where required advice is given to ensure that policies include the most up to date information including references to changes in guidance (eg Working Together) and procedures.
Quality assurance visits undertaken by both the HAF coordinator and members of the steering group play an important role in ensuring standards and guidance are being met. These are completed at least twice a year to each provider. The visits also offer a chance to support providers in any areas where they require further guidance.
To ensure standards remain high, providers are given free access to the North Lincolnshire Council Learning Lincs platform which includes:
- Safeguarding Training
- Level 2 Food Hygiene online training
- Prevent Training
Parent and carer feedback
A key feature of delivery is ensuring the voice of children, young people and their families are captured through various evaluation methodologies. An online parent/carer evaluation survey is available at the end of every holiday period, which informs future delivery. The number of responses received were 71 responses in Easter, 50 in the Summer and 33 for the Winter, providing a wider range of views.
The data below is a combination of all 154 responses from parents with children who attended face-to-face activities.
- Most parents chose “Very Good” in all categories for sessions this year, with the highest praise being for the club staff and the venues
- Out of those surveyed, over 90 children said they tried something new
- Out of those surveyed, 86 parents mentioned reduced stress levels
The bar chart represents what a small sample of children mentioned in the survey. From how they tried new activities to how they had fun and socialised.
Overall, the majority rated the holiday clubs attended as excellent. 76% were excellent, 18% very good, 4% satisfactory and the remaining 2% poor or very poor.
To support the impact of the scheme beyond the holiday periods, we continue to work with our HAF providers to ensure that they can offer parents help with how to pay for childcare using the existing government funding streams. We have also supported some of the HAF providers to register with Ofsted and access these funding streams. Further information has been shared with parents via Childcare Choices.
Headline Achievements in 2025
2,689 children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals attended the programme in 2025. In addition to this, 312 children attended who were identified as vulnerable. There were 819 young people in attendance with SEND. Each of these activities included a nutritious meal. The number of unique FSM children accessing the HAF programme rose between Easter and Summer 2025, before declining during the winter period. The programme achieved its highest-ever number of children attending, marking a significant milestone. This record attendance is a testament to the programme’s growing popularity and effectiveness.
During 2025, the programme saw significant advancements through effective partnership working. The programme collaborated with Feeding Britain to offer places for low-income families who do not meet the threshold for support through the HAF programme, which helped enhanced the programme’s reach and impact. These partnerships facilitated a comprehensive approach to supporting children and families.
The participation from children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) continues to increase each year, thanks to the introduction of SEND-specific provisions as well as mainstream activities becoming more inclusive. This inclusive approach ensured that more children could benefit from the programme’s offerings.
Remote provision continued to be a success, providing flexible engagement options that were well-received by children and families. This adaptability allowed the programme to reach a wider audience and cater to diverse needs.
The majority of attendees were free school meal eligible with 1752 children attending primary school compared to 937 from secondary school. There were also 312 vulnerable children attending through our non-free school meal eligibility criteria.
71% of attendees were primary-school age with the rest being of secondary-school age.
The largest number of places were in the Scunthorpe area, due to the density of FSM-eligible children in Scunthorpe. The lowest number of places were in Barton.
Overall, the majority of places funded were for universal holiday clubs and sports. With a small spread of dance, childminding, horse-riding, arts & crafts and pantomime tickets/activity packs.
2,689 children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals attended the programme in 2025. In addition to this, 312 children attended who were identified as vulnerable attended. There were 819 young people in attendance with SEND.
90,311 hours of face-to-face delivery were on offer from 54 different providers delivering 88 holiday clubs. The programme reached 37% of eligible children.
Holidays in more detail … Easter highlights:
- A new more streamlined application process and accompanying guidance supported new providers onto the programme
- The introduction of a new booking system “EEQU” provided a new way for parents and providers to manage their bookings
- There was a variety of provision from sports and holiday clubs to martial arts and horse riding
Parent’s comments:
“The horse-riding experience was incredible; my daughter couldn’t wait to go again! She told me how friendly staff were and the food was good. She was able to be close to the horses and ride them she wants to go again in the summer holidays.”
Easter statistics
The majority of attendees were free school meal eligible with 636 children attending primary school compared to 347 from secondary school. There were also 144 children attending through our non-free school meal eligibility criteria and 108 non-eligible children who attended either through a free or paid place.
67% of attendees were primary-school age with the rest being of secondary-school age.
The largest number of places were in the Scunthorpe area, due to the density of FSM-eligible children in Scunthorpe. The lowest number of places were in Axholme & The Isle.
Overall, the majority of places funded were for universal holiday clubs and sports. With a small spread of dance, childminding, horse-riding and arts & crafts.
983 children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals attended the Easter programme. In addition to this, 144 children attended who were identified as vulnerable attended. There were 291 young people in attendance with SEND.
15,679 hours of face-to-face delivery were on offer from 36 different providers. The programme reached 14% of eligible children with them attending an average of 3 days
Summer highlights
- Summer 2025 was a huge success, with the programme reaching over 200 more children than originally anticipated
- The delivery period saw a rise in the provision offered to teenagers, which was a large reason for the increase in reach
- Partnerships continued to flourish with EHMP’s, school nurses, the oral health team and the positive activities team.
Parent’s comments:
“This was great as it was in my working days, and I was able to work flexibly to take him to and from the sessions. I knew he was safe and having fun doing something he enjoys. It reduced the stress at home with him being bored whilst I was working.”
The majority of attendees were free school meal eligible with 1296 children attending primary school compared to 541 from secondary school. There were also 241 vulnerable children attending through our non-free school meal eligibility criteria.
70% of attendees were primary-school age with the rest being of secondary-school age.
The largest number of places were in the Scunthorpe area, due to the density of FSM-eligible children in Scunthorpe. The lowest number of places were in Barton.
Overall, the majority of places funded were for universal holiday clubs and sports. With a small spread of dance, childminding, horse-riding and arts & crafts.
1,837 children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals attended the Summer programme. In addition to this, 241 children attended who were identified as vulnerable attended. There were 620 young people in attendance with SEND.
60,498 hours of face-to-face delivery were on offer from 49 different providers. The programme reached 25% of eligible children with them attending an average of 6 days.
Winter highlight
- Winter saw a mixed delivery model. The usual face-to-face activities were provided, alongside pantomime tickets, activity packs and recipe packs which were very well received
- Providers were encouraged to offer more family events, themed-activities and trips. The result being the highest reach for a Winter period yet
- Hundreds of children experienced the local pantomime for the first time and learnt how to cook a healthy recipe with their family
Parent’s comments:
“Thanks so much to the whole team for giving my daughter somewhere to go, have her needs met without judgement or hesitation, and just have fun like any other child! You are all very special people.”
The majority of attendees were free school meal eligible with 801 children attending primary school compared to 402 from secondary school. There were also 130 vulnerable children attending through our non-free school meal eligibility criteria.
67% of attendees were primary-school age with the rest being of secondary-school age.
The largest number of places were in the Scunthorpe area, due to the density of FSM-eligible children in Scunthorpe. The lowest number of places were in Barton.
Overall, the majority of places funded were for universal holiday clubs and sports. With a small spread of dance, childminding, horse-riding and arts & crafts.
1,203 children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals attended the Winter programme. In addition to this, 130 children attended who were identified as vulnerable attended. There were 324 young people in attendance with SEND.
14,134 hours of face-to-face delivery were on offer from 34 different providers. The programme reached 17% of eligible children with them attending an average of 2 days.
HAF providers
The Fuelled HAF programme demonstrates the strength of partnership working and collaboration in improving the health, wellbeing and overall quality of life for children and young people. The HAF Coordinator is based within North Lincolnshire Council’s Communities Directorate, creating valuable opportunities to build relationships with voluntary and community groups, as well as statutory partners, to identify families who would benefit from the programme.
This collaborative approach ensures that families’ holistic needs are recognised and addressed through effective referral pathways and signposting to additional services including Family Hubs. The Fuelled HAF programme also helps to ease the financial pressures families face during school holidays, with signposting to relevant welfare support forming a key part of this comprehensive support offer.
The provider network is diverse, including schools, voluntary and charitable organisations, private companies, social enterprises, and the faith sector, enabling strong, collaborative partnership arrangements.
Survey results – Providers
The Fuelled programme overall
Thank you to everyone involved – providers
- 780 Coaching
- After Bell Club
- ALAC Kixx Scunthorpe
- Althorpe & Keadby Primary School
- Ashby Bowl
- Avalon Mill Equestrian
- Awaken Education
- Barton Community Band
- Be-Apt Westcliff Community Centre
- Coneygarth Farm Day Nursery
- Connect Church
- Cook Stars Lincoln North
- Coritani Creative
- Creative Kids
- Elsham Activity Centre
- Engineering UTC
- Epworth Colts
- First Step Sports
- Frederick Gough School
- Gooch Judo Kwai
- Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
- Inspiring Families Solutions CIC
- Isle Ride to Recover
- Karen Tidmarsh
- Koku-Ryu Martial Arts
- Lincs Education
- North Lindsey College
- Now Then Coaching
- Oasis Academy Parkwood
- Ongo Communities
- Premier Education
- Red Everywhere
- SAFE Equestrian
- Scunthorpe Theatres
- Short Breaks
- Sportsability Limited
- SportsCool Doncaster
- St Hybalds Academy
- STEMPunx
- Stepping Stones of Scawby
- Street Beat
- Strive Beyond
- Study United
- TAMNET
- Teach Lincs
- The Dancing Tiger Scrapstore
- The Iron Foundation
- The MoveMENt with New Beginnings
- The Rabbit Hole
- Twin Tigers
- Ulceby Pre-school and Out of School Club
- Your Wellbeing
Supermarket and food banks partners
- ASDA
- Morrisons
- Coop
- Scunthorpe Foodbank
- Crosby One Food Pantry
Provider case studies
One child has been a regular participant in our Get Creative holiday programme for several years. They live with ADHD, ADD, and moderate learning difficulties, and in previous years has sometimes found it challenging to stay engaged. This summer, thanks to additional staff support, we have seen remarkable progress in their participation, confidence, and creativity.
They thrive when given the flexibility to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed, always choosing to re-join activities at their own pace. This self-regulation has allowed them to explore a wide range of creative opportunities, including:
- Clay modelling – creating a detailed bird sculpture, which they proudly showed to staff
- Music making – learning to play a few notes on the harp and joining in with group improvisation; trying the steel pans and djembe drumming with enthusiasm
- Singing & Makaton signing – taking part in inclusive group activities
- Musical theatre dance – despite initial reluctance, they joined the final run-through of Revolting Children from Matilda, encouraged by patient staff support
- Creative making – building a den, designing their own book, and making a bracelet with their name on, which they excitedly showed to their parents at pick-up
Their parents often ask how their day has gone, and we are now consistently able to share positive updates. Engagement has been so strong that they even won one of our daily prize draws, a moment they celebrated with a big smile.
Their journey this summer demonstrates the power of creative, flexible, and supportive programming. With the right environment and a variety of activities, they has been able to participate fully, build confidence, and express themselves in new ways.”
“This summer marked our first experience delivering Fuelled HAF sessions as a team, and it was an incredible journey. The children were fully engaged and enjoyed a healthy balance of activities designed to nurture both their wellbeing and appetite.
Our weekly themed sessions were well attended, with many children returning week after week and parents keen to rebook once their child had experienced the fun and welcoming atmosphere. The programme offered plenty of opportunities for creativity and learning, from crafting and cooking to developing friendships and teamwork.
Inclusivity was at the heart of our approach. We worked to ensure that every child felt welcome, with additional needs carefully catered for, giving parents the confidence that their children were safe, supported, and thriving in our care.
We were delighted by the reach of our sessions, welcoming families from across North Lincolnshire – even as far as Scunthorpe – to our venues in Barton and Goxhill. Attendance at Goxhill grew steadily throughout the summer, while Barton sessions proved consistently popular, with full bookings and parents asking to be informed of any cancellations.
The feedback we received from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the inclusive environment, the variety of activities, and the joy their children experienced.
Overall, the programme was a great success. Not only did the children have fun, but they also gained new skills, built friendships, and created happy memories that we hope will stay with them until next time.
Thank you
Kathy and the Now Then Coaching CIC team”
Testimonials from children, parents and providers
Throughout the year we carried out a consultation with parents/carers, children and providers at the end of each holiday to gather their feedback.
“My child really enjoyed each session. He was much happier to attend as the children were all a similar age. The staff are exceptional, it’s well run and a very good opportunity for my child to mix, socialise and stay fit”
“My daughter loved her day at the camp, she hasn’t stopped talking about all the activities and friends she made”
“I liked fishing, it was very exciting. I liked the fire station, a lot of impressions and new friends.
“Dancing was really fun and putting on performance”
“My favourite was horse riding, games and helping making delicious healthy food”
“We are so proud that we have been able to put this together for our children. We would not be able to do it to the level of quality that we did without this funding. We would certainly not be able to provide food as our parents would not be able to afford this cost, nor would school.
The support and encouragement from the North Lincolnshire HAF Team was great. They clearly stand for making a difference to children’s lives like we do in school and this was a driving factor for us. Thanks to all involved with this programme.”
“The programme overall is fantastic. Gives those on free meals the opportunity to get involved with exercise and make new friends.”
Our strengths
- Continued increase in FSM-reach ensuring the most vulnerable children in North Lincolnshire are accessing activities and food during the school holidays
- Additional funding secured through Funding Britain helping to further strengthen the offer
- Secondary-aged activities were increased, a particular highlight is the Elsham Activity Centre which has been a huge success amongst eligible teenagers
- The introduction of the EEQU booking system has sped up the reporting process and provided a much simpler booking process for parents
Ambition for 2026 and next steps
As North Lincolnshire’s Fuelled HAF programme grows and more children, young people and families become eligible and involved, we need to ensure that the activities remain appealing, whilst supporting the health and wellbeing of North Lincolnshire’s children and young people.
The programme continues to thrive, and we remain committed to ensuring the views of the children, young people and families remain central to the process and future planning.
Ambitions for the future are:-
- Increase School awareness/participation – particularly Secondary schools
- Increase SEND provision
- Increase provision/raise awareness for teenagers
- Focus on the need for Ofsted Registration
- Continue to enforce the rules regarding registration as a food business
The Fuelled HAF Team recognises and values the contributions of all partners and services and extends sincere thanks for their ongoing support and commitment in making a difference to eligible children, young people and their families in North Lincolnshire.
Contact/follow us:
X – @NorthLincsCNews
Facebook – www.facebook.com/PositiveActivitiesNorthLincs
Instagram – @NorthLincolnshireCouncil
Email – Fuelled@northlincs.gov.uk