Holiday Activities and Food annual report 2025

School-age Childcare and Ofsted

The approach being taken is a two-pronged strategy focused on both educating and engaging current commercial providers who run holiday clubs about what the HAF programme is and how it works. Support from the 0-5 and Free Breakfast Clubs team within the local authority has been invaluable in this process, and as a result, four to five clubs have already applied for Summer 2026. Alongside this, efforts are being made to simplify the process for existing HAF providers to join the Voluntary Ofsted Register. The local authority has joined the Out of School Alliance and is offering a structured programme of support to providers. This approach brings several advantages, including enabling friends to attend clubs together, improving business sustainability beyond HAF funding, and allowing parents and carers to use Tax-Free Childcare.

We will broaden our offer of healthy lunches and refreshments by partnering with a diverse range of local establishments. This approach will ensure that young people have access to a wide variety of nutritious, appealing food options, all of which can be purchased using programme vouchers. In addition, we will increase the number of participating venues across Gateshead, making it even easier for young people to redeem their vouchers conveniently within their local communities.

As in previous years, the programme will continue to be shaped by the voices of young people. In early 2025, we hosted a consultation event at the Newcastle United Foundation, where young people shared valuable feedback on what they would like to see included in the HAF Plus Summer programme. This insight will directly inform the design and delivery of our four-week programme, ensuring that activities are relevant, engaging, and tailored to their interests and needs.

For 2026, we are planning an exciting and varied programme of activities designed to promote creativity, social interaction, and new skill development. These will include:

• Escape room experiences at the Metrocentre
• Board game social sessions
• Creative writing workshops at The Glasshouse
• Tennis coaching sessions
• Barista skills workshops
• Darts sessions
• A large-scale activity fun day at Northumbria University

This diverse programme will provide opportunities for young people to try new experiences, build confidence, and connect with others in a safe and supportive environment.