School Holiday and Food Provision (SHAF)

Liverpool City Council (the Authority) has received funding from the Department for Education to provide a holiday activities and food programme for children and young people aged from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who are eligible for benefits related free school meals.

In order to support the delivery of this programme, we are seeking tenders from experienced organisations with capacity and expertise to facilitate and co-ordinate the work of play and activity provision during the school holidays with local organisations.

Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children this can lead to a holiday experience gap, with children from low-income households being: • less likely to access organised out-of-school activities • more likely to experience 'unhealthy holidays' in terms of nutrition and physical health • more likely to experience social isolation

The DfE HAF programme is a response to this issue, with evidence showing that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people, and that they work best when they: • provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities • cover more than just breakfast or lunch • involve children (and parents) in food preparation • use local partnerships and connections, particularly with the voluntary and community organisation sector