Element One - Food
There is an expectation that at least one healthy, balanced meal a day will be provided. There is no requirement for the meals to all be hot, but hot meals are encouraged where possible. The meals must meet School Food Standards: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-food-standards-resources-for-schools. All food provided as part of the HAF Programme must comply with regulations on food preparation and consider allergies and dietary requirements in line with the new allergen legalisation Natasha's Law: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/natashas-legacy-becomes-law along with preferences as well as any religious or cultural requirements for food. If delivering the two day face to face model with a food hamper, please provide us with details of the contents of your food hampers in line with the HAF Programme.
Element Two – Enriching and Physical Activities
Clubs must provide fun and enriching activities that provide children with opportunities to develop new skills or knowledge which are age appropriate. They must provide activities which meet the Physical Activity Guidelines (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-guidelines-uk-chief-medical-officers-report) on a daily basis. If delivering the two day face to face model with activity packs, please detail the contents of your activity packs in line with the HAF Programme.
Element Three – Nutritional Education
Clubs must include an element of nutritional education each day aimed at improving the knowledge and awareness of healthy eating for children.
Element Four – Food Education for Families and Carers
Clubs must include at least weekly training and advice for parents, carers, or family members on how to source nutritional food and prepare and cook low-cost nutritious meals.
Element Five – Signposting and Referrals
Clubs must be able to provide information, signposting or referrals to other services and support that would benefit the children who attend their provision and their families. This may include, but is not limited to, information about Citizen’s Advice, debt and financial education, healthcare professionals, family support services, housing support officers, and Jobcentre Plus.
To further support applications and development of programmes, we will soon have more information documents on particular aspects and a training programme to support partners. Information of these will be communicated through email and available on our dedicated website https://www.theeducationpeople.org/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-kent/