Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Wandsworth Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the Holiday Activities and Food programme for three years, helping thousands of children.
The announcement follows Juliet Chua, one of the Department for Education’s (DfE) most senior leaders in charge of schools, visiting a Wandsworth HAF programme at Rosslyn Park in Roehampton.
Chua witnessed firsthand how Wandsworth‘s cutting-edge HAF programme, known locally as Wandsworth Connected, is benefiting families.
As part of the borough’s HAF offer, Juliet Chua, Director General for Schools at the DfE, visited Rosslyn Park and met the team that is providing multisport-related activities. Council officers and important stakeholders that assist in program coordination accompanied her.
During school breaks, eligible children and young people can receive free, nourishing meals and enriching activities from Wandsworth Connected, which is funded by the DfE.
Over 2,500 kids have participated this summer, including more than 500 with disabilities or specific educational requirements.
Wandsworth’s program is unique in that it prioritizes the community. Children feel comfortable, supported, and a part of a larger community when a variety of activities are offered in familiar, local settings. The program provides a wide range of options to reflect the needs expressed by families and children.
When the holidays are over, the assistance continues. Wandsworth’s three Family Hubs provide year-round services to families, including health checks, digital skills training, job support, parenting guidance, and youth services, all in a friendly environment.
Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said:
“We’re delighted the Government has listened to families and extended the funding for the HAF programme. It’s a lifeline for many, and we’re proud that Wandsworth was able to showcase to senior leaders the positive impact it is having here.
Juliet Chua’s visit was an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our providers and the resilience of our families. It’s encouraging to see that the value of programmes like ours has been recognised nationally.
We know that support is needed all year round, which is why we’ve invested in Family Hubs, expanded our free school meals offer, and continue to provide help with uniforms, breakfasts, and more. We’re committed to giving every child the best possible start in life.”
How will the extension of HAF in Wandsworth affect local children’s opportunities?
The extension provides sustainable access to a nutritious meal and a variety of enriching activities at winter, Easter and summer holiday times for thousands of children to help maintain their physical health and social inclusion outside of school.
These activities take place in familiar, accessible community facilities and spaces, where children feel supported, and become part of a wider community- offering safe environments that develop belonging and confidence.
Children can be involved in sports, arts, gardening, forest schools, mentoring, and visits/ trips- experiences that provide physical activity and creativity and social skills, as well as additional experiences to engage with that would ordinarily be unattainable.