Overview

• Ministers confirmed a three-year, £600 million extension of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, securing funding until at least March 2029.
• The scheme funds local councils to provide free holiday childcare, activities and meals for school-aged children eligible for benefit-related free school meals.
• The Local Government Association and charities including Feeding Britain and Barnardo’s welcomed the multi-year settlement for the certainty it gives services.
• From 1 September, eligible working parents in England can access 30 hours a week of funded childcare for children aged nine months to four years, subject to income thresholds and an HMRC eligibility code.
• Officials say the 30-hour offer can save up to £7,500 per child a year, with HAF saving more than £300 and over £800 for working families on free school meals.