£223,000 Approved To Support Free Holiday Activities For Island Children

More than £200,000 is set to be spent on free holiday activities and meals for children across the Isle of Wight this summer.

Isle of Wight Council is being asked to approve £223,044 in funding for the Summer 2026 Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which supports children from low-income families during the school holidays.

The scheme, funded by the Department for Education, provides free childcare, healthy meals and activities for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

A total of 19 providers are expected to deliver sessions across 29 locations between 27 July and 28 August, creating more than 5,000 places, with additional capacity likely to be added if demand increases.

The Isle of Wight has been awarded £387,950 for the programme in 2026/27, with part of the funding also used to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The HAF programme aims to keep children active, well-fed and socially connected during the holidays, while also helping families manage increased costs when schools are closed.

Council officials say the funding has been targeted based on need, with particular focus on areas with higher numbers of children eligible for free school meals, including Newport.

The programme has been extended nationally for a further three years, with more than £600 million committed across England.