We are committed to developing a high-quality inclusive HAF Programme which embraces the conditions set out by the Department of Education.
The Department for Education have developed a framework of standards to provide a benchmark of what they expect from organisations delivering the HAF Programme.
Organisations receiving Grants must adhere to the Standards Framework. Organisations unable to adhere to the Framework will be unsuccessful in their application to Staffordshire County Council. Failure to comply with the Standards Framework, following a successful Grant, will lead to us withdrawing the Grant from Staffordshire County Council. The Standards Framework is set out below:
Food
Providers are required to provide a minimum of one meal a day. This could be Breakfast, Lunch or Tea/Dinner. All Food (including snacks) provided through the activity must meet the School Food Standards, developed through the Department of Education. Most of the food served through the Programme should be hot where possible. There may be exceptional circumstances where a hot meal is not possible, and a cold alternative may be appropriate. Food provided through the Programme must:
- Comply with appropriate Legislation, Regulations, Policies, Procedures and Guidance in relation to food preparation.
- Take into consideration allergies and dietary requirements.
- Consider any religious or cultural requirements for food.
Providers can view the School Food Standards on the Government's website.
Food standards including hygiene and food standards qualifications and allergy information etc is the sole responsibility of the provider. Allergy awareness and cultural options should always be available, this is the responsibility of the provider.
From October 2021 Providers need to be aware of and adhere to the new the requirements of the UK Food Labelling reform known as Natasha’s Law.
If children on non-HAF-funded places are given the option to bring a packed lunch, then we expect the local authority and the provider to work together to ensure that children attending through HAF have the same choice. This could be fulfilled through the provider and the local authority making arrangements to provide packed lunches for HAF children. All packed lunches must meet the school food standards.
Enriching activities
Providers are required to facilitate fun and enriching activities that provide children and young people (and in some instances their families) to:
- Develop new skills or knowledge
- Consolidate existing skills and knowledge
- Try out new experiences which could include physical activities, for example, football, table tennis or cricket, creative activities, for example: putting on a play, junk modelling or drumming workshops or experiences, for example: a nature walk or visiting a city farm.
Applications will also be welcomed from organisations who have included the facilitation of activities relating to motor skills.
Physical activities
Holiday clubs must provide activities that meet the physical activity guidelines on a daily basis.
In line with those guidelines, we expect:
- all participating in the HAF programme engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day
- all participating in the HAF programme should engage in a range of physical activity to develop movement skills, muscular fitness, and bone strength
- providers to minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary, and when physically possible should break up long periods of not moving with at least light physical activity
Meeting the physical activity requirement does not have to be in the form of a structured activity session, but might include active travel, free play and sports.
Nutritional education
Providers are required to include an element of nutritional education each day aimed at improving the knowledge and awareness around healthy eating for children (and their families). This nutritional education is not required to be formal learning activities and could for example include activities such as:
- getting children involved in food preparation and cooking
- growing fruit and vegetables
Innovative approaches to Nutritional Education will be encouraged.
Food education for families
Providers are required to include at least weekly training and advice sessions for families (e.g., Parents, Carers or Guardians). These sessions should provide advice on how to:
- source
- prepare
- cook nutritious and low-cost food
This nutritional education should include the provision of informal information, advice and guidance and could also include access to the Staffordshire Family Hub Virtual Cooking Project which is available.
Signposting and referrals
Providers are required to provide information, advice, guidance, signposting or referrals to other agencies, services, organisations, or networks of support which benefit the children (and their families) who are attending the Providers activities. This could include:
- Child Health and Wellbeing Services, School Nurses, Dentists or Other Healthcare Practitioners
- Family Support Services and/or Children’s Social Care, Housing Support Officers
- Organisations providing financial education, information, advice and Guidance
Policies, procedures and guidance
Providers are required to evidence, demonstrate and explain their Safeguarding Practices. Providers must have relevant and appropriate Policies, Procedures and Guidance in place in relation to:
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Staffordshire County Council has set out additional requirements in relation to Safeguarding as outlined below.
Accessibility and exclusiveness
Providers who are not already registered with Ofsted are not required to do so just to participate in the HAF Programme.
Guidance on the exemptions from registering with Ofsted is available at: Registration exemptions - Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) It is the responsibility of Providers to ensure if they are required to be registered with Ofsted or not.
All children and young people eligible will be included within the programme regardless of Special Educational Needs, rurality of their home or family circumstances.
Further information regarding Ofsted exemptions can be found at the end of the guidance.