The Assistant Director of Education presented a report on behalf of the Director of Children, Families and Education which gave an update on the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF). It noted that in 2020 Wirral local authority made the decision for Edsential, a Community Interest Company jointly owned by Wirral and Chester and Cheshire West Councils, to deliver the HAF on behalf of Wirral Council. Holiday Activity funding received by the Local Authority from the Department for Education (DfE) in the last academic year was £1.46 million, this funding had continued this financial year and would continue in 2024-2025. The Edsential team that delivered HAF oversees management, administration marketing, training and finance in relation to the HAF programme, Edsential worked closely with officers within Children’s Services to deliver the programme. After each holiday programme Edsential have to complete a finance return to the DfE outlining how the funding had been utilised.

Members queried who was entitled use to the HAF programme and whether children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) were given priority. Officers clarified that the HAF programme was specifically for families that could not afford school meals and qualified for free school meals during term time. They highlighted that there were separate respite programmes for SEND children and that work was being carried out to improve this offer.

Members queried whether food or activity was given greater priority within the programme and that some of the activities such as martial arts and boxing sounded potentially dangerous. Officers assured Members that there was no physical fighting and that it was more of an exercise class than combat. There was broad guidance for those clubs taking part and the offer of nutritious food was a key part of the programme.

Members noted that the programme was not a statutory requirement and praised the work done by officers and Edsential. They asked how Members could steer their constituents towards the service. Officers noted that further work was needed to let parents know about the programme.

Resolved – That

1. The report be noted; and

2. the committee supported further developments with Edsential CIC for provision in summer 2024.