Information for third party providers
The aim of the programme is to support children to eat more healthily, be more active over the school holidays, have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition and be more engaged with school and other local services.
Becoming a provider
Lots of different organisations are eligible to become third-party providers of HAF programmes. These include:
- Church groups
- Forest schools
- Special Needs providers
- Youth groups
- Sports Clubs
- Farms
- Leisure Centres
- Theatre Schools
HAF funding is available for a range of different activities, including:
- Sport (traditional/non-traditional)
- Forest school/outdoor activities
- Arts and crafts
- Music, drama and dance
- 'Wow' activities
- Cooking classes and activities
- Activity packs
- Trips
If you are interested in becoming a HAF provider for the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays, please contact HAFEOI@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
The government sets out the standards expected of providers here. You can also find further information on the standards for providers page.
Ofsted registration
HAF providers may need to register with Ofsted depending on the provision they offer. They may be eligible to register with Ofsted on the voluntary register or be exempt from registration. HAF providers that require registration with Ofsted, and those that are exempt, can participate in the HAF programme.
For quality assurance and to better meet the safeguarding needs of children and young people, certain providers can register with Ofsted even if they do not have to. It is the responsibility of individual HAF providers to understand whether they are required by law to be Ofsted registered and to continue to review their status as and when the provision they are offering changes.
One of the direct benefits to children and families of HAF providers being Ofsted registered is that families may be eligible for tax-free childcare or the childcare costs element of Universal Credit. Through this families may be able to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs if they are attending and paying for extra childcare at Ofsted registered settings.
Promotion
You can utilise social media, the booking system, your existing relationships with schools and families as well your wider networks and partnerships to promote your HAF club. When posting on social media you can also tag Lincolnshire County Council and the Department for Education for further exposure.
