Waltham Forest will be running the DfE funded Holiday Activity and Food Programme which enables Local Authorities across England to provide holiday activities and food during school holidays in 2025. 

The funding conditions of the DfE Holiday Activity Programme requires the provision of enrichment activities alongside a food offer to be made accessible for children who are in receipt of free schools meals (FSM).

In light of this grant funding, London Borough of Waltham Forest is offering schools the opportunity to apply for grants for delivery of holiday provisions during the summer holiday for children in receipt of FSM which look to meet the following objectives.

• Provide access to enrichment activities
• Provide access to a healthy meal which meets school food standards
• Increase awareness of healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, and positive behaviours
• Provide information, signposting or referrals to other services and support that would benefit the children and families who attend the holiday provision

Grant funding will be available to provide places for children in receipt of benefit related FSM with a maximum grant for of £25 per day per funded place or £50 per day per funded places within special schools for a minimum of four hours a day for four days a week during the summer holidays. Up to 15% of funded places provided can be offered to vulnerable children.  

To apply for the funding please complete the application from and return to  wfholidayactivityprogramme@walthamforest.gov.uk by Friday 6 June 2025.

If you are having difficulty meeting this deadline and would like to apply for funding please do not hesitate to contact Fern Edwards fern.edwards@walthamforest.gov.uk to discuss options.