COUNCIL leaders are expected to approve a package worth around £4million to support children and families over the next three years. 

The support will be provided by the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) which is funded by the Department of Education (DfE), for families eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet is expected to approve the programme at its meeting next Wednesday (January 25).

The HAF programme provides families with six weeks of high quality, fun, enriching activities and nutritious food during the school holidays. This is made up of one week during spring, four weeks over summer and one week in the winter holidays, up to the end of 2025.

A sum of £1.6m has already been allocated for 2023, with the council expecting to receive a further allocation of around £2.5m from DfE for 2024/2025.

In addition, the council is set to provide a further £200,000 match funding to enhance the HAF programme and extend it to families who do not qualify for free school meals, so that all children and families across Gloucestershire can benefit.

The Cabinet will be asked to approve plans which will allow the council to continue and build upon its successful partnership with six district lead organisations, offering a wide ranging programme.