Extension of holiday programme welcomed with Wandsworth’s approach showcased to Government

The announcement comes soon after a visit to a Wandsworth HAF programme at Rosslyn Park in Roehampton by Juliet Chua, one of the Department for Education’s (DfE) most senior leaders responsible for schools, who saw first-hand how Wandsworth’s innovative HAF programme, known locally as Wandsworth Connected, is delivering positive outcomes for families.

During her visit, Juliet Chua, Director General for Schools at the DfE, toured Rosslyn Park to meet the team delivering multi-sport related activities as part of the borough’s HAF offer. She was joined by council officers and key stakeholders who help coordinate the programme. 

Funded by the DfE, Wandsworth Connected provides free, enriching activities and nutritious meals to eligible children and young people during school holidays. This summer, more than 2,500 children have taken part, including over 500 with special educational needs or disabilities. 

Wandsworth’s programme stands out with its community-first approach. A diverse range of activities are delivered in familiar, local spaces where children feel safe, supported, and part of a wider community. The programme is shaped by what families and children say they need and offers a diverse range of opportunities to reflect that. 

The support doesn’t stop when the holidays end. Families are also connected to year-round services through Wandsworth’s three Family Hubs, which offer everything from parenting advice and youth services to health checks, digital skills training, and job support, all in one welcoming space. 

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We’re delighted the Government has listened to families and extended the funding for the HAF programme. It’s a lifeline for many, and we’re proud that Wandsworth was able to showcase to senior leaders the positive impact it is having here. 

“Juliet Chua’s visit was an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our providers and the resilience of our families. It’s encouraging to see that the value of programmes like ours has been recognised nationally. 

“We know that support is needed all year round, which is why we’ve invested in Family Hubs, expanded our free school meals offer, and continue to provide help with uniforms, breakfasts, and more. We’re committed to giving every child the best possible start in life.”

Other support for families 

Wandsworth Council continues to expand its support for families beyond the school holidays. The Magic Breakfast programme, which ensures children start their day with a healthy meal, was extended last year from 20 to 40 primary schools. It now provides 50,000 breakfasts each term, reaching more than half of all pupils in participating schools. 

From September, even more secondary school pupils will benefit from free school meals, thanks to a major expansion of the scheme. All children in secondary schools who are eligible for the borough’s Access for All offer will now receive a free meal each day. This builds on the recent expansion of the School Uniform Support Scheme, which now provides vouchers to families of children entering Reception and Year 7 who are either on free school meals or qualify for Access for All. 

Access for All is Britain’s best concession scheme. It aims to remove barriers and ensure every resident can take advantage of the borough’s many opportunities. Eligible residents, such as those on low incomes, can receive discounts of 50 percent to 100 percent on sports, leisure, and other essential services. The scheme’s success is clear, with over 50,000 free bookings already made at Wandsworth’s leisure centres. 

In addition, the council has strengthened its Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) Youth Offer by launching a new initiative overseen by the Wandsworth Youth Partnership Board. The project provides funding to 13 grassroots organisations, helping them grow and deliver youth services that are culturally and contextually informed. The funded programmes include boxing and mentoring sessions, wellbeing support for girls aged 9 to 12 and their parents who have been diagnosed with ADHD, and additional youth club sessions during evenings and school holidays.