Wandsworth expands Holiday Activities and Food programme as local provider shortlisted for national award

This year, Wandsworth Council will provide around 7,400 additional HAF places across the summer, Christmas and Easter holiday programmes, including more than 4,400 additional places during this summer holidays alone, following an additional investment agreed by the administration through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The investment has enabled the council to extend support to more children and families across Wandsworth, including those eligible under the borough’s expanded Free School Meals criteria.

It has helped target support to children and families who would benefit most, reduce barriers to access and ensure more young people can benefit from healthy meals, enriching activities and wider support throughout the school holidays.

The news comes as one of Wandsworth’s long-standing HAF providers, Rosslyn Park FC, has been recognised as the regional winner at the national HAF Awards 2026, with the national winner due to be announced at an official awards ceremony on 30 September.

Rosslyn Park FC has been part of the Wandsworth HAF programme since 2021 and was selected from a highly competitive field of nominations in recognition of the positive impact it has made on children and families across the borough.

Providing a welcoming and inclusive space for families in Roehampton, Rosslyn Park FC offers a programme of activities for children aged 5-14, helping local young people stay active, build confidence and enjoy enriching experiences during the school holidays.

Activities range from rugby, football, cricket and athletics to creative workshops, team games and cooking sessions, helping children build confidence, develop new skills and lead healthier lifestyles.

The programme also provides nutritious breakfasts and lunches, alongside food education sessions that encourage children to learn about healthy eating and meal preparation.

Since joining the Wandsworth HAF programme, Rosslyn Park has continued to provide enriching holiday activities for local children. During the Easter 2026 programme alone, 58 children attended 142 sessions, including 16 children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Parent feedback highlighted the positive impact of the programme, with one parent sharing: “Fantastic club, as always.

“My daughter started playing rugby regularly every week after joining the summer club and she is enjoying it so much.”

Another said: “My kids are well looked after, physically active and able to learn new things. Thank you all.”

Councillor George Crivelli, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We’re committed to delivering better basics, ensuring that families can rely on the services that matter most being protected and delivered well.

“Our HAF programme is a fantastic example of that commitment in action. Thanks to an additional investment through our Crisis and Resilience Fund, we’ve been able to significantly expand the programme, creating 7,400 additional places across our holiday programmes, including more than 4,400 over the summer holidays alone.

“This means more children and young people across Wandsworth can access healthy meals, enriching activities and support when they need it most.”

The expanded HAF programme forms part of Wandsworth Council’s wider commitment to supporting children and families throughout the cost-of-living crisis. Additional funding from the Crisis and Resilience Fund has enabled the council to increase capacity, extend eligibility and ensure that more children can access free holiday activities and healthy meals throughout the year.