Council’s Holiday Activities and Food Summer Programme amongst top 10 in the country

The council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has been highly commended for its 2026 summer campaign, having been placed within the top 10 performing councils nationally for participation in the scheme.

National Benchmarking Data shows that Cheshire East was among the highest-performing local authorities participating in the analysis, with a total of 2,196 children and young people booked onto the Summer 2026 programme, representing 24 per cent of the borough's eligible Free School Meal (FSM) population.

This is almost double the national average level of engagement and places Cheshire East within the top 10 performing councils nationally for participation.

Cheshire East also achieved the fifthhighest booking-to-attendance conversion rate amongst participating councils, demonstrating the effectiveness of the programme in engaging families and ensuring children were able to access and benefit from the activities on offer.

HAF brings together local schools, childcare providers, and community and voluntary organisations to deliver a varied programme of activities for children and young people during school holidays.

Sessions include everything from crafts, sports, baking, gardening and performing arts to animal care sessions, days out and more. The programme is open to children and young people in receipt of income‑related free school meals and offers specialist sessions for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and has committed to extending its deliverance in this area.

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for children’s services at Cheshire East Council, said:

“This is great news to once again see our HAF programme performing highly, but it’s not about numbers - it’s about reaching the right families, who may need that extra bit of support during the half term periods.

“Not only can children in receipt of income-related free school meals receive the opportunity to socialise, have fun and learn something new in these sessions, but they receive a nutritious hot meal and healthy snacks throughout the day.

“Making new friends and getting fresh air is vital for their development, and we’re so lucky to have such a broad range of activities on offer as part of our Cheshire East delivery.

“The success of the programme reflects the hard work of local providers, partners and staff who delivered a diverse range of activities throughout the summer. Their efforts have helped ensure that more children and young people than ever before were able to enjoy a positive, active and nutritious holiday experience, including those with special educational needs (SEND).

“Our SEND sessions in particular have proved extremely popular as part of the programme, and we are working on extending our deliverance in this area - in order to ensure more children with SEND can receive this opportunity to have fun, learn and offer some relief to families who need extra support during the holidays.

“We would like to thank all providers, partners, staff, volunteers and families who contributed to this success.”

Discover more about the programme on the council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme webpage.