Frequently asked questions
We know there are often lots of questions about our Holiday Activity and Food programme so we've popped together our most commonly asked questions below. If you don't find what you're looking for drop our team an email at HAF@togetherforchildren.org.uk and we'd be happy to help.
Why do Together for children provide Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) clubs over the school holidays?
The Department for Education have funded holiday clubs in every local authority for means tested free school meal children and young people. Sunderland City Council's Public Health team has also added funding to this so it can also be accessed by families struggling with the cost of living.
How do I prove I'm struggling with the cost of living?
When contacting a provider for a space they will ask you if you receive means tested free school meals or are struggling with cost of the living, some providers with your consent may run your information against our systems to ensure a match.
How are places allocated?
Usually first come first serve, providers are asked to prioritise to children and young people in the local area of where they are running from.
Sessions are saying they are fully booked - what can I do?
We have lots of providers, if one is full you may be able to get in with another one.
What should my child wear?
Activities vary across providers, when booking a place you can discuss this then to ensure your child has the right clothing.
I've paid for sessions at the same place while other people get them free - why?
We fund providers a set number of places for means tested free school meal children and young people and those families that can't afford to pay for sessions. Some providers also put on paid sessions to ensure other families also have the opportunity to attend. If you are struggling to pay the cost of the session please discuss this with your provider.
What SEND clubs do you offer?
Some of our sessions are SEND inclusive across the city, but we also deliver some dedicated sessions for SEND children and young people. Please review this section of the website.
Food
What kind of food will be available?
A healthy meal and snacks will be provided throughout the session. Each provider has their own meal plans so you can ask about this when booking. Food is made in kitchens with a food hygiene rating of 4 stars and above.
My child is a picky eater - will they be ok?
When booking your place with a provider, just explain to the provider your child's dietary requirements. Only healthy nutritious food will be available by the provider.
My child has dietary requirements - what happens?
When booking your place with a provider, just explain to the provider your child's dietary requirements. All HAF providers must complete food allergen and intolerance training.
About our suppliers
How do Together for Children choose your holiday club suppliers?
All HAF providers are registered on our internal Sunderland City Council system called Dynamic Purchasing System. To be added to the register they must complete our application and assessment process to make sure all the appropriate checks are in place and that children are safe.
How do you know providers are safe?
All providers are vetted via our Dynamic Purchasing System. We have high standards for our providers. All providers registered for HAF will have had the appropriate checks taken place before funding has been approved. Providers must complete an Enhanced DBS checks for each staff member and volunteer working with children and young people. This is to ensure that the staff are suitable to be working with children.
What's your health and safety policy?
As part of our Dynamic Purchasing System, providers must share information about their health and safety processes and procedures. This includes providing copies of their policies, confirming if they are holders of official certifications such as ISO 45001 and how they assess any sub-contractor's health and safety performance if they are sub-contracting some of their HAF activities. The provider must also provide evidence of how they manage health and safety arrangements for their staff to prevent incidents, work related ill-health and accidents. This includes how induction and training is made available to staff, how health and safety is monitored in the workplace and how accidents and incidents are recorded and investigated. Information provided is reviewed by the Health and Safety Team in Sunderland City Council.
