VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Holiday Play Schemes: Finance

Asked by James NaishLabourDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 15 June 2026UIN 6881

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to work with local authorities to extend one-to-one support funding to include holiday clubs.

Answered by Olivia Bailey

The government is committed to improving access to childcare for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This financial year, the department has provided £12.9 million to strengthen local authorities’ capacity to meet their legal duty to secure sufficient school-age childcare, including inclusive provision for children with SEND.

The government is rolling out free breakfast clubs to all primary-aged pupils in England, including those with SEND. Special schools are funded at a higher rate of £18.95 per day plus £3.23 per pupil per days.

Our holiday activities and food programme funds local authorities to provide free holiday club places for pupils meeting FSM eligibility and should ensure high-quality provision is available for eligible children with SEND. Local authorities can use up to 15% of funding flexibly to extend the offer to other children, including those with SEND.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim