SEND Specialist HAF Provider Guidance

1 – Introduction
Rochdale Borough’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is committed to ensuring that children and young people that are eligible for HAF and have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are able to access safe, appropriate, and meaningful holiday provision. This guidance outlines what a SEND Specialist HAF Provider is, the expectations placed on providers, and the process for applying to become a SEND Specialist within the programme.

2 – What is a SEND Specialist HAF Provider? 

A SEND Specialist HAF Provider is an organisation that:

• Has significant experience in supporting children and young people with a wide range of SEND needs, including complex, physical, social, emotional, sensory, or developmental needs.
• Offers adapted activities designed to be accessible, inclusive, and appropriately differentiated.
• Provides staff with specialist training, qualifications, and experience relevant to working with SEND children (e.g., manual handling, personal care, autism awareness, behaviour support, medical needs training).
• Demonstrates safe staffing ratios tailored to the needs of individual children, rather than standard universal ratios.
• Ensures accessible facilities, such as hoists, quiet spaces, sensory environments, and wheelchair-accessible activity areas.
• Works closely with families, schools, and professionals to understand the child’s needs and support requirements.

SEND Specialist Providers play a key role in ensuring that children who may not be able to attend mainstream HAF sessions still benefit from enriching holiday experiences.

3 – Expectations of SEND Specialist Providers

Providers must be able to demonstrate:

3.1 Experience & Expertise

• A proven track record of working with SEND children and young people.
• Staff with relevant specialist knowledge, training, and qualifications.
• Ability to manage complex needs safely and confidently.

3.2 Safe and Inclusive Provision

• Activities that are fully risk assessed and appropriate to participants.
• Facilities that meet accessibility standards.
• Adequate staffing to meet children’s personal and medical needs where relevant.

3.3 Individualised Support

• Use of child profiles, EHCP information, and pre-visit assessments.
• Ability to deliver tailored support, including 1:1 or small-group assistance when appropriate.

3.4 Communication with Families

• Clear communication before, during, and after the programme.
• A welcoming, supportive approach to families, carers, and advocates.
• Ability to gather detailed information on needs, triggers, behaviours, or medical requirements.

3.5 Monitoring & Evaluation

• Collecting attendance data, feedback, and evidence of engagement and outcomes.
• Working with the HAF Coordination Team to support borough-wide reporting specific for SEND children and families .

4 – What SEND Specialist Funding Can Support

Funding can be allocated to support:

• Enhanced staffing ratios
• Specialist support roles (e.g., SEND support worker)
• Adaptations, resources, or materials needed for accessibility
• Personal care support

Funding cannot be used for:

• General business running costs
• Costs unrelated to SEND specialist HAF provision
• Excessive staffing requests without evidence of need
• Duplication of support already funded via EHCPs, health care plans, or schools

5 – Applying to Become a SEND Specialist HAF Provider

Assessment

The HAF Coordination Team will review the submission against key criteria:

• Demonstrated SEND expertise
• Suitability of facilities and environment
• Quality and safety of activities
• Value for money
• Capacity to manage complex needs