This programme forms part of the wider Children and Communities Grant and is intended to increase access to high-quality play opportunities for children and young people during school holiday periods, while also contributing to the reduction of holiday hunger through the provision of healthy food.

Playworks Holiday Project from April 2026: guidance for local authorities

We are seeking to commission delivery partners to provide a coordinated programme of inclusive, open access play sessions across the county for the period July 2026 to March 2028, with a total available funding allocation of £104,000. The opportunity is now live on Sell2Wales, and we are keen to encourage interest from a range of partners including third sector organisations, community groups, other local authority services and experienced play providers.

View opportunity on Sell2Wales

The commissioned service will focus on the delivery of staffed, high-quality playwork provision for children and young people during school holidays. This will include delivery across key holiday periods, offering free, open access opportunities supported by suitably qualified playworkers, alongside the provision of a healthy meal or snack at every session. Sessions are expected to provide a range of rich and engaging play opportunities that support children’s wellbeing, confidence, and social development, while reflecting local community need and ensuring that provision is inclusive and accessible. In line with Welsh Government guidance and our Play Sufficiency priorities, there is a clear expectation that delivery will actively support children and young people who may face barriers to accessing play opportunities, including those living in rural communities, those experiencing disadvantage, and those with additional learning needs. Provision must be free at the point of access and delivered in line with recognised playwork principles, with appropriate safeguarding, food safety, monitoring, and Welsh Language Standards requirements in place. Funding can be used to support the direct costs of delivery, including staffing, training, venues, equipment, and food provision.

Full details of the opportunity, including the service specification and application requirements, are available via Sell2Wales. We would welcome expressions of interest from organisations with relevant experience and a commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive playwork provision.

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further or explore potential partnership approaches, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Please feel free to share this opportunity with others who may be interested, we would welcome you helping to spread the word.

Thank you in advance for your continued support in improving play opportunities and outcomes for children and families across Neath Port Talbot.