School Holiday Provision

School holiday provision for young people with SEND.

Information about school holiday provision and activities in Leeds. 

School Holiday Provision

Fun Activities and Short Breaks Catalogue

This catalogue lists in detail fun activities and short breaks currently available to children and young people aged 0-18 in Leeds.

Click here to download the 2026-27 short breaks catalogue. 

If you would like your child to access a targeted short breaks / fun activity please complete the expression of interest form.

Healthy Holidays in Leeds

The Healthy Holidays Programme helps children and young people during school holidays by reducing:

  • Food insecurity and hunger
  • Isolation
  • Inactivity

Who Can Take Part?

The programme is mainly for primary and secondary school children who get free school meals because of benefits.

  • Children and young people with SEND can join.
  • Most places (85%) are for those on free school meals, but some places are for other vulnerable children.
  • The programme runs during end-of-term holidays, not half-term breaks.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Healthy Holidays gives children and young people the chance to:

  • Take part in fun and enriching activities
  • Build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing
  • Improve learning and skills

Each session includes:

  • 60 minutes of physical activity
  • A hot, healthy meal
  • Nutrition education for children and families
  • Signposting and referrals for extra support

Activities Include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Sports and games
  • Gardening and harvesting
  • Outdoor crafts
  • Cooking activities
  • Digital creativity

How It Works

Leeds Healthy Holidays works with:

  • Leeds Community Foundation
  • Schools
  • Leeds City Council
  • Community Hubs
  • Breeze

This means there are lots of providers and activities across Leeds.

click here to visit the Leeds Healthy Holidays website

For questions or further information, please email healthyholidays@leeds.gov.uk

School holiday provision

Short breaks are activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that enable them to have fun, spend time with friends and build their confidence and skills in a safe environment. Activities can last from one hour up to full weekend (residential) opportunities.

Information about commissioned school holiday provision can be found in the Short Breaks Catalogue. 

October half term 

(Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026)

Leeds Mencap

Holiday activity schemes for children and young people aged 4 – 18 (up to 18th birthday) with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs across three specific age groups. The children and young people will do a range of different activities such as baking, arts and crafts, messy & sensory play. Themed days such as People who help us, Outer Space, or Superheroes, seasonal activities for Easter/Summer. Previous workshops have included visits from the animals, music sessions, circus skills and sensory discos. A packed lunch is required.

  • Monday 26th October 2026, 10am till 3pm (13 to 17 years old)
  • Tuesday 27th October 2026, 10am till 3pm (9 to 12 years old)
  • Wednesday 28th October 2026, 10am till 3pm (9 to 12 years old) 
  • Thursday 29th October 2026, 10am till 3pm (4 to 8 years old)
  • Friday 30th October 2026, 10am till 2pm (4 to 8 years old)

Referral: click here to complete the short breaks expression of interest form.