Holiday Provision: A mixed methods investigation of holiday clubs in terms of location, implementation, delivery and impact

The aim of the current thesis was to undertake a mixed methods investigation of holiday clubs looking at location, implementation, delivery and impact.

Study 1 presents a quantitative investigation into the location of holiday clubs and the types of organisations delivering holiday provision. The findings show a multitude of organisations are responsible for implementing and delivering holiday provision and highlights a grassroots approach has established to respond to the challenges of the school holidays and deliver holiday provision to families. Holiday clubs are typically located in the most economically deprived communities however, there are gaps in this provision.

Studies 2 and 3 provide a qualitative investigation to establish the overarching views on holiday provision from the perspectives of policymakers, key stakeholders, staff and holiday club users. Study 2 explores the views of policymakers and key stakeholders responsible for implementing and delivering programmes of holiday provision. The findings from Study 2 demonstrate that organisations have adopted a commission-led approach to deliver holiday provision and collaborate with a range of partners. Though barriers of implementing this provision were also highlighted. Study 3 explores the views of staff, parents and children on school holidays and holiday clubs. Findings from this study demonstrate that holiday clubs offer local support and provide a range of positive outcomes for staff, parents and children as well as the wider community.

Study 4 presents a quantitative investigation to examine whether community organisations delivering holiday clubs are able to support the nutritional needs of children during the school holidays. The findings from this study are mixed and demonstrate that holiday clubs can establish environments that promote healthy dietary behaviour, albeit rather limited, and reduce the consumption of high energy drinks.

The findings of this thesis highlight key areas of consideration for future research into holiday club provision, and for stakeholders involved in the implementation and delivery of holiday clubs.