Holiday activities and food programme

Funded by the Department for Education, our FREE holiday activities and food (HAF) programme was a huge success last summer, providing healthy food and enriching activities for primary and secondary school-aged children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

The aim of the HAF programme is to support children to eat more healthily, be more active over the school holidays and have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition, as well as be more engaged with school and other local services.

Is my child eligible?

The HAF programme is primarily for children aged 4-18 years who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM), and their families. Children who are in receipt of a support plan or on a EHCP are also eligable for the HAF programme. 

Please note that not all activity providers will be able to accommodate the full age range of the programme. Please check with the provider what age group is appropriate to their activity.

How do we access the programme?

To access the programme, simply book a place through one of the providers we list. Please note that booking details differ depending on each provider.

How do I know my children are in a COVID-secure provision?

COVID risk assessments for all HAF activities have been completed and quality assured. These will continue to be updated as national and local government guidance changes. We also have contingency plans in place to deliver activities through alternative venues or formats in the unlikely event that they cannot operate safely. 

Do you have provision for children with SEND?

We have SEND specific and SEND accessible activities for children across the programme. Look out for this key guide:

SS - SEND Specific: solely for children and young people with SEND and their families.

S - SEND Friendly: venue or event where providers have general SEND awareness and small adjustments can be made. 

SA - SEND Accessible: physically accessible venue or event.

F - Family Friendly: accessible for all families.

Dates for upcoming HAF events are 25 July 2022 to 26 August 2022 (summer programme) and 19 December 2022 to 4 January 2023 (winter programme).

HAF Summer Postcard (PDF) [679KB]

Take a look at all the fun sessions that took place over the Easter programme.

Watch this space for our summer programme, starting on 25 July 2022.