Information for parents and carers

What is HAF?

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a holiday club scheme funded by the Department for Education. It gives children who are eligible for free school meals the opportunity to take part in fun, enriching activities and receive a healthy meal during school holidays. It runs during Easter, summer and the Christmas school holidays.

Eligible children will be able to access:

• up to 16, 4 hour sessions throughout the summer holidays
• up to 4, 4 hour sessions through the Christmas and Easter holidays
• there will be no cost to parents for the sessions

Some clubs provide specific sessions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or additional needs.

Holiday clubs will include a variety of fun activities, including sports, music, arts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills. Children will also receive a nutritious meal each day. There will also be nutritional education for the child and their family.

Who is eligible for a free HAF club place?

To be eligible for a free place, children must receive benefits-related free school meals or have special educational needs or a disability (SEND). Please note that we will do eligibility checks. 

If you think you might be eligible for benefits related-free school meals, but do not currently claim them, you can find information about how to apply on our free school meals web page.

How do I find holiday activities and book my child a place?

Simply register your child to see what activities are available and book a place with the provider.

Providers will also be promoting their clubs to their local communities through their existing networks, schools and social media.

Where can I find more details about the HAF programme?

Visit the Department of Education HAF guidance for more details about the national HAF programme.