*Please note, you can only book a maximum of 4 days over Easter, 16 days over the Summer and 4 days over Christmas. This is inclusive of bookings made with other HAF providers. If more days than the max have been booked, we are not able to cancel specific sessions and will have to cancel all future bookings. Please be mindful and only book the maximum allowed. Thank you

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What is the (HAF) programme?

*Update for 2024*

Extended criteria

An optional 15% of the funding can be used to subsidise places for children who are not in receipt of benefit related free school meals but match one of the following criteria:

• Children in care

• Children previously looked after

• Children with EHCP

• Young Carers

Please note the number of these places are limited.

 

We will hold a waiting list for extended criteria places and will not be able to confirm a place until a week before the Holiday period.

Priority will be given to Benefit Related Free School Meal Children.  

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If you wish to book a HAF extended criteria place, you will need to tell us that you are asking for an extended criteria place and explain the category and we will let you know if we can accomodate.

 

Background...

In November 2020, the government announced that the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme would be expanded across the whole of England in 2021. Following on from this, the Department of Education has agreed a further three years of funding, starting 2022. The programme has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018.

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The programme will cover Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays in each of the three years. With the programme being made available to children in every local authority in England.

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School holidays can be particularly difficult for some families because of increased costs (such as food) and reduced incomes. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap, with children from disadvantaged families:

• less likely to access organised out-of-school activities

• more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health

• more likely to experience social isolation

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Free holiday clubs are a response to this issue and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and young people and that they work best when they:

• provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities

• cover more than just breakfast or lunch

• involve children (and parents) in food preparation

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Local authorities have been asked to ensure that the offer of free holiday club provision is available for all children eligible for and in receipt of benefits-related Free School Meals (FSMs) in their area. This does not mean they are all required to attend as the provision is voluntary.

 

Aim of HAF programme...

The aim of the scheme 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.

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The children who take part will enjoy fun and enriching activities in a safe and sociable environment and have the opportunity to develop new skills or knowledge and try out new experiences.

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At least one hot nutritious meal per day will be included and the children will improve their knowledge and awareness of healthy eating.

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The scheme aims to help families develop their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting.

 

Who is this programme for?...

Priority places will be given to:

• Children aged 5-16 years (including 4-year-olds if in Reception) who are eligible for and receiving benefit related free school meals

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Please note that we don’t have to give places to the above children and young people. If we do, we can choose to charge for these places, at a subsidised rate.

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Due to high popularity and demand, we recommend booking asap as spaces fill up extremely fast.

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Should you know you are unable to attend a booked HAF camp, please let us know asap so we can offer this place to another child.

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Should you miss two consecutive bookings, all future HAF bookings will be canceled with the places being offered to other children.