WHAT IS HAF ?

HAF (Holiday Activities and Food): A funded programme by The Department of Education to help increase sporting opportunities those children who wouldn't normally have access.

The Department of Education has continued its funding of the (HAF) programme for 2024. Funds have been made available to every local authority in England to arrange free holiday camp provision, including healthy food and enriching activities for benefits related eligible free school meal children. Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children this can lead to a holiday experience gap, with children from low-income households being:

• 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.

Our HAF programme is a response to this issue, with evidence showing that free holiday clubs 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.
• use local partnerships and connections, particularly with the voluntary and community organisation sector.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, you can now book 4 days per week for free online. To check if your child is eligible visit website page for Free school meals