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Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme
If your child has free school meals you can find and book free childrens' activities and events in the school holidays.
About the programme
The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department of Education (DfE).
The programme provides fully funded activities and meals during the school holidays for eligible children and young people. Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. The HAF programme is a response to this, with evidence showing that holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people and that they work best when they provide:
- physical activities
- enriching activities
- nutritious food
Eligible children can join the HAF programme for up to four days at Easter, 16 days in the summer and four days at Christmas. It does not run in half-term holidays.
Types of activities
There are lots of different activities available including sports, music, arts, and learning. Children will be provided with a healthy meal each day they attend. There are also activities to develop understanding about food and nutrition. We want to give children the chance to have healthy, happy holidays so they can:
- be more active
- learn new skills
- meet up with friends and make new ones
- get a tasty nutritious meal
- work together and stay safe
Clubs and activities are run by established community groups, creative arts, sports, leisure, youth organisations and schools. We also have a range of providers who can offer activities for young people with additional needs.
Who the programme is for
Funding for the programme has been provided by the Department of Education (DfE) to provide places for children and young people in receipt of means tested Free School Meals (FSM).
Booking codes will be sent to eligible families via text, email or by your child’s school. If you do not receive your code, please contact the HAF team or support.
Email: HAF@Cumberland.gov.uk
If you do not receive means tested FSM, you may be eligible if you are:
- a cared for and care experienced child or young adult
- a child or young adult on Resettlement Schemes
- a child or young adult seeking asylum
- a young adult who is not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
- a child or young adult at risk of being involved in crime
- a child or young adult living in areas of deprivation
- a family in crisis
- a child or young adult who is classed as SEND or on a EHCP but not on free school meals up to the age of 18
Some providers may offer paid for places or offer supplementary places through additional funding. To discuss eligibility or to request a code please email your HAF Team.
How to book
You can search and book activities online.
We provide a number of services if you need help with your wellbeing and welfare or financial help if you're having money problems.
Become a HAF provider
We are currently planning our provision for Winter 2024, If you are a provider and would like to be part of the HAF programme, please contact the HAF Team for an application form and you will be added to our mailing list for future funding rounds.
Email: HAF@Cumberland.gov.uk
Providers should read the full guidance set out on the government website for the Holiday activities and food programme.