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What is the HAF Programme?
When is the Programme available?
Is my child eligible for HAF?
Where can I go for information about Programmes in my area?
Details of HAF Programmes
How to request a place at a Programme
What can I expect at a HAF Programme?
How are children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) included?
Additional information for families
Activity links
The HAF Programme offers families of children aged 4 to 16, who are eligible for benefits related free school meals (FSM), opportunities to access a range of free activities in the Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays.
The programme runs for one week at Easter, four weeks over the summer and one week at Christmas.
Places will be prioritised for school aged children and young people from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who are receiving benefit-related free school meals, and their families.
Please note this is not for children on universal free school meals.
If you are not sure if you are eligible, please use the eligibility checker: https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/kent/
Each programme will provide a range of exciting activities, games and new experiences for children, along with a healthy main meal. Children will have the chance to try new sporty or creative activities and to make new friends. There will also be the opportunities for families to share ideas about how to source high quality, healthy food cheaply, creative ways to encourage a healthy diet and fun ways to cook as a family.
To request a place at your preferred HAF Programme, please follow the link through the HAF Programme E-voucher that will have been issued to you through your child’s school. The following Holiday Activities - Parents Guide will take you through a step-by-step process for booking through your Holiday Activities E-voucher.
if you think you are eligible and have not received a voucher, then firstly please contact your child’s school. If you need further help please contact the HAF team at [email protected]
The Department for Education (DfE) funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme aims to support children, young people and families eligible for HAF to:
All Programme partners are committed to making their Programme accessible for a wide range of children. Please provide the Programme with good information about your child and their needs which will enable them to ensure that your child is fully included and can enjoy the opportunities that are offered.
Providing information on this ‘All About Me’ form may support conversations with HAF Programme staff to ensure your child’s individual needs are fully met.
Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) is a government scheme to help working families with their childcare costs. Parents and carers who are eligible can open online childcare accounts to pay their registered childcare providers directly and the government will add to the account to help towards childcare costs and save money. Tax-Free Childcare - Kent County Council
Special education needs and disabilities (SEND) - Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - Kent County Council
Activities outside of school - Activities outside school - Kent County Council
College, sixth form, employment and training. If you're 15 or 16 years old, it's time to start thinking about your future. You need to stay in education or training until you're 18, but how you do it is your choice. If you're under 18, find out how we can help if you don't like your course or placement. - College, sixth form, employment and training - Kent County Council
Early Help (support for families). We provide services that can be accessed at a time and place that suits families to help them to do well, stay safe and resolve problems at the earliest possible opportunity before they become more serious. - Early Help (support for families) - Kent County Council
Another great time was had by all 5 of my children, as a single dad life is not easy for us, this holiday camp gives me peace of mind and provides much more than just a fun day, the manager and staff listen and support my children and are always so 4 friendly, nothing is too much trouble, my eldest daughter is really struggling mentally and the staff here have really helped her, they got to know what she likes and provided activities to engage her, it really made her feel valued and she’s not stopped smiling and talking about it!! It is a real lifeline
This is amazing. I never get food like this and now I can have it all week, and I get to meet up with my mates too.
You guys are legends. We struggle a bit at home and you've looked after me and my brothers all week.
It really helped me as a parent to have somewhere for my child to go on the run up to Christmas so that I could get things done! It’s always a really hard time of year, so thank you.
The fact that all three girls could attend the same club which has been difficult in the past has been a life saver. I appreciate that children with SEND can be challenging, but the way you and your team approached the problem really made the girl’s Christmas. Additionally having all of the girls being looked after at the same club and at the same time released me to get those essentials done leading up to Christmas.
Children and young people have reported increased confidence, improved social skills, and a sense of belonging from engaging in the activities. Families have expressed appreciation for the structured, enriching opportunities provided during the holidays, offering their children a safe and stimulating environment. Many parents noted how the programme alleviated financial pressures by providing nutritious meals and enjoyable experiences that might otherwise be unaffordable. Staff have observed marked improvements in the children’s emotional well-being, collaboration skills, and overall enthusiasm for participation. Collectively, the programme has fostered positive relationships within the community and created lasting memories for those involved.
