What is HAF?
HAF stands for Holiday Activities and Food Programme and is funded by the Department for Education. It provides free healthy meals and fun, enriching activities during the spring (Easter), summer and winter(Christmas) school holidays for children aged 4 to 16 who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals.
Who is eligible for HAF?
Your child will be eligible for HAF activities if they meet the below criteria:
- your child is eligible for benefit-related free school meals
- your child is age 4 to 16
- they go to school or live in South Ribble.
If your child meets the above criteria, you may have received an email from HolidayActivities about an e-voucher code. If your child is eligible but you have not received an email, please check your junk folder first and ask your child's school.
If your child does not receive free school meals, they may still be eligible for HAF under the secondary criteria:
- your child is being supported on an early help plan
- your child is being supported on a child and family plan
- your child is a young carer
- your child is looked after or subject to a special guardianship order
- your family is in crisis - for example, experiencing a sudden bereavement, illness, financial problems, or is the child of a refugee family.
If you believe your child meets this secondary criteria, please email HAF@southribble.gov.uk and a member of the team will be happy to help you.
How to ensure you receive a HAF voucher for future holiday periods
If your child receives benefit-related Free School Meals, they should be issued a HAF voucher by their school. If your child does not receive their vouchers please contact the school before the end of term.
If your child received benefit-related Free School Meals for the last school year, and you had to contact the council for your Summer HAF vouchers, please contact your child's school to ensure you receive entitlement for the current school year.
How to book HAF activities
Easter HAF bookings are not yet open. If you are eligible, nearer the time you will receive an email directly from hello@holidayactivities. Please follow the link in your email, or through the link below, to book your child onto the activities.
If you have an e-voucher, book here
Information for providers
We are looking for enthusiastic local organisations, who are passionate about supporting children and young people - to help deliver inclusive, active and engaging holiday sessions.
We would love to work with sports clubs, youth organisations or arts, culture and wellbeing providers who can deliver:
- Inclusive activities
- Safe, fun experiences
- Physical activity
- A healthy meal
If you are interested in becoming a future HAF holiday club provider, please email HAF@southribble.gov.uk with some information about your organisation.
Information about HAF across Lancashire
Easter HAF timetable
The next sessions will be during the Easter school holidays. We will release the timetable nearer the date.
What else is on during school holidays in South Ribble?
During school holidays, South Ribble Borough Council is proud to offer a packed programme of exciting free or low-cost activities for children and families across the borough - including Active Camps, which are available in all school holidays including half terms!
Whether you're looking for something active, creative, or just a chance to get outside and have fun - there's something for everyone.
View more information on school holiday activities.
