What is HAF?
HAF stands for Holiday Activities and Food – a national programme funded by the Department for Education. It provides free healthy meals and fun, enriching activities during the school holidays for children aged 4 to 16 who receive benefit-related free school meals.
South Ribble Borough Council has been delivering HAF since 2021 during the Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays.
What's included?
HAF is completely free and includes:
- a wide range of activities (e.g. swimming, gymnastics, football, forest school, arts and crafts, boxing skills, climbing wall and more)
- nutritious meals
- fully supervised sessions delivered by South Ribble Borough Council, South Ribble Leisure Centres and trusted local providers
Who is eligible?
Your child can take part if:
- they live in South Ribble
- they’re aged 4 to 16
- they receive benefit-related free school meals
The Department for Education also allows up to 15% of HAF places to go to children not on free school meals if:
- their family is struggling to afford holiday activities, or
- they would benefit due to other vulnerabilities
Check the Lancashire County Council HAF page for more on extended eligibility.
How to book
The booking process has changed - you now need an e-voucher code.
- if your child is eligible, you will have received an e-voucher code from Holiday Activities via email or text
- the link provided in your email or text will take you to the booking website where you can register and book a HAF activity using the voucher code provided
- if you're unsure about eligibility, ask your school or email us for advice.
Important info for parents
- please send your child with a refillable water bottle
- food is provided, but our caterers cannot guarantee allergen-free meals
- unless stated otherwise, sessions are fully supervised and parents do not stay
- contact us: haf@southribble.gov.uk
What else is on this summer, with South Ribble Borough Council?
In addition to HAF, the council also runs Active Camps - free or low cost school holiday provision available to all families.
Led by our expert Active Health Team, these camps offer:
- a safe and active environment
- specialist sessions in dance, scooters & bikes, football, dodgeball, target sports, and more
- led by qualified coaches including UEFA-licensed staff, teachers, and even world-class BMX riders
PLUS there are free drop-in activites across the Borough.