Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Clubs

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 activities across the Borough.

See what else is on this summer

Summer 2025 HAF Activities