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What is the HAF programme?

Since 2018, the HAF programme has provided support to children in receipt of free school meals through holiday periods.

Following successful pilots between 2018 and 2020, the programme was rolled out to all upper tier local authorities in 2021.

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Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low-income households are:

• less likely to access organised out-of-school activities

• more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health

• more likely to experience social isolation

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The HAF programme is a response to this issue. Evidence shows that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people. They work best when they:

• provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities

• cover more than just breakfast or lunch

• involve children and parents in food preparation

• use local partnerships and connections, particularly with the VCSOsector

Since 2021, the HAF programme has enabled us to support hundreds of thousands of children and their families throughout the Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays.

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Who is the programme for?

​The HAF programme funding is primarily for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM).

Benefits-related FSMs are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.

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For more information get in touch today!