Who
Children on targeted free school meals
HAF stands for holiday activities and food. Each council runs its own programme with local providers, so the clubs, times and booking system differ from area to area.
Quick facts
- Who
- Children on targeted free school meals
- Income line
- Universal Credit, household income £7,400 or less
- When
- Easter, summer and Christmas
- How much
- Aim of 4 hours a day, 4 days a week
- Book
- Through your council
Which children can go
HAF places are for children who get benefits-related free school meals. From September 2026, HAF stays at the targeted free school meals line: Universal Credit households with annual household income of £7,400 or less.
Free school meals are widening in September 2026 to every family on Universal Credit. Children who qualify only through that wider rule, above £7,400, do not become eligible for HAF.
Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 get a free infant meal at school anyway, but they must also meet the HAF rules to get a place.
What your child gets
Clubs give free nutritious meals, enriching activities and a safe place to be. Councils should try to offer each child at least 4 hours a day, 4 days a week, in HAF weeks.
The minimum is 1 week at Easter, 4 weeks in the summer and 1 week at Christmas, with 4 days in each week. Some councils also run half-term sessions.
How to book a place
Check your child gets benefits-related free school meals
HAF places follow the targeted free school meals rules, so your child must qualify for those first.
Find your council HAF page
Councils get the HAF grant to co-ordinate free holiday provision, so look for the programme on your council website.
Get your booking code if one is used
Some councils give eligible families a unique code that lets them book places on the programme.
Book sessions before each holiday
Easter, summer and Christmas are the main times, and councils check eligibility when you book.
Things to watch
Councils can use up to 15% of their HAF money for other children who might benefit, so ask even if your child does not qualify. Some clubs also sell paid places alongside free ones.
If your child kept free school meals only through the old transitional protection, they may lose their HAF place from September 2026 if your family no longer meets the targeted rules.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Department for Education HAF team (questions about the programme)
- haf.programme@education.gov.uk
- First check free school meals with your council
- GOV.UK: Apply for free school meals
- Ask your council about HAF clubs near you
- GOV.UK: Find your local council
From the official pages (gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the HAF programme?
Free holiday clubs with a healthy meal for children on benefits-related free school meals in England, run by councils.
Who is eligible for HAF in 2026?
From September 2026, children in Universal Credit households with annual household income of £7,400 or less.
Does every child on free school meals get HAF?
No. Children who get free school meals only through the September 2026 expansion, above £7,400, do not become eligible for HAF.
When does HAF run?
Mainly at Easter, in the summer and at Christmas. Some councils add half-term sessions.
How do I find a HAF programme near me?
Look on your council website. Each council runs its own HAF programme.