Holiday activities and food programme

Since 2018, the holiday activities and food programme (HAF) has provided vital support to children receiving free school meals during holiday periods.

The DfE have recently announced that the HAF programme is set to continue throughout 2026 to 2029. 

Currently, approximately 10,000 children in Swindon are eligible for free holiday provision through this programme.

Programme details

Places are available at a range of holiday clubs, offering eligible children access to four hour sessions funded by the Department for Education.

The HAF programme operates as follows:

  • Spring term holiday
    • Maximum of four sessions per eligible child
  • Summer term holiday
    • Maximum of 16 sessions per eligible child
  • Winter term holiday
    • Maximum of four sessions per eligible child

Programme aims

The HAF programme aims to benefit children by ensuring they:

  • develop a better understanding of food, nutrition and other health-related topics
  • feel happy, have fun and make new friends
  • feel safe and secure
  • get access to appropriate support services
  • maintain a healthy level of physical activity
  • participate in engaging activities that support development and well-being
  • receive healthy and nutritious meals
  • return to school feeling engaged and ready to learn

Eligibility

Children aged 4 to 16 years who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals are eligible for the HAF programme.

An additional 15% of places are reserved for children identified by schools, including:

  • children on a child in need plan (additional 15% to be decided by school)
  • children on a child protection plan (additional 15% to be decided by school)
  • children registered as young carers (additional 15% to be decided by school)

Booking and vouchers

Eligible families will receive an email from the holiday activities platform containing a link to access their voucher.

By redeeming this voucher, families can view available HAF activities and book sessions directly through the platform.

HAF spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is recommended.

Further information

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