About the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, funded by the Department for Education, is here to support children, young people and families who are eligible for HAF.
How HAF helps children
By taking part in HAF activities, your child can:
- enjoy healthy meals in the holidays and try new foods
- be active and enjoy fun physical activities
- build confidence, resilience and wellbeing
- feel safe and less alone
- learn about healthy eating and nutrition
- stay connected with school and local services
- get support with health, education or employment if needed
Families can also benefit from:
- cookery sessions
- simple ways to budget for food and cook healthy meals
- signposting to services, support and information that may help
While HAF is designed to support families who may find school holidays more difficult, it also gives providers the opportunity to expand their holiday offer by running paid‑for places alongside HAF funded places.
A glimpse inside a HAF day
Watch the video to see what a HAF day is like with fun activities, good food, new friends and supportive spaces that help children feel safe, included and happy.
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Quotes from parents
Here are just a few quotes from happy parents over the years:
“Having hot lunches has really made a difference as I can’t afford to give kids hot food during school holidays.”
“This year has been tough, my children’s first year on FSM, the hamper made a real difference to our Christmas and this year I would not have been able to afford a pantomime, thank you.”
“They've come home talking about it nonstop every day. They love learning songs and hanging out with their new friends. It's making them very happy.”
For more quotes, read our annual reports below.
Who can get a free place
HAF places are for children and young people from Reception to Year 11 who get benefit‑related free school meals. Children on universal free school meals are unfortunately not eligible for HAF places.
If you are not sure, use the eligibility checker.
Special educational needs and disabled (SEND) children
HAF partners are committed to making their activities accessible to all.
Completing the All About Me form (PDF, 140.2 KB) helps staff understand your child’s needs so they feel safe, included and able to enjoy the activities in a way that works for them.
Find activities near you
HAF activities run during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. Providers are expected to run them:
- 4 hours a day
- 4 days a week
- 1 week at Easter and Christmas, and 4 weeks in summer
Use our find a HAF activity tool to see what is running near you.
How to request a place
Once you've found an activity, use the link in your HAF e-voucher to request a place. This is sent to you by your child's school. If you don't have the link, talk to your school. Or email KentHAF@theeducationpeople.org if your school can't help you.
Unsure how to use the booking system? Follow the step-by-step parent's guide to help you.
For Family Hub activities, use the booking link or telephone number in the description shown in the activity.
Annual reports
If you’d like to learn more about the HAF programme read our annual reports below. You'll discover how HAF is making a real impact in Kent, as well as:
- how many children have taken part
- feedback from children, families and partners
- which activities have taken place across the year
- what marketing and communication tools we've used to promote the programme
Download our reports:
- Annual Report HAF 2024 to 2025 (PDF, 155.2 KB)
- Annual Report HAF 2023 to 2024 (PDF, 223.9 KB)
- Annual Report HAF 2022 to 2023 (PDF, 184.9 KB)
Contact us
If you need any further support email KentHAF@theeducationpeople.org and a member of our team will get back to you.