Holiday Activities & Food — Free Holiday Clubs + Meals for Eligible Kids

Overview

The government's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme funds free holiday club places for school-aged children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Kids get activities (sports, arts, trips) plus at least one free meal a day during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays — potentially saving families hundreds of pounds in holiday childcare.

How to Claim

1. Tap the 'Get This Offer' button to read the official scheme details
2. Search '<your council name> HAF programme' — every local council in England runs its own booking page
3. Check your child is registered for benefits-related free school meals (this is what qualifies them)
4. Book places directly with the listed local providers — summer places go quickly

Requirements

• Child registered for benefits-related free school meals (from the 2026/27 school year, any family on Universal Credit qualifies for free school meals)
• England only — Scotland and Wales run similar separate schemes via their councils

Important Terms

• Places are limited and booked per-council, per-provider — availability varies by area
• Some councils offer paid places for non-eligible children at subsidised rates
• Runs during the main school holidays for the 2026–27 year

Tips

• Not sure if you qualify for free school meals? Apply via gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals first — it unlocks HAF and more
• Book the whole summer's sessions in week one — popular clubs fill fast