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 in England who get benefits-related free school meals. Kids get activities (sports, arts, trips) plus a free healthy meal during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays — potentially saving families hundreds of pounds in holiday childcare. Funding is confirmed until 2028–29.

How to Claim

1. Click the link on this page 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 on the original (targeted) criteria — broadly, families on Universal Credit with household earnings of £7,400 a year or less
• The 2026 expansion of free school meals to all Universal Credit families does not extend HAF eligibility
• 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
• Councils can use some funding for free or subsidised places for other children they think would benefit, and some offer paid places
• Main focus is Easter, summer and Christmas; some councils also run half-term sessions
• Transitional free school meal protections ended in September 2026, so some children who qualified before may no longer be eligible

Tips

• Not sure if you qualify for free school meals? Apply via gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals first — it unlocks HAF and more
• Even if your child isn't eligible, ask your council — some have discretionary or low-cost places
• Book the whole holiday's sessions in week one — popular clubs fill fast