The Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) have announced the return of their popular scheme that offers free meals and activity clubs during certain school holidays, including the 2025 summer holiday and will run until the 17th of August. The UK government is currently funding this scheme, with local councils organising the activity clubs around England.
If your child meets the criteria for free school meals (for example, being in reception, year 1 or year 2), they will be able to access this scheme. Other criteria include whether your family receive select benefits or asylum support.
The holiday clubs provided by local councils are made available to any children regardless of whether or not they're eligible for the free meals, but children who are not eligible for free meals will have to pay to attend. To find out more about the activities, families are urged to contact their local councils.
While this scheme will cover the summer holidays, HAF do not cover half-term weeks. The support scheme is available over Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays.
If you believe your child is eligible for free meals and the free activity clubs, simply complete the application form and submit it to your child's school. If you are eligible, you will receive an email from your child's school on the 25th of June.
