Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme

Overview

The HAF programme provides free holiday clubs during Easter, Summer and Christmas. Participating children and young people (CYP) enjoy:

• A minimum of one nutritious meal per day
• A variety of physical and enrichment activities
• Opportunities to socialise with peers for a minimum of 4 hours per day

Eligibility

CYP qualify in Torbay if they:

• Receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM)
• Are electively home educated (EHE)

CYP may be eligible if they are navigating adversity and will therefore fall within our 15% of CYP that are not FSM eligible. Examples of CYP that may fall within that are:

• Being supported by the Youth Justice Service
• Young Carers
• Children Cared For
• Adopted children and those under a special guardianship order
• Children on a Child in Need or Child Protection Plan
• Refugee and asylum-seeking children
• Living in temporary accommodation

This will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility will be checked upon booking, via the electronic booking system. Other methods of booking are available by contacting hafapplications@torbay.gov.uk.

Activities

Each club offers a diverse timetable, which may include:

• Ball sports
• Water sports
• Art, music, dance and drama
• Cooking and gardening
• Board games
• Developing life skills

Providers

We partner with:

• Local schools
• Voluntary and community organisations
• Registered childcare providers
• Local businesses

Together, we deliver an engaging, high-quality programme that supports families. We are ensuring providers are familiar with signposting to local services and offering enriching experiences for both CYP and parents/carers. Part of our responsibilities as a local authority is to operate a HAF steering group. The HAF steering group comprises of council officers from children’s services, public health, sports and events, youth participation team as well as schools and the police. This group ensures there is a multi-agency approach to decision making around the HAF programme and how this operates within Torbay.

Booking and Attendance

Booking

• Sessions open for sign-up before each holiday period on the Torbay Council website.
• Torbay Council website will direct you to our EEQU booking platform, where you will be able to book a place for your child and choose between a range of providers and locations.
• If you are unable to use the booking system, please contact the HAF inbox detailed below, or contact the provider directly.
• Providers collect your child’s details to verify FSM or EHE status.

Attendance expectations

• Please only book sessions your child can attend.
• If plans change, cancel at least 48 hours in advance via the booking system.
• Two un-cancelled no-shows during Summer will result in cancellation of remaining bookings.

This policy ensures maximum access for all eligible children.

Quality Assurance

All providers adhere to Department for Education guidance. Council officers conduct quality-assurance visits during all holiday periods to ensure high standards and high quality of care. A standardised form is used to ensure consistency of expectations.

Programme Dates and Funding

• The programme runs each Easter, Summer and Christmas.
• Funding for 2026 is subject to DfE confirmation.

Contact

For further information or assistance:

• Email: hafapplications@torbay.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0800 328 5974

We look forward to welcoming your child to a fun, safe and nourishing holiday club experience!