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

The government is expanding access to free school meals, but being eligible for free school meals does not automatically mean that your child is eligible for HAF under the new expanded category.

For HAF purposes, the key threshold remains:

• Household receiving Universal Credit.
• Annual household earnings of £7,400 or less for the targeted free school meals category.

Who can get HAF from September 2026

If you receive Universal Credit and household earnings are £7,400 or less - your child can qualify under the targeted free school meals criteria, subject to verification

You receive Universal Credit and household earnings are above £7,400 - your child may qualify for the newly expanded free school meals provision, but this does not automatically make them eligible for HAF.

There are some circumstances when a child or young person may be eligible for HAF if they do not meet the Free school meal eligibility, some of the examples are listed below.

A Child or Young Person is eligible if they are:

• Being supported by the Youth Justice Service.
• A Young carer.
• 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.

Paid HAF places and Tax-Free Childcare

If your child does not qualify for a free HAF place, you may be able to get help paying for a holiday club.

Tax-Free Childcare:

• The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay.
• The holiday club must accept Tax-Free Childcare.
• Ask the provider if you can use Tax-Free Childcare before booking.
• You must meet the scheme's eligibility rules

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!