The popular Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back for the 2026-27 school year.

Bookings are now open for parents to reserve a place for their child during the autumn half term from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October.

There will be further clubs running during the Christmas, February, Easter and summer school breaks.

Participating children can enjoy a variety of activities – including sports and games, cooking and gardening, arts and crafts and performance arts – and receive a nutritious meal at each session.

This year, the eligibility criteria has changed following the government expansion of free school meals (FSMs).

If you receive Universal Credit and your household earnings are £7,400 or less, your child can qualify under the targeted free school meals criteria, subject to checks. They will also qualify if they are electively home educated.

If you receive Universal Credit and your household earnings are above £7,400, your child may qualify for expanded free school meals provision, but they are not automatically eligible for HAF.

A child or young person is eligible under the expanded criteria 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

If your child doesn’t qualify for a free HAF place, you may still get help paying for a holiday club under tax-free childcare rules.

Providers are local schools, voluntary and community organisations, registered childcare providers and local businesses based across Torbay and there are specific sessions for SEND children.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “School holidays can be expensive for parents which is why this scheme is so popular with families.

“The sessions are a cost-effective way to keep children entertained and fed and are a great opportunity for them to mix with others of similar ages.

“There’s bound to be a club offering an activity that suits your child and there are dedicated sessions for children with special educational needs and disabilities.”

Find out more about HAF, including the new eligibility requirements and how to book, by visiting the council’s webpages.

Holiday Activities and Food programme