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Holiday activities and food programme

Introduction to HAF

Days until our HAF Easter programme begins

Funded by the Department for Education, our FREE holiday activities and food (HAF) programme provides healthy food and enriching activities for primary and secondary school-aged children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

The aim of the programme is to:

  • support children to eat healthier and be more active over the school holidays
  • give children a greater knowledge of health and nutrition
  • enable children to become more engaged with school and other local services.

 

HAF Easter Programme 2025

The Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) will be running from Monday 7 April to Saturday 19 April 2025 for all eligible children, young people, and families.

The programme is open to children aged 4-18 years who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM), and their families. Children who are in receipt of a support plan via Early Help, Child in Need or Children We Look After, EHCP, or if your child receives additional hours at school.

If you require any further information, please call Central Link Family Hub 01744 673445.

Find out more about the HAF Easter Programme 2025

HAF funded by DfE

Is my child eligible?

The HAF programme is primarily for children aged 4-18 years who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals. Children are also eligible if:

  • they are in receipt of a support plan via Early Help, Child In Need or Children We Look After
  • they have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)
  • they receive additional hours at school

Not all activity providers will be able to accommodate the full age range of the programme. Please check with the provider what age group is appropriate to their activity.

HAF funded by DfE

Do you have provision for children with SEND?

We have SEND specific and SEND accessible activities for children across the programme. Look out for this key guide:

  • SS - SEND Specific: solely for children and young people with SEND and their families (mild to moderate additional needs)
  • S - SEND Friendly: venue or event where providers have general SEND awareness and small adjustments can be made
  • SA - SEND Accessible: physically accessible venue or event
  • SE - SEND Expertise: solely for children and young people with SEND and their families (complex additional needs)
  • F - Family Friendly: accessible for all families.

HAF funded by DfE

How do we access the programme?

To access the programme, simply book a place through one of the providers we list. Please note that booking details differ depending on each provider.

Find out more about the HAF Easter Programme 2025

HAF funded by DfE

What do our children, young people and their parent/carers have to say about HAF?

Watch the video below to hear some of the feedback we've received from those who have taken part in HAF activities.

 

HAF funded by DfE

Contact us

For any enquiries relating to our HAF programme please email holidayfun@sthelens.gov.uk or call Central Link Family Hub on 01744 673445.

HAF funded by DfE

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