HAF Annual Report 2025/26

The HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme offers free holiday provision, including healthy food and enriching activities, in the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. The programme is for:

1. school-aged children in reception to year 11 inclusive,
2. who receive benefits-related free school meals.

The programme has been in place nationally since 2021. In November 2025 it was confirmed that the HAF programme would be extended until March 2029.

Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children, this can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low-income households are:

• less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
• more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
• more likely to experience social isolation

The HAF programme aims to address this issue through targeted offers across Buckinghamshire. There is a particular emphasis on funding opportunities for children living in Opportunity Bucks Wards. Thereby contributing to wider place-based priorities and supporting communities experiencing greater disadvantage.

Buckinghamshire Council is proud to support our local children and families during the Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays through access to the Holiday Activity and Food programme funded by the DfE. These funded, free to access and fun activities across Buckinghamshire, have continued to be a great success, enabling eligible children and young people (CYP) to enjoy fun holiday clubs and experiences with a healthy meal included. The HAF programme continues to grow locally, enabling a higher number of CYP to benefit from the fantastic variety of activities on offer in Buckinghamshire during these main school holidays.

Dan Barton
Interim Director for Education