HAF Information for families
Our HAF Programme is funded by the Department for Education and provides funded holiday activities and a healthy meal for children in Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Activities take place across Buckinghamshire. They may include:
- sports and games
- arts and crafts
- cooking
- outdoor activities
- day trips
- opportunities to learn new skills and try new activities
From September 2026, Free School Meals (FSM) will expand to all Universal Credit households for school-day meals. HAF eligibility will not change.
Who can take part
HAF is available to children and young people who:
- are in Reception to Year 11, and
- meet the HAF targeted free school meals eligibility criteria
If your child is eligible, you will receive a HAF voucher by email before each delivery period.
Extended eligibility
A limited number of places may be available for children who meet Buckinghamshire's extended eligibility criteria.
If you think your child may be eligible, speak to their school about a possible referral.
Places are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Families may also be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare.
This could be used to help pay for places accessed outside of the HAF programme.
Find out more about eligibility and available support on the Best Start in Life website.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HAF eligibility.
Not automatically. HAF eligibility remains aligned to the existing threshold. Children newly eligible due to the Universal Credit expansion, but above the existing threshold, will not become HAF eligible.
Children who meet the existing threshold (including pupils who newly qualify within that threshold). For example, those in receipt of Benefits‑Related Free School Meals.
No, the government has confirmed that HAF eligibility will not change. This decision will be reviewed in 2028.
Yes, the new Free School Meals (FSM) entitlement from September 2026 will see an end to ‘protected’ FSM status.
This means that if your child currently falls into this category, they will no longer be eligible for HAF.
How to book onto HAF clubs
Families can learn more about how to book onto HAF clubs on our HAF booking page.
Sign up to our Buckinghamshire HAF mailing list to stay up to date
You can sign up for our HAF mailing list to be kept up to date on our HAF activity programme.
Complete our sign-up form to be added to our mailing list. Please note that signing up for the mailing list does not automatically qualify your children as eligible.
Helpful resources and support
If you have any questions regarding HAF you can contact the HAF team by emailing [email protected]