HAF Information for providers
About the Buckinghamshire HAF Programme
Funded by the Department for Education, the aim of the HAF programme is to offer free holiday clubs or activity places over the school holidays to children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
We are aiming to fund a diverse range of enriching, fun and physical activities and food which are attractive and engaging for all ages and abilities of children and young people.
The offer will include a daily healthy hot meal for children attending each holiday session.
Each HAF activity session should:
- operate for a minimum of four hours a day (ideally longer, for example, six hours)
- include both enriching and physical activities to create a balanced programme for children and young people, ensuring they have a holistic and varied experience
- incorporate helping children to understand more about the benefits of healthy eating and nutrition into their programme as well as stigma-free opportunities to support children and young people in learning about healthy lifestyles and exercise
- include a healthy hot meal for each attendee (can be cooked on-site or delivered via a caterer or food business)
- HAF grant-funded holiday activities can only be provided to children in Buckinghamshire who receive benefits-related free school meals
- Grants will be awarded to organisations that can demonstrate an ability to deliver activities in line with the government HAF guidance
You can contact the Buckinghamshire HAF project team at haf@buckinghamshire.gov.uk if you have any questions about applying.
Mixed provision is when some of the total places offered by an organisation are funded separately, for example by fee-paying customers or from another funding pot.
We welcome HAF funding applications that involve mixed provision.
For these applications, we will fully fund any costs that apply only to the HAF-specific places. Funding for other costs is given on a pro-rata basis according to the proportion of HAF places, for example, venue or staffing costs.
How to submit an application for HAF programme funds
The deadline for Summer 2025 applications is Friday 02 May 2025.
Providers can apply for one or all of the delivery periods (Easter, Summer and Christmas) in one application. For those wanting to apply separately the summer application deadline will be released soon.
If you are interested in applying, please read through our application form and guidance before submitting your application to haf@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.
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