HAF Information for schools
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 longer school holidays to children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
HAF provides an opportunity for children and young people to engage in a range of holiday activities, from football to photography, music to art, science to drama, there is an activity for every age and interest. The offer also includes a healthy hot meal for children attending each holiday session.
HAF clubs aim to give children enriching experiences and enable them to have fun and socialise with friends.
What does a HAF club include
Each HAF activity club 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
- incorporate helping children to understand more about the benefits of healthy eating and nutrition as well as opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles and exercise
- include a healthy hot meal for each attendee
Ordering HAF vouchers
From Christmas 2023, E-Vouchers will distribute HAF vouchers for all schools across Buckinghamshire via their Holiday Activities system. Schools will need to order their vouchers ahead of the distribution dates.
- How to order HAF vouchers step-by-step guide
- How to order HAF vouchers video tutorial
Schools need to ensure their MIS data is kept up-to-date with FSM-eligible children marked accordingly, as this data is used to generate and issue HAF vouchers to parents/carers.
Schools will have the capability to refer other children onto the programme through extended eligibility criteria with Buckinghamshire Council approval. The process for this will be sent to schools separately.
How can schools get involved in the programme
Schools can get involved by:
For more information on the impact of HAF and how schools can get involved, you can request a school pack by emailing [email protected]
30 Buckinghamshire schools are currently involved in the HAF programme, either as a venue for HAF provision or as a provider.