HAF information and actions for schools
Schools play an important role in helping eligible children access free holiday activities and meals through Buckinghamshire's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Schools can support families by keeping pupil information up to date, issuing vouchers on time and promoting the programme to parents and carers.
The HAF programme helps children to:
- eat healthy meals during the school holidays
- stay active
- try new activities and experiences
- build confidence
- make new friends
- return to school ready to learn
Eligible children from Reception to Year 11 can take part in funded holiday activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. Activities include enriching experiences, physical activities and a healthy meal each day.
What can schools do to help
To help eligible children access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, schools should have three main responsibilities.
Schools must keep pupil eligibility and parent or carer contact details up to date. This helps ensure eligible families receive their HAF vouchers and can book activities.
Schools should review the pupils selected in HolidayActivities and assign vouchers by the published deadline.
Which pupils are eligible
The HAF programme is available to children and young people who:
- are in Reception to Year 11 and
- meet the current HAF targeted free school meals eligibility criteria
Do not assume that every pupil who receives a free school meal during the school day is eligible for HAF. Changes to free school meal eligibility mean that some pupils may receive free meals at school but not qualify for HAF.
Guidance for ordering vouchers
Schools can use the following guides to order HAF vouchers:
Schools should make sure parents and carers know about the HAF programme and how to access it.
This includes explaining:
- what HAF offers, including free holiday activities and healthy meals
- when vouchers will be sent to eligible families
- how to find and book activities through the HAF booking system
- where families can get help if they have questions
Clear and timely communication can help more eligible children take part in the programme.
Some families may need extra support to access their voucher or make a booking.
Schools should:
- help families who have not received their voucher
- check that contact details are correct
- direct families to the appropriate support if they are having difficulties using the booking system
- help families find activities that meet their child's needs
Why schools’ involvement matters
Parents and carers are more likely to trust information that comes from their child's school. Schools play an important role in helping eligible children access the support available through HAF.
School involvement can help to:
- make sure eligible children do not miss out because contact details are incorrect
- reassure families that voucher emails are genuine
- raise awareness of the programme among parents and carers who are new to HAF
- identify families who may need help making a booking
- help families find activities that meet special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or other additional needs
- support children who may be eligible through local extended criteria
A limited number of HAF places may be available for children who do not meet the main eligibility criteria but are experiencing particular vulnerabilities or challenging circumstances.
Schools can discuss referrals for these children by emailing [email protected].
Receiving a voucher does not guarantee that it will be opened or used. A simple reminder from a school, such as an email, text message or conversation with a parent or carer, can help a child access activities and support during the school holidays.
Get involved in delivering HAF
Schools can support the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in a number of ways.
Use your school's usual communication channels to help eligible families learn about the programme and understand how to access activities.
School facilities can help make HAF activities more accessible to local families.
This could include:
- halls
- classrooms
- sports facilities
- outdoor spaces
- kitchens
Schools can host HAF provision while an experienced provider delivers the programme.
The provider will manage:
- activities
- staffing
- meals
- day-to-day delivery
Schools with the appropriate experience, capacity and facilities can apply to deliver HAF provision directly.
Delivering HAF can help schools to:
- provide activities in areas where families currently need to travel further to access provision
- offer activities in familiar surroundings for children and young people
- strengthen relationships with local families
- support school transitions and ongoing engagement
- gain a better understanding of pupils' experiences during school holidays
Find out more
To learn more about the impact of HAF and the different ways schools can get involved, request a school information pack by emailing [email protected]