Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF)

Parents and carers throughout Waltham Forest may be eligible to benefit from a free holiday clubs programme for children and young people during school holidays.

Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), funded by the Department for Education (DfE), enables children and young people to enjoy fun activities with friends and learn and develop new skills during Easter, Summer and Winter Holidays. The local programme is available only for those children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

For any queries, please contact wfholidayactivityprogramme@walthamforest.gov.uk

About HAF

HAF is the official Holiday Activities and Food programme funded by the Department of Education (DfE).

HAF provides eligible children and young people with a free meal and enriching activities where they can learn new skills and meet new friends.    

The HAF programme is provided by a range of organisations who undergo a rigorous procurement process for Waltham Forest. Some of our partners include early years settings, youth clubs, out of school clubs and training providers. HAF provides

• Physical Activities including multi-sports
• Creative sessions including music, drama, arts and crafts
• Nutritional workshops
• Trips/Fun days out

Find out if your child is eligible

Children must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a HAF place

• In Reception up to Year 11
• In receipt of benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM)

If you think that you are eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM) please apply here.

Referrals

We can offer a limited number of additional places to children and young people who do not meet this criterion but are vulnerable. Referrals are considered from education, health, and social care professionals. Referrals will not be accepted by parents. 

To be considered for a referred place you must meet the criteria set out within the referral criteria here.

Does HAF provide SEND support?

All providers delivering the HAF programme must deliver an inclusive programme for all children and young people in attendance. Where possible, we will support a SEND child or young person’s attendance at a mainstream HAF provision.

If your child attends a Specialist SEND School, and you are eligible for HAF and require a place please email wfholidayactivityprogramme@walthamforest.gov.uk

If your child is not eligible for the HAF programme, there are other services your child may be able to access.

Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Local Offer

Care Packages (Short Breaks)

Waltham Forest advertise to providers who are able to offer children’s activities and workshops for Easter, Summer and Winter holiday periods. 

To apply you will need to register your interest.

If successful, we will contact to you to apply to deliver a programme for either Easter, Summer or Winter. 

If you have any queries regarding the DPV application process, please contact wfholidayactivityprogramme@walthamforest.gov.uk

View the annual report for Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food Programme project funded by the Department of Education for 2022. 

Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food Programme Annual Report 2023 to be published June 2024.