Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF)

Bookings are now open.

Running from Friday 20 December to Friday 3 January 2025. Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food programme will offer school aged children and young people who are in receipt of benefit related free school meals the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of fun activities and holiday clubs and enjoy a daily meal during their winter holidays

Eligible children will be entitled to 4 sessions across the winter period

Booking is essential for all activities so book early to avoid disappointment.

If you require any support with bookings, please contact wfholidayactivityprogramme@walthamforest.gov.uk 

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 on our Free School Meals webpage.

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 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 reports for Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food Programme project funded by the Department of Education.

Waltham Forest HAF Annual Report 2022 to 2023 

Waltham Forest HAF Annual report 2023 to 2024

Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food Programme Annual Reports are published annually.