About the Programme
HAF helps ensure that children have access to healthy food and enriching activities throughout the school holidays. To take part in the programme, your family must be receiving benefits-related free school meals and be aged between 5 to 16 years old.
HAF - Who, What, When, Where, Why? (PDF, 122 Kb)
HAF Programme Guide (PDF, 19.2 Mb)Parent walk through guide to understanding HAF and booking your sessions
When & why did HAF start?
On 8 November 2020, the government announced that the holiday activities and food programme will be expanded across the whole of England in 2021. The programme has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018.
School holidays can be particular pressure points for some families because of increased costs (such as food and childcare) and reduced incomes. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap.
Free holiday clubs are a response to this issue and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and young people and that they work best when they:
- Provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities
- Cover more than just breakfast or lunch
- Involve children (and parents) in food preparation
Keeping active during the various lockdowns has been especially hard for our younger people. As has, accessing healthy food and maintaining a balanced diet. That's why we are particularly pleased to be supporting Public Health Northamptonshire and North and West Northamptonshire Councils with the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme across Northamptonshire.
2023 HAF annual reports
North Northamptonshire Council 2023 Annual HAF report (PDF, 2.4 Mb)The 2023 North Northamptonshire Council Annual report, covering Easter / Summer and Winter 2023 delivery
West Northamptonshire Council 2023 HAF annual report (PDF, 2.9 Mb)The 2023 West Northamptonshire Council HAF annual report, covering Easter, Summer and Winter 2023 programmes
