Holiday activities and Food provision (HAF) 2024
Free Government-funded holiday clubs with healthy meals for children who are claiming benefit-related free school meals.
Information for families
Easter HAF programme
The Summer Holiday Activity and Food Programme will run from Wednesday 24 July to Sunday 1 September 2024.
Summer HAF Clubs coming soon
What do the programmes include?
Thousands of children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals will be able to access a free place a holiday activity club over the Summer school holiday.
Open to eligible children and young people aged 4 to 16 years, all programmes provide:
- free, nutritious, and tasty food
- fun physical activity sessions
- a wide range of other exciting activities to suit different ages and personalities
- opportunities to learn more about food and nutrition for children and their families
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Holiday clubs cater for children with low-medium levels of SEN and/or disability and children will be considered by each club on a case-by-case basis. The programme also offers placements at SEND specific clubs which can cater for more severe needs.
Please ask the clubs directly about the support they offer.
How do I sign up my child?
If your child is eligible for a Free place at a HAF club, you would have received a HAF letter in the post.
To book a free place check the list of HAF clubs (coming soon), contact the club you wish your child to attend and follow their registration instructions.
When registering, you will need to quote your child’s HAF Code. This can be found at the top of your HAF letter.
Places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. If you have missed out on a place at your chosen club, please do check out opportunities at other clubs.
I did not receive a HAF letter
If you did not receive a letter, please contact your school to find out if your child is receiving benefits related Free School meal (not universal Free School Meals). This is only for children receiving benefits-related Free School Meals.
The council will not be able to issue new letters or copies of letters.
Neighbouring boroughs
If you are a resident of a neighbouring borough but your child is eligible and attends a school in Tower Hamlets, they are welcome to attend one of our HAF programmes. You might be able to go to a HAF programme in your borough.
Visit the boroughs' HAF pages for more information
Need support – How HAF can help
Your HAF club is connected to services that offer support and help with things like:
Simply contact your HAF club for help finding a service. Visit our support pages on specific services around the cost of living crisis.
Contact
For more information about the HAF programme, contact us at HAF@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
About HAF
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education. This Summer we want to commission a rich and diverse programme of Holiday activities offering food. Which is delivered by organisations from the private, voluntary, and public sector that respond to local need.
Information for providers
How and when to apply for HAF Programme grant funding
If you want to run a Tower Hamlets HAF Programme over Summer 2024, please complete the application form. The application deadline is Wednesday 22 May 2024.
For more about how to apply, please refer to our Grant Guidance Document.
Please see the downloadable Budget Breakdown Template you can use to complete your application.