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
Summer HAF programme
The Summer Holiday Activity and Food Programme will run from Wednesday 24 July to Sunday 1 September 2024.
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
- contact the club you wish your child to attend
- 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. 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
Children attending a school outside the borough can access a free space at a HAF club. They will need to show proof that they receive benefits-related free school meals during registration. Proof can include a letter from the school or a letter from the council’s benefits team.
Children and young people newly registered for benefits-related free school meals who have not received a HAF code yet, should provide proof that they receive benefits-related free school meals during registration.
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.
How to register for benefits-related free school meals
To register for benefits-related free school meals please complete the free school meals application form.
HAF report
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) report details how we performed in the last year.
Read the annual report
Information for providers
Applications for summer grants are closed.