Holiday activities and Food provision (HAF) 2025
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 Friday 25 July to Monday 1 September 2025.
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.
Information for providers
Applications for Summer Programme Funding
Providers interested in delivering HAF activities during the upcoming Summer holiday programme can apply for funding. Please complete the application form.
Application deadline: 9pm, Sunday 18 May 2025
Ensure your provision includes:
- inclusive and accessible activities
- healthy, culturally appropriate meals
- clear safeguarding arrangements
- strong community engagement and signposting to further support.
For further support or queries about your application, please contact HAF@TowerHamlets.gov.uk.
Delivering in park spaces
Planning to run your HAF programme in a Tower Hamlets park or open space? You must:
- Get permission from the Arts, Parks and Events team by emailing: festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk
- Fill out the online Park Hire (PH1) application form at least four weeks before your programme starts even if funding hasn't been confirmed yet.
Key points to remember
- Late applications may not be accepted.
- Park space is limited. Only one club may be allowed per park.
- Always have a backup location in mind.
- Parks must stay open to the public. You cannot book exclusive use.
- Apply early to secure your spot. You can cancel later if needed.
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
Guidance
Before applying, please read the guidance. It covers the rules, eligibility criteria and requirements for the grant. This will help you prepare a good application and ensure compliance with the grant's terms.
- Answer:
The HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme is a government-funded initiative. It aims to provide healthy meals and fun activities to children during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays.
The programme supports families with children on benefits-related free school meals. This is different from the universal free school meals for all Tower Hamlets children.
- Answer:
The HAF programme is for children and young people aged 4 to 16 on benefits-related free school meals.
In contrast, universal free school meals are available to all children, regardless of income. However, benefits-related meals are limited to those in families receiving certain benefits.
- Answer:
A HAF code is a unique ID for each eligible child to join HAF activities. Children in Tower Hamlets who get free school meals and attend school will automatically receive a HAF code before holidays. HAF codes are issued by the council, not schools.
- Answer:
Apply online: Visit the free school meals page and complete the application. You’ll need to provide details about your income and benefits.
Start the free school meals application form
Seek support: Schools can help you with the application process. Apply early as the registration can take some time to be processed and reflected in the system.
- Answer:
Yes. Your child must be receiving benefits-related free school meals for your child to be eligible for the HAF programme.
- Answer:
You should receive confirmation that says your child has been registered for benefits-related free school meals. You should provide a copy of this confirmation to your club when you register to access a free space.
- Answer:
The HAF programme offers activities for physical, creative and social growth. These include sports, arts and crafts, music, drama, cooking, workshops and trips.