Activity and session information is updated on the North Somerset Council HAF page before each school holiday.
Information for parents and carers
To receive the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) provision, your child must be:
- of primary or secondary school age
- attend a school in North Somerset
- receive benefits-related free school meals
Children who only receive universal free school meals that all children receive in the first three years of school do not qualify.
If you are unsure if your child receives benefit-related free school meals, your school should be able to let you know.
If your child is eligible for a place on the HAF programme you can book using the Eequ booking page.
If you have any queries or need support, please email HAF@n-somerset.gov.uk.
If your child does not receive benefits-related free school meals
If you are a parent or carer who requires a session for your child, you may qualify for the ‘other children who can be funded’.
These places are very limited.
To make sure that funding is allocated fairly, a referral is required from a professional working with your family and should be emailed to HAF@n-somerset.gov.uk. This professional should give details why a funded session is needed.
If your referral is approved, you will receive a temporary HAF reference number. You can then use this code to book a place on a HAF activity.
Many activity providers also run paid sessions alongside the HAF funded ones.
HAF programme offer
Four hours per day with a hot meal. A healthy packed lunch can be provided in some circumstances.
Each child who receives benefits-related free school meals should be offered the opportunity of attending a maximum of 24 sessions per year. These will take place during the Department for Education’s specified key school holidays.
- Easter 4 sessions
- Summer 16 sessions
- Winter 4 sessions
Funding is not provided for February, May and October school holidays.
HAF aims for children and young people
Children will be provided with the opportunities to:
- eat healthily over the school holidays
- take part in and enjoy physical activity such as dancing, outside games, building tree houses
- develop their self-esteem, confidence, and wellbeing
- be safe and develop peer relationships with other children and young people
- understand the impact of health and nutrition on everyday life
- be more involved with school and other local services
HAF aims for parent and carers
- to have enriching activities and food for your children during school holidays
- develop understanding of nutrition, and how a healthy meal can be provided on a budget
- signposting towards other information and support including health, employment and education