Who is eligible?

To access HAF holiday places, children must:

• Be school-aged (Reception to Yr 11 inclusive)
• receive targeted free school meals.

We can support other vulnerable cohorts of children who do not meet the standard HAF criteria through our discretionary HAF referral system. A lead practitioner working with the family can make a referral.

What are the vulnerable cohorts?

The main focus of HAF remains children who are eligible for Targeted Free School Meals, however Local Authorities are permitted to use up to 15% per year of their HAF funding for other vulnerable children. BCP Council has agreed the following vulnerable cohorts to be:

• Children and young people from low-income working families - To support a low-income family, where attending a holiday club is vital to the parent(s) retaining their employment.
• Children from asylum seeking families - To support integration within their local community, provide a safe holiday option, and socialise with other children.
• Children with low attendance in school - To support regular socialisation and structure, and to encourage school attendance when the next term begins. 
• Elected home-educated - To support socialisation and reduce the risk of isolation in the holiday periods.
• Young Carers - To offer an activity out of the home to allow the child a break from their caring responsibilities, make new friends over the holiday periods and have the opportunity to explore new physical and enriching activities

A lead practitioner working with the family can make a referral. Contact the HAF team for a referral link.

How do I apply for free school meals (FSM)?

Visit free school meals to assess your eligibility, and for guidance on how to apply for free school meals.

You can click the Start Now link

You may need to speak to your child’s school if they process their own FSM applications. Schools who process their own FSM applications can be found on the FSM home page: Free school meals | BCP

My child who is in Reception/Year 1/Year 2 already receives universal school meals, do I need to apply for free school meals?

Yes, you can only access the HAF programme if you receive targeted free school meals. Please apply using this link to apply free school meals

If you are entitled to targeted free school meals, your child may also be entitled to other support within school.

My child was eligible for HAF until the end of the Summer 2026 holiday, but we have now been reassessed and are no longer eligible.

Is there any support for childcare costs?

If you are no longer eligible for HAF funded places, you can consider alternative childcare support.

Universal Credit

If you are receiving Universal Credit and receive Free School Meals under the Expanded criteria, you may be able to claim back up to 85% of childcare costs Universal Credit childcare costs - GOV.UK

Childcare has to be provided by an ‘approved’ provider. An approved provider is an Ofsted registered provider.

Childcare Eligibility Checker

Childcare Eligibility Checker - Best Start in Life Enter your details to help find out how you can save money on your childcare.

Best Start in Life - Best Start in Life

Visit our Childcare Funding information page: Childcare funding information & Additional childcare funding

What is included in a HAF place?

• A HAF place is for a minimum of 4 hours
• 1 hour of physical activity (at least!)
• An enriching activity
• A hot meal*

* packed lunches may be provided for daytrips

How many places can my child attend?

Eligible HAF children can attend:

4 holiday places over Easter

16 holiday places over Summer

4 holiday places over Christmas

HAF places are not offered in the half term holiday periods.

What are the start and finish times?

HAF clubs across BCP Council offer a variety of start and finish times, with some clubs offering both morning and afternoon places.

Your child can only attend one place per day, but by offering a choice, it means that you can decide which session fits into your family life. As an example, your child could enjoy a chill-morning and an afternoon packed with fun!

Please check your preferred HAF clubs to see which timings best suit you and your child’s needs.

What are the HAF dates?

There are a range of HAF provisions across different dates in the Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays.

Information about our HAF clubs is available through the Family Information Directory.

HAF information for parents and carers

See our Quick View calendar for available HAF dates across BCP Council, for the next HAF holiday period.

This will be available well in advance of each HAF holiday period.

Which holiday clubs offer HAF holiday places?

Information can be found on the Family Information Directory

HAF holiday clubs are uploaded well in advance of each holiday period.

How do I book places?

If you meet the eligibility criteria for HAF then you can book holiday club places directly with the club of your choice (places permitting).

The HAF club will check your eligibility and confirm your booking.

Remember, you can only book a maximum of:

4 holiday places over Easter

16 holiday places over Summer

4 holiday places over Christmas

Do I have to pay for holiday club places?

No. All HAF places are fully funded.

If you would like to pay for additional hours/holiday sessions on top of your funded HAF places, you may be eligible for alternative childcare support through your Universal Credit claim.

Universal Credit childcare costs - GOV.UK

How do I find information about the holiday clubs on offer?

More information can be found on the Family Information Directory Information for parents and carers page

What if I need more support with registration or booking?

If you are having difficulty booking places with a certain HAF club, please contact us HAF@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Can paying customers attend?

HAF clubs are open to HAF-eligible children and paying families.

HAF clubs operate a waiting list, once they are fully booked. If a HAF place is cancelled, this can be offered to a child on the waiting list.

Can I leave my child at the holiday club?

Yes.

All our HAF clubs meet BCP Council’s procurement standards. All clubs hold valid insurance cover, safeguarding policy and health & safety policy.

Safe clubs for children Campaign

If you are unsure about a particular club and want to feel confident that your child will be safe, here is a guide as to what questions you can ask the HAF club, or ANY club/activity outside of school:

Safe clubs for children - parent booklet

Safe clubs for children | BCP

What if I book a HAF place and do not attend?

If your child cannot attend their HAF place, you must contact the club directly to inform them, as soon as you can.

If your child regularly misses their HAF place, your remaining booked places may be cancelled and offered to another child.

FACT: 925 HAF places were cancelled in the summer holiday 2025, costing approx. £25, 000.

Are HAF Clubs Ofsted Registered?

22 out of our 30 2026/27 HAF clubs are registered with Ofsted.

HAF clubs that offer specialist activities, for example, dedicated sports (boxing/football), film making, dance etc are exempt from Ofsted registration.

Can I pay for additional holiday club places?

Yes. If you need more holiday club places, or want to pay for an extended day, you may be eligible to apply for additional support through HMRC.

Families can claim up to 85% of the cost of ‘approved childcare’, through their HMRC benefit claim/Universal Credit gateway.

Tax-Free Childcare and free childcare if you’re working can help you to pay for childcare if it’s provided by a:

• registered childminder, nanny, playscheme, nursery or club
• childminder or nanny with a registered childminder agency or childcare agency
• registered school
• home care worker working for a registered home care agency

This is known as ‘approved childcare’. More information is available through the following link, but if you have an active claim for Universal Credit, then you should be able to log in through the Gateway and make a claim for childcare costs.

Help paying for childcare: Universal Credit and childcare - GOV.UK

What does my child need to take with them?

Your HAF club will let you know if you need to take anything specific.

As a guide, please consider:

• Water bottle
• Weather-appropriate clothing on each day
• Suncream and sunhat, when appropriate
• Any medication which your child can administer, such as an inhaler.

Do you offer transport?

Our aim is to make the HAF programme as accessible as possible. Most areas within the BCP Council area offer HAF clubs that are within walking distance for the majority of families.

Transport can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does my child get a free lunch?

Every eligible HAF child will be provided with a hot meal whilst attending a HAF club.

HAF clubs encourage families to book meals in advance, with some clubs offering a ‘book-on-the-day’ option. Meals come from a variety of suppliers, for example: BH Voyage, Brew Kitchen, Cook, Subtle Kitchen and In-house (cooked on site).

HAF clubs can support children who have dietary needs - please contact the holiday club directly to discuss your child’s requirements.

Is there a choice for food?

Yes. There will be a choice of meat and meat-free options that your child can choose from. HAF clubs offer fruit and veg sides to compliment the main meal, and a pudding/sweet treat!

HAF clubs can support children who have dietary needs - please contact the holiday club directly to discuss your child’s needs.

Who are the food providers?

HAF clubs select their own food providers, which must meet the School food standards.

Meals come from a variety of suppliers, for example: BH Voyage, Brew Kitchen, Cook, Subtle Kitchen and In-house (cooked on site).

HAF clubs that prepare food onsite are registered as a food business and staff hold the necessary food hygiene and handling certificates.

Do you have a provision for children with SEND?

Yes, we have HAF provision for SEND children across BCP Council.

Many activities are inclusive and able to support children with SEND. Our clubs are categorised in three levels, which should help you to select a suitable club:

Level 1

This club is suitable for children who have mild to moderate needs, who are able to go to the toilet and eat their lunch with correct supervision, and do not need direct support in doing so. This level is suitable for children who do not present risky behaviours such as being harmful to themselves or to others.

Level 2

This club is suitable for children who have mild to moderate needs.

Children may need direct support with personal care.

Children may need 1:1 support to help manage transition between activities, emotional regulation and eating their lunch, for example. This list is not exhaustive.

This level is suitable for children who do not present risky behaviours such as being harmful to themselves or to others.

Level 3

This club is suitable for children who have moderate to severe needs.

Children may need direct support with personal care.

Children may need 1:1 support to help manage transition between activities, supporting children to participate safely in activities, emotional regulation, absconding, and eating their lunch, for example. This list is not exhaustive.

This level is suitable for children who are known to demonstrate risky behaviours such as being harmful to themselves or to others.

Please contact HAF@bcpcouncil.gov.uk if you would like to discuss your child’s needs.

My child has additional needs, what should I do?

Please share your child’s EHCP/behaviour plan with a suitable holiday club, in advance of the holiday starting. The club will be able to assess whether they need to put in place additional resources, to ensure a positive holiday experience.

This could be:

• a shorter introductory session
• a meet and greet before the holiday period
• a dedicated sensory area/breakout room
• smaller group of children
• matching your child to a buddy
• 1:1 support during transitions or for the full session, depending on the level of need

Alternative SEND activities in BCP

Short Breaks

BCP Council offer a Short Breaks programme designed for children and families with additional needs.

Linwood Extended Services

Linwood School offer an extended services programme. Please register for information so that you do not miss the booking window for future holiday periods!

Diverse Abilities

Diverse Abilities offer Project My Time and Coping with Chaos during holiday periods to support children with SEND and their families. Get in touch with them if you think this is suitable for your child!

I am concerned about a particular provider. What should I do?

If your concern is about a HAF holiday club provider, then please e-mail HAF@bcpcouncil.gov.uk immediately with your concerns.

We love to hear about your holiday club experiences and welcome feedback!

Your feedback helps us understand how the HAF scheme is benefiting children and families in BCP Council, and whether you are happy with the offer or if you would like anything changed.

Parent Feedback – General