Who is eligible?

The programme is aimed at:

• school-aged children (Reception to Yr 11)
• who receive benefits-related free school meals.

We can support other vulnerable cohorts of children who do not meet the criteria, through our HAF referral system by a practitioner working with the family.

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 Stat Now link, or you might need to speak to your child’s school if they process their own applications

My child 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 benefits-related free school meals. Please apply using this link free school meals

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

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*

*cold food will be provided on any trip days

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 with an afternoon packed with fun!

Please check your preferred HAF clubs to determine 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 At A Glance calendar for all the dates available across BCP Council over the summer holiday.

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.

Do I have to pay for holiday club places?

No. All HAF funded places are free if you are eligible for the HAF programme.

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 difficulties 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.

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.

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 will be cancelled and offered to another child.

Are HAF Clubs Ofsted Registered?

22 out of our 31 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:

• Weather-appropriate clothing on each day
• Suncream, where 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 in walking distance.

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

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.

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. Some HAF clubs prepare food onsite, and are registered as a food business.

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

Your 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 but 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

Your club is suitable for children who have mild to moderate needs, and those who will need direct support with personal care and will need one to one support with eating their lunch. This level is suitable for children who do not present risky behaviours such as being harmful to themselves or to others.

Level 3

Your club is suitable for children who have moderate to severe needs, and those who will need direct support with personal care and will need one to one support with eating their lunch. Your club 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 any additional resources in place 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
• 1:1 support during transitions or for the full session, depending on the level of need

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