Join us at an in person event on 1st July to celebrate 20 years of the NRPF Network.
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The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free places at holiday clubs and healthy meals for children and young people in England. The programme is funded by the UK government and delivered by local councils.
Free places are available during school holidays for children who are eligible for free school meals.
Children who receive universal free school meals (for example, those in reception, year 1 and year 2) are not automatically eligible. They must meet the means tested free school meals criteria to access a free place.
Councils may also offer:
The HAF programme is not a public fund for immigration purposes and can be accessed by a child regardless of their immigration status. Children in households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) can access a free place if they meet the free school meals eligibility criteria.
Families should contact their local council to find out what holiday clubs are available in their area.
Further information is available in Department for Education guidance on the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Page updated: 18 June 2026
