Holiday Activity & Food
Funded places for children receiving income-assessed free school meals — including activities, a nourishing hot meal, and nutrition education every day.
We are excited to partner with Local Councils to provide funded places for children who are currently receiving income-assessed free school meals (pupil premium). The way to book these funded spaces has changed — please read on.
The government's expanded £600 million over three years - Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) offers funded school holiday activity places along with a healthy lunch for eligible children. The scheme is confirmed until the end of 2028, with a decision pending on a further extension.
Key Information
Who Can Access HAF?
Funded places are available to children and young people who receive benefit-related free school meals in Mainstream, Academy and Free Schools education.
County Councils may also offer paid-for places to children of all ages and backgrounds, where possible.
When is HAF Available?
Access HAF during Summer Holidays, Christmas Break and Easter. Some councils also allow funding during half terms (February, October & May) — look out for venues where councils have reserved extra funded days.
We've supported over 1,000 children in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex since HAF's inception in 2021.
How Many Funded Days?
Allocated per child, not per family. 3 qualifying children = 3× the allocation.
Easter Holidays
4–8 days
Worth up to £200–£400
Summer Holidays
16–25 days
Worth up to £800–£1,250
Christmas Holidays
2–4 days
Worth up to £100–£200
Half Terms
Up to 2 days
Worth up to Up to £100
Where councils have reserved funding
*Ranges are guidelines — County Councils may provide more or less. Values shown represent what your funded place would be worth if booked with School's Out Activities at standard day rates.
Funding excludes Early Bird (8–9am) and Extended Fun (5–6pm). These cost £5 each and can be added & paid for from your My Bookings section on our website.
A Nourishing, Cooked Meal Every Day
Every HAF-funded child enjoys a hot, freshly prepared lunch plus snacks and drinks throughout the day — and learns about healthy eating along the way.
Hot Pasta Dishes
Choice of sauces & toppings
Side Salads
Fresh, colourful options daily
Fresh Fruit
Seasonal fruit selection
Fresh Juice & Cordial
Chilled drinks throughout the day
Snacks & Bars
Break-time snacks included
Crisps & Treats
Varied daily snack packs
Nutrition Education
We place special emphasis on improving nutritional knowledge for both child and family — teaching good eating practices, food awareness and healthy habits that last beyond camp.
We cater for all allergies and dietary requirements. Tuck shop treats are not included in the HAF provision and are purchased separately.
"It's very important that children have activities to do during the holidays. I can only go back to my own experiences and what I would have been doing if I didn't have places my friends and I could go in a safe environment."
— Marcus Rashford MBE
How to Book
The booking method depends on your County Council. Typically you'll receive an email or text from your school with a direct link to book on their chosen platform. Your booking must be approved by School's Out Activities before you replicate it on our site to get your QR code for entry.
Bookings are first-come, first-served and sell out quickly. Each Council platform shows remaining spaces. If your dates/venue are full, check alternatives or join the waiting list for cancellations. Paid places are always available if HAF entitlement sells out.
Booking Suffolk Venues
Suffolk County Council uses a platform called EEQU. Bookings open for each upcoming holiday period on the EEQU platform.
Booking Essex Venues
Essex County Council uses a platform called Holiday Activities. You'll be notified when booking opens via email from your school and the Essex Activates network. More info here.
Now offered from Colchester County High School for Girls (CO3 3US) instead of the previous Royal Grammar Site, to ensure an even split of numbers.
Look out for a link provided by your school with a unique eligibility code. Access is provided at the same time to all families for fairness.
Next Steps
Once you've requested spaces on the Council website, follow these steps:
Create an account on our website (if you don't already have one) and add all your children to My Account.
The Council will check your eligibility, and School's Out Activities will approve your bookings.
You'll receive the approved number of funded days to book on our site free-of-charge.
You're welcome to pack your child a packed lunch if they do not want the hot food options served at camp.
Add any extras (Early Bird / Extended Fun) or additional paid days from My Bookings.
Receive full booking confirmation with your QR code for entry.
Need Help?
For any questions about HAF bookings, eligibility or next steps, our dedicated team is here to help.
07535 058005