Holiday activities and food (HAF)

HAF vouchers for the winter holiday period will be sent to eligible families by email or text on Monday 23 November 2026. 

Vouchers will be sent from hello@holidayactivities.com. 

You will need the code on the voucher to book activities via the Holiday Activities Website or app. 

If you have not received a voucher by Monday 23 November 2026 and you think you should have, contact your child's school.

Expanded eligibility

Free school meal eligibility has been expanded to include all households receiving Universal Credit, including those above the previous £7,400 income cap.

Eligibility for HAF is not expanding. If your child is eligible for free school meals under the new, expanded eligibility, they will not be eligible for HAF through this.

See the free school meals page for more information and to apply.

Removal of transitional protection

Transitional protection has ended. Previously, for claims approved on or before 31 March 2025, the child's eligibility for free school meals was protected until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they are in, even if your circumstances changed. All claims are now re-assessed annually.

HAF eligibility changes

Some children may no longer qualify for HAF through free school meals after September 2026.

To support families during this change, some children can still take part in the Winter 2026 HAF programme. This applies if your child received and used a HAF voucher in Spring or Summer 2026 because they received benefits-related free school meals.

If your child is eligible, you will receive a HAF voucher on Monday 23 November 2026 to book winter holiday activities.

From Spring 2027, automatic vouchers will only be issued to children who receive targeted free school meals.

The HAF programme is for children and young people who:

• are school age (Reception to Year 11)

• receive targeted free school meals

Some children who do not meet the usual HAF eligibility rules may still be able to get a funded place. A professional who supports your family can make a referral. This could be a teacher, family hub worker, health professional or support worker.

Targeted free school meals

Infant school meals

All children in reception class, year 1 or year 2 can get free school meals. If you receive qualifying benefits or targeted free school meals, your child may be entitled to other programmes of support.

Year three and above and secondary

Visit the free school meals page to see the criteria for targeted free school meals.

Children not eligible for targeted free school meals

We can use up to 15% of the funding for HAF places for children who are not eligible for targeted free school meals.

This is for school aged children who live with other vulnerabilities or risk factors, who also need support in the holidays.

Schools and other professionals such as social workers and the Children and Family Wellbeing Service can request vouchers in these circumstances. Schools have received guidance on who this applies to.

This could be:

• children being supported on an early help plan

• children with a child and family plan

• young carers

• children looked after or subject to special guardianship order

• families in crisis – such as sudden bereavement, illness or refugee families

If you think your child may be eligible for HAF funding in these circumstances either:

• speak to your child's school

• or ask a professional supporting you to email cfw-haf@lancashire.gov.uk to complete a referral

Sadly, as our funding is limited, we cannot offer places to all children with SEND or education, health and care (EHC) plans.

If you request a place for your child, we will need to consider other vulnerabilities.

Helping HAF clubs to meet your child's needs

If your child has an EHC plan, SEND or any specific needs, you'll be asked some questions when you register. Your answers will help clubs understand your child's specific needs. Please answer these honestly.

By giving the club as much information as you can, you will help them to:

• make any necessary adjustments beforehand

• help their staff understand how to make your child feel welcome and comfortable

• ensure your child's needs are met

Young people can enjoy sports, arts, games and lots of other fun activities. They can meet new people, spend time with friends and enjoy a healthy meal.

Friendly youth workers lead the activities. They listen to young people and make sure everyone feels welcome.

To find out more about TYS HAF activities:

• speak to your school

• contact Talkzone

• contact your nearest Family Hub

You can find out what's on in each district using the links below.

• Burnley - Fun, Food and Friends

• Chorley - Holiday and Food Activity Programme

• Fylde - Holiday Activity Clubs

• Hyndburn - Holiday Activities and Food Programme

• Lancaster - Happy Healthy Holidays

• Pendle - Fun Vibes, Active Lives

• Preston - Holiday Activities

• Ribble Valley - Fun, Food and Friends

• Rossendale - Holiday Activities and Food Programme

• South Ribble - Holiday Activities and Food Scheme

• West Lancashire - West Lancs HAF

• Wyre - Holiday Clubs for Kids

If your child is not eligible for a HAF-funded place, or if you would like to book extra holiday sessions, there may be other support available.