Holiday activities and food programme (HAF)

The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme offers free activities for eligible families during school holidays. The Department for Education (DfE) funds this programme.

Activities are available in:

  • spring: 4 days
  • summer: 16 days
  • winter: 4 days

Spring HAF vouchers

HAF vouchers for the spring holiday period will be sent on Monday 9 March 2026.

All children aged 4 to 16 (in reception to year 11) who are eligible for benefits related free school meals should get a voucher.

You should receive an email or text from hello@holidayactivities.com.

You will need the code on the voucher to book activities.

If you have not received a voucher by 9 March, and you think you should have, contact your child's school.

Booking a place

You will need a voucher code to register and book a place.

Follow the link on the voucher to see a list of the clubs and activities in your district.

If you have a voucher code, you can also access the holiday activities link to book a place.

Many clubs book up very quickly so please:

  • only book a HAF place if you are going to use it
  • cancel if you change your mind

If a place is booked and then not used it prevents another child from attending.

Activities outside of your school district

You can only use the voucher to book activities in the district where your child goes to school.

For example, if your child goes to school in Lytham, you will get a Fylde voucher, and the booking platform will display all the HAF clubs in Fylde.

If your child needs to attend a club in another district, you can request a new voucher for that district.

You must request the new voucher before you book any places. If you request a new voucher, you will not be able to book clubs in the district your original voucher was for.

To request a change email cfw-haf@lancashire.gov.uk and include the following information:

  • your child's full name
  • your child's date of birth
  • the district your voucher was issued for such as South Ribble, Chorley or Pendle
  • the district you would like it changed to
  • your full name
  • your email address
  • your mobile contact number
  • the reason for the request

Children not eligible for free school meals

We can use up to 15% of the funding for HAF places for children who are not eligible for benefits related 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 and include the following information:
    • your child's full name
    • your child's date of birth
    • the district you require a voucher for, such as West Lancs, Rossendale or Burnley
    • parent/guardian's full name
    • parent/guardian's email address
    • parent/guardian's contact number
    • the reason for the request

Children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)

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.

Our SEND local offer website has more information about support and services in Lancashire for children with SEND.

Helping 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

12 to 16 year olds

Our Targeted Youth Service is running HAF activities in all our districts.

They have super fun holiday activities and food programmes just for high schoolers!

Whether you’re into sports, arts, or just hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy delicious meals while you’re at it.

Youth work is all about helping you with your personal, educational, and social development. It’s a space where you’re treated with respect, and you get to explore, socialise, learn, and make your voice heard.

So, if you’re looking to grow, learn, and have a blast, youth work is where it’s at!

To find out more please check out our Youth Zone page or contact your nearest Family Hub.

What's on in your district

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

Contact us

If you have any questions about HAF email: cfw-haf@lancashire.gov.uk.

We value your feedback

If your child has attended one of the HAF sessions, please help us improve our service and complete our Parental Feedback Form.