Who is the Programme for?
The HAF programme funding is primarily for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
Benefits-related FSMs are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
Universal infant free school meals
All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in England’s state-funded schools receive a free meal under the universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) policy.
Infant pupils who receive a free meal under UIFSM must also be eligible for benefits-related FSM to be able to access a place on the HAF programme.
Other children and families
Providers have discretion to use up to 15% of their funding to provide free or subsidised holiday club places for children who are not in receipt of benefits-related FSM but who they believe could benefit from HAF.
Guidance for these children and families:
- children assessed by the local authority as being in need, at risk or vulnerable (this means the child has a CiN plan (Child in Need plan), CPP (Child Protection Plan) or EHA (Early Help Assessment).
- Young Carers
- Looked-after children or previously looked after children (Kinship carers only)
- children with an EHCP (education, health and care plan)
- children directly referred by providers, school, parenting practitioner, health visitors, housing association (see below referral process)
- children from refugee families
The 15% flexibility is used at the discretion of HAF providers and places are limited due to funding criteria. Priority for HAF places will be given to FSM eligible children.