Schools and professionals

The aim of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is to support children to eat healthily and be active during the school holidays. The programme also encourages children and young people to have a greater understanding of health and nutrition as well as be more engaged with their school and other local services.

Further information for schools and professionals. 

Download the handbook for schools, parents and carers [PDF] for information on the programme that can be printed and shared with families. Alternatively, you can also request printed copies for your school.

Who is this programme for?

Children aged five to 16 years (including four-year-olds if in Reception) who are eligible for and receiving targeted free school meals. Most clubs also offer paid for places.

Available funds for vulnerable children, young people and families

Councils can allocate up to 15% of their funding to children who are not in receipt of targeted free school meals. A professional referral is needed and would be discussed on a one-to-one basis.

The Nottinghamshire HAF programme allocates discretionary places to children and young people that are:

  • Supported by Nottinghamshire County Council’s SEND inclusion services
  • Supported by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Family Support team
  • Supported by Nottinghamshire County Council’s young people’s services
  • Children we care for or previously cared for children
  • Supported by social care teams
  • Registered young carer
  • Low school attendance

Please download and complete the referral form [Word]. Once completed, send by email to [email protected] 

How do our school children, or children we work with, access the programme?

The HAF team sends all Nottinghamshire schools a bulletin before each delivery period. The bulletin informs schools of local holiday clubs and how to book. If your school does not receive these, please contact by emailing [email protected] or calling 0115 9774 999 (open 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday).

If your school wants to apply to deliver HAF, please complete an online application.