What is the HAF Programme?
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to provide free, engaging activities and nutritious meals to eligible children during the Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays. Hampshire County Council delivers this programme through the Connect4Communities initiative.
🍽️ Nutritious Meals – Free, healthy meals provided daily.
🏃 Fun & Active Sessions – A variety of activities to keep children engaged.
🤝 Community Support – Helping families connect with local services.
Who can join?
Children from reception to Year 7 who receive benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM) are eligible. The programme is available to those living or attending school in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton).
Aims of the HAF Programme
The programme is designed to:
🍏 Provide nutritious meals – Encouraging healthy eating habits.
⚽ Promote physical activity – Ensuring children stay active.
😊 Create happy experiences – Helping children make new friends and have fun.
📚 Support learning – Ensuring children return to school ready to learn.
👨👩👧👦 Support families – Offering resources and signposting to services.
Each provider ensures that meals meet cultural, religious, and dietary needs. Pre-booking is required.
Eligibility & Registration
To participate, families must register for a unique booking code.
📝 Check eligibility and register: Click here to register
Click HERE to make a booking
Some places may also be available for children outside the FSM criteria, including:
Children with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs).
Children referred by social care professionals.
Children at risk of school exclusion.
Refugee children with no recourse to public funds.
Safety & Wellbeing
🛡️ All providers are vetted – Ensuring a safe and secure environment.
👨👩👧 Parental guidance – Some activities may require parents to remain on-site or nearby.
How Families Benefit
⭐ Access to fun & educational activities.
🍽️ Nutritious meals provided daily.
📅 Minimum of four hours per day of engagement.
🔍 Find & book sessions on the Family Information & Services Hub.
HAF activities take place across 11 districts under Hampshire County Council, ensuring accessibility for all eligible families.
For more details, visit the Department for Education (DfE) HAF scheme website
Why Choose Active8 Minds as Your HAF Provider?
Active8 Minds is a trusted provider of HAF activities, offering a fun, engaging, and supportive environment for children and families. Our experienced staff build fantastic relationships with children, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and excited to participate in every session.
💪 Varied & Engaging Activities – We offer a wide range of activities, including sports, team games, creative arts, and interactive workshops, ensuring every child finds something they love.
🤝 Strong Community Connections – Our team takes the time to get to know each child and their family, fostering a sense of belonging and trust that keeps children coming back.
🍏 Nutritious & Tasty Meals – Every child receives a hot, healthy meal that meets their dietary needs, promoting good nutrition and overall wellbeing.
🏆 Confidence & Skill Building – Through fun challenges and engaging activities, children develop key life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience.
👨👩👧 Support for Families – We not only provide enriching activities for children but also offer guidance and resources for families, helping them connect with support services and opportunities.
By choosing Active8 Minds as your HAF provider, you’re ensuring your child has a holiday experience that is not only fun and active but also enriching, safe, and supportive!