Information for schools and other organisations
We're always interested in hearing from schools and other organisations who would like to support young people in Derby.
How to refer a child to HAF
The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is for children who receive benefits-related free school meals, however there are a small number of places available for other children who may benefit from attending a club. If you are a professional, such as a social worker, family support worker or teacher, who is working with a child who may otherwise be isolated or vulnerable during the holiday periods, please email derbyhaf@derby.gov.uk for more information. All referral places are subject to approval and availability.
Apply to become a HAF provider
The Department for Education has now confirmed HAF programme funding until winter 2025-26. Applications are now open for providers who would like to deliver HAF activities over summer 2025 and winter 2025-26. Please follow the link below for more information and to apply.
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is 8am on 26 May 2025.
How schools can get involved
There are several ways that schools can get involved in the HAF programme, including:
- delivering a programme from your own school – an ideal way of supporting local families in a familiar environment
- developing a partnership with another provider who could use your school as a venue during the holidays
- supporting the set up and facilitation of the Holiday Activities system to allow for voucher codes to be issued to eligible families
- inviting a member of our team along to speak to your staff team or to attend parents’ evenings to promote the programme
- promoting the HAF programme to eligible families.
To find out more about how schools can participate, email derbyhaf@derby.gov.uk.
How we assess our providers
All providers of the HAF programme must adhere to a set of standards, including:
- current policies and procedures in place for example: safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, complaints, data protection / GDPR, food hygiene
- staff and volunteers to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked and safeguarding trained
- where applicable, providers must be registered with Ofsted and registered as a food business
- all new providers' venues are visited as part of the application process and receive annual Quality Assurance visits
- providers are assessed against a framework of standards which are outlined in the Department for Education holiday activities and food programme 2025Opens in new tab.