What is the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme?
About the holiday activities and food programme
The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme aims to provide support for families in Derby by providing free activities and meals during school holidays.
The fund aims to achieve the following for children and young people:
- access to enriching activities that they may not otherwise be able to attend
- enjoy learning new skills
- meeting friends and socialising, reducing social isolation during school holidays
- have a healthy and nutritious meal
- take part in physical and creative activities
- build greater knowledge of health and nutrition.
Bookings for Easter holiday clubs will be open by the first week of March 2026.
The holiday activities and food programme is funded by the Department for Education.
Find out more about the HAF programme from the HAF Annual Report 2024-25.
Which children in Derby can come along?
The holiday activities and food programme is for children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Eligible children can attend holiday sessions with free activities and nutritious meals.
There are a number of providers offering a range of activities in wards all across the city, including specialist provision for HAF eligible children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Some activity providers will also offer paid places for children not eligible for the HAF programme.
How to book a place
If your child is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and you would like to book them a place on a holiday activities and food club, you will need a unique voucher code.
Voucher codes are now sent directly to the email address that is registered with your child’s school, so please make sure that your details are up to date. You will receive an email from HolidayActivities.com with a link to access your voucher code. When you click on this link, you can browse and easily book a free holiday club. Places are in high demand, so book early and make sure to cancel if you can no longer attend.
Bookings for Easter holiday clubs will be open by the first week of March 2026.
What other support is available for families in Derby?
Additional funding is available through the Household Support Fund. More information, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on our Household Support Fund page.
There's lots of useful information and advice on the Community Action Derby website to help with rising costs including:
- housing and rental support
- food, clothing, toiletries and furniture needs
- help paying your bills
- debt support
- how to increase your income
- health and wellbeing.
If you can't find what you are looking for on the Community Action Derby website, telephone 01332 346266 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or email support@communityactionderby.org.uk.
There's also a textphone for those who are hard of hearing: 07490 341 584.
Information on childcare and other support for families can be found on the Family Hub and childcare webpages.