Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

Introduction

The Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides fully funded holiday scheme places during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays for eligible primary and secondary school children (subject to availability). Funded by the Department for Education, the Summer 2026 programme runs from 21 July to 28 August 2026. Each eligible child can book up to 64 hours across schemes, with fun activities, a healthy meal and snacks included.

Eligibility criteria

• Families receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM)
• Families where FSM eligible and non-eligible children live in the same household
• Siblings of eligible FSM children, who are aged four and starting school in September 2026
• Families just managing financially (referral from a professional required)
• Recently arrived refugee families

Making a booking

Summer eligibility codes are now live. The HAF team will assist with code and eligibility queries. The Provider Directory is available via the link below.

2026 HAF Programme dates and funded hours

• Easter: 30 March to 10 April 2026 - 16 funded hours
• Summer: 21 July to 28 August 2026 - 64 funded hours
• Christmas: 21 to 31 December 2026 - 16 funded hours

Enquiries

Email the Cambridgeshire HAF team: HAF@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.  Preferred contact would be by email but if this is not possible, phone: The Early Years Childcare and School Readiness Service: 01223 706133 and your message will be passed to the HAF Team. We will reply to your email or call within three working days. 

Children in receipt of benefits-related FSM with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)

Parents and carers are encouraged to book their preferred holiday scheme as early as possible, as places fill quickly. This is particularly important for children receiving benefits-related free school meals with additional needs or SEND. Early booking allows providers time to get to know your child and plan any necessary support. It is important that all additional needs, disabilities, medical conditions, behavioural needs or support requirements are shared at the time of booking. This helps providers assess whether they can meet your child’s needs safely and put appropriate support in place. Most providers require at least six weeks’ notice before the scheme begins to make suitable arrangements.

Support with finding childcare

The Childcare Brokerage Service offers free support to parents and carers of children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND. The service works with families to help find childcare that meets their individual needs. More information is available at Childcare Brokerage Service SEND. Please also see SEND information hub for further support.

Community Support Service (CSS)

The Community Support Service (CSS) supports children and young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and complex health needs. This includes support through CamPlay. To access CSS, your child will need an assessment from Disabled Children’s Social Care. If your child is eligible, their social worker will make a referral on your behalf.

Benefits-related free school meals eligibility

Your child may be able eligible for benefits-related free school meals (and the HAF programme) if you receive certain benefits. For further information and how to apply visit Free school meals | Cambridgeshire County Council. If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and normally receives Universal Infant Free School Meals, they will not be eligible for benefits-related free school meals unless you make a successful claim through the webpage above.

Further support and information

Financial support:

• Cambridgeshire Holiday Voucher Scheme
• Support with the cost of living

Childcare information and support:

• Cambridgeshire Families Information Service
• Cambridgeshire Family Hubs
• Best Start in Life - national childcare information

How we use personal data

The Council will match name, date of birth and school data with information held about free school meal eligible children to identify families who may be eligible to benefit from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. We also gather bookings and attendance data from participating holiday scheme providers after each programme in order to fund places. You can find further details about how we use personal data, and your rights. 

Information for providers can be found on our Learn-together website.

Please visit the government website for more information about the national HAF programme.

Childcare funding frequently asked questions

We have put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information on childcare funding.