Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

Eligibility criteria

• Families receiving targeted free school meals (FSM)
• Families just managing financially (referral to the HAF Team from a professional required)

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.

HAF Programme dates and funded hours per eligible child

2026

• Christmas 21 to 31 December 2026 - 16 funded HAF hours

2027 

• Easter 30 March to 9 April 2027 - 16 funded HAF hours
• Summer 22 July to 31 August 2027  - 64 funded HAF hours
• Christmas 20 December to 31 December 2027 - 16 funded HAF hours

Enquiries

Email the Cambridgeshire HAF team HAF@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.  Preferred contact would be by email. 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. 

Free school meals (FSM) eligibility

Children in receipt of Targeted FSM (Households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less) are eligible for the HAF Programme. Visit Free school meals for information on FSM eligibility from September 2026 .

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and normally receives Universal Infant FSM, they will not automatically qualify for Targeted FSM. If you think your child may be eligible, you will need to apply using the link above.

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 to eight 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.

Further support and information

Financial support

• Support with the cost of living
• Crisis payment

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.