Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme
If your child has free school meals, you can find and book free children's activities and events in the school holidays.
You can search and book activities online using our booking system.
How to book
Booking HAF activities is quick and easy. Using the booking system you can:
- book activities without a HAF code
- contact activity providers directly with any questions
- view detailed information about activities before booking
- use a more visual and accessible platform
- request bookings for more than one child at the same time
Read the Quick guide to booking a HAF session on EEQU.
Contact the HAF team if you need help using the booking system.
Email: haf@cumberland.gov.uk
Check if your child is eligible
The rules for free school meals changed in September 2026. This has changed who can access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Receiving a free school meal does not automatically mean your child can take part in HAF.
Before September 2026, some children kept their free school meal entitlement even when their family's circumstances changed.
Free school meal eligibility is now checked each year. Some children who previously attended HAF may no longer qualify. Other children may now receive free school meals for the first time but may not be eligible for a HAF funded place.
Who can access HAF funded activities
From September 2026, there are 2 types of benefits-related free school meals:
- Targeted Free School Meals, for children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less
- Expanded Free School Meals, for children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400
Only children who receive Targeted Free School Meals are eligible for a HAF-funded place.
Children who receive Expanded Free School Meals can receive free school meals at school but are not eligible for HAF-funded activities.
I think my child should receive free school meals
If you think your child may qualify for free school meals, you can check the eligibility rules and apply online.
Apply for free school meals and clothing vouchers
When HAF takes place and using your credits
HAF activities take place during the Easter, summer and winter school holidays.
Bookings are managed through the EEQU booking platform. Eligible children receive credits which can be used to book activities during each holiday programme.
As a minimum, each eligible child receives:
- 4 credits for the Easter programme
- 16 credits for the summer programme
- 4 credits for the winter programme
Some activities run by Cumberland Council and Family Hubs do not require credits to book. These activities can be booked without reducing your available credit balance.
The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department of Education.
Some children and young people may be eligible for HAF even if they do not receive free school meals. This includes:
- cared for children and care leavers
- young carers
- child or young person on Resettlement Schemes or seeking asylum
- home educated children and young people
- child and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), up to the age of 18
Some providers may also offer paid for places or additional funded places.
Contact the HAF team to discuss eligibility.
Email: haf@cumberland.gov.uk
You can also find cost of living support from Cumberland Council.
Types of activities
Activities are run by community groups, arts organisations, sports clubs, leisure providers, youth organisations and schools. Activities may include:
- sports and physical activities
- music
- arts and crafts
- learning activities
- food and nutrition activities
We also have providers who offer activities for children and young people with additional needs.
The programme aims to help children and young people:
- be more active
- learn new skills
- make new friends and spend time with others
- enjoy a healthy meal
- build confidence and work together safely
Become a HAF provider
If you would like to become a HAF provider, contact the HAF team for an application form.
Email: haf@cumberland.gov.uk
You will be added to our mailing list and notified about future funding rounds.
Read the Holiday activities and food programme guidance on GOV.UK
Volunteers
We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support Family Hub sessions and trips.
What you’ll do
As a volunteer, you will:
- welcoming and support children, parents and carers
- help staff deliver activities at Family Hubs and on trips
- support children and young people aged 0 to 16 years
- help families find the right member of staff or service
- signpost families to other Family Hub services and local opportunities
Why volunteer with us
Volunteering with the HAF programme gives you the opportunity to:
- make a positive difference to children and families
- gain experience in family support, education or community settings
- build skills and experience for your CV
- meet new people and be part of a supportive team
- help children learn, play and thrive
How to get involved
Complete the Volunteer expression of interest form
Contact the volunteer team if you have any questions.