The HAF Programme is back in Harrow

This Summer, eligible families can book fully funded places on exciting activities, including sports, arts, and support for children with SEND. Every child also gets a healthy meal each day. No code needed.

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What is HAF?

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is a Department for Education (DfE) funded programme, brought to you by Harrow Council in partnership with the Young Harrow Foundation.

The HAF Programme is for children and young people, from Reception to Year 11 eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) related benefits. The programme is fully funded and includes daily nutritious meals and fun activities. From sports to arts and crafts, including specialist SEND support, there's something for every child to enjoy.

HAF logo no background 3

The trip to the theatre to watch Sleeping Beauty was my favourite. They did a shout-out to the Beacon Kids”

Participant, HAF 2025 Programme

What is the focus of the programme?

  • Relieve pressure points for some families during school holidays due to increased costs and reduced incomes.
  • Support children who may be more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health.
  • Increase opportunities for children from lower-income families who may be less likely to access fun activities.
  • Provide consistent and easily accessible activities through free holiday clubs with more than just lunch provided.

Check if your child can get free school meals in England and find out how to apply on your local authority’s website.

Check your eligibility
7,115
children and young people attended activities in 2025
5,957
children and young people attended activities in 2024
7,172
children and young people attended activities in 2023
7,249
children and young people attended activities in 2022

Subscribe to our HAF mailing list.

You will be the first to know when the clubs are open for bookings.

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Harrow Winter Wonderland

Harrow Winter Wonderland is a free festive event for Harrow primary-aged children (Reception to Year 6) and their families, bringing the magic of the season to communities across the borough.

Featuring fairground rides, seasonal games, crafts, and SEND-adapted sessions, the event creates a welcoming and inclusive experience, particularly for children who may not otherwise have access to this kind of festive activity.

Delivered with MAGNA Group through Harrow Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, the event is funded by Harrow Council and the Department for Education, with additional support from Orley Farm School, DVS Foundation and the Yoga Collective. Schools also work closely with organisers to coordinate participation and ensure every child enjoys a safe, engaging, and memorable celebration.

Read our blog post

HAF Winter Wonderland Gif

Being able to bring my children to the HAF Winter Wonderland has been an amazing experience. It was the first time they ever went on funfair rides, and seeing their excitement meant everything to me. As a single mum, I can’t afford to take them to places like Winter Wonderland”

Parent, Harrow's Winter Wonderland 2025

FAQs


About the programme

  • Who is it for?

    The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides free holiday activities and healthy meals for eligible children and young people during the Easter, Summer, and Winter school holidays.

    To be eligible, children and young people must meet the following criteria:

    • The child / young person must be of school age – Reception - Year 11
    • The child/young person must be living and/or attending school in Harrow
    • The child must receive Free School Meals benefits-related
  • How do I check my eligibility?

    Check on the Government page and find out how to apply on your local authority’s website.

  • How do I prove my eligibility?

    You will be asked by the organisation to provide proof of eligibility after submitting your booking request. Requirements may vary between organisations, so please keep an eye out for emails or phone calls from the organisation.

  • Can I book a place even though my child is not eligible?

    This programme is primarily aimed at children who receive benefits-related Free School Meals. However, a limited number of places may be available for children experiencing economic or social disadvantage.

    Availability varies, and places are limited. Please contact the HAF organiser directly from our website before sending a booking request.

  • Can children in care, children with a social worker, or young carers access HAF?

    If a child falls into one of these categories, please contact our HAF team before making a booking request. The team will advise on eligibility, availability, and the referral process. Depending on the circumstances, a referral may need to be submitted by a professional working with the child.

    If you are a professional working with vulnerable children and want to book a HAF Camp on their behalf, or you have any questions about the programme, please contact us. Please note that eligibility for these places is assessed on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Booking a HAF Camp

  • When can I book a HAF Camp?

    HAF Camps are usually published on our website around one month before each holiday programme begins (mid-March, mid-June, and mid-November). Subscribe to our mailing list to be alerted when activities are available to book.

  • Do I need a code to book a HAF activity?

    No. You do not need a code to submit a booking request through the Young Harrow Foundation website.

  • Can my child attend more than one HAF Camp?

    No. During each holiday period (Winter, Easter, and Summer), children can only attend one HAF Camp.

    For Winter, your child/children can attend the HAF Camp and go to Harrow Winter in Wonderland.

  • What happens after I submit a booking request?

    The organisation will get a notification with the details of your booking request. After you submit your request, you may be asked to provide proof of eligibility. Keep an eye out for an email or call from the organisation with details.

  • How many days can I book and what happens if we miss a session?

    If the HAF Camp runs for 10 days or fewer, your child is welcome to attend all sessions, although this is not required. If it runs longer than 10 days, please select up to 10 days.

    If you know your child will miss a session, please contact the HAF organiser as soon as possible. Organisations may cancel a booking if a child does not attend the first few sessions and no explanation has been provided.

Manage my booking requests

  • Who manages the bookings?

    The organisation delivering the activity manages all bookings, attendance, and enquiries. Please contact them directly. Find the organisation’s page in our HAF Directory.

    Young Harrow Foundation advertises activities but does not manage bookings. Please only contact Young Harrow Foundation if you experience technical difficulties using the website.

  • Where can I find details of my booking requests?

    It depends.

    • If you have used YHF’s website to send a request, you can log in to your account to find the name of the organisation. You can also find your booking reference number and activity details in your confirmation email.
    • If you booked directly through a HAF organisation's website, you would need to log in there to view your booking details. If you don’t remember or can’t find their details, check out our HAF Directory.
  • How do I cancel or change a booking?

    If you use our website, once submitted, your request cannot be edited. To make any changes — such as adding a child or selecting a different activity — you'll need to cancel it and submit a new one. Find more info here.

    Before cancelling, contact the organisation(s) to confirm their availability. Their contact details can be found on each activity page. Once cancelled, the organisation will be notified automatically, and the booking will show as "Cancelled" on your dashboard and theirs.

    If you have used a HAF organisation’s website, please speak with the organisation directly. Check out our HAF Directory to find the organisation’s contact details.

  • Can my booking request be declined?

    Yes. HAF organisers can decline a booking request for various reasons. They will contact you if they need further information, but usually, they can decline a booking request if the activity is fully booked or they cannot safely meet your child's needs. Contact the organisation directly if you have any questions.

  • What should I do if I don't receive a response from the HAF organiser?

    After submitting your booking request, please keep an eye on your emails, including your spam or junk folder, as organisations may contact you if they need additional information before they can process your request.

    If you have not heard from the organisation within 15 days, please get in touch with them directly using the details listed in our HAF Directory.

Support

  • My child has SEND. Can they attend HAF activities?

    Many HAF organisations have experience supporting children and young people with SEND, and several specialist SEND organisations deliver dedicated programmes. The level of support available varies by organisation and is shown on each activity page.

    Before booking, please discuss your child's needs with the organisation and share any relevant information about SEND, medical needs, behaviour support, communication needs, or personal care requirements.

  • Can my child attend if they usually receive 1:1 support at school?

    Not all HAF organisations can offer 1:1 support. If your child usually receives that level of support at school, please discuss their needs with the organisation before booking.

  • What happens if my child has a dietary requirement/allergy?

    Please inform the organisation of any dietary requirements, allergies, or medical needs when submitting your booking request and discuss them directly with the organisation before your child attends.

  • Can my child bring a packed lunch?

    Yes, your child can bring a packed lunch. Let the organisation know as they may have restrictions relating to allergies. Even if your child brings a packed lunch, they are still entitled to a free healthy meal each day.

  • Are HAF organisers DBS checked?

    All organisations delivering HAF activities are required to follow safeguarding requirements, including appropriate DBS checks and safeguarding procedures for staff and volunteers working with children and young people.

HAF Impact Reports

Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 2024
19/06/2025

We take great pride in delivering a high-quality, inclusive programme that offers a diverse range of activities while also securing additional funding to support young people facing economic hardship but not eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 2023
30/04/2024

Harrow HAF has once again demonstrated our high standards and excellent providers but it was not without challenges. The HAF funding requires constant adaptation and innovation to secure success. This report provides a breakdown of the different holidays, achievements, and challenges we encountered.

Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 2023 | Mid-year report
31/01/2024

In total, we distributed over £467,000 in direct grants for the HAF Easter and Summer 2023 programme. Grants were awarded to 23 organisations offering a wide range of opportunities right across Harrow targeting a diverse range of children and young people, including Romanian, Iranian, Afghan and Tamil communities.

Funders and corporate sponsors of the HAF programme in 2026