Cheshire West Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
Our next HAF Programme will take place during the Christmas school holidays. Bookings will open on Wednesday 18 November at 4pm. We encourage families to register and book early to avoid disappointment.
School Holiday Activities
You can also find a comprehensive list of all activities taking place throughout all the school holidays periods this is to enable parents and carers to be able to easily access information related to activities taking place throughout the borough.
All information will be promoted on our school holiday activities page:
Who funds the HAF programme?
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is funded nationally by the Department for Education (DfE). The programme provides funding to support holiday activities for children and young people who have been confirmed by ourselves as eligible for Targeted Free School Meals (FSM).
During the school holidays, HAF-funded provision helps children and young people access healthy food, take part in enriching activities, develop new skills, make friends, and enjoy safe, positive experiences in their local community.
Free school meal eligibility changes from September 2026
What does this mean for the HAF Programme?
Eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is based on children and young people who have been confirmed by ourselves as eligible for Targeted Free School Meals (FSM). As national free school meal eligibility changes come into effect from September 2026, some families' eligibility for HAF-funded places previously may be affected. Families are encouraged to check their free school meal status to ensure that any entitlement to HAF provision can be confirmed.
The HAF Programme primarily supports children eligible for targeted Free School Meals (FSM) and a free place will be offered automatically (if spaces are available) when the family book.
Whilst HAF funding is targeted at eligible children and young people, we aim to support as many families as possible, and many providers offer paid places so that children who are not eligible can still enjoy activities alongside their friends and peers.
Further information on eligibility for free school meals can be found on our free school meals page.
Apply for funding
HAF Funding has been extended for a further three years, so if you are a provider and are interested in funding, and feel it could make a positive difference in your community we would love to hear from you.
You can contact us via email at haf@edsential.co.uk.
Cost of living support
Whatever your money worries may be, we have put together some useful information to help. Information on our HELP Scheme and much more can be found on our cost of living pages.
Other support an information can be found on some other areas of our site:
HAF annual report 2025-26
If you have any questions, please email HAF@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.