HAF programme – Why it’s under threat and what schools can do
We explore why school holidays could become much more challenging for low-income families from next year…
The HAF programme (Holiday Activities and Food) is a reliable and free source of childcare, but this invaluable scheme faces closure…
What is the HAF programme?
The DfE set up the HAF programme in 2018. It enables children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals to attend holiday camps for free during the Christmas and Easter breaks and for part of the summer holidays.
This eases the financial burden holidays can bring to families. It also ensures children have nutritious meals as well as fun and friendship. The HAF programme allows parents to work by offering a safe, secure and enriching childcare provision.
The DfE only planned to fund the scheme for five years, meaning that at the end of the financial year (March 2025), it will cease to operate. The new government is yet to provide any clarity on how – or whether – they will replace the scheme.
The timing of this programme coming to an end couldn’t be worse. The sky-high food and energy costs, as well as eye-watering interest rates, mean families – even those with reasonable salaries – are having to make difficult choices.
“The timing of this programme coming to an end couldn’t be worse”
Without some urgent clarification on the future of the HAF programme, schools have no way of knowing if their pupils are potentially going to suffer during school holidays.
Why is the HAF programme important?
Schools are so often lifelines for children from low-income families. They are places of safety, security, routine and stimulation, not to mention the all-important food provision.
School holidays can put vulnerable children at risk if low-income families aren’t given the support they need in terms of both childcare and food.
Since the launch of the HAF, hundreds of thousands of children from low-income homes have benefited from positive, fun and varied experiences during school holidays.
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Impact of the HAF programme
The impact of the HAF programme cannot be overstated. This is particularly true for food-insecure households, where the absence of free school meals can:
- lead to ‘holiday hunger‘
- exacerbate existing inequalities
- negatively impact children’s overall physical health and wellbeing
Children who participate in the HAF programme return to school healthier, happier, and more prepared to learn.
They benefit from the social interaction and physical activity provided by the camps, and their families receive crucial support in the form of activity, childcare and nutritious meals.
What you can do
You’re not responsible for your pupils during school holidays, of course. But you undoubtedly want to support families all year round and limit any potential ‘learning loss’ that school holidays can result in.
Some key actions you can take include:
- Inform parents about the benefits of the HAF programme.
- Encourage those families who would benefit the most from HAF to enrol, guiding them where necessary. (Your local authority can advise you.)
- Help put pressure on the new government, asking them to provide clarity on the scheme’s renewal or replacement as a matter of urgency. Contact your local MP and ask for a response.
- As soon as the government provides an update on the future of the programme, help to promote it among families at your school so they are clear on the opportunities available.
- Make sure vulnerable families are aware of other support services, such as Turn2us, The Trussell Trust, Place2Be and Healthy Start.
Laurence York is head of growth at Premier Education.
