Summer HAF 2023

There's no HAF offer during the May half-term. The next HAF programme will take place over the long school summer holidays, more information will start to come out around the middle of May.

Ahead of summer HAF 2023, Brighton & Hove will introduce a central booking system for all HAF activities. Families will be asked to fill in their booking details once to create an account. They will then be able to book up to 16 HAF places per child across the activity providers of their choice.

The system will automatically check that the child receives benefits-related free school meals. This is the current and only eligibility criteria for summer HAF 2023.

There will currently be no discretionary HAF places under wider criteria. HAF codes will no longer be required or valid.

Further updates will be provided here when available.

What HAF provides

HAF provides a programme of free activities during the school Easter, summer, and winter holidays, for people who receive benefits-related free school meals. Activities include sports, arts, music, personal development, and more.   

Children and young people also receive a free balanced meal as part of their day.  

There are no programmes during the half-term school holidays.

Keep updated

To be the first to hear about each HAF programme and what’s available, send an email to HAF@brighton-hove.gov.uk to request being added to our distribution list. If you want us to stop sending you emails, ask and we'll delete your contact details from the distribution list.  

HAF programmes are also running in East and West Sussex, with information available here: 

The film below has been created to spread the word about the Government’s £220 million Holiday Activities and Food Programme to encourage parents to sign up, with the support of Marcus Rashford, MBE.

Who's eligible for HAF

HAF is for children and young people in reception to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. 

Apply for benefits-related free school meals.

Benefits-related free school meals are different from universal infant free school meals. Universal infant free school meals only provide free meals to pupils in reception, year 1, and year 2. 

"A lady and a girl outside holding a brown chicken"

Inclusion funding for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 

Find out about inclusion funding for disabled children or those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This funding can provide additional support for children with SEND to attend Ofsted-registered childcare and HAF activities.

Help and support

We know the school holidays can be expensive for some families. You can find help and support for your family. To contact Family Hubs for more information:

If you're a holiday activity, playscheme or club provider 

We want to work with activity and food providers in the city, to make the holidays healthy and fun for all children and young people.

How to apply for funding to help deliver HAF

If you're an organisation interested in being part of the HAF programme in Brighton & Hove, send an email to haf@brighton-hove.gov.uk.