Brent Holiday and Food Programme

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in Brent is part of a national scheme funded by the Department for Education. The programme provides free holiday activities for primary and secondary school aged children (Reception - Year 11) who are eligible for and in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, and/or have been identified as otherwise in need of the programme.

Eligible children and young people to access free activity sessions during the school holidays (Easter, summer and Christmas), alongside a nutritious meal each day.

The aim of the programme is to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, encouraging them to engage in interactive and fun activities during the school holidays.

The programme also provides:

• a safe space for children to play and interact with others
• healthy and nutritious meals for all children attending
• a wide range of fun, enriching and physical activities
• nutritional education around healthy eating and preparing food
• food education for parents, carers or other family members
• information, signposting or referrals to other services, and support that would benefit the children who attend their provision and their families. 

For further information about the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, please visit GOV.UK.

Applying for spaces on the Brent HAF

Children and young people are able to access a minimum of 4 days of HAF activities over the Easter and Christmas holidays, and 16 days over the summer holidays.

To be eligible for a free place, children and young people must be:

• in reception to Year 11 ; and
• resident in Brent or attending a Brent school; and
• either eligible for and in receipt of benefits-related free school meals or have had their eligibility confirmed by a professional.

If you think you might be eligible for free school meals and are not yet registered, please visit our free school meals page. Alternatively, speak to your school.

Children and families who are not in receipt of benefits-related free school meals but who have had their eligibility confirmed by a professional are also able to attend the HAF programme. The full eligibility list for children and young people who do not receive free school meal can be viewed on GOV.UK.

Please note, siblings of children who meet the above criteria may also be able to access Brent HAF programme places, subject to provider capacity.

If you believe your child/ren are eligible for the HAF programme but do not have proof of eligibility, please speak to the relevant holiday club provider, who will be able to assist you.  Please note that you may be asked to confirm your eligibility when booking a place.