Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) NEW: October Half Term 2026

Let’s HAF fun this half term!

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme enables local authorities in England to deliver inclusive, enriching activities including a hot meal (where possible) over the school holidays. Eligible children and young people can book one free session during October half term.

The Staffordshire HAF programme will run at various locations in local areas starting from Monday 26 October until Friday 30 October 2026.

It is funded for children and young people aged 5 – 16 years who receive targeted free school meals. For a full overview, please watch this video.

How do parents/carers book?

Parents and carers of eligible children will receive an email or letter from Staffordshire County Council containing their child’s individual HAF code and the number of sessions they are eligible for. For October half term, this is one session lasting up to four hours.

Schools and Family Hubs will also have access to these codes and can help share booking details with eligible families.

Please Note

HAF activities over two hours include a hot/cold meal.

Booking steps

Bookings officially open on Monday 5 October at 4pm.

Parents/carers will need the child's unique HAF code available when making a booking.
Visit the HAF booking website www.staffordshire.gov.uk/haf
Click the ‘Book now’ button – available from 5 October at 4pm.
You’ll be taken to an EEQU booking website to register for an account if you do not have one: Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.
Enter the child’s details carefully – including their full legal name, date of birth, and HAF code. This helps us approve the booking quickly.
Use the map and search functions to find activities of your choice and book.

To avoid disappointment, parents/carers should book as soon as possible.

HAF teen offer

There are a range of HAF activities exclusively for young people aged 11 to 16 who are eligible for targeted free school meals. As well as fun activities, teenagers can also take part in development opportunities such as football coaching. Full details and booking information can be found here https://eequ.org/staffordshirehafyouth once bookings open.

FAQs

My eligibility for free school meals has changed. Can I still book HAF?

Only if your child is eligible for targeted free school meals. Other FAQs relating to eligibility can be found here: HAF Eligibility Changes - Frequently Asked Questions | Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) | Staffordshire County Council

There’s a child that would benefit from HAF but is not eligible for targeted free school meals, how can they benefit from a funded place?

Some children can be referred via a professional e.g. teacher, health visitor, social worker, or family support worker. Parents or carers cannot make a referral. To request a professional referral form please email: StaffordshireHAF@staffordshire.gov.uk

HAF codes previously issued on a referral basis are valid for October half term and winter 2026.

Can a family pay for their child to attend HAF?

Some of the holiday clubs will also have places that can be paid for. Please check our booking platform to see if there are any paid for places available for your chosen activity.

How can you support families to access HAF?
You will see lots of activity on the county council’s social media pages and communications channels. Please share as many posts as you can with your teams/partners to spread the word as far as possible to help as many children have a fantastic time this holiday.

How are we supporting young people with SEND?
Some children with SEND may be eligible; however, SEND alone does not automatically meet the referral criteria. If the child is eligible, we have some specialist clubs, and some clubs can provide additional support depending on the child’s need. More information can be found here: Support for Children with Additional Needs | Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) | Staffordshire County Council

For broader SEND support and opportunities across Staffordshire, visit: Aiming High – Short Breaks and Activities | Staffordshire County Council