Here for Herefordshire Holidays (HAF) programme grant for providers - Grants

Midday on 21 March 2025.

We are very pleased to announce that the Department for Education have confirmed that the funding for the HAF programme will continue for 2025/26. The total funding allocated is more than £200 million across the country.

Herefordshire Council is looking for groups or organisations who work with children and young people to assist us in delivering our 'Here for Herefordshire Holidays' programme across Herefordshire during the 2025/6 holidays.

Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low-income households are:

• Less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
• More likely to experience 'unhealthy holidays' in terms of nutrition and physical health
• More likely to experience social isolation

The HAF programme is a response to this issue. Evidence shows that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people.

The funding will offer eligible children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals, the opportunity to take part in creative and sporting activities during these holidays and receive a free healthy meal during the sessions.

Providers will be required to deliver activity sessions and a healthy meal during the Easter holiday period specified in the information pack. There is some flexibility on how the provision is delivered, this could include evenings or weekends.

Before making your application, please download and read the handy HAF quick guide.

For more detailed information read the HAF information pack, which contains full details of the programme.

Complete the application form

Email completed application forms to HAFproviders@herefordshire.gov.uk by midday on 21 March 2025.

If you have a question about the Herefordshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme, please email our HAF team at HAFproviders@herefordshire.gov.uk