About the HAF programme

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HAF provides sessions during the school holidays for children who are receiving benefits-related free school meals. The HAF fund focuses on children and families who are struggling and live in areas of deprivation and poverty.

In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Marcus Rashford led a campaign for further support for families during school holidays. He encouraged parents and carers to sign their children up to the HAF sessions.

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HAF funding is provided by the Department for Education (DfE). After a successful trial, the HAF programme is now being funded for a three-year period which started in 2022. 

HAF sessions

Children can access 24 sessions in a year which are divided over the key holidays.

  • Easter: 4 sessions
  • Summer: 16 Sessions
  • Winter: 4 sessions

Each session is a minimum of four hours.

A meal is provided without any further charge to parents. These should be hot meals but in some circumstances could be a healthy packed lunch.

The sessions aim to develop lifelong skills, self-confidence and resilience. It makes sure that all children have access to activities, education and equal opportunities.