Information for parents and carers

To receive the holiday activities and food (HAF) provision, your child must be:

• of primary or secondary school age
• attend a school in North Somerset
• receive benefits-related free school meals

There are two types of free school meals available for children in the UK; universal free school meals and benefits-related free school meals.

Universal free school meals

These are provided automatically for all children in reception year, year 1 and year 2. Parents do not need to apply for these meals.

Benefits-related free school meals

Benefits-related free school meals are available for children whose families receive certain qualifying benefits. Unlike universal free school meals, these require parents or guardians to apply for them. As well as providing meals during the school term, qualifying children also gain access to funded holiday activities and food (HAF) sessions.

If you are a parent or carer who requires a session for your child, you may qualify for the ‘other children who can be funded’.

These places are very limited.

To make sure that funding is allocated fairly, a referral is required from a professional working with your family. This could be a family support worker, SEN lead or social worker. Referrals will not be accepted from the activity provider. The professional should give details why a funded session is needed. The referral should be emailed to HAF@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Four hours per day with a healthy meal.

Each child who receives benefits-related free school meals should be offered the opportunity of attending a maximum of 24 sessions per year. These will take place during the Department for Education’s specified key school holidays.

• Easter 4 sessions
• Summer 16 sessions
• Winter 4 sessions

Children will be provided with the opportunities to:

• eat healthily over the school holidays
• take part in and enjoy physical activity such as dancing, outside games, building tree houses
• develop their self-esteem, confidence, and wellbeing
• be safe and develop peer relationships with other children and young people
• understand the impact of health and nutrition on everyday life
• be more involved with school and other local services

• to have enriching activities and food for your children during school holidays
• develop understanding of nutrition, and how a healthy meal can be provided on a budget
• signposting towards other information and support including health, employment and education