HAF programme returns this summer with free activities for children
Monday, 14 July 2025
Our popular Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is returning for summer 2025.
The HAF programme offers eligible children across the region access to free, fun-filled activities and nutritious meals throughout the school holidays.
Funded by the Department for Education, the programme is designed to support school-age children from reception year up to year 11 who are in receipt of benefit-related free school meals.
The programme provides a wide range of engaging activities, including sports and games, arts and crafts, performing arts, and multi-activity holiday clubs plus some exciting trips out to local theatres. There are also opportunities for children to go behind the scenes with some of the animals at Woburn Safari Park and Whipsnade Zoo.
The HAF funded sessions also ensures that every child attending a face-to-face activity receives a healthy lunch, easing the pressure on families during the summer break.
Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
We’re proud to bring back the HAF programme this summer. Not only does it offer children the chance to stay active and make new friends, but they can also enjoy a nutritious meal each day.
For many parents and carers, the school holidays can bring added financial pressure, with managing increased food costs and finding ways to keep children entertained and engaged.
We hope the HAF programme helps to relieve some of that pressure, particularly by covering the cost of daily meals, which can quickly add up during the school holidays, but also by offering a safe, supportive environment where children can have fun.
The programme is inclusive and welcomes children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Sessions will run across various locations in Central Bedfordshire from late July through August, with activities delivered by trained and experienced staff.
Parents of eligible children should now have received a unique 16-digit booking code via email or text; one for each eligible child. That code should be used to reserve places through HolidayActivities. Any parent who thinks their child is eligible for the HAF programme but has not received a code should speak to their child’s school.