Book your free place on Lancashire's Easter HAF programme
Families across Lancashire are being urged to not delay and book places for children on one of the many holiday activities and food (HAF) clubs taking place this Easter.
The HAF programme provides four hours of activities a day, including a meal, over four days of the school holiday.
The majority of activities will run from 2 to 12 April 2024, with families in some districts able to book now and others in the coming days. The is no central booking system currently in place but you can find out what is available and how to book by following the links on our webpage.
Your child will be eligible for a HAF place if they are entitled to benefits related Free School Meals, regardless of whether you choose to take up that offer. There are a few other reasons that your child may be eligible, such as if your child has SEND, an Early Help Plan, is a Young Carer or if your family are being supported by Children's Social Care.
If you are not sure if you are eligible for a place on the HAF programme, ask at your child's school or alternatively at a Family Hub, or a Children and Family Wellbeing service Neighbourhood Centre.
In 2023, 160 providers delivered HAF sessions from 303 different clubs across Lancashire.
At least 9,305 primary school aged children and 2,786 secondary school-aged children attended a HAF club, that is 31% of all the children and young people who are eligible for a HAF place. The national average for both is 26%.
Last summer, 116,262 HAF places were booked which resulted in 97,483 attendances. Only 16 of the booked places were cancelled or didn't attend.
With the Easter holidays around the corner, eligible families are being urged to check what's on in their district and book as soon as they can to avoid disappointment.
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Children and Families, said: "Our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is in its third year and is proving more popular than ever.
“We know how valued this provision is to those families often find the holidays a difficult and stressful time.
"Once again we have a programme that's jam-packed with activities to keep children active and make new friends in a safe and fun environment.
“You can find out what is available and how to book by via our HAF webpage so if you’re eligible please don’t delay and book your place now.”
For more information, including how to book your place, visit: Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) - Lancashire County Council