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Promotional banner for holiday activities and food programme. Text reads: ‘Give them a happy healthy Christmas. Free for recipients of income-related free school meals. Enjoy fun activities, healthy meals and so much more!’ Includes logos for Best Start in Life, Department for Education, and Cheshire East Council. Background shows festive decorations and children participating in activities.

Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme

Cheshire East Council are proud to present the holiday activities and food programme, which is made up of a number of local schools, holiday club providers, community and voluntary organisations to provide families with fun activities, healthy meals and more. This is free for recipients of income-related free school meals.

Promotional banner for Holiday Activities and Food programme. Text reads: ‘Festive fun they’ll love. Free for recipients of income-related free school meals. Enjoy fun activities, healthy meals and so much more!’ Includes logos for Best Start in Life, Department for Education, and Cheshire East Council. Background shows children doing Christmas crafts and decorations.

Fun, food and support for families

We aim to give eligible children and young people the chance to have healthy happy holidays so they can:

  •   be more active
  •   develop and learn
  •   socialise, have fun and be happy
  •   get a tasty nutritious meal
  •   work together and stay safe

What's on offer

Children and young people will be able to take part in a variety of fun and exciting activities, including

  • arts and crafts
  • sports and games
  • cooking and baking
  • performing arts
  • health and well-being sessions
  • gardening
  • animal care
  • days out
  • and much more!

HAF eligibility criteria

Primary eligibility

  • must be in receipt of income/benefits-related free school meals (IRFSM) and attending school from reception year up to and including year 11 (up to age 18 for SEND)
  • in addition, children and young people must live in Cheshire East and/or attend a Cheshire East school

Discretionary eligibility

Limited places may be available for children and young people not in receipt of IRFSM, but who:

  • have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
  • are supported by a social worker or family service worker
  • are a looked after child
  • refugee/asylum seeker
  • are referred by a professional (e.g., school, health, or social care professional). On the booking form details of the professional referrer are needed alongside their contact details

These discretionary criteria are not exhaustive, and decisions are made based on individual circumstances.

How to book onto the HAF programme

You can filter your searches by age range including teen offer, date, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) specific/ SEND support, provider name and location or you can find your nearest provider using the handy map function.

When you find an activity you like, select book and complete the booking information.

If you need help to book your place, you can message for help or book a video chat with our platform provider Eequ, via the message support page.

Book your HAF place

New HAF Procurement Opportunity

The HAF programme has been extended for a further 3 years, running from April 2026 to March 2029.  If you would like to find out more about the opportunity to offer a HAF provision in Cheshire East, please email CEHAF@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Contact Holiday Activities and Food Programme

If you have any queries regarding the HAF programme email CEHAF@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Additional support

Other sources of support and information are listed on the cost of living support page.

Read the Holiday Activities and Food programme full report (PDF, 620KB).

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Page last reviewed: 27 November 2025