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HAF banner- text reads "Holiday Activities and Food, Are you in? , Free for recipients of income-related free school meals, enjoy fun activities, healthy meals and so much more!"

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.

HAF advert- text reads "Holiday Activities and Food, Are you up for fun? , Free for recipients of income-related free school meals, enjoy fun activities, healthy meals and so much more!"

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)
  • children and young people live in Cheshire East and/or attend a Cheshire East school

Discretionary eligibility

For children and young people from Reception to Year 11 (up to age 18 for those with SEND) who live in Cheshire East and/or attend a Cheshire East school, a limited number of places may be available if they are not in receipt of IRFSM, but:

  • 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

HAF Procurement Opportunity

The HAF programme has been extended for a further 3 years, running from April 2026 to March 2029. This procurement opportunity closed on 9 January 2026 midday.

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: 05 January 2026