Holiday club vouchers to can families this summer

A family of 4 (mum, dad, a boy and a girl) smiling at the camera

School summer holidays are almost here, but if you’re a family on a low income or you work full time you can get vouchers from the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) program to cover some of the costs for holiday clubs.

The vouchers will help you cover the costs of a place at a club and pay for meals that your child normally gets free at school.

Who is it for?

The HAF program is available for school children from reception to year 11.

It is specifically for families that receive a benefits-related free school meal and need support through the school holidays.

Local schools, local councils, and supermarkets all work together to provide children with lunch throughout the holidays, and holiday club vouchers.

What can you expect?

Each holiday club will usually provide your child with:

A free lunch box
Sports activities
Art and crafts
Music and drama
Cookery lessons
Nature exploration activities and much more.

Clubs have a list of activities that you can look at before applying for a place for your child.

How do I get vouchers?

Normally, your school and local authority work together to verify that your child receives a benefits-related free meal at school.

Your child’s school will send you an email to say the vouchers are available. You will then receive a text to activate your voucher.

You should follow the instructions on screen about which holiday clubs you can apply for and how many free hours you’ll receive.

If you don’t receive an email, but your child has benefits-related school meals, speak to your child’s school.

When can I apply for a club?

Apply as soon as you get the vouchers because places are usually limited.

Look at the list of places available in your local area and apply directly to the club following the instructions on your their website.

If you want to pay for some extra hours because you need them, you can do this by speaking with the club directly.

What if my child doesn’t have free school meals?

If you’ve never applied for a free school meal for your child and you’re struggling financially, please visit the Government’s website to apply for free school meals.

You can also contact these charities for further help: Turn2Us and Family Holiday Charity.