The Holiday Activities and Food Program (HAF) is back!

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) program is back again this summer, offering healthy meals, fun activities and free childcare places for children across Bedford Borough.

The program will start again during the school holidays starting on Monday 22 July, where low-income families will receive 16 four-hour sessions for each school-aged child up to 16 years old. Each eligible child also receives a free hot meal at each ASF activity session they attend.

Vouchers will be sent out on Wednesday 19th June and bookings will be entered on the same day.

The nationwide scheme was first launched in 2021 and a number of different providers are taking part again across Bedford Borough. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, music and outdoor adventures.

A spokesman for Bedford Borough Council said; We have changed the way we allocate places for our HAF program this year to ensure we reach as many families as possible.

This reflects how popular our HAF sessions have been and how much children have enjoyed going to them, but it means that children and young people who wish to attend one place for eight hours a day alone will have to use two voucher credits.

We are sure that families across Bedford Borough will once again feel the benefit of this fantastic offer/ We look forward to seeing you there!

Frequently asked questions

• Who is eligible for HAF seats?
  • Children receiving benefit-linked free school meals will automatically receive a HAF voucher.
  • Looked after children, children open to social care or early support, refugees and asylum seekers and children from families without public financial resources may also be eligible after a referral from a professional.
• How will I know if my child is eligible?
• If I have more than one child, do they have to share the 16 four-hour sessions?
  • No. Each eligible child receives 16 credits.
• How will I receive my vouchers?
  • By email and/or text message. You will automatically receive a coupon code and booking link.
• What should I do if I haven't received my vouchers?
  • Contact your child's school directly for support.
• What should I do if there has been a change in my circumstances?
  • Click here to let us know.
• How can I register?
  • You do not need to register for the HAF program if your child is registered for free school meals, you will receive your vouchers automatically. If you believe you may qualify under different criteria, ask your child's school or a professional to complete and submit the referral form. Please note that parents are not able to complete referral forms themselves.
• Where can I find a full list of activities?
  • All available activities will be displayed in the booking system/app once you receive your voucher.
• Do I need to register for sessions on June 19?
• Can my child be left alone at activities?
  • Yes, all our universal sessions work on a drop off/pick up system.
• Do my children need to wear specific clothes or bring equipment to the sessions?
  • If any clubs require children to wear or bring specific items, you will be contacted after booking. All clubs send information to parents of children they have booked.
• Are the sessions suitable for children with SEND or disabilities?
  • Yes. We are an inclusive programme, with many children with SEND attending our universal clubs as well as our SEND specific clubs. More information about our SEND clubs can be found on our website.
• If I book a seat and my family's plans change, can I cancel or reschedule?
  • Yes. You can cancel bookings and reuse credits in the system/app, provided you give the clubs at least 48 hours notice.