HAF frequently asked questions
General
Who is the HAF holiday programme for?
The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is for children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
How do I register for free school meals?
To register, visit our Free school meals page, or speak to your child’s school.
What’s the difference between universal free school meals and benefits-related free school meals?
Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) are provided automatically to all children in reception, year 1, and year 2 in state-funded schools, regardless of their family's income or benefits. Benefits-related free school meals are available to children in all school years, but eligibility is determined by the family receiving specific benefits or meeting certain income thresholds.
What are the dates for the HAF programme?
The HAF programme offers activities and meals for eligible children during the Easter, summer and winter school holidays. Specific dates for each provider will be shown on the Holiday Activities system when searching for and booking activities for each holiday period.
Registration and booking
Where can I find my child's unique voucher code?
Your voucher code and booking link will be sent by HolidayActivities.com to the email address registered with your child’s school.
What if I think my child is eligible but I haven't received a voucher code?
Speak to your child’s school in the first instance.
How do I book an activity?
Follow the instructions on the link sent by HolidayActivities.com.
View the video on our how to book a place page.
When will I be able to book my child onto activities and how many activities can I book?
As soon as you receive the link including your child’s voucher code, you can search for and book activities. Your child will receive 4 ‘credits’ per week of HAF delivery. This is equal to 4 credits over the Easter holidays, 4 credits over the winter holidays and 16 credits over the summer holidays. 1 credit = 1 activity.
How do I find out more information about the activities?
Each activity on the Holiday Activities system has a description of what is included in the provision. Provider contact details are also available for you to ask further questions directly.
What if I need more support with booking?
The Holiday Activities website has a support section, where you can find the answers to lots of questions related to claiming your voucher code and booking activities. You can also click the green ‘Submit support ticket’ button on this page to contact the Holiday Activities team with a query.
For anything that is not related to the Holiday Activities system, please contact: derbyhaf@derby.gov.uk.
How many spaces are available for each activity?
Each provider has a different number of available spaces, these are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
What are the timings of the sessions?
Timings may differ depending on the provider. Please check the information carefully for your chosen activity when booking.
Attending events
Can paying customers attend?
Some HAF providers also offer paid spaces for children who are not eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Please contact providers directly if this applies and your child would like to attend one of the activities.
Is food included?
All HAF activities include a healthy and nutritious meal.
Do you cater for allergies and dietary requirements?
Yes. It is essential that you provide details of these when booking to allow providers to plan accordingly.
What if I've booked and cannot attend on the day?
If you are unable to attend, please cancel your place as soon as possible. Up to 48 hours before the start of the activity, you can do this through the Holiday Activities system. Once approved by the provider, your credit will be returned. If it is less than 48 hours before the start of the activity, you will need to contact the provider directly. You will lose your credit if you don’t cancel and do not attend.
What does my child need to bring to the sessions?
Activity providers will let you know if your child needs to bring anything.
Do you offer transport?
Transport is not provided, but we try to ensure that activities are available across the city that can be easily accessed via public transport or on foot.
Children's needs and safety
Do you have a provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and additional needs?
Yes, we have provisions for SEND children across Derby. Many activities will be inclusive and able to support children with SEND. There will also be some specialised provision for children with complex needs. The providers’ activity descriptions will include information about SEND provision.
During booking, parents or guardians are requested to include SEND or additional needs information, including if their child has an EHCP. This allows providers to determine whether they can cater to your child’s needs.
How have activities and providers been selected?
All providers of the HAF programme must adhere to a set of standards. More detailed information can be found on our Information for schools and other organisations page under ‘How we assess our providers.’
Is an activity suitable for my child?
Read the activity description carefully and contact the provider directly if you are unsure about suitability.
What will happen to the information I provide about my child?
Please view the HolidayActivities Privacy Notice.
Additional support
Who do I contact if I need more support?
If you have any further questions about the HAF programme that are not answered here, please contact: derbyhaf@derby.gov.uk
What if my family needs support?
Lots of useful information for wider family support can be found in our What other support is available for families in Derby? page.
Can I access other vouchers through the HAF programme?
Your HAF voucher code is only valid for booking holiday activities for your child. HAF does not issue food vouchers, supermarket vouchers or any assistance for household support or winter warmth. For further information visit our page What is the Derby holiday activities and food (HAF) programme?