Information for schools and other organisations

We're always interested in hearing from schools and other organisations who would like to support young people in Derby.

How to refer a child to HAF

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme is mainly for children who receive benefits-related free school meals, however there are a small number of places available for other children who may benefit from attending a club. If you are a professional, such as a social worker, family support worker or teacher, who is working with a child who may otherwise be isolated or vulnerable during the holiday periods, you can complete a referral for them. All referral places are subject to approval and availability.

Apply to become a HAF provider

The annual application process for HAF delivery in 2024 is now closed.

If you would like more information about the HAF Programme, please email derbyHAF@derby.gov.uk.

How schools can get involved

There are several ways that schools can get involved in the HAF Programme, including:

• delivering a programme from your own school – an ideal way of supporting local families in a familiar environment
• developing a partnership with another provider who could use your school as a venue during the holidays
• issuing codes to eligible families
• inviting a member of our team along to speak to your staff team or to attend parents’ evenings to promote the programme.

To find out more about how schools can participate, email derbyHAF@derby.gov.uk.

How we assess our providers

All providers of the HAF Programme must adhere to a set of standards, including:

• current policies and procedures in place for example: safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, complaints, data protection / GDPR, food hygiene
• staff and volunteers to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked and safeguarding trained
• where applicable, providers must be registered with Ofsted and registered as a food business
• all new providers venues are visited as part of the application process and receive annual Quality Assurance visits
• providers are assessed against a framework of standards which are outlined in the Department for Education Holiday activities and food programme 2024.