What is the Derby Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme?

About the Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme aims to provide support for families in Derby by providing free activities and meals during school holidays.

The fund aims to achieve the following for children and young people:

• access to enriching activities that they may not otherwise be able to attend
• enjoy learning new skills
• meeting friends and socialising, reducing social isolation during school holidays
• have a healthy and nutritious meal
• take part in physical and creative activities
• build greater knowledge of health and nutrition.

Bookings for Easter holiday clubs will open on 17 March 2025.

The Holiday Activities and Food Programme is funded by the Department for Education.

Find out more about the HAF programme from the HAF Annual Report 2023-24.

Which children in Derby can come along?

The Holiday Activities and Food Programme is for children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Eligible children can attend holiday sessions with free activities and nutritious meals. There are a number of providers offering a range of activities in wards all across the city.

Some activity providers will also accept all children, but charges may apply.

How to book a place

If your child is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and would like to book a place at a Holiday Activities and Food club, you will need a unique code.

You will receive a letter from your child’s school over the coming weeks explaining the new system that is in place from Easter 2025.  You will then need to look out for an email or text message from HolidayActivities.com with a link to access your voucher. Once you have the voucher, you can browse and easily book a free holiday club. 

Bookings for Easter holiday clubs will open on 17 March 2025.

What other support is available for families in Derby?

Additional funding is available through the Household Support Fund. More information, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on our Household Support Fund page.

There's lots of useful information and advice on the Community Action Derby website to help with rising costs including:

• housing and rental support
• food, clothing, toiletries and furniture needs
• help paying your bills
• debt support
• how to increase your income
• health and wellbeing.

If you can't find what you are looking for on the Community Action Derby website, telephone 01332 346266 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or email support@communityactionderby.org.uk. 

There's also a textphone for those who are hard of hearing: 07490 341 584.

Information on childcare and other support for families can be found on the Family Hub and childcare webpages.