What is the Derby Activity and Food Programme?

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

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.

The next Holiday Activities and Food Programme will be delivered in winter 2023.

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

Which families in Derby can come along?

The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) 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 families, but charges may apply.

To book a place at a HAF session, eligible children will need a HAF eligibility code. To apply for a code, please complete the HAF eligibility code form.
Please note that without a code, you will not be able to book a HAF place.

Find out more about the terms and conditions of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. 

A Holiday Activities and Food referral form is available for children who may not meet the free school meals eligibility requirement but may be vulnerable due to their circumstances. Professional referrals can be made for children who meet the vulnerable criteria to attend HAF sessions. Please note that places through the referral scheme are subject to approval and availability.

For a copy of the referral form, please email derbyHAF@derby.gov.uk.

What other support is available for families in Derby?

Additional funding is available through the Household Support Fund. The Household Support Fund web page has more information for eligibility and how to apply.

There is  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 textphone for those who are hard of hearing: 07490 341 584

Information on childcare and other support for families can be found on the Derby City Council Family Hub and childcare web page. 

Family safety information

Download and read parent Information and advice on Strep A  

Download and read Parent information regarding safety around frozen water.