Cambridgeshire HAF Provider Information

The HAF Programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE). Local authorities in England coordinate the provision of funded holiday provision for eligible families. This includes a healthy meal and snacks and enriching activities. The HAF Programme operates during the Easter, Summer, and the Christmas school holidays. Holiday scheme providers must be approved by The Cambridgeshire HAF Team to offer funded places. Please note that new provider registrations are not currently being accepted.

The next HAF Programme will run during the Easter school holidays between 2.4.24 to 12.4.24. Registered HAF holiday schemes will offer places for up to 16 hours per eligible child. A HAF place is 4 sessions of 4 hours. Youth providers have greater flexibility with daily hours offered as advised by the DfE.

Eligibility Criteria

Families receiving income-related free school meals (FSM)

Families where FSM eligible and non-eligible children live in the same household

Families just managing financially (subject to referral from a professional)

Recently arrived refugee families

Cambridgeshire HAF Parent Information

Information for parents can be found on the Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme page located on the Cambridgeshire Corporate website.

The HAF Programme Requirements

At least one nutritional meal a day must be offered. All food (including any snacks) must meet the School food standards. Hot meals should be served whenever possible, with a nutritious cold option served if not. All food provided as part of the programme must:
comply with regulations on food preparation
take into account allergies and dietary requirements (see the allergy guidance for schools).
take into account any religious or cultural requirements for food
Nutritional education should be offered daily to support healthy eating. this might include children being involved in food preparation, cooking, growing food and / or other opportunities such as taste testing. Please see HAF Support Documents below for Nutritional Education Ideas and the HAF Healthy Schools webpage for further details
Information, signposting or referrals to other services and support that would be of benefit. This may include: Cambridgeshire Holiday Voucher Scheme, The Household Support Fund or Keep your head (information on mental health and wellbeing for children, young people, adults, professionals, and schools across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough).
Fun and enriching experiences and free play opportunities.
Meet the Physical Activity Guidelines of an average of at least 60 minutes per day - which can include active travel, free play and sports.
Providers must demonstrate that they are insured and have the relevant and appropriate policies and procedures in place in relation to: Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Equalities and SEND.
The Provider, if registered on the Early Years Register, must always have at least one member of staff with a fully compliant 12 hour Paediatric First Aid certificate present, in the setting and on outings.

The Provider, if registered on the Childcare Register (including the Voluntary Register), must always have at least one person with an appropriate first aid certificate present, in the setting and on outings. Cambridgeshire County Council consider that an appropriate certificate will have in-person CPR training with paediatric CPR and paediatric first aid for choking included.

If the Provider is not registered with Ofsted, they are strongly encouraged to always have at least one person with an appropriate first aid certificate present, in the setting and on outings. Cambridgeshire County Council consider that an appropriate certificate will have in-person CPR training with paediatric CPR and paediatric first aid for choking included.

The first aid qualified member of staff must be working with the children and able to respond quickly to any incidents. If your setting is spread out, operates from several different rooms, or has children playing inside and outside at the same time, it may be necessary to have more than one first aider on duty at any one time, to enable them to respond quickly. In addition, having more than one first aider will enable cover during outings or if a member of staff is on leave.
Providers should be Ofsted registered, with no compliance action requirements, or legally exempt from registration.

2024 HAF Programme Dates and Funded Hours

Providers are asked to offer parents flexibility with their booking. The preference is that attendance is for up to 4 hours per day but this can be condensed by parental request. Providers should contact the HAF Team to discuss any questions they may have. All HAF Programme dates exclude bank holidays

Easter: 2 to 12 April

1 child place = 4 hours x 4 days (maximum 16 hours per eligible child)

Summer: 23 July to 2 September

1 child place = 4 hours x 16 days (maximum 64 hours per eligible child)

Christmas: 23 December to 3 January

1 child place = 4 hours x 4 days (maximum of 16 hours per eligible child)