Winter Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

The Council in partnership with Edsential and a wide range of community organisations, is providing a fantastic programme of free activities and nutritional support for children and families this winter as part of the (HAF) Programme.

Funded nationally by the Department for Education (DfE), the HAF Programme enables local providers to offer enriching activities and healthy meals to children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals (BRFSM).

This winter children and young people can choose from 23 clubs run over 43 locations which includes activity clubs, and free family events including local pantomimes and bowling.

Support for non-eligible families
There are also paid places available with some providers for those who don’t meet the criteria, so that other children and young people can join in the fun too.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Provision is available for SEND children and young people who are on benefits-related free school meals, with some providers able to offer paid for places for those not eligible.

Information about all of the events and activities available as part of the HAF Programme can be found on the new, dedicated west Cheshire area on the Edsential website

Cheshire West and Chester provision

Criteria eligibility for the programme
The HAF holiday provision is for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who are eligible for BRFSM.

For more information about free school meals eligibility criteria, visit:

Free school meals | Cheshire West and Chester Council

A comprehensive list of other, non-HAF related, winter holiday activities across the borough is available on the Council’s website.
School holiday activities | Cheshire West and Chester Council

If you have any questions about the HAF programme, please email: HAF@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk