Register your interest for this summers Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) programme

We’re calling on parents and carers throughout the city to sign their kids up for a summer of fun activities.    

The Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free activities, plus a meal, throughout the school summer holidays. 

If your child is currently in Reception to Year 11 and receives benefit-related free school meals, you can register for any of the brilliant, free holiday clubs available. 

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Register your interest now! 

This summer, we are introducing a new central online booking system, so booking your place is now easier than ever.  

All places can be found online, and you only need to fill in your details once. There is no longer a need for unique HAF booking codes, as eligibility checking will now be automated to speed up the process. With each eligible child able to access up to 16 HAF sessions this summer, this is a fantastic opportunity to try new things. 

You can register your interest now, so that you’ll be reminded to complete your booking request when all bookings go live on Monday 12th June 2023. However, places are limited, so make sure you book quickly! 

Activities for everyone 

This summer, over 13,000 HAF places are available from 34 different providers, so there’s something for everyone, from sports, performing arts, coding, playschemes and more. 

It’s a great chance to have fun making new friends and trying lots of different activities throughout the holidays. Free nutritious meals will also be provided at every session, so there’s no need to pack a lunch box.  

Supporting the city’s low income families  

Councillor Jacob Taylor, joint chair of the council’s Children, Families and Schools committee, said: “It’s great to see the summer Holiday Activities and Food programme go live again in what’s set to be the biggest and best programme yet. 

“We recognise the pressures of finding childcare and the expense of keeping kids entertained, particularly during the longer school holidays. It’s great to support Brighton & Hove’s lowest income families through the scheme, especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

“The new booking system will make booking a child’s place much easier, and it showcases the range of fantastic activities available across the city. 

“Availability is limited, so parents and carers should book early to avoid disappointment.” 

Parent feedback 

At Easter HAF 2023, parents told us: 

“The quality of staff and opportunity it has given parents is outstanding. It has helped me hugely as a single working parent of 4 to maintain the children’s well-being and to support their successful learning and development abilities!” 

 ”I am so grateful for this service as I would not have been able to afford childcare for the holidays and would have had no choice but to take unpaid leave from work.” 

 ”My child really benefits from the HAF. He’s had the most amazing time, which wouldn’t happen without this programme. We are very grateful.” 