The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free holiday activities and meals for children and young people aged 5 to 16 years who get free school meals. Read the latest update here.
The HAF programme is paid for by the Department for Education and funding has been confirmed for the next 3 years.
HAF gives children the chance to:
- take part in fun activities during the school holidays.
- be active and try new things
- enjoy a free, healthy hot meal each day.
The programme is designed to support families during the school holidays and help them stay happy, health and engaged.
Further information about the HAF programme
February 2026 half term HAF programme
An additional HAF programme will be running during the 2026 February half term. Families can access up to 4 funded days of activities. Bookings for the programme will open on 29 January 2026.
Eligibility and how to apply:
Families unsure about eligibility should contact their child's school. Parents of children in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 (universal free school meals) can apply for free school meals via: www.southend.gov.uk
HAF Provider Opportunities
Southend-on-Sea City Council is accepting new provider applications to deliver HAF provision from 1 April 2026.
To find out more, you are invited to a provider drop-in session on Tuesday 27 January 2026 (10am and 12pm). The session will be held in Committee Room 1 in Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER.
Attendees can meet with the Procurement Advisor and HAF Coordinator.
To book a place contact the HAF Team at HAF@Southend.gov.uk
Winter/Christmas 2025 Offer
During the Christmas period, eligible families were able to access up to 4 days of funded activities including:
- family trips to the Cliffs Pavilion to see Cinderella
- ice skating at Garon Park Winter Wonderland
- a range of festive sessions were delivered by approved providers, featuring physical activities and team games, creative and festive activities and a hot meal each day.
SEND-inclusive provision – Relaxed Panto:
For the first time, a Relaxed Panto was offered for eligible children with SEND. Adaptions included:
- a more relaxed approached to noise and movement
- adjustments to reduce sensory overload
- a chill-out zone for children and parents
- hand dryers turned off and replaced with paper towels
This inclusive approach ensured the event was welcoming to children regardless of physical, sensory or mental needs and is planned to be a main event going forward.