Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
The HAF programme is designed to provide healthy food and enriching activities for primary and secondary school aged children (reception to year 11) during the Easter, Summer and Winter school holiday period. The HAF programme is fully funded by the Department for Education - eligibility criteria applies. The Winter 2024/25 HAF Programme will run from 23rd December to 3rd January (excluding bank holidays) The full programme of activities is expected to be published w/c 2nd December 2024.
Who is eligible to access the HAF programme?
This holiday provision is for school aged children and young people from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals. All eligible children and young people who are in receipt of benefit-related free school meals will be sent a letter containing a Unique Reference Number - this must be used when booking a place with a provider. Please speak to individual providers for more information.
What activities are on offer?
To make it easier for you to find activities near you, they will be separated into Doncaster's four locality areas. Children can attend activities outside of their locality so please visit each area page to view the full range of activities on offer.
| Central | Central, Balby, Wheatley, Cantley, Bessacarr, Intake, Belle Vue |
| East | Armthorpe, Stainforth, Moorends, Dunscroft, Hatfield, Barnby Dun, Edenthorpe, Kirk Sandall, Thorne |
| North | Bentley, Adwick, Askern, Carcroft, Highfields, Scawsby, Sprotbrough |
| South | Conisbrough, Denaby, Rossington, Mexborough, Edlington, Finningley, Torne Valley |
Find activities in:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we access the programme?
If your child/ren receives benefits-related free school meals you should receive a letter with a Unique Reference Number. You can access the programme/activities by booking a place directly with the activity provider. Booking information for each activity will be available beside each provider's activity.
You must book your child on to the activities using the Unique Reference Number that has been allocated to your child, as stated in their letter.
Please note: If your child attends one the schools below, they will not automatically be allocated a Unique Reference Number:
- De Warrenne
- Hall Cross
- Ivanhoe Primary
- Ridgewood
- Sandringham Primary
If your child is eligible for benefits-related free school means, please email HAF@doncaster.gov.uk to request a Unique Reference Number.
What should I do if I do not receive a letter with my child's Unique Reference Number?
My child is not eligible, what else is available?
Many of the activity providers who are delivering the HAF also have a number of either free or low cost paid-for places, this will be stated on their booking page. In addition, there are lots of other free activities taking place under the Universal Activity Programme which will be promoted on the Your Life Doncaste website.
Does my child need to bring anything?
Children do not need to bring anything, unless otherwise specified on the activity listing. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the activity.
Will meals and refreshments be provided?
The sessions will include a healthy meal and refreshments will be provided; children are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Is transport provided?
Transport is not provided unless otherwise specified.
Will I need to pay anything to access the activities?
No, the sessions are fully funded by the Department for Education (DfE) for Children and Young People from Reception year to Year 11 who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals
HAF Annual Reports
The HAF Annual Report is available to view below.
- Doncaster HAF Annual Report 2023-2024
- Download (40.1MB - PDF)
- Doncaster HAF Annual Report 2022-2023
- Download (31.4MB - PDF)
Contact
If you have any questions about the HAF Programme, please email haf@doncaster.gov.uk
Downloads & Resources
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