Aims/priorities: The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme provides support to children from low-income families during school holiday periods. Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children, that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from low-income households are more likely to experience food insecurity and social isolation, miss out on physical activity and enriching experiences, and fall behind in development and well-being.
Who can apply? When considering submitting an application, please note the HAF programme is specifically for children in receipt of benefit-related free school meals. It is the responsibility of the provider to ensure that the children accessing the provision are HAF eligible. It is vital that camps are overbooked to ensure every funded place is attended.
Grant amount: Not specified.
Application process: The application must be submitted via webform on the Oldham Council website. The link to the webform is here:- https://www.oldham.gov.uk/haf-form
We will only be accepting applications via this weblink. The webform does not have the functionality to save forms partway through the application process and we would therefore suggest that an initial viewing of the form is undertaken and all required documents are collated before beginning the population of the form. Our web team have advised that due to the requirement to upload documents to the weblink, it's best to complete the application via a desktop or laptop, rather than a mobile device. Please be mindful that the webpage will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity. For ease, a Word version of the webform. Whilst we are not able to accept a final submission in this format you will be able to view the questions prior to beginning the webform.
We have provided a link to the DfE guidance here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-2026-to-2027.
We request that you take some time to consider the guidance before submitting your expression of interest to ensure your provision can meet the standards. Please consider carefully how your organisation intends to meet ALL of the required HAF standards. Take some time to consider these questions carefully, as they will make up a key element of the panel’s decision-making process. It is vital that the team delivering your sessions are aware of the expectations of the programme, how you have stated you will meet them and are able to fulfil them during the delivery period.
We have included guidance to support with the completion of the application into the Frequently Asked Questions document on the front page of the above link. Please refer to this for any clarity.
You will also find the budget proposal proforma. Please use this to break down the amount you are bidding for and upload to the webform when prompted. Budget proposals in other formats will not be considered.
Some important things to consider before applying:-
- All HAF attendees should be registered using the Eequ Booking System
- Daily Registers must be completed using the Eequ Booking System
- 50% payment will be paid prior to delivery. Further funds will be paid post-delivery, based on sessions attended
- The activity timetable and menu provided in your application will make up part of the Quality Assurance process
- It is the responsibility of the provider to ensure that all places funded are used by HAF-eligible children
- HAF Signage must be displayed outside and throughout all venues (these will be provided by Oldham Council). Placement and maintenance is the responsibility of the provider
- Department for Education, Oldham Council and Oldham HAF logos must be included in any and all promotional material
In the previous rounds of funding, some organisations used AI platforms in their applications. It is important that the panel can understand your application and therefore we encourage applicants to use their own words and focus on providing specific, detailed information.
Deadline: Friday, 29 May, 2026, 5 pm.
Contact information: Email: Carrie-Ann.Varey@oldham.gov.uk
Website: Holiday activities and food programme 2026 to 2027 financial year - GOV.UK