Aims/priorities: There are many benefits for children who attend the HAF programme. We want to encourage all HAF providers to ensure a high-quality experience that will result in children:
- receiving healthy and nutritious meals
- maintaining a healthy level of physical activity
- being happy, having fun and meeting new friends
- developing a greater understanding of food, nutrition and other health related issues
- taking part in fun and engaging activities that support their development and well-being
- feeling safe and secure
- getting access to the right support services
- returning to school feeling engaged and ready to learn
Families can also benefit, when HAF providers include their needs in planning and delivering their programme. This could be through:
- providing opportunities to get involved in sessions, for example cookery classes
- ensuring they are signposted towards other sources of information and support, such as health services or employment and education opportunities
Who can apply? The HAF programme funding is primarily for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits related FSMs.
Benefits related FSMs are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
For further information on eligibility, visit apply for free school meals.
Local authorities are asked to ensure that the offer of free holiday club provision is available for all children in receipt of benefits related free school meals in their area. Though this does not mean we expect all to attend, as the provision is voluntary.
Grant amount: 50% payment will be paid prior to delivery (up to £10,000). Further funds will be paid post-delivery, based on sessions attended.
Application process: The application is submitted via a 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 part way 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, its best to complete the application via a desktop or laptop, rather than a mobile device. Please be mindful that the webpage will timeout after 30 minutes of inactivity. For ease we have attached 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.
Deadline: The closing date is 10.00am Wednesday 4 June 2025.
Contact information: Email: OldhamHAF@oldham.gov.uk