Holiday activities and food programme

Summer 2026

About the programme

During spring school holidays in July and August 2026, we will once again be teaming up with a number of schools, sports activity providers and community services to offer a wide range of exciting activities and a daily healthy free meal as part of the government funded Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF). 

There will be sports activities, arts and drama, mentoring, healthy eating and nutrition sessions, food provision and much more set out across various locations across the borough.

Watch this video that shows what happened at previous sessions in some Hackney schools. It includes Marcus Rashford’s support.

Support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

These activities should be inclusive for all eligible children and young people (aged 5-16), including those with special educational needs or disabilities (5-18). However, some activities may not be suitable for all children. Please discuss any needs with the provider before booking a place.

As part of Hackney's continued focus on inclusivity, Hackney HAF partners with a number of SEND specialist providers in the borough for those with complex needs who are eligible for free school meals benefits. For those free school meals eligible young people with less complex SEND needs, funding is provided for each HAF club to hire an additional SEND specific member of staff. Please contact the clubs directly to discuss any SEND specific needs or contact the Hackney HAF team on haf@hackney.gov.uk.

Eligibility 

The scheme is free for those eligible for free school meals benefits. Hackney residents take priority. If you are an out-of-borough resident, you will need to show your eligibility for free school meal benefits by showing your chosen provider a letter from your school confirming this, or downloading a certificate.

Please note that there are a limited number of places available at each provider and places are allocated on a first come first served basis. We would advise contacting the providers early to ensure your child has a place. Some clubs are open for more days than the shown HAF scheme funded dates.

If you have not registered for free school meals and think you may be eligible, view our free schools meals information, call 020 8820 7000 or email PupilBenefits@hackney.gov.uk. 

Information about support available for families: Tax-Free Childcare - GOV.UK

Booking information

We are now using a booking system for all activities. Visit our Hackney HAF booking page to register and book your places directly. If the HAF club you wish to attend is not shown, please contact the provider using the contact details below.

For general HAF enquiries please contact the Hackney HAF team on haf@hackney.gov.uk.

Participating schools

Participating service providers

Charedi providers

View the providers on a map