HAF Basics
Research has shown that school holidays can be difficult for some families. For some children this can lead to an experience gap where they are less likely to access organised holiday activities and more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition, physical health and social isolation. The HAF Programme aims to reduce this gap by supporting children eligible for benefits-related FSM (Targeted FSM Category).
Children/young people meeting the following two criteria are eligible for a HAF code:
- In full time education between Reception – Year 11
- Receiving benefits-related free school meals under the Targeted FSM category
*Please note that young people in elective home education can also apply for their Free School Meal status on the Warwickshire County Council website, or alternatively contact us at hafprogramme@warwickshire.gov.uk for an independent assessment.
Eligible children/young people can use their Warwickshire HAF code to access up to:
- 4 funded sessions in Spring
- 4 funded sessions in Winter
- 16 funded sessions in Summer
Families have the flexibility to book with multiple activity providers if desired. All providers can request additional funding for 1-to-1 support if this is required, however this will depend on their staff availability and qualifications. We do have a number of SEND-specific activities which may be a more suitable option.
For families not in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, we can release a limited number of HAF professional referral codes for each delivery period. A separate referral form will need to be completed on behalf of your family. In order to qualify for a professional referral HAF code in the 2026-27 academic year, there is a two-step process to confirm eligibility:
- The named young person must be in receipt of benefits-related free school meals in the Expanded FSM category. Find more details on FSM categories on the Warwickshire County Council website. Eligibility will be checked and may require a free school meal application if not already completed.
- The named young person must also be eligible through at least one of the criteria referenced below:
- Have an allocated Warwickshire County Council social worker.
- Are open to Early Support through Warwickshire County Council.
- Are a young carer.
The referral form for Winter 2026 will be available from the 23rd of November upon request from a professional/allocated worker, by emailing: hafprogramme@warwickshire.gov.uk
Please note families receiving Targeted FSM should not be applied for through the referral form and can use our standard ‘Request a HAF Code’ form, found on the Getting and Using Your HAF Code page.