A new, streamlined booking system has been launched to help parents easily access and book sessions for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. The system, developed in partnership with EEQU, incorporates feedback from parents to make the process faster and more user-friendly, with compatibility across mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and PCs.
The system displays the full range of holiday activities available, with detailed information on each, including locations, timings, and directions. Parents can also register their interest in activities. Once a parent expresses interest, the system quickly assesses eligibility for the programme. If eligible, the booking is confirmed, and parents will receive reminders before the session. In case of a cancellation, the system allows parents to easily cancel, freeing up spaces for other children on the waiting list.
The HAF programme is a government initiative designed to provide free holiday activities and nutritious meals to children and young people who qualify for benefits-related free school meals. In Devon, approximately 20,000 children are eligible for the programme.
Since its launch in 2018, the HAF programme has partnered with over 100 activity providers across Devon, offering a variety of sessions for children of all abilities. The government recently allocated £1.9 million to fund the programme for 2025/26.
The programme is available during school holidays, including 4 days in spring, 16 days in summer, and 4 days in winter, though it does not run during half-term breaks.
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