Changes to free school meals
The government has announced changes to free school meal eligibility from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
There are now 2 types of free school meal eligibility. These are:
- targeted free school meals
- expanded free school meals
For more details, read our free school meals page.
How this affects the holiday activities and food programme (HAF)
The HAF programme supports children that are eligible for targeted free school meals.
Even if your child was eligible for the HAF programme last year, this does not automatically mean they will be eligible from September 2026.
If you think your child's eligibility information is incorrect, contact your child's school. The HAF team is unable to review or amend free school meal eligibility decisions.
The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education. It is designed to support children eligible for targeted free school meals.
The sessions are focused on enrichment activities, such as sports, craft and drama and include a nutritious meal.
HAF runs during parts of the school holidays at:
- Easter - 4 sessions
- summer - 16 sessions
- Christmas - 4 sessions
Sessions vary in length and are down to the individual clubs and the activities they are providing.
HAF does not run during half terms.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the HAF programme your child must be:
- registered to receive targeted free school meals
- attending a Bracknell Forest School
- in Reception to year 11
If you think you might be eligible for free school meals, visit our free school meals page.
In England's state funded schools, all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 receive a free school meal under the universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) policy. Children who receive free school meals under UIFSM must also be eligible for targeted free school meals in order to access a place on the HAF programme.
How to book
We do not use codes or vouchers for bookings.
Sessions are booked through the Eequ booking system.
The Eequ booking system has information on children entitled to targeted free school meals.
When a parent registers their details on Eequ, it will automatically match with their child's details and allow them to book sessions.
Christmas 2026
Bookings for Christmas 2026 will open on Monday 2 November.
Food
All providers are open to both HAF funded and non-HAF funded children and will be treated equally.
All children will be provided with either a healthy cold meal, such as a packed lunch, or a hot meal. Check the clubs' booking pages for more information on the meals they provide.
The HAF scheme does not provide food vouchers.
Providers
We work with external holiday club providers to secure placements for HAF eligible children.
All providers must:
- sign our service level agreement
- provide copies of their due diligence and insurance documents
- provide evidence that their staff have relevant first aid and safeguarding training
If you are a holiday club provider and interested in supporting this programme, please contact us.
Annual report
Read our annual reports for more information: