Holiday activities and food clubs
Merton's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) projects offer lots of fun things to do during the school holidays for children and young people from 5 to 15 years old. They run during main school holidays and half-term holidays.
All the projects are free for children on benefits-related free school meals.
Christmas 2024
Parents and cares of eligible children should have received their vouchers for Christmas 2024, by email or text, along with instructions on how to use them to book holiday places for your children. There’s a helpline if you’re stuck, and all HAF providers will help parents through the booking process too. If you’re unsure whether a provider will be able to support your child appropriately, we encourage you to contact them using the details on the brochure for a discussion. Please email HAF@merton.gov.uk with any queries.
Special Educational Needs
The HAF offer for children with SEN is aimed at those attending Cricket Green, our Alternative Resource Provisions in our mainstream schools and other pupils with similar needs referred by their school. Please contact activity providers directly to book. If you’re stuck, contact HAF@merton.gov.uk. Have a great Christmas.
HAF Providers in 2024-25
We are seeking grant applications from new and existing HAF providers for delivery in 2024-25.
Interested parties should use the application form and the providers guide.
For further information or questions please email the HAF Programme Manager, Bob Allen, at bob.allen@merton.gov.uk
Help with childcare costs
In addition to this programme, families who are eligible for Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs. Please visit Help With Childcare Costs (GOV.UK) to find out more
More things to do
You can discover lots of things to do in the local area on the Young Merton website.
Information for activity providers
If your organisation would like to be part of the Holiday Activities and Food club programme in Merton, then please get in touch by emailing HAF@merton.gov.uk
Brochure for parents, carers and practitioners
Holiday Activities and Food: information for parents, carers and practitioners
Who is funding and supporting this
The HAF clubs are part of the Government’s expanded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme which is being delivered across the country in the main school holidays. Merton Council works with local schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers to provide the HAF programme. The free places are funded by the Department for Education. Visit the Government website for more information on the national programme.
Supported by Clarion
