About the HAF programme

Christmas 2025 booking information

Thank you to everyone involved in Stockport’s summer HAF programme.

The next HAF holiday period is the Christmas holidays, with clubs running from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026.

If your child is eligible for benefits-related free school meals, your HAF code will be sent on Monday 24 November 2025, and booking will go live on that day. You can then log in and start reserving your child’s place(s) for Christmas activities.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education. It funds holiday activities which include food for children during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. This does not include the half term holidays.

Eligible children and young people in reception to year 11, aged 4 to 16, will be able to access:

  • up to 4, 4 hour sessions throughout the Easter holidays
  • up to 16, 4 hour sessions throughout the summer holidays
  • up to 4, 4 hour sessions throughout the Christmas holidays

There will be no cost to parents for the sessions.

Some clubs offer longer sessions and some provide specific sessions for children with additional needs and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Holiday clubs will include a nutritious meal each day. They will also include a variety of fun activities including sports, music, arts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills.

We're working with local schools, voluntary and community organisations, childcare providers and local businesses to deliver the programme across Stockport. Visit GOV.UK to find out more about the national HAF programme.

Support during February, May and October half term holidays

The Household Support Fund extends the HAF programme to include a limited amount of clubs during the half term holidays in Stockport.

To find out more about the clubs running during the next half term holiday, browse the HAF directory to find available clubs and contact providers directly to book your child's space.

Other activities and support may be available to families outside of the HAF programme. To find out what's available in your area, visit the Childcare Directory.

Families who are eligible for Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs. You can visit GOV.UK to find information about help with childcare costs.

Note:

  • for providers listed in the HAF providers directory, and for organisations in the Childcare Directory, we cannot guarantee availability
  • we do not using the booking system for half term holidays
  • you will not receive a voucher