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Holiday Activities and Food Programme for Summer 2026

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The Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) returns this summer with lots of fun activities and delicious food available for children and families from 22 July to 1 September. The HAF team and Lucy from the SEND Community Connectors team detail what families with SEND can expect.
Woman and three children at a HAF event

HAF activities are available for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can get in touch with the free school meal team at freeschoolmeals@gloucestershire.gov.uk. 

Eligibility

Many families are eligible without needing to complete a new benefits claim — if your child or young person receives benefits-related free school meals, they likely qualify. Children with SEND are a priority group under the HAF scheme.

Those who qualify for free school meals are a priority group, but it is not a compulsory requirement. You can register for free school meals here and there is more information at the bottom of this article*.  You may qualify even if you do not attend a school or attend an independent school.

SEND Community Connectors – PRIORITY BOOKING FOR SEND FAMILIES

SEND families can contact the specialist SEND Community Connectors who are the Parent and Carer Alliance CiC, for more information on how SEND families can participate. Email: HAF@parentandcareralliance.org.uk

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday to Friday

Phone: 01452 452872

Lucy Fullard, CEO of the Parent Carer Alliance explains.

We are pleased to announce that we have again been recognised as the SEND specialist HAF community connector for 2026.

Through the work of the Parent and Carer Alliance families are offered support including:

  • Transport assistance.
  • 1:1 support and alternative food arrangements if required.
  • They can ensure priority booking for children with SEND prior to booking being made open to the public. 
When can families browse the activities and events planned for Summer 2026?

From Monday, 22 June Parent Carers will be able to view activities and plan what you want to do before bookings go live two weeks later on Monday, 6 July.

Priority booking for SEND families

Please complete the Summer 2026 Expression of Interest Form to enable us to book an event for you. Public bookings open soon (see below) but the Parent and Carer Alliance has priority booking for SEND families and will be able to book for you :)🥰

Note: You will be prompted to either login or sign up to our website to complete the form, this helps us keep our website more secure and report on the number of members.

If you require 1:1 or 2:1 support and/or transport, please fill in the additional form. 


HAF Online Support - Friday, 5 June, 11.30am - 12.30pm

HAF online support session 5.6.26 11.30-12.30

Need a little extra support right now? Join our upcoming HAF Online Support Session — a safe, welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and access practical guidance from people who understand. Whether you're looking for advice, reassurance, or simply a chance to listen, you're welcome to join.

SEND Summer Celebration

SEND Summer Celebration poster Thursday, 20 August 2026 10am- 4pm at The Rec, Dursley, GL11 4BJ for an unforgettable SEND Summer Celebration

Join us on Thursday, 20 August 2026 from 10am to 4pm at The Rec, Dursley, GL11 4BJ for an unforgettable SEND Summer Celebration

It promises to be fun-filled family event, creating connections, support, inclusion, and opportunities for every family. Please come along for a day of laughter, creativity, adventure, and community spirit!

When do bookings open for all families?

Bookings open from midday on Monday, 6 July. Make sure you’re ready to book by checking your account now by visiting the Family Hub website and booking system here. Use our handy checklist below to make sure that:

  • All your children have an individual profile added to your account.
  • Emergency contact details are filled in for each child profile
  • Any additional needs or disability information is included for each child profile
  • Your details reflect any recent changes (e.g. new address, phone contact details)
  • Keeping your profiles up to date helps ensure smooth bookings and the best support for your child. A complete and up to date profile means:
  • Faster bookings
  • Better support for your children.
  • Fewer delays or issues during HAF sessions.
*Free school meals
Infant free school meals in England

Your child will be able to get free school meals if they are in:

  • Reception
  • Year 1
  • Year 2

We still ask that you apply for free school meals to prevent your child's school missing out on additional funding.

What are the qualifying criteria for Free School Meals?  

Your child might be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

  • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 per year / £616 per month, as assessed by earnings from up to 3 of your most recent assessment periods).
  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190).
  • Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.
Apply here for free school meals

If you have any questions about the programme, you can get in touch with us at HAFParentenquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk

 For more information, please visit the 'HAF' record on Gloucestershire's Local Offer website, Support for Families with SEND,  or the HAF pages on the Virtual Family Hub.

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