HAF in Kirklees 2026–27: Who's Eligible for Free Holiday Clubs?
From September 2026, far more families in England can get free school meals. Many parents are now assuming that also means a free place at a HAF holiday club. For most of those newly eligible families, it doesn't. This guide explains who qualifies for HAF in Kirklees in 2026–27, what a place includes, how booking works, and what to do if your child isn't eligible.
What is HAF?
HAF stands for the Holiday Activities and Food programme. It is funded by the Department for Education and run locally by councils. In Kirklees it is delivered as School's Out Kirklees, with free holiday clubs at venues across the area during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. Eligible children get around four hours of activities and a healthy meal each session.
Who is eligible for HAF in 2026–27?
From September 2026, HAF follows the benefits-related free school meals rules, not the new expanded ones. In short, your child is usually eligible if:
- they are school age, and
- your household gets Universal Credit, and
- your household income is £7,400 a year or less (after tax, not counting benefits).
Some families on other qualifying benefits may also be eligible. If you're not sure, your child's school can confirm whether they get benefits-related free school meals.
What changed in September 2026?
| Your situation | Free school meals? | HAF place? |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit, household income £7,400 or less | Yes | Yes |
| Universal Credit, household income above £7,400 | Yes (new from Sept 2026) | No, in most cases |
| Previously covered by transitional protection | Check with school | May no longer qualify |
| Not on Universal Credit or qualifying benefits | No | No, but see "Not eligible?" below |
Two changes catch families out. First, the free school meals expansion does not extend HAF. Second, the transitional protections that have kept some children eligible since 2018 have ended, so a child who had a HAF place before may not have one now.
What does a HAF place include?
National guidance sets clear standards for every funded club:
- At least one healthy meal a day, meeting school food standards
- Enriching activities, such as sport, arts, cooking and trips
- At least 60 minutes of physical activity a day on average
- Sessions of around 4 hours a day
Not eligible? You may still have options
Councils can use up to 15% of their HAF funding for children who don't meet the criteria but would benefit, for example young carers or children with additional needs. Places are limited and decided locally. Some School's Out providers also offer low-cost paid places for children who aren't eligible, so it's always worth asking.
How do I find and book a HAF place in Kirklees?
- Check eligibility with your child's school, which can confirm your free school meals status.
- See what's running on the School's Out Kirklees activities page, which lists clubs by area and age group.
- Book early. Popular clubs fill up fast, and ours are regularly oversubscribed.
A new online booking system is on the way
Kirklees Council is working on a new online booking system to make finding and booking holiday club places quicker and simpler for parents. We'll update this guide as soon as it launches. If you need help using it, contact the Kirklees HAF team on 01484 221000 or haf@kirklees.gov.uk, or get in touch with us. Our team is always happy to help parents through it.
HAF holiday clubs at Legends Care, Huddersfield
Our Legends Care team runs HAF holiday clubs for Kirklees families three times a year, with around 60 children at each club. Children get a hot meal, active play and creative activities, run by the same Ofsted-registered team behind our before- and after-school care.
Dates for each holiday are confirmed closer to the time. The easiest way to hear first is to send us a quick enquiry, and our team will get back to you. You can also see our HAF holiday clubs at Legends Care, or read about our after-school care and morning care.
Frequently asked questions
My child now gets free school meals. Why can't they get HAF?
The free school meals expansion covers all Universal Credit households, but HAF still uses the lower £7,400 income threshold. Free school meals no longer automatically means HAF.
Does HAF cost anything?
No. HAF places are free for eligible children, including the food.
Which holidays does HAF run in?
In Kirklees, School's Out runs during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
Who can help me book?
The Kirklees HAF team (01484 221000, haf@kirklees.gov.uk) or our own team. Just send us an enquiry and we'll help where we can.
Sources: GOV.UK – Holiday activities and food programme 2026 to 2027 (updated 8 October 2026) and School's Out Kirklees. Last reviewed October 2026 by Tyiab Sethi.
