Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the HAF programme?

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to give eligible children free, fun holiday activities and a healthy meal during Easter, Summer and Christmas school breaks. TES Community runs HAF holiday clubs filled with enriching activities, games, and creative sessions in a safe, welcoming environment.

  1. Who gives me the HAF voucher code for TES clubs?

Your HAF voucher code does not come from TES Community. It is issued locally by: Your child’s school – in most cases, schools send out codes directly to parents by email, text message or letter.

Your local council (local authority) – they fund and coordinate HAF in your area and may send codes themselves, especially for children who are home-educated or not in a mainstream school. TES Community simply uses the code you’ve been given so you can book a place on our programme.

  1. Am I eligible for a HAF voucher code?

The main eligibility is that your child receives benefits-related free school meals (this is different from the universal free school meals that all children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 get).

Some children who do not receive benefits-related free school meals may still get a place through a professional referral if they are considered vulnerable, for example, young carers, children with an early help plan, children in families experiencing crisis

In these cases, schools, social workers or other professionals can support a referral to the local HAF team.

  1. How do I get my HAF voucher code?

To receive your code:

Check your eligibility for benefits-related free school meals. Make sure your contact details (email and mobile number) are with your child’s school. Look out for communication from the school or local council around two weeks before the school holidays. You will usually receive an email, text or letter containing your child’s HAF voucher code and instructions for booking.

  1. Where do I use my code to book TES Community activities?

All HAF bookings are made through the central website: www.holidayactivities.com. Once you have your code, go to holidayactivities.com. Create an account or sign in. Add your child’s details, and enter your HAF voucher code when prompted. Search for TES Community (e.g. “TES Community Young Explorer”) and choose the dates you would like to book.

Confirm your booking – you should then receive an email confirmation with the details. TES Community cannot change or generate codes – we simply appear as one of the activity providers you can choose on holidayactivities.com.

  1. What if my child is home-educated or not currently in school?

If your child is home-educated or not on a school roll: Contact your local council’s HAF team. Explain your situation, and they will advise on eligibility and how a code or place can be issued. Once you have a code, you can still book TES Community via holidayactivities.com.

7. Do the TES Community provide the voucher codes?

No. TES Community does not generate or issue HAF voucher codes. We accept valid HAF voucher codes issued by schools / local authorities, and use them to secure your child’s free place on our holiday programme. If you have questions about eligibility or missing codes, your first contact should be the school or local council.

  1. How do I book my child onto the TES Community HAF programme once I have a code?

Once you have your HAF voucher code, follow the booking link or instructions given by your school/council or visit our TES Community booking page. Select the TES Community HAF programme and the dates you’d like to book.

Enter your HAF voucher code when asked. Complete the form so we have important information about your child (dietary needs, medical information, emergency contacts). You’ll then receive confirmation of your child’s place, along with details of times, location and what they may need to bring.

  1. What will my child do at the TES Community HAF club?

At TES Community, your child will: Take part in fun, structured activities (for example: sports, games, creative arts and STEM-style learning), enjoy a nutritious meal each day, spend time in a safe, friendly environment, supported by trained staff

We aim to give children a holiday experience that is fun, enriching and rooted in strong family and community values. If you’d like, I can next help you tailor this FAQ for a specific flyer, website page, or WhatsApp message to parents, keeping the wording consistent across all your TES HAF communications.

  1. Who can I contact if I have questions about TES Community’s HAF sessions?

For Voucher codes or eligibility, please contact your child’s school or your local council.

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