HAF frequently asked questions

The programme is aimed at children (ages 4 to 16 years) who receive benefit-related free school meals. We are able to cater to vulnerable children who do not meet this threshold by them being referred through our referral system by a professional.

Visit free school meals to assess your eligibility and for more guidance on how to apply for free school meals.

There are a range of provisions across different dates in the Easter, Summer, and Winter holidays. Click on the different activities in the booking system to check the dates for different activities.

View the step-by-step registration guide.

1. To register for the 2023 HAF programme please complete our web form
2. Complete the first page of registration and set up as an adult
3. Check your inbox, spam, or junk folder for your activate email
4. Once activated, repeat the same steps to find your generated password
5. Once you have this, head to the login page and enter your email and your generated password

View the step-by-step booking guide. 

1. Sign in to your account
2. The main profile must be an adult, click on family members and add all members of your family
3. All important information marked with a * must be completed for each child before you can book
4. Go to the timetable and find the activity you would like to book and follow the booking process

There is no limit on how many events you can book your child/children onto. Please use up as many tokens as you’re provided.

All activities are free if you are eligible for the programme and tokens will be given upon registration.

More information can be found on the What’s On? page.

Contact support@wellbeingsouthampton.org

There are limited spaces at different provisions which you can see through our booking system. All bookings will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The wide range of activities offered are spread across the day with different provisions having morning/ afternoon sessions. Please check the specific activities and provisions to determine which timings best suit your child’s needs. Kindly note that each activity will be a minimum of four hours.

Paying customers are able to attend depending on the individual provider’s policy. You will need to contact them directly for this and bookings.

Every child in attendance of any of our HAF provisions will be provided with a hot meal. We will also cater for any children who have additional dietary needs.

There will be a choice of vegetarian and meat options that your child will be able to choose from. This option will change daily. We can also cater to any bespoke dietary requests before the event. On the odd occasion when a provider is unable to supply multiple options, then vegetarian meals will be favoured.

The site leads will contact you directly on the day as it may be for unforeseen circumstances. If this happens over two days, your space will be released and open for another family.

This largely depends on the type of activity you book your child onto. While some of our provisions offer activities in a childcare-like setting, other activities permit one adult to come along to the session with their child.

You do not need to bring anything specific to the sessions. Depending on the activity you’re booked onto, you will need to take appropriate clothing for the sessions. Also, if your child has any specific needs or medication such as an inhaler or an epi-pen.

Our target is to always make the HAF programme as accessible as possible. This has meant that each city ward has a number of activities on offer within walking distance.

Yes, we have provisions for SEND children across Southampton. Many activities will be inclusive and able to support children with SEND. There will also be some specialised provision for children with complex needs. Search for local provision in the booking system, alternatively contact haf@southampton.gov.uk.

For children with additional needs, there are some bespoke provisions that are available to you. Alternatively, options are available to access all the other provisions.

During the registration, parents are requested to declare whether their child has an EHCP. This allows providers to determine whether they can cater to your child’s needs.

We advise you to check the list of activities which states which providers are SEN-friendly.

You know and understand your child’s needs and abilities best. The activity descriptions and essential information will help you to decide.

The HAF programme strongly values the safety of all children/ vulnerable persons attending HAF provisions. As a measure, all providers must meet our HAF standards which include a number of insurance details and policies including public liability and safeguarding. Each provision is then quality assured throughout the delivery period.

If your concern is about a HAF provider, then please email haf@southampton.gov.uk immediately with your concerns.

We understand that all children have their unique needs and may require different levels of mental health support. Depending on your child’s needs, providers will be able to signpost your child to the most appropriate support services. You can also visit the signposting page for a list of services and organisations.

Visit the signposting page for a list of support services and organisations.

Contact haf@southampton.gov.uk