Frequently asked questions

HAF email address HAF@hounslow.gov.uk

What are the eligibility criteria?
HAF is for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals. Benefits-related free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority. For further information see eligibility for free school meals

My child is in primary school and gets free school meals why didn’t I get a voucher?
The vouchers are only distributed to parents of children who are eligible for benefits related free school meals. All children in primary school in London’s state-funded schools receive a free meal under the Department for Education universal infant free school meal (UIFSM) policy. Infant pupils who receive a free meal under UIFSM must also be eligible for benefits-related FSM to be able to access a place.

My child is four years and in Reception old am I still eligible?
Yes! if your child is in full time education your child is eligible as long as they met the other criteria for Free School Meals above.
My children are eligible for free school meals but have I never applied can I do that now and get the voucher?
Of course, you will be able to apply for free school meals up to the school closing. Once the school is closed, they will not be able to issue the voucher so if you are eligible but have never applied, do it as soon as possible to access this great service.

What do I do if I don't receive my voucher from the school?
You can expect to hear something from your school about your voucher in the month before the children break up. If you do not, speak to the school office and they will be able to provide the voucher for you if your child is entitled to benefits related free school meals.

How do I book a place?
Once your voucher has been received through the Evoucher system. You will be able to follow the link from that voucher to view all the activities available for the relevant holiday. It is one voucher code that has 4 credits over Easter and Winter, and 16 credits over summer. If you have more than one child, you will receive a voucher for each child.

Before I book a place, where do I find details about the different providers?
You can find details of the activity choices on the Holiday activities system when booking. For further information you can use this link Hounslow Family Service Directory.

Is there a search engine on the Holiday activities system so I can find activities nearer to my home?
You can filter activities to show you
  • most local activities
  • type of activities
  • dates available
My vouchers are not being recognised on the online system - where do I find support?
You can access support if your voucher is not working, by contacting Holiday activities to report the problem and get advice or a replacement. Need help? If you have any questions, please contact Evouchers

My child has special educational needs can they still access these activities?
Absolutely! SEND children are welcomed at many of the activities, please just make sure that you give as much information as possible about your child’s needs ahead of time so the provision can be sure they can meet your child’s needs and be staffed appropriately.

My child attends school in a different borough but we live in Hounslow. Can they access Hounslow HAF provision?
Absolutely! Children who attend school or who reside in Hounslow and meet the additional eligibility criteria can attend a HAF provision in Hounslow. However, if your child does not attend school in Hounslow, but lives in the borough, you would need to email HAF.

How many hours and days can they go for?
Over Winter and Easter, the eligibility for each child is 4 hours a day for 4 days and over the summer 4 hours a day for 16 days. However, some of the providers have longer hours included in the day.

Everything near me is full, what do I do now?
You can access any of the provision across the borough. If you require help and you cannot find a place for your children please email HAF for support

My children do not want to attend can I have the cash instead?
No money will be provided in place of your voucher. There is a wide variety of exciting activities on offer so do make sure that you have discussed the options with your child.

I didn’t get/use the vouchers for the last holiday, can I use it now on top of the voucher I have received?
No past unused vouchers can be carried over to the next holiday. Your child is entitled to 4 credits over the Winter and Easter holidays and 16 credits in the Summer

Do I have to use the voucher at the school my child attends? 
No, the voucher can be used for any of the activities running across the borough. You can filter the activities based on your preferences

My teenager is reluctant to attend, is there anything for them?
Absolutely! We have worked hard to ensure that we are catering for all ages between 5-16. Our provision for young people is different and often has a qualification added or later hours to make it more suitable for them. Please make sure that you present the options for young people before deciding to come along or not.