The eligibility criteria for HAF-funded holiday places were changed by the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council in September 2026. This means some children who previously received a funded place may no longer be eligible, even if they receive free school meals at school.
We have created this guide to explain who can access HAF-funded places, why eligibility may have changed and what other options are available to families.
What is the HAF programme?
The Holiday Activities and Food programme, often called HAF or Healthy Holidays, provides eligible children and young people with funded activities and food during the school holidays.
HAF places are booked through Barnsley’s Healthy Holidays booking system, but eligibility is linked specifically to Targeted Free School Meals.
Who is eligible for a HAF-funded place?
HAF-funded places are available to children and young people registered for Targeted Free School Meals.
This generally applies to children in families receiving Universal Credit with an annual household income below £7,400, equivalent to £616.67 per month.
Families who believe their child may qualify can check the criteria and apply through the Barnsley Council website:
Does receiving free school meals automatically mean my child qualifies for HAF?
Not all free school meal entitlements include access to HAF-funded holiday places.
From September 2026, there are three different types of free school meal entitlement:
Targeted Free School Meals
These are available to children in families receiving Universal Credit with an annual household income below £7,400.
Children registered for Targeted Free School Meals are eligible for HAF-funded places.
Expanded Free School Meals
The Expanded Free School Meals criteria cover children in families receiving Universal Credit, with no annual household income limit.
Children receiving Expanded Free School Meals are not automatically eligible for HAF-funded holiday places.
Why has my child’s HAF eligibility changed?
Some children previously continued to receive free school meals and access HAF through Transitional Protection, even if their family’s circumstances had changed.
Transitional Protection ended after the 2026 summer holidays. This may affect some families whose children received HAF-funded places during previous school holidays.
Previous attendance at a HAF programme does not necessarily mean a child will remain eligible under the new criteria.
What happens when I apply for a HAF place at Base71?
HAF-funded bookings are assessed by the local council using the eligibility criteria provided for the programme, which Base71 is required to follow.
If you believe your child should be registered for Targeted Free School Meals, please check their eligibility and complete the application form through Barnsley Council.
Can I book a paid Base71 holiday-club place?
Paid places are available for our half-term provisions, subject to availability.
These can be booked separately from HAF-funded places through the Base71 website
Can my young person still attend Base71?
Our regular Base71 sessions cost just 50p, providing another affordable way for young people to enjoy activities, spend time with friends and access support from our youth work team.
Once your young person is a Base71 member, there is no need to book our regular sessions.
Juniors, ages 8–12
- Mondays and Thursdays, 4pm–7pm
- Saturdays, 10am–1pm
Seniors, ages 13–19
- Tuesdays and Fridays, 5pm–9pm
Inclusion, ages 8–25
- Sundays, 10am–1pm
- For young people with additional needs
What other free holiday activities are available in Barnsley?
The Great Childhoods Ambition School Holiday Enrichment Programme offers a range of free, accessible activities across Barnsley.
Some Healthy Holidays providers may also offer paid places at a subsidised rate. Where available, these will be advertised alongside HAF-funded places on the booking system.
Information correct at the time of publication in October 2026. Please check the linked Barnsley Council and government pages for the latest eligibility guidance.
