20/10/2026
We wanted to make families aware of the support available during the school holidays.
families may be able to access support through Oldham’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. The programme provides funded holiday activities and aims to help children eat more healthily, stay active, remain safe and connected, and learn more about health and nutrition.
Children aged 5–16 who receive targeted benefits-related free school meals in Oldham can book eligible HAF sessions free of charge. From September 2026, HAF eligibility applies to children receiving targeted free school meals.
You can find out more and access booking information here: Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) | Oldham Council
Families who are unsure whether their child meets the criteria can also access the free school meals eligibility checker through the HAF page. Free school meals checker | Free school meals checker | Oldham Council
Other support available
The Oldham Council HAF page also provides links to other sources of support, including:
• We Can Help, for wider help and support available to Oldham residents. We can help | Oldham Council
• The SEND Local Offer, for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Oldham SEND Local Offer
• The Family Information Service, which provides information about services for children, young people and families. Family Information Service | Oldham Council
We appreciate that school holidays can bring additional pressures for families and would encourage anyone who may benefit from support to explore the options available through Oldham Council.
Holiday activities and food programme 2021