Benefit-Related Free School Meals and HAF Programme

Benefit-Related Free School Meals Eligibility

Dear Parents/Carers

Families who receive certain benefits may be eligible for Benefit-Related Free School Meals.

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, we would encourage you to still apply for Benefit-Related Free School Meals, even though your child receives free meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

For all children who are eligible for Benefit-Related Free School Meals (whether they decide to have meals or not), the school can also cover the full cost of school milk and trips, and can support towards the cost of breakfast club, residential trips, uniform and KS2 music lessons.

In addition, you will also be able to access the North Somerset Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.  Further information from the HAF team is provided below.

You can apply online at https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/schools-learning/local-schools/schoolmeals/freeschoolmeals/ and you will receive an instant response.  We would encourage parents to check eligibility using this link and, if you are eligible, forward a copy of the confirmation to office@uva.clf.uk as soon as possible.  Please do not reapply if your child is already eligible, as you my loose your entitlement.

Please note that you need to apply for each child separately, as eligibility for siblings is not automatic.

If you have any questions or issues please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Yours faithfully

Mrs Samantha Hodder, Principal

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme – Information for Parents and Carers

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are getting ready for the festive Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides free holiday activities (including a meal) for children who are eligible.

To make sure your child doesn’t miss out, we want to remind you about free school meals and how they link to HAF:

• Universal Infant Free School Meals – All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive free school meals. However, this does not mean they are eligible for HAF.
• Benefits-Related Free School Meals – If you receive certain benefits, your child may qualify for free school meals. This is the scheme that gives access to HAF activities.

👉 If you think you may be eligible, please apply for benefits-related free school meals as soon as possible. You can find more information and apply here: Free school meals | North Somerset Council

Children who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals can take part in HAF activities during Easter, Summer, and Christmas (Winter) holidays. Please note there are no HAF activities running during October and February half term.

Bookings for Christmas HAF activities will open on Friday 7 November 2025. You’ll be able to book here: Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

Thank you for taking the time to apply — it really helps us make sure that as many children as possible can benefit from these fantastic opportunities.

If you have any questions, please contact the HAF team at HAF@n-somerset.gov.uk and we will be happy to help.

Kind regards

The HAF Team

Holiday, Activities and Food Programme

Strategy & Policy Team – Town Hall – Weston-super-Mare – BS23 1UJ

Holiday, activities and food (HAF) programme | North Somerset Council (n-somerset.gov.uk)