Skip to main content

SEN Support in the Holiday Activities and Food Programme

Page last updated

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free, inclusive holiday clubs for children and young people during school holidays. It provides nutritious meals and enriching activities for children receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM) from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive).

The programme is designed to be inclusive and can support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities. Sutton HAF has a range of providers offering support for children with low to medium needs in universal settings. More recently, Sutton HAF has a new specialist SEN exclusive provision which children with medium to high levels of needs may also access in specialist SEN exclusive provision.

Sutton HAF is committed to ensuring HAF provision is inclusive, accessible and most importantly safe for our children and young people. While HAF is not part of Sutton’s statutory Local Offer for SEN, we use a dedicated, ring-fenced budget to help improve access and attendance for children with additional needs.

The HAF Programme is funded by the Department for Education and not the Council.

Key aspects of SEN HAF provision

Inclusion

Most HAF clubs are mainstream and inclusive. Providers are expected to make reasonable adjustments to support children with SEN or disabilities.

Specialist provision

Sutton HAF are pleased to now offer specialist SEND focused clubs for children with higher or more complex needs. In Sutton, this is currently with our dedicated SEN HAF providers: AMBIT Youth and Supreme Education.

We are continuously looking for more SEN exclusive clubs to deliver HAF. Providers can apply to become a HAF provider via our Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Find out more information here [External link]. 

Case-by-case support

Support for children is assessed individually and often with the Children and Young People's Disability Team to ensure children receive appropriate care based on their needs and the setting they attend.

How to access HAF in Sutton

Eligibility and Booking

Children must be eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM) from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive).

Eligible families will usually receive a voucher, text message, or email from our booking platform 'HolidayActivities' containing unique codes and instructions on how to book places.

If a child does not automatically receive a code, there is a limited “up to 15% cohort” route where professionals can submit a referral for consideration where a child who is vulnerable and would greatly benefit for a place in HAF, can access a place for free (but is not guaranteed).

For more information on eligibility visit our eligibility page here.

SEN support routes in HAF

There are two main routes for children with SEN or additional needs to access Sutton HAF provision. Firstly, parents/carers will need unique codes to book onto clubs. This is possible through:

1) Children with a HAF eligibility code

  • Automatically eligible to book HAF places

  • Parents/carers must clearly share any SEN or support needs at booking stage

  • This helps clubs plan appropriate support in advance

2) Children without a HAF eligibility code (up to 15% cohort) i.e. not the eligible target cohort

  • A limited number of places are available for vulnerable children

  • A professional (e.g. SENCO, social worker) must complete this referral form (opens 2 weeks prior to programme start date) for vouchers for non eligible children

  • The council reviews each application individually

  • If appropriate, a HAF code may be issued

  • Places are limited and not guaranteed

Types of SEN support in HAF clubs

Low-level needs

Most children with low-level additional needs can attend mainstream HAF clubs, where reasonable adjustments will be made.

Medium to high-level needs

Children with higher or more complex needs can be directed to our specialist SEN exclusive HAF provisions: AMBIT Youth and Supreme Education, which provides a structured and supportive environment.

Mainstream clubs with additional support funding

Some children with SEN may attend mainstream HAF clubs but require additional support (for example 1:1 staffing).

In these cases:

  • Providers may request additional funding from Sutton HAF

  • Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and often consulted with the Children and Young People's Disability Team. This could take up to 7 working days at least however we aim to come to a consensus quicker

  • Decisions are based on need, safety, and appropriateness of provision

  • Funding is not guaranteed until formally approved in writing

  • Bookings must not be accepted by the provider until the provider has received this written formal approval

  • The provider should communicate any submissions with the parent/carer

Children can only attend once approval has been confirmed and arrangements are in place.

Important information

  • HAF SEN additional funding is funded through the Department for Education (DfE) grant

  • It is not part of Sutton Council’s budget

  • Funding is limited and demand is very high

  • The up to 15% cohort includes a range of vulnerable groups, not only SEN children

  • Applications must be submitted before each holiday period and are not automatic

  • Not all requests will be approved as there is no guarantee. However we will try our hardest to accommodate requests where appropriate

Quality assurance and safeguarding

Sutton HAF carries out regular quality assurance visits to HAF providers to ensure:

  • Children are safe

  • SEN support is delivered appropriately in practice

  • Staffing levels match approved support

  • Inclusive practice standards are met

Summary

HAF in Sutton is designed to be inclusive and supportive for children with additional needs. However, SEN support within HAF is:

  • Limited in capacity

  • Needs-led and assessed case by case

  • Dependent on available government funding

  • Not automatically guaranteed

We are committed to ensuring children with additional needs can access safe, supportive and enjoyable holiday provision wherever possible.

FAQs - SEN/HAF 

SEN Support in HAF – Frequently Asked Questions

Is HAF part of the Local Offer for SEND?

No. HAF is not part of the statutory SEND Local Offer. However, we aim to make all HAF clubs inclusive and accessible.

How do I book a HAF place if my child has SEN?

There are two routes:

  1. If your child has a HAF code from school (i.e. eligible target cohort) - You can book directly and should share any support needs in the notes when booking.

  2. If your child does not have a code (i.e. not eligible and up to 15% cohort) - A professional must complete a referral form [External link]. If approved, a code may be issued (limited availability).

What if my child needs extra support at a club?

Parent/carers must be explicitly clear with their child's needs to ensure providers can safely meet the child's needs and ensure arrangements are in place. Some children may need additional support such as extra staffing. The provider may request this, but it must be approved by Sutton HAF first before bookings are accepted.

Can my child attend any club?

Yes - however it does depend on your child’s needs. Some children with higher needs may be directed to our specialist SEN provisions such as AMBIT Youth and Supreme Education. This is to ensure they are supported safely.

Is SEN funding guaranteed?

No. Funding is limited and not guaranteed. Each request is reviewed individually. Consultations with council teams such as the Childrens and Young People's Disability Team can result in a decision taking 7 working days however we aim to come to a census much quicker than 7 days. 

Why is support sometimes not approved?

Because funding is limited and must be prioritised for children who are eligible (target cohort) and with the highest level of need and the most appropriate provision.