Check if your child is eligible for a free HAF place and find out how to book.
Your child is eligible for a free HAF place if they live in Leicestershire, are in Reception to Year 11 and receive targeted free school meals.
Eligible children can attend:
Children receiving expanded Universal Credit related free school meals are not eligible for free HAF places.
Children receiving universal free meals (provided to all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) are not automatically eligible for HAF.
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, ask their school or contact the free school meals team at freeschoolmeals@leics.gov.uk.
Book HAF sessions online through Eequ using your phone, tablet or computer.. You can:
Eequ checks eligibility automatically and creates your account when you make your first booking.
Find activities and book a HAF place on Eequ
If you need help, see the Quick guide on how to book a HAF session
Targeted free school meals are available to children whose families meet the qualifying benefit and income criteria. Children receiving targeted free school meals are eligible for HAF.
Expanded free school meals are available to children whose households receive Universal Credit but do not meet the targeted free school meals criteria. Children receiving expanded free school meals are not eligible for HAF.
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. View information on who can get free school meals and how to apply
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at government-funded schools can receive universal infant free school meals.
To qualify for HAF through free school meals eligibility, your child must also be eligible for targeted free school meals.
Your child can get a free HAF place if they:
We will need confirmation from your child’s school or the relevant local authority that they receive targeted free school meals before we can confirm their eligibility for HAF.
Some children who previously attended HAF may no longer qualify for a free place, even if they still receive free school meals.
Protections that allowed some children to remain eligible when their family’s circumstances changed ended after the 2025 to 2026 school year. HAF eligibility now depends on whether your child meets the current criteria.
If you’re unsure, ask your child’s school or contact the free school meals team at freeschoolmeals@leics.gov.uk.
