Childcare Benefits You HAF to Know About
At Practically Family we understand the childcare rollercoaster that the school holidays can create. Getting the balance right isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer fun, flexible childcare with an extra special sprinkle of magic to help ease the holiday juggling act of parenting, work and childcare.
We like to think we’ve answered parents’ cries (and sometimes silent screams!) for childcare that breaks the mould. Our trailblazing ethos is all about providing childcare in a way families actually want.

These school holidays, forget asking grandparents to ‘babysit’ or rushing around town picking children up from multiple activities. Forget the working guilt. Practically Family is here with a helping hand, offering much-needed holiday childcare support in a way that feels easy, flexible and reassuring.

Our holiday clubs, based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, are simple to book and flexible too. Simply pay for the sessions you want, when and where you need them. There are no contracts, no complicated processes and no loopholes. We accept many types of childcare vouchers, tax free childcare and we are also proud to be one of the providers in Stockport delivering the HAF – Holiday Activities and Food programme.

 

What is HAF?


The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a government-funded scheme designed to support families during the school holidays.

It provides up to 16 hours of free holiday provision during each school holiday period for children who receive benefits-related free school meals... but we're taking that even further!! Read on...

HAF is about much more than childcare. The programme helps ensure children can stay active, social and engaged during the school holidays, while also receiving nutritious food and taking part in enriching activities.

And that’s where our Practically Family holiday clubs shine.

At Practically Family we structure these funded hours in a way that works for families.

Children can attend:

4 days from 9am–3pm in our Holiday Club venues at Cheadle Catholic Infant School in Cheadle Hulme or Ladybrook Primary School in Bramhall, Stockport.

While the HAF programme funds up to 16 hours of provision, we’ll be providing an additional 8 hours FREE for families so children can enjoy the complete day of activities with their peers.

This means children attending through HAF experience the same magical Practically Family day as every other child, with no need to leave early.

 

What else do you need to know?


Whether your child attends through HAF or a standard booking, every child receives the same access to all of our activities and experiences. From the moment you book, you become part of the Practically Family community.

Children attending through the HAF programme will also be provided with a lunch as part of the scheme, along with healthy snacks and water throughout the day. If a child prefers to bring their own packed lunch they are welcome to, but food will always be available.

If you would like your child to attend for more than the funded hours, additional sessions can simply be added when booking.

 

How to Book HAF Sessions


Eligible families will receive information from their school or local authority about accessing HAF.

Bookings are made through the official HAF booking platform here.

Once registered on the platform, families can simply select Practically Family as their provider and choose their preferred sessions.

Our team will then make sure everything is set up smoothly so your child can attend and enjoy their holiday club experience.

 

The FUN Bit


We know everything there is to know about keeping children entertained – and we’re pretty good at it too.

Our Holiday Club Team love creating exciting days filled with activities that spark imagination, build confidence and get children fizzing with energy. From outdoor adventures and creative workshops to sports, games and nature exploration, there’s something for every personality and interest.

Let’s put the school holiday juggling act to bed. Flexible childcare doesn’t come much more magical than this.

 
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