Questions and answers - Children, young people and families eligibility
Who will the grants scheme fund places and programmes for?
The following children (and in some instances their families) are considered eligible for the HAF Programme in Staffordshire:
- Children who receive benefits-related free school meals aged 5-16 (eligibility for free school meals is determined by the Department for Education).
- Children identified by professionals who would benefit from the HAF programme via a referral process.
- One sibling per household aged between 5-16 years of an eligible child who receives free school meals.
Will the grants scheme fund places and programmes with a primary focus on under 5's and over 16's?
No, the Department of Education have identified a primary age range of 5-16. Therefore, applications with a primary focus on under 5’s (excluding the below) and over 16’s will not be accepted.
Will the grants scheme fund places for four-year olds who have started reception?
Yes, four-year olds who have already started reception year at primary school will be considered as school age by the HAF Grants Scheme.
Will the grants scheme fund places for families (i.e. parents) of children and young people?
The Targeted Programmes category is seeking to provide funding for innovative activities which are targeted at specific cohorts of children, young people, and families. Grants within this category can include the wider family, including parents and/or younger and older siblings.
How will families provide "proof" of eligibility for the programme?
Staffordshire County Council will issue families with an individual eligible code which families will use to book onto an online central booking system.
Providers will be required to ensure only children with eligible codes receive a funded place.
