Eequ is a popular booking platform for the free Holiday Activities and Food programme which is available primarily to families who receive benefit-related Free School Meals.
Some providers also offer affordable paid sessions alongside their HAF places for families that don't quite meet the eligibility criteria.
In this article, we will explain how parents can browse, book and stay organised using Eequ.
FAQ's
Do I need to pre-register?
No. During your first booking, we will automatically create an account that you can use forever.
Do I need a code?
This depends on your county.
No code is needed for: Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, Cheshire East, East Sussex, Herefordshire, Newham London Borough, North Somerset, Portsmouth, Redbridge London Borough, Salford, South Gloucestershire, Southwark, Suffolk, and Tameside
Other counties may insist on a code and may decline your booking if you do not have this. Please check with your school or the council if you didn't get one. You can rebook with your code.
Am I eligible for a free place?
Free places are primarily for children of 4-16 yrs that receive benefit-related free school meals.
Receiving Universal free school meals that all children receive in Reception, Year 1 and 2, does not automatically make you entitled to free HAF sessions.
You may be eligible for a place in certain other special situations but you will normally be told this by your school. If you think you have a special reason for being eligible you will be able to explain this during your booking.
Video of how to book a HAF session
How to find a HAF session
You may receive a link by email taking you directly to a collection of HAF listings for your county. Click on the tabs to see the listings and upcoming dates.
Alternatively, you can go to the Eequ search page
Click the HAF filter
Zoom into your area to see what is available near you
How to book a HAF session
When you find the listing that you want to book, the process is simple:
Click BOOK
Select the dates
Add the names of everyone who is attending
4. Select a ticket
5. Answer booking questions
6. Request the booking
How do I know when my HAF booking request is Approved?
By email
You will receive an email confirming your booking.
Make sure you add hello@eequ.org to your contacts and check your Spam or Junk folder if you don't see an email from Eequ.
If you do find an email from Eequ in Spam, mark it as safe by moving it to your Inbox.
From your Booking and Schedule page on Eequ:
You will see a green label that says Booking approved
If you see the label: Waiting Approval, the Mentor still needs to approve your booking.
Your Schedule Page is a great place to see where you need to be for each child throughout the holidays.
How do I send messages to the Mentor?
Eequ has a messaging system.
Open your menu and go to Messages
Select the Mentor you have booked with
In the message box, type and send your message
You will receive replies to your messages via email as well as on Eequ.
Note: Please don't reply to the email but click the purple button message button in the email. This will take you to Eequ where you can reply.
How do I make a Cancellation?
Simply log in to Eequ
Open your menu and go to Cancel
Select the Listing your booked
Select the attendee you want to cancel
Select all dates or specific dates that you want to cancel
Add a message to explain why you are cancelling. This is required.
Check you have selected the correct attendee and dates
Click the Confirm button
You can cancel from your Schedule Page and Booking page as well.
How do I leave a review?
We call reviews "Reflections".
Simply open your menu
Click Reflections
You will be able to write a Reflection for any booking you have made.
Mentors really appreciate your comments and this helps other parents when deciding to book.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Questions about the venue or activity
If you have any questions about the venue or activities use the CONTACT button on the listing. Your message will go directly to the Mentor (provider).
Questions about eligibility
If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact your school or the HAF team at the Council directly.
Questions about the booking platform
If you have a query about using Eequ use the Chat link on the right of this page or email hello@eequ.org for more support on booking.