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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Considering a mass sleepover!!

126 replies

2anddone · 16/02/2017 12:52

Ds does Year 6 SATs this year and I am considering an end of SATs party for his year group.
It would be a sleepover in the village hall from 6.30 until 9.30 the next morning and would include pizza tea and breakfast the next morning.
It's not his birthday or anywhere near his birthday and the majority of parents/ children in the year are incredibly close having known each other almost their entire lives!!
I was thinking of asking for a contribution of £5 per child to cover tea/breakfast/snacks/hall hire.. it wouldn't cover the entire cost but would help.
I know I (and a couple of parents who have agreed to stay) would get no sleep and it would basically be an up all night playing games, watching movies and generally being loud and having fun.
So you lovely people of mumsnet AIBU to even consider a mass sleepover, should I stick to just 8 in my front room and cater/entertain out of my own pocket?? crosses fingers and hopes there is not too much flaming!

OP posts:
HemanOrSheRa · 16/02/2017 12:58

It sounds completely insane but I think it could work! Actually, it sounds easier than having a sleepover at home.

Underparmummy · 16/02/2017 12:59

I think its a lovely idea.

Original poster
2anddone · 16/02/2017 13:02

What about the asking for a contribution is that really cheeky??

OP posts:
BigSandyBalls2015 · 16/02/2017 13:02

Sounds fab, as long as everyone is invited Wink

BigSandyBalls2015 · 16/02/2017 13:03

I can't imagine any parent quibbling over a fiver for all that, all night.

mouldycheesefan · 16/02/2017 13:07

Child protection would be much only concern.

taptonaria27 · 16/02/2017 13:08

It sounds wonderful, any sane parent would throw the fiver at you and run for the Hills!

claraschu · 16/02/2017 13:09

Sounds fun! We have done similar parties, but at home, because we live in the middle of nowhere, and can pitch a borrowed Scouts type tent which will fit 25 people.

The parties have always been great and not too much trouble actually...

KC225 · 16/02/2017 13:10

It sounds good fun. I think most kids would love but be exhausted the next day.

Peanutandphoenix · 16/02/2017 13:12

It sounds like a brilliant idea and a great way to celebrate the end of primary school and finishing their SATs. I can't see parents complaining about the fiver when they are getting a child free night.

MiddleClassProblem · 16/02/2017 13:15

Sounds amazing just make sure you have enough parents to monitor, help each other through the tiredness etc. Have things like a first aid box just in case too.

I'd happily chip in for it. £5 is really reasonable.

SasBel · 16/02/2017 13:17

Sounds fab, go for it! Might do the same in a few years.....Grin

GTS · 16/02/2017 13:18

Sounds like a lovely idea.
Just to add though, when my DD's brownies did this they had a hell of a time with health and safety / fire regs etc due to sleeping over in the hall overnight.
It's worth looking into that aspect before you send out the invites...I had 13 8 year old girls for a sleepover in my home and it was a niiiigggghhhttmaaaare!!!

Chasingsquirrels · 16/02/2017 13:18

We chipped in a fiver for an end of yr6 party in the village hall for 2 hours for ds1, and the hall cost was free so that was just food and a bouncy castle hire

£5 for an overnighter sounds v v cheap!

BaconMaker · 16/02/2017 13:18

I'd think it was awesome if a parent was willing to host that kind of thing!

Original poster
2anddone · 16/02/2017 13:19

Thanks everyone. Child protection/first aid not an issue as I (and the agreed parents) are already dbs checked (I had over half of them at my preschool just totally outed myself! )
I think they would enjoy it and I have covered my own back by having a definite collect time!
Everyone would be asked (there are 26 in the year plus probably another 6 or 8 who would come too).
Yes I am crazy, yes they will love it and yes I will probably be on here the next day Wink

OP posts:
Twistmeandturnme · 16/02/2017 13:20

It sounds fab and totally doable, but....a few things to consider...
If the hall isn't usually used overnight you will need to inform the local fire brigade community officer that the sleepover is happening. The hall may not have the necessary insurance, so you may need to take out event insurance to cover their costs if there's a problem (this is surprisingly inexpensive). You need a plan for illness or fire, a first aid box and preferably someone with rudimentary first aid training. You can take kids away without DBS in place but not if you charge them I think (check this). Don't let these things put you off: it's a great idea!

mouldycheesefan · 16/02/2017 13:23

Ah ok we have 120 in our year. 26 is just a normal party size group then.

Original poster
2anddone · 16/02/2017 13:24

Thank you Twistme all really good things to consider! Luckily the hall is covered for sleepovers (I already checked and beavers use it 3 or 4 times a year for one)
First aid is covered (I am paediatric first aid trained) plus I have a parent with strong stomach on standby for any sick by too many sweets (can't deal with vom Wink)

OP posts:
Original poster
2anddone · 16/02/2017 13:25

Yes mouldy just a small Year group in a small village school....I am not that crazy Wink

OP posts:
MargotLovedTom1 · 16/02/2017 13:25

Sounds great...for someone else to do and me to send my child to Grin.

You said 5 quid pp wouldn't cover everything - I think you should price it so you're not out of pocket. It's an amazingly kind thing for you (and the other parents who will stay) to do, and I can't imagine that the parents would expect you to subsidise their kids.

Coralfish · 16/02/2017 13:30

What about asking for a minimum £5 donation to help cover costs and any left over money to go to charity - if you're worried that charging more that £5 will put people off. I am sure lots of parents would happily give £10 and then you would be less out of pocket and might even make some money for charity!

HemanOrSheRa · 16/02/2017 13:33

Don't let yourself be out of pocket! It's bound to cheaper than hosting a sleepover at home, whatever you charge. Actually doing a mass sleepover will ensure NO ONE is left out. Brilliant idea!

tinyterrors · 16/02/2017 13:36

I'd go for it. I'm a beaver scout leader and we've done similar sleepovers with over 100 6-8 year olds. It was surprising how quickly the children all settled down and went to sleep, it was about midnight before they settled down though.

The children will love it and have a great time. It's a great way to end year 6.

I'd have a few washing up bowls and bin liners just incase anyone over does the sweets.

MiddleClassProblem · 16/02/2017 13:37

Agree at either upping the price or suggestion donations. Budget wise what does it come out at pp?