DS wants a class Birthday party in July

[IFionlyhadbrains]

So this should be allowed, and would be his class so shouldn't be an issue as mixing already. The thing is there haven't been any parties this year, he's in reception,so I have no idea what to do ? Bouncy castle, music for dancing, a few games like statues and then lunch ? Is that enough ? Would they need something else to do?

And how do you approach gifts as obviously he won't be reciprocating as his bday is the end of the school year. Do I say something on invite, like no gifts or is that mean to him, say nothing?

I'm tempted to do soft play but it's very expensive per head with the food, although looking at bouncy castles quite a lot and only fit 6 kids so might need 2. Plus hall hire and food eekkkk ?

Btw he is desperate to have a party and didn't last year as was unsure.

I've emailed some local halls not sure if they are booking yet?

The distribution of birthdays is strange in DS's class. There's a cluster in Sept/ Oct then a gap then most of the clsss from Easter. The early birthdays happened to be children that went to nursery and they had little parties with close friends so DS was the first one of the year. Everyone then came from the excitement of being the first, plus it co-incided with Toys R Us' closing down sale and we were drowning in gifts.

Soft play is an easy option, worth the cost to save the work and supervision if you can afford it. DIY saves money but does need a few eyes and ears open and help to keep the children entertained while other things like food are dealt with.

I owe DS two parties now.

Soft play would be easy option under normal circumstances, parents might not fancy it plus there is many DC in it.
I'd go for a bouncy castle if you have the space, or if you can put it in a hall hire two.

My son had his reception whole class party cancelled last may.
We were doing a church hall and had an entertainer booked - we have seen him before and he's really amazing at keeping the kids laughing and having fun for a whole 2 hours. We've also had bouncy castle parties which work well.
Your biggest issue is going to be finding a church hall though, round here they're not allowing then to be let out for the forseeable. That could well change but I doubt they'll committ now.

A back garden arrangement is probably going to be the best bet if it's good enough, failing that soft play (if they haven't gone bust) is a good option, less stress for you as they will normally sort the catering.

Don't worry too much about the presents thing I think most parents will be glad that their kid has a party to go to and ideally can have a chance to socialise themselves as well.

As for my son, it's his birthday again next month (6 this year) and we're just doing a low key back garden thing as rules are still quite limiting.

@PrincessTuna

Soft play will be easiest. I'd imagine they will book you up now given the terrible year they've had. I wouldnt think twice about the present thing, I always see giving a gift as my payment for the party.

Warning: When I did party for my 5yo only about half the parents RSVPed. They all showed up though. It was a stressful aspect of it as I had no idea if anyone would show up.

I have had this too. So unbelievably rude.

We’re thinking about a party for our reception aged child too. I think even if they are allowed people will still be very conscious of Covid rules and I’m not sure how everyone will feel about soft play or bouncy castles where social distancing is difficult (know the kids don’t distance but often parents need to go in to help their kids) or shared food. So we’re looking at local halls with plenty of outside space, an entertainer and food that can be individually packaged.

I’d go for somewhere with a big garden and plan for a outdoor party. Bouncy castles outside will be fine. You’ll probably find more people will be comfortable with that rather than 30 inside a hall so soon.

Have you looked at venues? All the venues round my way have already been booked for weekends following the 21st of June date.

People are lax on rsvping but I found a private message or quick chat in the playground usually embarrassed them into letting me know. It’s not like you mind if they are coming, you just need to know for food and party bags.

The soft plays around here are still open to the public when a party is on, apart from one that is really small and naff. So that's the only issue. I could do it early so it's less busy and it's summer so might not be packed. Hmmmm

That's not an issue, they'll play with their friends and there will be a special party area for them to eat and do the cake.

Much easier.

I have been trying to book a church hall for children's classes and loads of them are not willing to book anything yet or confirm when they are going to be open.

You need somewhere with outdoor space, so you can have the party outdoors and they can just bob inside to use toilets. Party bag food, musical statues, other running around games, job done. And easier just to invite the whole class than fuss about who is and isn't coming.

Don't stress about presents. People will do them anyway.

Don't forget parents count as numbers if it's restricted. Dds party is outdoors and limited to 30 total, so that's 13 friends, one of their parents, hers and GM.