My ds goes to the one in Chelmsford. He's now 9 but has gone from the age of 7. It was recommended to me by a work colleague who sent her own son there for several years.
My ds really enjoys it, gets to try lots of activities and comes home completely exhausted! It makes me happier going to work and sending him there because I know he will be very busy and get to try lots of new things.
It's quite sport orientated. My son loves the wall climbing, archery and swimming best. They do have other activities like science and face painting too though.
Generally the children get a choice of two activities each session, such as swimming/cricket or tennis/nature walk. So if your child really doesn't like one of the choices they can do the other option.
My son isn't into football and would hate to have to have to do football. I did ask them what would happen if he didn't want to do either of the options and they said they would encourage him to take part by being a referee or similar. If that didn't work he could join another group doing a different set of activities for that session.
I have found the staff to be really good and helpful too. The main leaders who are there each time recognise my son now and called him by his name when we first returned this easter.
Also when he first started he did have an issue one day with another child who thought it was funny to keep poking him. This was very quickly sorted out when I spoke to the staff. They were already aware of it and had stepped in and the overall leader came and spoke to me after the second day to make sure ds was happy now and to let him know if he had any further problems to speak to his group leader and if that didn't get sorted he could speak to her as the overall leader too. On one ocassion when I was worried he wouldn't settle that day I rang at lunch time. They went to check with him and his group leader and called me back 10 mins later to confirm all was ok and he was happy to stay.
The price can seem quite expensive, but when you consider the range of activities and the fact they can be there from 8.30am to 5.30pm it is pretty reasonable. Much cheaper than taking them out for a day of activities. There are cheaper child care options, but they wouldn't get to do all the activities on top as well.
They do a some good deals if you want to book a three day or full deal. And the earlier you book it the better for price. I have only put ds in for three days at a time as he comes home so very tired I'm not sure he could manage 5 days ina row just yet! He does stay till late though as I pay extra for the pm club and pick him up at 6pm.
I also don't feel so bad having an at home day on my day off work or the weekend as ds needs a rest by that stage too!
If you have any questions ring their helpline number they're very helpful. You can also book provisionally and they give you 7 days to confirm your booking.
I very much recommend them.
Gilly