Kids Holiday Camps - thoughts??

[waddlepenguin]

I'm starting a new job in June. that will require me being in the office more (goodbye full time remote working!) and I've been looking into holiday camps. My little one is only 3 so i'm cautious and still considering extending his time at the nursery for the extra 2 weeks in July before they close.

But I found Fun Fest and the one closest to me doesnt have any reviews (yet) so I am hesitant whereas the Cuffley one has 5-star reviews. Has anyone used them before? They seem to have been around as a chain for a while.

Any thoughts on holidays camps in general?

The last option is to just use my annual leave but cause it's a new job, I feel like i need to be on good form during probation at least.

Are you sure the holiday club will take a small child? Most only take school aged children.

They’re great for older children. I never found one that took under 5s and honestly for that age I’d leave them where they know the setting.

Most camps don’t take three year olds so do check
I used them and also found a school holiday childminder which worked too
theyre pricey but have reasonable hours which helps - usually 8-6

Nursery will be far better tbh. Id be surprised if holiday clubs will take a 3 yr old - all the ones ive used cater for Reception age upwards.

Get as many nursery days booked in as you can. What's your plan for work when its term time and no holiday clubs are running? Or are you using a school nursery? (Which dont cater for working parents imo!)

Thanks folks @Mumof1andacat @Octavia64 @rubyslippers ! Fun Fest does take children from age 3 upwards. But I agree about familiar setting!

I've booked a trial for a half day, so I can visit and see what they're like.

On nursery: we currently have term-time schedule with them (private nursery), so he will still be going in. But just asked about doing extra days for the summer holidays. I actually applied for a school nursery but now with the new job, I'm considering not accepting a place. Cause I agree @Happycow they dont seem to cater to working parents!

I have a summer born and trying to find holiday clubs for him before he turns 5 has been almost impossible. I had to go “on holiday” and work from the accommodation in February because there were no holiday clubs in the area that would take him.

Personally I would extend your son’s nursery for continuity. My school age child finds it hard enough in a new environment with new people. The holiday club may not be run by the same staff everyday (the school based ones seem to ask for teacher volunteers and the holiday club chains rotate their staff, particularly if they have a particular interest - eg Josie is the dodgeball leader or whatever). And the children won’t be the same either as very few parents send their children everyday.

Our primary school has a nursery but they also have wraparound provision aswell.

wraparound is available from 7:45-9 and then 3:30-6 so you can book am/pm/both

holidays they use the same provider as some other local schools and tend to use one site for the holiday club as there isn’t enough kids at each school booking it.

have you asked if this is an option?

A 3 year old is too young for a holiday camp in my opinion. If it is attached to their existing pre school or they have an older sibling there (to give familiarity) then it’d be better. I’d use a childminder or nursery. What did you do last year when nursery shut?

I used my annual leave last year!

Mine started holiday camps at 4. She's fine so long as she has friend there, but hates it if not. About 6 weeks before every holiday we have to frantically message her friends' parents to find someone to buddy up with 😂

At 3, if you have the choice to just extend her nursery place I would just do that.

My son went to fun fest a few times and enjoyed it.

Let’s Leap and Camp Beaumont take from 3. Near me they run in private schools that start age 3 (nursery) so it’s offered to give parents a school holiday provision.

Thank you! I looked at Camp Beaumont but they have a dry policy and my little one is still prone to accidents now and then. But they're definitely more popular and would be my go to in the. future.

Glad to read your son enjoyed fun fest!

Check out Little Imaginations - London based early years holiday camps. Really good and take 3 - 6 year olds