King's Camps

King's Camps Parent Guide

The King's Foundation

The King's Foundation Ltd is a not for profit registered Christian educational charity (1105460) that uses sport and activity to help children and young people to develop and mature into responsible members of society. Click here to find out more about us.

Preparing for Camp

Information about your venue

Full details about your venue can be found online, including directions, dates and times. Click here to select your venue.

Child details

Please download and complete a camp attendance form for each child and bring it on the first day. The form contains all of the vital information for safety and welfare including all of the emergency contact information and medical details. Click here to download a camp attendance form.

What happens at the start and the end of the day

• On the first day you will need to arrive 15 minutes early. (If attending extended hours you will need to arrive from 8.15am)
• Your completed Camp Attendance Form(s) on the first day.
• At the end of the day you will be asked for your security number given to you at registration and children must be signed out by an authorised adult.
• If your children are allowed to travel to and from camp by themselves they will require written authorisation on the Camp Attendance Form (for children aged 11+).
• Please respect our course times and deliver and collect your children promptly.
• A packed lunch, a snack for break and lots to drink (we don't have refrigerated storage facilities - see our Policies section on Food Storage).
• Arrive in clothes suitable for sports activities - T-shirt, tracksuit, shorts, etc.
• Wear suitable trainers (non-marking if possible).
• Sun cream and a hat or cap when the weather is warm.
• All sports equipment is provided.

You won't need

• Sports equipment - we've got lots of that!
• Cameras.
• Computer Games, MP3 players.
• More than £1 each day.
• Valuable watches/jewellery.

Mobile Phones

We recognise that parents may prefer to be able to contact their children during camp but we would prefer your children not to bring mobile phones onto the camp because of the possibility of them being lost, stolen or damaged. If they do bring these onto the camp we would need them to be switched off except in emergencies, with permission of the manager. This would be at their own risk and the manager of the camp must be informed that they are on-site. Parents may contact the camp by telephoning our Head Office on 0845 643 5270 and we will contact the manager of the camp on your behalf.

Childcare Vouchers

Your employer may offer you tax-free childcare vouchers to help pay for your childcare needs. We accept any type of voucher and we will process them in the usual way. If you require any information about this service please do not hesitate to contact our Membership Services Team or visit our Offers page.

Financially assisted places

We are always looking for ways to ensure our camps are inclusive. Our Supporting Families scheme is one way of helping children to attend whatever their family's financial circumstances. If you are a single parent, unemployed or on income support, call us to find out if you are eligible for an assisted place or visit Supporting Families.

Quality & safety

Our camps are safe and secure. With 20 years experience and the largest network of day camps in the UK, we have an exemplary health and safety history and your children's safety is our priority. King's Camps in England and Wales are registered with OFSTED and Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).

 

Our coaches attend a comprehensive staff training programme that includes:

• Supervision of children.
• Child protection.
• First aid.
• Fire procedures.
• Equipment safety.

Each manager is a qualified and experienced teacher or instructor and attends our Management Training and Development Programme. 

A fire drill will be carried out on the first morning of camp.

Staff selection policy

All staff must:

• Be interviewed.
• Provide professional and personal references.
• Be registered/cleared with the Criminal Record's Bureau carrying out an ENHANCED DISCLOSURE.

No person applying for the position available will be treated less favourably than any other person on the grounds of their race, colour, religion, language, culture, gender, appearance, disability, marital status, class, personality or lifestyle. We will endeavour to employ staff that represent in some way the different ethnic groupings of children attending the camps.

Insurance

All of our camps have public liability and employer's liability insurance cover.

Groups 

The experience and safety of every child on camp is of paramount importance to us.

As such, we work closely with Ofsted and the CSSIW to ensure that we meet their supervision guidelines which are noted below:

• The ratio for children under the age of 6 is strictly 1:8.
• The ratio for children age 6-7 is strictly 1:12.
• The ratio for children aged 8+ is 1:16.
• These ratios are increased further with the Manager and other helpers.

Under 5s

For legal reasons, at all our camps in England we can only accept children of compulsory school age. Children under the age of 5 can only attend for a maximum of 4 hours each day, this would be on our Mornings Only programme within Kids Camp. Once turned 5 children are able to attend the full day.

In Scotland, we can only accept children from 4yrs 6mths and in full time education and are able to attend a full day.

Due to specialist programme provision for 3-4 year olds in Cardiff only, a full day Kids Camp programme may be attended.

Please contact the Membership Team for more details on 0845 643 5270.

Lost property

Due to the nature of the activities, we recommend that your children do not wear their best or most expensive clothing for camp. We cannot guarantee the return of lost property, but we endeavour to return items that are clearly labelled with your child's full name.  In most cases, lost property will be left at the venue for ease of collection.

Food Storage

Please Note: we are usually not able to provide refrigeration for food. We advise that you use an insulated container with a frozen pack or avoid high-risk foods such as meats, meat products, dairy products, rice and pulses. Cold air sinks - so place the frozen pack on top of the food, if possible.

Weather Conditions

When the weather is particularly warm the following precautions must be taken:

• If there is any possibility of sunburn or sunstroke please ensure that the children wear adequate protection i.e. hat and sun cream of the correct factor. Ideally all-day protection should be used with young children so that there is less need for them to re-apply during the day.
• Children must have enough to drink for the whole day. This problem is made more acute as the children are participating in sport. Drinking water will be available.
• When the weather is particularly cold or wet children will remain in the indoor areas.

Child security

At registration, parent/carers are given a security card for each child, the Group Leader records the number on the register and the card is kept by the parent/carer as proof of identity.

Collecting adults must show their security card. If another adult is collecting then either the card may be passed on or at least the number passed on.

Children must be signed out by their collecting adult, recording the time of departure so that we are aware that the child has left and who they have gone with.

If your child is allowed to travel to and from camp by themselves they will require written authorisation on the Camp Attendance Form.

Child protection statement

We acknowledge that all children have a right to grow up in an environment that is not abusive. We are aware that child abuse occurs to children of both sexes, at all ages and in all cultures, religions, social classes and to children with and without disabilities.

We have a responsibility to our members and to the authorities to report suspected child abuse. Procedures will be followed sensitively but absolutely. Our loyalty in such circumstances remains with the child.

When any person has knowledge or suspicion that a child is either being abused, or is at risk of abuse, or that a carer has seriously neglected or failed to protect a child, he/she has a personal duty to report this to:

1. The Manager of the Camp or

2. Head Office 0845 643 5270 or

3. The local Child Protection agency (LSCB), or in Wales - Intake and Assessment, Health and Social Care, PO Box 97, Cardiff CF11 1BP 029 20 536400 (office hours) or 029 20 448360 (out of hours duty number)

We will investigate and act quickly if there is any suspicion of discrimination towards any member.

Equal opportunities statement

We welcome children of all religious beliefs, faiths, cultures and abilities and believe that each child attending the camp is of equal value. The activities that we run strive to provide equal opportunities for all the children whatever their race, religion, language, culture, gender, health, disability, personality or lifestyle - according to the framework laid down by the following acts:

• Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) 1975
• Race Relations Act (RRA) 1976
• Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• Equal Pay Act 1970 (amended 1983)

The King's Foundation recognises that there are inequalities within our society and that many people suffer discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, colour and religion. As a Christian charity we never tolerate discrimination of this nature within our organisation.

Education and understanding of other people's needs and backgrounds will be fostered to promote positive behaviour and attitudes. Discriminating behaviour, attitudes and comments will be challenged, regardless of whether they are from members, staff or parent/carers. We will regularly review our policy and amend it where necessary.

Special needs

As an educational Trust we welcome children with special needs where we can offer appropriate care within our staffing ratio. We are realistic about the limitations of a sports camp environment for children with special needs and attendance is considered on an individual basis. If there is a need for a higher level of supervision than normally offered and we feel that a child would benefit from our style of camps then either we can consider meeting the supervision requirement with an extra member of staff with the help of funding or we welcome parents or carers to be in attendance. Please call the Membership Team to discuss any requirements further.

Bullying

If a child feels that they are being bullied then they are encouraged to report this to their Group Coach. Once a member of staff has been informed they will report the incident to the Site Manager immediately who should then discuss the matter with the child and with their Group Coach. If the Manager feels that there is a legitimate complaint they will then need to discuss the matter with the person being accused of bullying. It is worth bearing in mind that the bully may have problems of their own which are resulting in this behaviour and need to be dealt with sensitively and fairly. There may be reasons for their bullying but there are no excuses for such behaviour. If we are convinced that bullying has taken place then we will decide what action is appropriate. In a serious case we may need to consider the removal of the bully from the camp.

Behaviour policy

Expected behaviour from children

• Show respect for all children on camp treating them as they would wish to be treated.
• Swearing, abusive and hurtful language is not acceptable. Aggressive behaviour or violence cannot be tolerated.
• Show respect for all personal property and the facilities.
• Show respect for all staff. Listen to and follow instructions of the staff team.
• One child's behaviour will not be allowed to endanger the other children in the group by absorbing or distracting the supervising staff.

Parent responsibilities

We would expect you to inform us both verbally and via the Camp Attendance Form of any potential behaviour issues that would help us deal with your child whilst on camp. You should be aware of the expected behaviour when your child attends camp. We would expect you to support action taken by staff to encourage good behaviour.

Staff responsibilities

• To treat all children fairly and recognise that each is an individual.
• To protect children's self-esteem and develop them.
• To provide a challenging, relevant, appropriate and fun week.
• To be clear about the rules and use sanctions consistently. No physical punishment will ever be used.
• To be a good role model.
• Not to use any form of physical intervention, e.g. holding, unless it is necessary to prevent personal injury to the child, other children, an adult or serious damage to property.
• Any significant incident of unacceptable behaviour is recorded and the parent informed of the incident on the day.

Parents may be involved in a clear behaviour management procedure:

Initially the Group Coach will try to deal with the situation.

If unsuccessful: Manager will try to deal with the situation, removing the child from the group but having a witness.

If unsuccessful: Parent/carer will be involved. If the parent/carer does not come to collect the child, a note will be given to them requesting that the parent/carer sees the manager in the morning.

If unsuccessful: The manager will consider suspending the child after consultation with Head Office.

Sick child policy

We have developed a list in order to guide a parent's decision in whether or not your child may attend the camp. This list is displayed at camp but if you are unsure whether a child may attend please call us on 0845 643 5270 to discuss. Parents/carers are ultimately responsible for determining their child's ability to actively participate in the daily activities. While we sympathise with the needs of each parent and their child, we must provide a healthy environment for the other children at the camp. A sick child often needs special, one-on-one attention and it is difficult for a coach to take time away from well children to devote special attention to a sick child. We have instituted this policy based on the wishes and opinions of our parents to avoid any confusion over the health and well being of our children.

Concerns and complaints policy

Our poster on display to parents entitled 'Parent Information' under the heading 'Concerns and Complaints' contains all of the contact details required in order to make a complaint at an appropriate level. All complaints, however serious, should always be referred to the Manager and will be logged on an Incident Form. If this route of communication is not appropriate then please contact the Membership Team at our Head Office on 0845 643 5270.

Our staff team are trained to process your comments, passing them on to the appropriate department and management level. If a complaint is received at Head Office we will always reply within 24 hours. An investigation is undertaken in accordance with the principle that the welfare of the child is safeguarded and promoted. A record is always made on our database recording full details including any subsequent details, action taken and whether the complaint is complete. If necessary the complaint will be investigated and a verbal or written report will be returned to the complainant within 7 days or agree to extend by a further14 days. If the response is not satisfactory then Stage 2 of the process will be entered and the complainant will be asked to put the complaint in writing. Further consideration will be given and a written response including investigation findings and action taken will be forthcoming within 28 days. If another agency such as police or inspection authority investigates we will consult on how to proceed and the complainant informed of progress. A written record of complaints will be kept and is available upon request.

In England, OFSTED can be contacted by telephone on 0300 123 1231 or in writing at The National Business Unit, Ofsted, Picadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD.

In Scotland, contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman at 4 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7NS

In Wales the CSSIW can be contacted on 0300 062 8888 or in writing at: CSSIW Mid and South Wales, Rhudycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ

Uncollected/Lost child

• There are a number of reasons why a child may remain uncollected at the end of the day, perhaps if a parent is delayed or confused about who is collecting or about the time of collection. Should this occur then the following action will be taken:
• We will attempt to contact you using the child details information.
• At least two adults will remain with the child until collected.
• We will not allow the child to return home alone or with an unauthorised adult unless we have your permission.
• Upon collection we will politely ensure that the parent understands the procedures.
• If this occurs more than once for the same child Head Office will be informed.
• If after two hours no one arrives to collect the child and we have been unable to contact anyone by telephone, we will call the local social services department who will make arrangements for a social worker to collect the child.
• We also have procedures if a child is lost on the camp so please contact us should you require a copy.
• The registration authority (Ofsted in England, CSSIW in Wales) will be informed as a notifiable event

Contacting parents or carers

• Parents will be contacted under the following circumstances:
• Serious injury such as a broken or suspicion of broken bone.
• If the child is unable to participate due to serious illness or a toilet accident.
• If a child is seriously upset about being on camp.
• Bang to head that may result in concussion.
• Any situation resulting in a hospital visit.
• Serious behaviour problem.
• If the child is found not to have brought food/drink.