Information for Parents

All the information you need about our camps, from what to bring on your first day, to how we’re adapting our programmes due to Covid-19.

What to Bring to Camp

You will need

Snacks to cover up to 3 breaks and lunch. Please provide plenty of water and drinks for the day. (Note: Due to coronavirus, water fountains at many venues are not available)
Clothing suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities
A raincoat for break-time and free play. We will encourage children to utilise the space outdoors even if it’s grey and overcast
Hand sanitiser if you have it. We will ask every child to wash their hands as they enter and leave the building each day (as well as key points throughout the day)
Pack of tissues so that should they need to they can ‘Catch it, Kill it and Bin it’. Some tissues will also be available on site
Books or other reading materials for occasions when we offer breaks from activity for short periods.
Pens for colouring/drawing. We’ll provide paper but the current restrictions limit the items (like pens) that children can share.

You won’t need

Mobile phone – must not be brought to or used on camp. Where necessary, they should be kept in bags until the end of the day
Sports equipment – we’ve got plenty!
Money – we don’t provide tuck shops
Valuables such as expensive watches and non-essential jewellery

Note: We’ve added additional items this summer such as hand-sanitiser, pens and books – see list above

Securely Checking Your Child In & Out

The safety of your child is paramount and our commitment to safeguarding means that we need to ensure that we register your child on arrival and have a secure signing out process. We’ll provide you with a security code to use when collecting your children.

The process for drop off and collection will be:

A staff member will be present at the entrance to register your child and remind you of the importance of your membership number. On collection walkie talkies will be used to announce when parents arrive, and we will bring your child to the entrance for you
Parents must quote their membership number for their child but will not be asked to sign anything, rather the staff member will place their own initials on the register on behalf of the collecting parent
Children over the age of 11 can sign themselves out if the parent registered their consent when booking

Note: This summer parents will not be allowed entry inside the building and we would actively discourage you from gathering at the venue entrance and maintain an appropriate distance from those around you.

Additional Operating Procedures for COVID-19

Having worked with over 2 million children throughout our 30-year history, we understand how to create safe environments where children can be active, have fun and learn with others.

In response to the unique challenge of COVID-19, we have developed and tested COVID-specific operating procedures, and these will be integrated into our standard operating procedures for our summer 2020 programmes.

Our guiding principle for all policies and procedures is that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safer recruitment is central to the way we work and all staff and volunteers are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding, always creating an environment where young people feel safe and can thrive. COVID-specific procedures will be integrated into staff training, and our audit process to ensure they are adhered to.

Our three key principles

1. Follow social distancing guidelines

Following government guidelines, we will be operating in groups of up to 15 children, each group being led by the same coach throughout the week, and separate from other groups. We have reduced the number of children, and incorporated Covid-adapted activities, staggered break-times, and a focus of being outdoors as much as possible.

2. Operate higher levels of hygiene

Children will be required to sanitise their hands when they arrive and be reminded to wash their hands throughout the day, not just when using the bathroom. Parents should pack hand sanitiser and tissues for their children. We will undertake regular cleaning of high-touch points and equipment.

3 .Provide specific supervision

We want to ensure that everyone is able to have fun in a safe environment, so our staff will supervise hand-washing, monitor children for signs of infection and make sure that we’re complying with the latest government guidance.

FAQs on COVID-19

What happens if a child is showing symptoms of Covid-19 whilst attending camp?

All members are asked to declare that their household is showing no signs of Covid-19 symptoms prior to attendance. Our staff are trained on the signs of Covid-19 and will isolate the child and call their parents for collection. We will provide reminders of the government guidance when showing symptoms.

I have made a booking for summer, but what happens if my camp can’t go ahead due to Covid-19?

If we (Kings Camps) have to cancel the camp this summer, you will be entitled to a full refund. We will email you regarding the cancellation and include details of how to claim your refund.

I’ve not yet booked for summer, should I wait until nearer the time to see if camp definitely goes ahead?

To ensure we can observe social distancing, our total numbers on camp have been reduced, so we advise to book as soon as you can to guarantee your place (some camps are already at capacity). If Kings Camps has to cancel camp, you’ll be entitled to a full refund via the method you paid.

We’ve decided not to send our child this summer due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, can I get a refund?

Where our camps are still going ahead, our standard cancellation policy applies. Further details can be found here

I have payments due to be taken but I don’t know if camp is going ahead, what should I do?

If you haven’t received an email confirming cancellation of camp, presume camp is going ahead and payments will be taken as planned (or make childcare voucher payments if this is you desired payment method). If Kings Camps has to cancel camp, you’ll be entitled to a full refund via the same method you paid.

We are due to be attending camp from overseas, are you still accepting children from other countries?

As many countries have travel restrictions in place and with the UK’s quarantine period, it is making it very difficult for international children to attend camp. However, if you have been able to travel and have quarantined as outlined by the UK government; we’re happy for children to attend (assuming our standard booking conditions are met).

Are you offering any camps to support Key Workers this summer?

Some venues are offering additional weeks for Key Workers families this summer. If this applies, you will see our ‘active childcare’ booking option available on your venue dates and prices.

Health and Safety on Camp

Are you Ofsted registered?

Yes, all Kings Camps in England are registered on Ofsted’s voluntary register. We work closely with Ofsted to ensure we work within their helpful and proven guidelines.

What is your safeguarding policy?

The Kings Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safer recruitment is central to the way we work and all staff and volunteers are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding, always creating an environment where young people feel safe and can thrive.

My child has a medical condition – can they still attend?

We trust that you will give us as much information as possible about any medical condition your child has before camp starts – please share full details on your account at the time of booking. All information will remain confidential with the Red Tops at your venue. Please read our Additional Needs Policy

My child has a nut allergy, can you assist?

Absolutely. All of our camps are ‘Nut Free’, meaning we do not allow nuts of any kind onto camp. Please speak to our membership team if your child requires an EpiPen.

What about insurance?

All of our camps have full public liability and employer’s liability insurance cover giving you extra peace of mind.

What happens if my child has an accident?

Bumps and scrapes happen from time to time. Each camp has at least one first aid qualified coach who can make an assessment, deliver first aid and ensure your child is OK. A form will be completed detailing exactly what happened and the action taken and this will be discussed with you at the end of the camp day. If a more serious incident or accident occurs, we will contact your immediately. We have tried and tested policies in place to ensure your child is safe on camp: Click here to read in more detail

Policies on Bullying , Child protection, Behaviour & Complaints

We have comprehensive policies and procedures relating to bullying, child protection, behaviour and complaints. Please click here for our policies

Making and Changing Bookings

Do you accept childcare vouchers?

Yes, we accept all childcare vouchers in England – Click here for more information.

What should I do if my child is sick or unable to attend?

If your child is sick and too unwell to attend camp, you can call our membership team on 0114 263 2160 who will be able to inform the site manager. They will also be able to advise on the best time for your child to return to camp to prevent other children becoming ill.

Can I book individual days or short weeks?

No. For Summer 2020, to further ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children on camp, we’re minimising the number of unique children attending each day by only offering full-week packages.

Can I make changes to my booking?

Yes, you can call us to change the programme of the dates your child is attending, providing this is a minimum of 24 hours before your child’s first day. Click here for our cancellation terms and conditions.

Note: In the event that your camp is cancelled due to COVID-19, you are entitled to a 100% refund, or we can hold your booking as credit for future camps.