How to choose a great summer camp for your child

How to choose a great summer camp for your child
1. Research what’s on offer in your local area. Ask friends for recommendations or check with your local Family Information Service for registered day camp providers.
2. Visit the website. What are your first impressions? Does the company look professional and fun? Request a brochure or information pack.
3. Check that the provider has been operating for a number of years so you know they are reliable and experienced.
4. Check what the facilities are like and that the camp is convenient for you to get to each day. Does the camp offer extended hours to fit in with your work or travel arrangements?
5. Find out if the camp is registered with Ofsted. (NB: Some camps do not have to register, but these do not cover all age groups or only offer a limited number of activities.) You can check the camps latest Ofsted report by visiting www.ofsted.gov.uk. Find out if they are as good as they say they are!
6. Call and speak to the provider first hand and ask any questions you’d like reassurance on.
7. Involve your child in the decision. Show them the website and/or brochure and what activities will be available. Most importantly does your child think the camp looks like FUN? This is after all their holiday time and they deserve the best experience!
8. Some experienced camps are very popular and do get booked up early on in the year. Make your booking a few months in advance so that you are guaranteed a place and have your choice of dates. Lots of providers offer early booking discounts and good ones also offer money back guarantees for first timers, so you can have peace of mind. See www.barracudas.co.uk for one such provider or call 0845 123 5299 for a copy of their free colour brochure.