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Parent's checklist for choosing the right holiday club

Parents Checklist for chooding the right holiday club 

Is it right for your  child? 

  • Does it match your child’s age, interests and energy level?
  • Does the location, travel and the timing of the activity work for your family?

Good value for money

  • Is the cost within your budget?
  • Does the price reflect the quality of care?

Staff you can trust 

  • Ensure staff are DBS-checked.
  • Have qualified paediatric first aiders.
  • Staff have experience working with children and have had the relevant training.
  • Ask the club if they follow the council’s safeguarding policies.

Supervision and ratois

  • Are adult-to-child ratios appropriate?
  • Are staff supervising children at all times?
  • How many staff support the activity and how many children and young people attend?

Safe and secure venues 

  • Is the site secure, with clear checkin/ check-out procedures including fire exits?
  • Are play areas well-maintained and free from hazards?

Health allergies and emergencies 

  • How does the club manage allergies, medications or special needs?
  • Is there a health and safety policy which includes illness and injury?

Safeguarding and child protection 
All holiday clubs should have:

  • A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
  • A clear, written safeguarding children policy.
  • Code of conduct for everyone.
  • Procedures in place for dealing with bullying, behaviour and disclosures.

Is the club registered? 

  • Clubs looking after children under eight years old for more than two hours a day must be registered with Ofsted (unless exempt). Ask for their Ofsted registration number or check online.
  • All clubs should also have public liability insurance.

Communication is key 
Good holiday clubs will:

  • Provide updates on your child’s day.
  • Provide a contact number for emergencies.
  • Have a clear pick-up policy, including who can collect your child.
  • Allow you to visit the session before your child starts and stay to observe.
  • Have someone on hand to speak to if you have any concerns.

Provided by Rajna Choudhury, Children’s Interfaith Safeguarding Co-ordinator part of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Children’s Social Care. Rajna supports faith settings to understand best practice and the statutory expectations of safeguarding children and delivers awareness workshops, safeguarding training, webinars as well as bespoke training on request.

For more information, call 020 7364 2818 or email Rajna Choudhury