Holiday Activities FAQ's
Q. Who are your staff?
A. Nearly all our staff are recruited from the education sector, some work as teachers or qualified coaches. We also employ staff who are currently undergoing teacher training or completing sports related courses. A number of the staff employed are in fact our swimming teachers, here to provide a high standard of swimming related skills to every child. All of our staff are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau for their suitability to work on the children's camps.
The staff to children ratios at the camp are: For children aged 4 - 7 years the staff ratio is 1:8. For children aged 8+ the staff ratio is 1:12. Groups are normally up to 24 with two members of staff, and on some busy days they can go over 24, but always with a third instructor. The instructors are passionate about developing the children's skills and the kids look up to them as real role models.
We have lots of returning staff, and we believe our staff is the reason O'Tooles is so successful, it is our staff that children remember from their camp experience.
Q. Who can come to camp?
A. Any child that wants to experience a fun week of healthy activities. They don't need to be sporting or have been to any camp like ours before.
If your child has special needs we will be pleased to discuss how we might accommodate them at the activity camps. We aim to welcome all children provided that Health and Safety regulations are not compromised in any way. O'Tooles will treat all children equally and respect them as individuals.
A lot of children come on their own or with a sibling in another group, but staff encourage them to get involved from the moment they arrive. That helps them make friends and build confidence right from the start.
Q. What will the children need to bring?
A. It is vital that every child brings a swimming costume because if they don't then they will not be able to partake in a core everyday activity. Children will be outside as much as possible therefore it is vital that they bring warm clothing and a waterproof. The children will need to bring plenty of fluids and if the weather is hot, sun cream. For the children who stay for lunch, they need to bring a packed lunch. All children will need to bring a snack because at some point in their day they will have time to rest and refuel. The children will have a 20 minute break in the morning and afternoon, where they can drink, or eat any snacks they have brought. Children will be able to grab a drink at any point during the day if needed.
Children won't need to bring any equipment such as tennis rackets or cricket bats these will all be provided. There will also be no need to bring armbands or rings if your child needs such equipment there is some available at the pool. We also advise that money or valuable items are not brought on to camp.
Q. How will my child be grouped?
A. Children are grouped with others of a similar age. Generally the maximum age difference of children in a group will not be more than 18 months.
At your request children can be grouped together as long as they're a similar age. The request does need to come at least a week before the camp otherwise it becomes more difficult. We will always try and accommodate one grouping request per child.
Your child will be in a big group of around 25 children, which splits into smaller groups once the activity starts. Each child will keep the same member of staff all day for every activity meaning there's always a familiar and friendly face close by.
Q. What happens if it rains?
A. Our camps are situated in England, so there will always be times when we need to move the camp activities indoors! With particular sports and activities we will try and stay outside as much as possible but all of our day camps have appropriate indoor facilities and we have a special programme that we automatically switch to in the event of wet weather.
Q. What times are you open?
A. Our standard hours are 9am - 5pm. The children will register every morning before starting their first activity, this will include a fire drill and it give the instructors a change to meet the children and go through the camp rules. At the end of the day or lunchtime parents are required to sign their children out before they can be dismissed.
Dropping children off is normally a very quick process, except on Mondays when we register them and collect Essential Information forms. Please allow a little time for this. Collection also takes a few minutes as we go through the necessary security procedures.
Q. Can children attend more than one week?
A. Yes of course! In one week the children will develop their skills, make new friends and have a great time, so why end it there? Additional weeks enable children to build on their previous development further increasing their confidence. The programme encompasses an extensive range of innovative games and coaching exercises so there's no chance of doing anything twice!
We try and accommodate for as many children as possible however venue space may limit us, so try and book as early as possible.
Q. Are you Ofsted registered?
A. Yes. We are a Camp that is registered with Ofsted and inspected regularly. Ofsted make sure we meet all National Childcare Regulations by approving our policies and procedures, interviewing staff and by inspecting the camps regularly. The inspection reports are posted on www.ofsted.gov.uk.
In short Ofsted ensures your child receives the quality of care you expect and demand. It is your assurance of our high standards
