Easter Camp Countdown!
... and not much longer until
the summer's here!
When are the camps open?
Are you Ofsted registered?
Who can come to camp?
My child needs extra help, can they still come to camp?
Who are your staff?
What are the staff to child ratios?
How will my child be grouped?
Can my child be in the same group as their friend?
What if my child attends camp without their friends?
How is the day organised?
What are the arrival and collection times?
What if I am delayed?
Which activities are included in the price?
Are motorsports included in the programme?
Is there anything in particular I need to know about the Skills Builder courses?
What happens if it rains?
What are theme days?
What should my child bring?
What shouldn't my child bring to camp?
Do children need any money at camp?
My child has a specific medical condition. Do I need to tell you?
What if my child carries an Epi-Pen?
What if my child is ill or has an accident at camp?
What if my child has difficulty settling at camp?
What if my child is ill and cannot attend the camp?
What if I want to make changes to my booking?
What if I don't take out your Customer Protection plan?
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
What is your behaviour management policy?
What is your policy on bullying?
What is your child protection policy?
What is your confidentiality policy?
What is your equal opportunities policy?
What is your health, hygiene and food policy?
What is your health and safety policy?
What is your special needs policy?
What is your 'Money Back Guarantee'?
During the school summer holidays, and some at Easter. Specific dates for each location are shown on our ‘Camps' page.
Yes, we're registered with Ofsted and our unbeatable results mean we are listed in Ofsted's publicised list of ‘outstanding providers'. 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 (and those of our competitors) 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. Please note, inspections are on a 'surprise visit system' and we did not receive any inspections in 2010 or 2011.
We are registered with Ofsted to take children who have reached their fifth birthday on or before 28th February 2013 (or 31st Oct 2012 when children are attending Easter camp) up to the age of 16 years.
Yes. All children deserve a fab time at Barracudas! We can change what we do to suit your child, within the normal ratios. If they need a bit more support, an adult friend can join them or we'll help you try to get 1:1 support through your local funding process. This application process can be lengthy, so please discuss with us at least two months before your child is due to attend camp.
As our staff cannot offer intimate care, all children must be fully toilet trained before attending camp.
We must ensure that all children on camp understand the safety instructions and they can tell us if a problem arises. If your child's first language is not English please call us to discuss in advance.
They're the secret of our success! Our staff are recruited for their attitude, enthusiasm and dedication to caring for children. Some are teachers and some are training to be teachers. Some are coaches and some are lifeguards. They're all different but one thing they have in common is they're hand-picked to deliver FUN for your children in a professional and safe environment.
We have lots of returning staff, and lots of people from other activity camps. Overall we have far more applications than positions available. That means we're always really selective, and staff must complete a tough selection process and complete intensive training. Naturally they are cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau at the Enhanced Level.
For children aged 4 - 7 years the staff to child ratio is 1:8. For children aged 8 – 10 years the staff to child ratio is 1:12 and for children aged 11+ the staff to child ratio is 1:14. We also have extra staff to cover break times and activities like swimming, so children are properly supervised at all times.
Your child will be in a group of around 25 children, which splits into smaller groups when they make their activity choices. Each main group has a Group Co-ordinator who acts as your child's key worker – meaning there's always a familiar and friendly face close by.
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.
4 ½ to 6 year olds Our Minnows are the youngest and normally most smiley group at camp! They're usually the youngest 24 children and are aged between 4½ and 6. (Children must be 5 years old by 28th February 2013 to attend summer camp or 31st October 2012 if attending Easter camps.) They're looked after by an Early Years teacher and two assistants. Our youngest children get to try most of the activities that the older ones do, but with smaller equipment for smaller hands! They have a carefully prepared timetable with quiet periods and frequent breaks. Before the camp we'll send you a small booklet for you to complete with your Minnow to tell us what stage they're at with things like catching a ball, signing their artwork, water confidence and using scissors. We use FUN sessions as a way of developing their confidence in these kinds of things.
When they finish their time with us we'll update their booklet to see what progress they've made, and also send them home with a certificate to tell you what they've been up to, as they're normally having so much FUN they can't remember everything they've done!
6 and 7 year olds Our next age groups are the 6 and 7 year olds, and again depending on the number of children at the camp there may be one, two or even three groups. Children in this age group are normally starting to develop a little more of their own personality, self-awareness and a stronger sense of belonging to the group or team. They're ready for more action and have more get up and go than the first timers, so we fill their programme with a real mix of energetic options, like team sports, bouncy castles, racket sports, dance, trampolining and swimming, because if Barracudas' 6/7 year olds have bundles of anything, it's bundles of energy! We schedule less quiet time than the Minnows, but there are still plenty of more relaxing activities if they do start to flag or just prefer that kind of thing. The staff ratios on activities are still maintained at 1:8, and 1:5 in the swimming pool.
8-10 year olds Groups are normally up to 24 with two members of staff, and on some busy camps they can go over 24, but always with a third instructor. (The staff ratio for these children is 1:12.) The instructors are passionate about developing the children's skills and the kids look up to them as real role models.
Whether the activity is dance or football, tennis or painting, motorsports or drama, the action is non-stop and the time just flies as children love doing well and learning from their coaches.
Friendships form quickly in this age group but are also long lasting. The connections are made through play and are strong. They revolve around learning new games and new skills. There's a growing awareness of teamwork, children are more unselfish and they develop their own group rules.
11-14 year olds When it comes to Barracudas the 11-14 year age group is as good as it gets, and it's this group that knows the way and shows the way! You're able to take part in all of the awesome activities on offer at your camp and there's a great sense of teamwork as you try all sorts of new stuff.
The programme is set to suit the group, and includes your choice of superb sports, survival games, arts and drama, motorsports and a whole load of older activities and of course some chill out time with your mates!
14-16 year olds BX+ is for 14-16 year olds who want to stay active during the school holidays and also train as a potential member of the Barracudas team. You get all the buzz of the activity programme, and then get to spend part of each day shadowing a member of the Barracudas team – setting up activities, organising groups and keeping the atmosphere going.
It's a great programme for anyone who loves sport or enjoys looking after younger children. There's a real opportunity to work with a group for part of each day, but always with an experienced member of our team to lead the way. The staff will guide, mentor and coach, making sure you have a great time doing the activities, and an even better time leading them.
Apart from the fact that it's a great experience, your end of camp notes and certificate is a superb addition to your record of achievement.
Sure! As long as they're a similar age (maximum difference 18 months) and if both they and the friend request to be with each other we will always accommodate one grouping request per child, please make sure you make us aware at least a week before the camp.
Of course we'll always try and accommodate any group requests, but it may not be possible if that request is late and the group is full, as our ratios mean we can't just squeeze in an extra child.
We will not group children together if there is a grouping chain. If one child wants to be with another, who wants to be with another and so on, then grouping becomes impossible. That's why we only guarantee one advance and reciprocated grouping request per child. Also please note, grouping requests made within 7 days of the date of attendance cannot be guaranteed; we will have allocated children to groups at this stage and there may not be room to move them around.
Most children do! They're either 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.
There are six one-hour sessions each day, with a choice of at least two activities in each. There are choices for children whether they prefer sporty activities or more creative ones. Each day there are two short breaks and a lunch break.
Our standard hours are 8.30am – 5.30pm. We offer Early and Late Clubs which extend the day from 8am to 6pm. Activities start at 9.30am and finish at 4.30pm.
Dropping your child off is normally a very quick process but please allow extra time on your child's first day to register and to hand in your Essential Information form. Please also allow plenty of time for collection as staff will be going through the necessary security procedures.
If you need to collect your child early this needs to be pre-arranged with the Camp Manager. Please note early collections should not be made during the last session of the day, as staff will be with the children or preparing for the Collection time.
Don't worry- your child will be well cared for until you arrive. If you're likely to be delayed after 5.30pm, please call the camp so they can let them know. We will book them into the Late Club and you can pay when you collect them. The Late Club is registered until 6.00pm. As we are only registered to care for children until 6pm, we are obliged to notify Children's Services of any child still on site after this time. Any parents collecting children after 6pm will also incurr a charge of £5 for every 5 minutes which will be applied to their account.
In this brochure we list the activities offered at our camps. Activities vary between camps depending on resources available. All camps offer a minimum of 35 activities in a week, with some only offered to appropriate age groups. Very popular activities such as swimming are offered at least twice a week (not available at Godalming, Tonbridge, Watford or Woodford. Only available during summer at Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn, Wokingham, Horsham and Chigwell). Some activities have restricted numbers and where this is the case the activities will be rotated amongst the children in the group during the week.
Should we need to withdraw any of the activities, for example as a result of unsuitable weather conditions or equipment failure, we will re-instate them as soon as is practically possible.
A few of our activities roam between camps to offer the children a wider range. As standard these include our climbing wall, giant inflatable assault course, criss cross zorbing and interactive dance mats, but may also include extra additional activities at times.
Although we will try to ensure each child aged 8 and over has a go at motorsports, we cannot guarantee this. In the event of reduced availability, perhaps due to wet weather or equipment failure, priority is given to children who have pre-booked a Skills Builder course. If your child would be disappointed if they were not offered motorsports in their programme, we suggest you book a Motor Mania Course. The minimum age for petrol-driven vehicles is 8 years old, although some vehicles are only appropriate for children aged 10 and over. For the under-8s we provide electric go-karts, which are included in the programme and not offered as extra sessions.
Although it is not always necessary to pre-book these extra courses, demand does vary from camp to camp, and places on each of the courses are limited. In order for children to benefit from the general activity programme and the variety of activities on offer, only one Skills Builder course can be booked per week.
Motor Mania - each session is shared with four other children. We only allow one vehicle on the track at a time. The exact content of the programme may vary from site to site, as we allocate vehicles to camps according to the nature and design of the motorsports track. Helmets and protective padding are supplied and must be worn. Children must bring long-sleeved tops and long trousers to camp.
Swim School - supervised by a qualified lifeguard and a swimming teacher, with sub-groups of not more than five children. These beginners' sessions last for half an hour each day and are available to all ages. We provide floats, armbands, tummy belts and buoyancy aids when necessary. Not available at Godalming. Tonbridge, Watford, Welwyn, Wokingham and Woodford County High, sorry! Chigwell, Hemel Hempstead and Horsham sites only offer swim school during the summer weeks.
Lab Rats – for children of all ages, these fun sessions are led by an enthusiastic coach. A maximumof 8 children will participate in these one hour long sessions each day. A range of experiments will be covered for which all equipment will be provided.
We can't organise the weather, but we do have a wet weather programme which swings into operation at the first sign of rain. We have the British weather in the back of our minds when selecting schools and colleges to be Barracudas camps and because our camps are well appointed schools with excellent facilities, we can always offer a wide and varied wet weather programme. Some activities will be withdrawn in wet weather for safety reasons.
Our theme days are a great excuse for everyone to dress up and have a good time. You don't have to spend hours or fortunes making or buying costumes in advance, unless you want to, as children will be able to make outfits and props during camp. So whether they've always wanted to be their favourite pop star, sports star, pirate or superhero, their dreams can come true during theme days!
For the safety of your children, a completed Essential Information form must be handed in at registration on your child's first day each season. They may not be accepted onto camp without it. This form will be sent to you in advance so you can complete at home.
Children should dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and we suggest you do not send them with new or valuable clothing or belongings. Long trousers and sleeves are essential for motorsports, fencing and our giant inflatable assault courses. Long sleeves are also required for archery. Swimming kit should be brought every day.
Please provide and apply sun protection cream each morning. Staff cannot rub sun protection cream on, so we ask that you show your child how to do this before they attend camp. Spray on sun lotion is a good option for younger children as the staff can do this for them and the children can then rub in themselves. Children are reminded at break times to apply sun cream. It is also a good idea to send a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears and where we have outdoor swimming pools, provide your child with an additional T-shirt to protect their back from the sun.
All children should bring a lunchbox to camp, however, as we do not have refrigeration facilities at the camps, we suggest you provide a small cool bag (lunch box size) containing a frozen carton of juice or a small ice pack. This will keep the contents cold until lunchtime.
We provide any equipment necessary for all the activities, from armbands to tennis rackets, so there is no need to send your children with anything other than packed lunch, additional clothing for motorsports/fencing/giant inflatable assault course/archery, swimming kit and sun protection. Please ensure all clothing is named and that your child brings home all items at the end of the day. It is very difficult for us to locate lost property once children have left camp.
We strongly advise that children don't bring mobile telephones, watches, computer games, ipods and such like on to camp. There is no real use for these items and they are often mislaid as children are busy and excited doing other things. Staff are trained not to put themselves in a difficult position by taking care of such items and we cannot accept responsibility if they are lost or stolen. Neither the Customer Protection Plan or our insurance cover such items.
Due to health and hygiene reasons, we are unfortunately unable to allow any birthday cakes (or any other food treats) to be brought onto camp to be shared with the groups.
To promote healthy eating habits we have fresh fruit available for children to buy; we suggest children bring 50p - £1 per day.
Yes – please tell us anything we need to know about your child's health when you make your booking e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, serious allergies and so on. In some cases we may need to send you some more forms and get additional information from you regarding your child's needs. The more information you provide us with the better care we can provide for your child.
At least two members of the Barracudas staff team at each camp will be trained to administer an Epi-Pen in an emergency situation. Parents must inform the camp if their child carries an Epi-Pen.
We're parents too, so we understand your concerns, but don't worry we're well prepared. Qualified first aiders at each camp deal with accidents and illnesses. Fortunately almost everything we have to deal with are grazes on knees, stings and so on. However should a child suffer a more serious injury or fall ill at camp you will be contacted immediately.
You may be amazed at how much your child's confidence will grow at Barracudas. Time and time again parents have told us how their children started camp very nervously, but by the end of their first day all signs of nerves had disappeared and they can't wait to come back! We have been told of children who subsequently found settling into new situations far easier, for example when starting a new school. Our staff are aware children can be worried about coming to camp, and are trained to deal sympathetically with these situations.
In the unlikely event that your child doesn't settle at camp on their first day, please let us know. Very often by speaking to either our Central Office team or the camp staff the same day or following morning, we can resolve any problems related to your child not settling.
For your further reassurance, if this is your child's first visit to Barracudas and if they are still not happy on the second day of camp, or if you don't want to try them again after the first day, we can offer you our Money Back Guarantee. All you need to do is call us by lunchtime after the last day they attended and we will refund your booking in full. What's more, we will give you a £10 voucher for the same child to use when they feel ready to try camp again next year.
This Money Back Guarantee is a genuine offer that applies to all children who are attending Barracudas for the first time. No matter how much we try to reassure you that your child will settle in, we appreciate that in some cases this is a major concern. Therefore, we want you to be able to book your child's first holiday at Barracudas, safe in the knowledge that should it not be right for them at this time, you will not lose out financially.
In fairness to others we can't accept children at camp if they're ill. Please let us know if they have recently had an illness or condition in case they are still infectious. If a child requires medication while at camp, please supply it in a well-labelled container and sign a consent form.
If your child misses days due to illness and you have taken the optional Barracudas Customer Protection Plan (CPP) we will make up the days if we can or refund you if policy conditions are met.
If you don't take out the policy then missed days cannot be taken at another time and there will be no refund. That's why we recommend you take out our CPP.
We understand that your plans can change and we want to be as flexible as possible for you, and also as fair as possible to all customers. At times there will be some restrictions, but the general rule is that changes are easier and cheaper if you have taken CPP. Please see Terms & Conditions for full details. Skills Builder Courses or Early /Late Clubs can only be cancelled if we are given at least 7 days notice.
Without the Customer Protection Plan you can't claim a refund for missed days or cancellation under any circumstances. If you need to switch your dates and we still have space on the dates you'd like to move to, we can make these changes. Please note however, changes can only be made if at least 7 days notice is given.
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
Yes. You can use vouchers in full or part payment. We use the voucher companies listed below, but will always add a new one if you use another provider. Contact your childcare voucher company to forward the payment to us, quoting your customer or booking ID as a reference. If you are unsure how to proceed please call us on 0845 123 5299 and we can run through the process.
Voucher Companies we use:
Computershare (Ref:0007794560), Edenred (Ref:P20000984), Care4 (Ref:80837428), Sodexo (Ref:146839), Cooperative (Ref:85000606), Fideliti (Ref:BAR007C), Busy Bees Benefits (Ref: BBCG15)
Also registered with: All Save, Childcare Plus, Early Years, Fair Care, Gemelli, Kiddi Vouchers, Kids Unlimited, Leapfrog, My Family Care, RG, Teds, The Childcare Account, The Salary Exchange.
If you receive childcare vouchers through a company not listed above please contact us and we should be able to register with them.
Barracudas regularly reviews and updates all of its' policies and procedures, using feedback from staff, clients, host schools and Ofsted, as well as ongoing advice from local authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sports, to ensure up-to-date and safe systems of work. A summary of some of the policies and procedures are provided below, with full versions available to view at camp or earlier by request. If you have any queries, please talk to our Central Office staff on 0845 123 5299.
Barracudas believes that children will flourish best in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement where everyone knows what is expected of them. The group leaders will discuss behaviour with your children during the orientation session on their first day at camp and include a run through of the Barracudas Code of Behaviour.
We concentrate on encouraging good behaviour and ensuring children enjoy their time at camp. Staff treat children with respect, promoting an atmosphere of trust. Should the positive atmosphere of camp be compromised by disruptive or inappropriate behaviour, our staff will explain to the child why it is unacceptable. If the problem cannot be resolved, staff may have no choice but to exclude the child from the camp.
Bullying will not be tolerated at Barracudas. Any such behaviour will be treated seriously and staff will intervene at the earliest possible stage.
All staff at Barracudas have a duty in law to respond if they suspect a child may be suffering from abuse, or if a child makes a disclosure about abuse. Staff will comply with procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB).
Staff will be sensitive to confidential information and not discuss individual children except with the parents concerned and their line manager as required.
Barracudas aims to provide equality of opportunity for all children in our care and takes positive actions to eliminate discrimination. Barracudas is committed to the principle of equal opportunities and to ensuring it is applied to all areas of its' operation.
Barracudas promotes good health and encourages children to lead an active lifestyle. Good hygiene practice is promoted at camp. The camp provides water throughout the day and children bring their own packed lunch from home.
Children cannot be accepted at camp if they are ill. The camp holds a list of common communicable diseases and incubation periods. If a child falls ill at camp, parents will be contacted to collect the child from camp.
In hot weather, staff will remind children to apply sun cream. Parents should supply sun cream and show the child how to apply it.
Barracudas will do all that is reasonable and practicable to protect the health, safety and welfare of all children in our care, along with staff and any other visitors to our sites. Staff will maintain a positive, proactive and diligent attitude towards health and safety throughout the season, frequently checking all systems and reviewing risk assessments if necessary.
Children with special needs and disabilities are welcomed at camp after consultation between parents and staff to ensure that all needs can be met within the staff ratios that we provide. Parents should discuss any particular needs of their child with one of our Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) at Central Office team at the time of booking.
Barracudas has the following written procedures in place, available to view at camp or via our Central Office.
Accident
Emergency Evacuation
Illness
Medication
Missing Child
Site Security
If you're still not sure about joining Barracudas Activity Day Camps this year and you haven't been to us before we have a special promise. Your child can come to camp, meet the FUN staff and try the awesome activities and if after the first day they don't love it, let us know and we'll try even harder. If your child still doesn't think we're great after the second day, we'll be really disappointed but we'll give you all your money back and also a £10 voucher to try again another year!
Young World Leisure Group is a company registered in England. Reg. No. 2764956
The registered office address is Bridge House, 23 Bridge Street, St. Ives, Cambs, PE27 5EH
© 2010 Barracudas
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