General Questions
What time do the Fun Days start & finish?
Our standard day is 9.00am – 4.00pm with the option of adding an early drop off from 8.00am or extending the day to 5.00pm for an additional cost. Please note that an early drop-off or late pick-up session cannot be booked without booking a standard day.
When do you offer the Fun Days?
We provide our Fun Days in each school holiday – February half-term, Easter, May half-term, Summer, October half-term and Christmas & New Year.
Some of our sites might only operate at specific times of the year, e.g. Easter, Summer & Christmas. To view when your nearest site is open throughout the year, visit our locations page by clicking here.
Are you registered with Ofsted and what is your Ofsted number?
Yes, we are registered with Ofsted, each site has a specific registration number which can be found on the location page. Our company Ofsted number is 2559381.
We are proud to have passed two Ofsted inspections in 2024, at Braywick Leisure Centre & Studley Leisure Centre.
What ages can attend your Fun Days?
Our Fun Days are open to children aged 5 (in school year 1) – 12.
If your child is aged 13+ and would like to attend our Fun Days, please feel free to get in touch with us. We welcome 13 year olds as “Play Leaders”, which is a mix of taking part in the activities and being a helper.
Can my child stay with their siblings and/or friends?
Yes, absolutely! We understand that your child(ren) may feel most comfortable when with their siblings and/or friends so they can stay together for the duration of the day.
Because all of our activities are optional, they can stay together to take part in a specific activity if they want too. The only exception to this will be Swimming as we have to split the group into two age groups, those between 5 & 7, and those aged 8 to 12. This is due to staffing ratios for each age group whilst in the pool.
What does my child need to bring?
Your child(ren) will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks and a refillable drinks bottle. We have two snack breaks during the day, approx 9.30am and 3.30pm, and we have lunch at approx 12.00pm. We do advise that the packed lunch and snacks doesn’t contain nuts.
Your child(ren) will also need to bring their swimming kit if they are swimming, this includes their swimming costume, trunks, shorts etc, towel, goggles and a bag.
In the warmer months, please bring a hat in case we go outside for activities, and in the colder months, please ensure your child(ren) has appropriate warm clothing.
Do you provide lunch and snacks?
We don’t provide lunch and snacks, unless your child has booked onto one of our HAF Fun Days where they will be provided lunch and snacks as part of the HAF Programme.
Each site has a water fountain so if your child(ren) runs out of water, we can refill.
Do you accept HAF vouchers?
Yes, we are registered with the HAF programme and therefore, we accept HAF vouchers. However, we’re not registered to accept HAF vouchers for every site, please click on your closest site via our locations page to see if we accept HAF vouchers at that specific site.
What is the HAF programme and am I entitled to it?
The HAF programme is a government funded scheme for children who are in receipt of free school meals. If your child(ren) is eligble, they can attend our Fun Days free of charge via your local council. The HAF programme is available to book in the Easter, Summer & Christmas holidays, it’s not available to book in the half-terms.
We provide lunch and snacks as part of the HAF programme, however this is optional so if your child(ren) would rather eat a packed lunch provided by you, that is absolutely fine.
If you feel that you’re entitled to the HAF programme, contact your local council and they will advise you on how to apply.
For more information on the HAF programme, you can visit the government page by clicking here.
How can I view your policies and procedures?
You can view our policies and procedures on our Policies page by clicking here.
If you have any questions relating to a specific policy and/or procedure, please feel free to contact us via email or phone 01344 508008.
Are your staff DBS checked?
Yes, all of our staff are DBS checked before they start their employment with us. It’s highly important for us to ensure that any new staff have a clean DBS before they work with children.
My child is nervous about attending and doesn't know anybody, how can you help?
We completely understand if your child(ren) is nervous when attending, whether it’s their first time or they don’t know anyone, it’s a natural feeling. We advise making us aware that they are nervous upon arrival so our site leader and team are aware and can help your child(ren) settle in as soon as possible.
Our options include: –
- Finding a “buddy” – a child who has attended before and has a similar interest and/or age to your child(ren), we can buddy your child(ren) with another child to help them settle in.
- Being our little helper – any extra help is always much appreciated so if your child(ren) would like to be our little helpers for a period of time to help them settle in, that’s absolutely fine.
- Participating in a preferred activity – upon arrival, the children will be participating in choosing time activities. This will be a good opportunity for your child(ren) to participate in an activity with children of similar interests. Choosing Time includes Arts & Crafts, Lego Building, Gaming, a Sport, Pool Table, Table Tennis, Axe Throwing and more!
How can I get in touch with someone to see how my child is getting on whilst at your Fun Day?
We understand if you need to check how your child(ren) is getting on for peace of mind, therefore feel free to message us on WhatsApp via 07368 637 053 or call 01344 508008.
My child has additional needs, how can you help?
When you register your child(ren) online, they’ll be options to include as much information as possible, this helps and allows our team to be as prepared as possible to support your child(ren). Communication with our site leader is very important when you sign your child(ren) in, this helps form a connection to us as early as possible and allows our site leader to ask questions about how we can help support.
Our team are experienced in supporting lots of children with additional needs. We will ensure that we create the right environment for your child to feel comfortable and happy in our care.
My child receives 1-1 support at school, are you able to provide 1-1 support?
We’re not able to provide 1-1 support via a member of our team, however, if your child does get 1-1 support in school, we advise speaking to the school and/or local council to see if they are able source and fund 1-1 support for your child.
Is there anywhere that I can check reviews and feedback?
Yes, absolutely, we understand how important reviews and feedback can be so you can check our reviews on Google by clicking here.
We also include genuine reviews on each locations page, these reviews are taken from our Google reviews so they are 100% authentic.
Do you go outside at all?
Outside play is different for each site. If the specific location has access to a safe outside space, we do take the children outside, especially in the warmer months. However, as we all know, the Great British weather isn’t always kind so it’s weather dependant.
How is my child kept safe when going to the toilet?
Children are taken to the toilet by a member of our team, children are not to go by themselves. We typically use individual toilet cubicles at each of our sites to ensure that the children are safe when going to the toilet. We have regular toilet breaks during the day and if your child(ren) needs the toilet, they just need to ask.
Booking Questions
How do I make a booking?
All our bookings are made online. You can register or login by clicking here.
To make a booking, you must first select the standard day and then add any early drop-offs or late pick-ups. If the standard day sessions on your preferred dates are showing as sold out then that session has reached maximum capacity.
Please do not book an early drop-off or late pick-up session when the standard day is shown as fully booked as your booking will not be valid and you will denied entry to the site.
Your online account gives all the information we need for your child, so please make sure it is completed as accurately as possible.
I want to make changes to my booking; how do I do this?
You can manage elements of your booking through your online account, such as adding an early drop-off, late pick-up or cancelling your booking.
If you need to remove an early drop-off and/or late pick-up and/or a specific day, you will need to contact our admin team at info@lets-play.org.uk, WhatsApp on 07368637053 or call 01344 508008.
The day that I want to book is fully booked, do you operate a waiting list?
If a specific day is sold out online, we recommend getting in touch with us to let us know that you’d like to book that specific day. There are instances where we can increase the capacity slightly so if it’s showing as sold out, don’t worry, we’ll certainly see what we can do to welcome your child(ren).
If we’re not able to increase the capacity then we will take your details and offer you the space if we receieve a cancellation.
Can I make a booking for my child and their friend?
Each booking must be made by each child’s parent/carer, this is to ensure we have the correct information for each child, including their parent/carers contact information. Therefore, please do not make a booking for your child’s friend, if we notice a problem with your booking, we will get in touch with you to ask you to amend your booking and to ensure it’s correct.
Do you offer half-days?
Yes, we offer half days as a booking option at all of our locations. You can find out all the information here
My child is 4.5, can I book them in?
We welcome children from the age of 5, in school year 1 to attend our full and half day sessions.
Please note that, in line with Ofsted guidance, children do not officially move into Year 1 until the new school year starts in September. Until then, any children who have finished reception before the summer holidays cannot attend.
Activity Questions
What activities do the children do?
We offer a wide range of activities to suit the interests of each child attending. Each site has a specific list of activities, the activities can be found on each locations page by clicking here.
All of the activities are optional so if you see an activity that your child(ren) won’t enjoy, they don’t have to take part if they don’t want too and can take part in something else instead.
Does my child have to swim?
Not at all, like every other activity, Swimming is optional. If your child(ren) doesn’t want to swim, they can take part in other activities on offer at that specific time.
My child isn't a confident swimmer, how can you support them?
If your child isn’t a confident swimmer, that’s absolutely fine and they are still able to take part. Please provide us with information upon arrival so we’re aware of why they aren’t confident in the water and we will be able to provide a solution.
If your child is aged 8+, they will be welcome to swim with the under 8 group if they would rather swim in shallower water. If not, we can provide your child with floats and noddles if they wish to use these to be confident in the water. We ensure that children are swimming in depths that they are confident swimming in.
Swimming is supervised by Swimming teachers, lifeguards and a member of our team so there’s a team to support your child if necessary.
How is my child supervised during swimming?
Swimming is supervised by Swimming teachers, lifeguards and a member of our team.
What do they do when they are Swimming?
It depends on each site and what each site includes, for example, at some of our sites, we have access to slides and a play area and other sites just have a swimming pool.
Generally, for children aged 5 – 7, they are supervised by a Swimming teacher who will supervise games and activities in the pool, and free play. Children aged 8 – 12 are able to participate in free play. Both groups will have access to a variety of swimming toys, including floats, sinkers, balls etc.
If your nearest site has anything in addition to a Swimming Pool (e.g. slides), we will include this on each locations page.
My child needs help getting changed for swimming, can you help?
We are able to provide direction to your child(ren) to help them get changed for swimming, but we can’t get them changed due to Safeguarding. We understand some children will need help with a specific bit of clothing, e.g. t-shirt inside out, so our team are able to help arrange clothing for children to get changed into.
Where does my child get changed for swimming?
At every location, we have exclusive use of changing rooms to get changed for swimming, we do not share changing rooms with the general public. Once the children are changed, they will keep their clothes in the changing rooms whilst they swim, and the changing rooms won’t be used by anybody else.
How can I see what activities they are doing on each specific day?
We send out our timetable of activities before the start of each Fun Week so you and your child(ren) are aware of what will be offered on each specific day. The activities offered on each day can sometimes change on the day due to logistical and/or participation reasons, for example, swimming pool is shut or not enough children want to take part in an activity and instead, want to do something else.
My child doesn't like some of the activities, do they have to take part?
No, not at all! We want each child to be happy and comfortable on the day they are attending so if they don’t want to take part in a specific activity that’s fine. They will have the option to take part in something else at that time so they’re active and taking part in something. We always have lots of activities on offer so we hope they’ll be something of interest to them.
What is Choosing Time?
Choosing Time is when the children can choose to take part in any of the activities on offer. This typically includes the following: –
- Arts & Crafts
- Lego Building
- Straw Building
- Table Football
- Pool Table
- Table Tennis
- Gaming (only on at specific times of the day)
- Use of Garden Games – Snakes & Ladders, Bowling, Cornhole, Tic-Tac-Toe
- Bouncy Castle (only if on)
- Axe Throwing
- Sport
Payment Questions
How do I make payment?
Payment can be made via credit/debit card, Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers & Childcare Grant Service. If you wish to pay via a different method, please get in touch with us.
Please visit our Payment Options page for more info, including a list of our Childcare Voucher names and numbers.
If we cancel booking, do we still need to pay?
You can cancel your booking and be eligible for a credit note if we receive two or more working days’ notice. Any cancellations received within two days of the booking will be chargeable at the full amount.
If you think you may be entitled to a refund due to special circumstances, then please contact the team at info@lets-play.org.uk, WhatsApp on 07368637053 or on 01344 508008 and we can advise you on this.
Do you provide refunds?
We don’t provide refunds, instead we provide a credit note which can be used at any point in the future, there’s no expiry date. If we provide you with a credit note, we will place the credit on your online account and will show on your account balance.
We provide a credit note if you cancel your booking with two days notice.
I need an invoice to claim back childcare costs, can you provide one?
Yes, absolutely. If you need us to create an invoice for you, please contact us via info@lets-play.org.uk.
I want to make a payment via childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare, how do I make the payment?
You will need to login to your childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare account to make the payment to us. Once the payment has been received, we will send you with a receipt via email. Please note, the payments aren’t instant and can take a few working days to reach our account so if you don’t receive a receipt straight away, it just means we haven’t received the payment yet.
To check our childcare voucher account names and numbers, and our tax-free childcare username, please visit our payment options page by clicking here.
Find Out More
If you still have a question that isn't covered above, please get in touch.