Choosing the best summer holiday childcare for your children can be confusing and time-consuming, as there are so many options available! We've put together a quick, simple guide to help you choose the best fit for you and your child.

At The Strings Club, we have more than 12 years of experience creating unforgettable holiday camp experiences. As a mum myself, I am also keenly aware of how tricky it can be to navigate childcare options for school holidays.

Here are our top five tips for finding the best summer holiday childcare...

1. Make Safety Checks Top Priority

Holiday camps are all about fun and engaging experiences, but safety should always come first. A safe space allows a child to feel comfortable and flourish, while providing peace of mind for the parents. Look for Ofsted-registered camps to ensure high safety standards. You can check if a summer childcare provider is Ofsted-registered on the Ofsted website here. Camps that register have provided details on how many children they are looking after, staff qualifications and more.

Be sure to ask what safety and background checks the camps you are interested in conduct with potential staff.

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2. Check on Vetting Process for Summer Holiday Childcare Staff 

The team running the camp makes a big difference to your child's experience and your peace of mind while they are there. At The Strings Club, we hire only the best and maintain a ratio of one trained adult for every eight kids!

Everyone who joins our staff undergoes our rigorous selection and training process including DBS Enhanced Disclosure and two reference checks, alongside safeguarding training. Be sure the summer childcare you choose has plenty of qualified staff, including at least two with paediatric first aid training.

3. Ensure Variety of Stimulating Activities

Kids love variety, so look for summer childcare that offers a mix of activities to keep them engaged. At The Strings Club, our activities focus on Musicianship, Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Ask who is designing the activities that are being offered. Our activities leader Lucy Hoy is a qualified primary teacher who is also currently studying for a PhD in Education. She creates an amazing selection of stimulating activities for our camps!

4. Read Reviews by Other Parents 

Check reviews from other parents who have used the camp before to find out about their experiences. A quick Google search with the camp's name and "review" can give you a good idea. We’re proud that our summer childcare is rated ‘exceptional’ on the review platform Feefo. You can check out all of our 550+ 5-star reviews here! 

5. Ask how Communication is Conducted

Good communication with your summer holiday childcare provider is key. At The Strings Club, we send an "Essential Info" email before each Holiday Camp starts, as well as daily newsletters and a Daily Diary filled out by your child’s own key person. Our Head Office is also available until 6pm each day to help with any questions.

Be sure to check out our guide on Ways to Save with The Strings Club including 10% new customer discount to free days for you and a friend when you recommend us!

We hope this guide helps, and if you’re looking for unforgettable childcare this summer, then we'd love to welcome your child to one of our award-winning holiday camps.