Choosing the Right Holiday Camp for Your 4–5 Year Old
It’s a season of little firsts. New routines, new faces, new friendships and a whole new sense of independence.
For your child, there is suddenly so much to take in. And for you, there can be a mixture of pride, excitement and perhaps a little bit of wondering how they’re finding it all.
So when the first school holiday comes around, it’s natural to want to choose somewhere that feels like the right fit.
Somewhere they can relax, be themselves, try something new and enjoy being a child, while you feel confident knowing they are being well looked after.
You might be wondering: Will they feel comfortable? Will they settle? Will they enjoy themselves? And will they be ready for a full day at Holiday Camp?
1. Find Age Appropriate Camps
What to look for when your child has just started Reception
A four year old and an eleven year old can have very different needs.
Younger children may need more reassurance, clearer instructions, regular breaks and plenty of encouragement when trying something new.
Look at the age range of the camp and ask how activities are adapted for younger children.
At The Strings Club, our Holiday Camps welcome children in reception from age 4, with activities designed to be accessible and enjoyable for different ages and abilities.
Our younger campers can take part in music, creative workshops, games and outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities to try things at their own pace.
2. Ask about safeguarding
This is one of the most important things to consider.
A Holiday Camp should be able to clearly explain how it keeps children safe. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
You might want to find out:
- Are staff appropriately DBS checked?
- What safeguarding training do staff receive?
- Who is responsible for safeguarding at the camp?
- What supervision ratios are in place?
- How are concerns or incidents recorded and dealt with?
- What happens if your child becomes upset or needs additional support?
At The Strings Club, safeguarding is central to how we run our Holiday Camps.
Our safeguarding arrangements are informed by current statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
We have Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy DSLs, and our staff and volunteers are safely recruited and vetted, including Enhanced DBS checks.
Our team receives safeguarding and online safety training, with ongoing supervision and support.
Most importantly, we want children to feel listened to, respected and able to speak up if something doesn't feel right.
3. Think about the environment
For a child who has only just started school, a huge Holiday Camp can feel overwhelming.
Consider the size of the setting, how many children attend and whether there are enough adults available to support them.
At The Strings Club, our Holiday Camps are small settings, with up to 40 children and a 1:8 adult-to-child supervision ratio.
That means our team can get to know the children, notice when someone needs a little extra reassurance and help them feel comfortable throughout the day.
4. Look for a balance of structure and play
Younger children often thrive when they know what is happening next.
A good Holiday Camp should have enough structure to give the day a rhythm, while still leaving room for children to play, explore and simply be themselves.
At The Strings Club, the day includes music sessions alongside creative workshops, games, movement and outdoor activities.
There is plenty to get involved in, but children aren't expected to sit still all day.
5. Ask how they support new children
Even confident children can feel nervous about their first Holiday Camp.
Ask what happens if your child doesn't want to join an activity straight away. How are children welcomed in the morning? Who will help them if they miss you?
These little details can make a big difference.
Our Camp teams know that the first morning can be the hardest part. We give children time to settle in, introduce them to the team and other children, and encourage them to join in when they feel ready.
Sometimes that first day takes a little patience.
And that's okay.
6. Check what you'll hear from home
For parents, knowing how your child has got on during the day can make a huge difference.
Find out whether the camp provides updates, photographs or feedback for parents.
At The Strings Club, families receive daily updates and access to private photo galleries, so you can get a little glimpse of their day while they're busy having fun.
And then, hopefully, you get the very best kind of update at pick-up:
"Can I come back tomorrow?"
Choosing a Holiday Camp is about more than activities
Of course, you want your child to have fun.
But for a four or five year old, the right Holiday Camp should also help them feel comfortable, included, listened to and confident.
Look beyond the list of activities and ask questions about the people, the environment and the way children are supported.
And trust your instincts.
The right camp should feel like somewhere you are happy to leave your child, and somewhere they can enjoy being themselves.
At The Strings Club, we bring together music, creativity, play and trusted childcare for children aged 4–11.