Finding the right kids club for your child can be difficult. Is it safe? Are the teachers qualified? Will my child have fun?
Children’s activity directories like Club Hub UK can help as these checks are carried out before the activities are published, but how do you know how to choose from the hundreds of clubs listed? We share some advice from some of the activity providers to help you choose with confidence.
Sophie Jensen – Puddle Ducks Dorset
Puddle Ducks Dorset teach babies and children from birth up to 10 years old and mums-to-be in our Aquanatal Classes, throughout Dorset & West Hants.
“Our biggest tip would have to be recommendations. A lot of our customers come from recommendations from family and friends, and there is no better way! If you are looking into starting a new club with your little one, why not have a read of their reviews – see what their customers think about them. Are the teachers’ great? Are the classes fun? What do their children LOVE about the sessions?”
Always check the website for information on safety and insurances. If in doubt give them a call and have a chat to them. It is so important to make sure that your child is in a happy, safe and fun environment where they can really develop.
Every one of our Puddle Ducks’ staff are DBS checked and all teachers are qualified with the Swimming Teachers’ Association and the Royal Life Saving Society. At Puddle Ducks, our teachers are experts at identifying children’s levels of ability and adapting activities to the individual, nurturing confidence and encouraging natural ability.
As a customer you really need to be assured that each club listed has insurances and are all DBS checked, so you know your children are in safe hands.
Kyle Eastwood – Frenzy Youth Theatre
Finding a kids club can be tough! Where do you start? What might my little one like to do? Is it safe? Will my child gain anything from doing this club? What if my child doesn’t like it after I’ve paid?
“I always think a trial is super important before having to commit to signing up. Not many places will offer a free trial anymore but if they do – try it out! If they don’t, take advantage of the special offer package that might be in place (we offer a free trial on all youth theatre programmes and 3 weeks for just £7.50 on our Mini and Tiny Frenzy sessions).”
If there is no trial available, I would go and watch a class so that you know what goes on, and if it may be something your child will engage with before paying registration or termly bills.
Too few parents these days ask what qualifications the club leaders have, and this is absolutely crucial. If someone is teaching your children to swim or dance or play an instrument but don’t have relevant training, why would you pay them to teach something they can’t fully do themselves?
All Frenzy Youth Theatre classes (22 months-18) are taught by a qualified drama teacher with a full DBS, public liability insurance, pediatric and adult first aid qualifications.
Ruth Chubb – Three Bears Cookery
As a parent it can be difficult finding a good club or activity for your children to attend, are they safe for children, friendly and welcoming, do the staff have the necessary checks to run their club. These are all questions that I have flying through my brain when I’m scrolling down a list of activities!
“My advice as a club owner and a parent is to go on to their website and check do they have paediatric first aid, are the staff DBS checked, do they have liability insurance? Do they have the relevant certificates needed to run that type of club?”
Reviews are also good to go by to, if the club has lots of good reviews with parents and children enjoying their experience then that says a lot! Be choosey where you search for the clubs.
Carly Poyser – Little Scrummers Rugby Ltd
We are passionate about delivering exciting, great fun and educational classes with professional qualified coaches with the aim to encouraging children not only into rugby, but encourage whole families to enjoy sport and get out and exercise and play together.
As a parent you need to know that all clubs listed have insurance and DBS checks which gives you peace of mind.
Hayley Azzopardi – Sensory Time UK
When choosing a club for your child safety and quality is paramount.
“Look for The CAA logo when choosing a club, speak with other parents and get a feel of what your local clubs are like.”
Attend a taster session before committing yourself, but before attending ask the important questions to the club leaders; are you qualified, insured, first aided, DBS checked? What polices do you have in place to keep my child safe?
Parents have every right to ask these questions and get answers for the service they are paying for. Here at Sensory Time UK we are Gold Accredited by The Children Activities Association. This shows that we have met the highest compliance’s for safety and quality. As Early Years Practitioners we are passionate about our environment we are providing for our families.
