Holiday Club Promise

Our Holiday Club Promise in Action

At Practically Family, our promise to you isn’t just something we say - it’s something we live, every single day. From the way we welcome each child to the way we support families, here’s how we bring that promise to life across everything we do.

The best for every child

EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL We believe every child has the right to shine. All children are different and want to play and discover in their own ways. That’s why, as well as bringing our own special brand of magic, our holiday clubs are always inclusive, respectful and fair. Children are the centre of our world. We build exceptional experiences around them, turning disadvantage into advantage and prejudice into promise. Our Crew members value children’s opinions and will do everything in their power to make their holiday memorable.

High-quality care

YOUR KIDS ARE OUR KIDS We love everything about kids. The giggles, the tears, the crazy questions, the messy play, the noisy days and the quiet time. Children are loved and cared for as if they’re our own. We want parents to feel like they can trust us like family members to look out for their child and take a genuine interest in their needs. We create an inviting, warm and nurturing space where children can be themselves, play in their own way and embark on adventures that help them fly!

What we want children to learn

WE PLAY TO CHILDREN’S STRENGTHS We see our activity plan as a guide rather than a rule book. We can see children’s potential and encourage every child to reach for the stars. But it’s fine to take both straight and wiggly paths to get there. We believe no child’s holiday club experience should be mapped out and will constantly adapt and tweak our days to meet their individual needs.  Our staff are highly trained in multiple disciplines, from education to sport, to bring out the best in every child, forever creating opportunities to try new things. We’d rather spend meaningful time with the kids helping them to enjoy unforgettable experiences than simply tick boxes.

Pedagogy: helping children to learn

LEARNING OUTSIDE THE BOX Children are sponges for knowledge and we give them plenty of exciting opportunities to soak it up. Whether it’s letting imaginations run wild in independent play or inspiring young minds through guided activities, we create a broad mix of environments that help them to learn in their own way.  We invite pre-schoolers to solve problems in groups and shape leadership skills in older kids, all in a space that’s supportive, friendly and fun. Our fantastic facilities and set-up take a holistic approach, covering everything from inquiry-based to constructivist learning. Which means children can be playing with Lego one minute and exploring outdoors the next. We encourage active learning, supporting kids to keep trying and never give up. By developing their creative and critical thinking skills, they become confident contributors and can celebrate the success of their own ideas.

Assessment: checking what children have learnt

SUPPORTING NOT SCRUTINISING Our Crew members know children inside and out. Our Crew Leaders are highly qualified in child development and understand how to match activities to individual needs, while our Crew Mates and Cadets are passionate about play, often pursuing their own childcare careers. Every session has a sprinkling of magic and wonder which means children feel supported, not scrutinised. We listen to children and value their voice.  Our deep knowledge of the EYFS framework and numerous other teaching methods from around the world means we instantly know whether a child is meeting their educational goals. There are no formal assessments, but we are always watching, listening and championing our kids. If they leave with a newfound resilience, confidence and self-belief we’ve passed the test.

Self-regulation and executive function

WE KNOW HOW TO EXPRESS OURSELVES  We take turns. We know right from wrong. We listen to others and help our friends. Every child is encouraged to develop positive habits from the start. We help our young ones to communicate and our older children to understand their feelings and self-regulate their emotions. Ultimately, we help children to become responsible for their own personal needs and learn to make healthy choices for their bodies and minds. These are the building blocks of creating awesome adults who are confident, resilient, caring and respectful.

Partnership with parents

AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE FAMILY Our parents are like old friends. They know we will be there for them for life. We build bonds with them from the start and really get to know their families, so we can work together to provide the best support in the holidays. We talk to parents after every session and never limit the amount of time we spend.  Everyone in the family has a place in our hearts and a space in our family, from holiday clubbers in waiting, counting down the days to their turn, to big brothers and grandparents. We remember family dynamics, so children have consistency of care. All parents are made to feel part of the club and we keep in touch throughout the year even when it’s not running. Whether through our newsletter, social media, emails or chats when we inevitably bump into each other, there’s a closeness and connection with our families that you won’t find elsewhere.