FAQs

Holiday Camps

We understand that you will have lots of questions about Go Beanies, your child's welfare and host of other details, so we have provided answers to some of the most common questions asked by children and parents.

For peace of mind, we offer our money back guarantee to ensure your child is happy at our camp - see the FAQs below for more details.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What age can my child come to camp?

Children can attend our camps from the 1st September following their fifth birthday up to 12 years of age.

Is Go Beanies Ofsted Approved?

Yes, Go Beanies is a registered provider of childcare on non-domestic premises on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register at all our camps. We are also registered on the Early Years Register at Westwood Farm.

Our Ofsted registrations numbers are EY542989 (Westwood Farm), EY543505 (Finkley Down Farm), EY544895 (Longridge) and EY501740 (Wellington Country Park).

Does Go Beanies accept childcare vouchers?

Yes, we are able to accept childcare vouchers from most accredited suppliers as payment towards the cost of camp.

Please contact Go Beanies Customer Service team on 01189841684 or email enquiries@gobeanies.org if you would like to make a booking with the use of childcare vouchers (please note that the online booking system is currently only available for card payments).

What should my child bring to camp?

• Appropriate yet comfortable clothing for indoor/outdoor activity including trainers/tracksuit/shorts/T Shirt etc.
• A change of clothes
• Wellies for trips to the park and animals
• Packed lunch (if you’ve not ordered a lunch with us)
• Packed morning & afternoon snack & drink
• Plastic drinks bottle
• Sun hat/cap and sun cream during warm weather
• Warm clothing (including jacket, jumper and preferably waterproofs) during cold weather
• Swimwear/towel (for paddling pool subject to parent's permission)
• Some pocket money (between 50p-£1) for the children should they want to buy some tasty snacks from our tuck shop.

What shouldn't my child bring to camp?

We would be grateful if children did not bring any valuable items to camp (such as mobile phones and tablets) as unfortunately we cannot take responsibility for these items.

Can my child be in the same group as their friend?

We will certainly do our best to make sure that friends are in the same group. Please kindly indicate your preference on the Additional Information Form at the point of booking so we can accommodate your request.

How is the day organised?

Our daily programme starts at 9.30 with circle time to welcome children to camp and help them settle in to the exciting day ahead followed by 5 core sessions with several choices available during each period. We also have a lunch and two short breaks.

Children will be grouped by age range as follows : 4-7 years ; 8-10 years ; and 11-12 years.

An illustration of the range of activities on offer can be found under the holiday camps section on our home page.

Are meals provided?

Go Beanies will provide healthy, nutritious and balanced food and drinks for the children of parents who select our ‘lunch option’ at the point of booking. Food and drink will be safely prepared with regard to the dietary and religious requirements of the children in our care. We ask parents to notify us regarding any special dietary requirements or allergies when they register their child via the Additional Information Form.

Information regarding food allergies will be recorded on the Allergy Information Board which is visible to staff whilst food is being prepared.

Go Beanies will promote healthy eating and will lead by example. Staff responsible for food preparation, handling and storage have received appropriate training. We are also registered with the local council, are Food Standards Agency compliant and have a ‘good’ food hygiene rating. We also provide drinking water and squash throughout the day.

Please note that the lunch option is only available currently at our Westwood Farm venue.

Who will be looking after my child?

We are very proud to have a very dynamic and enthusiastic team at Go Beanies who are not only accomplished in their field but know how to have fun and motivate & encourage the children within their groups to have an incredibly exciting and rewarding camp experience.

Our on-site Camp Manager is responsible for ensuring that the camp runs smoothly overseeing all the staff, the timetables for each age group and the general health & welfare of the children.

Our Instructors have a lot of practical experience, are DBS checked and safeguard trained.

There are also qualified first aiders at each camp venue.

What are your staff to child ratios?

Our overall child to staff ratios at Go Beanies are as follows:

5-7 year olds 1:10 maximum
8-12 year olds 1:15 maximum

Where do I drop off and collect my child?

Westwood Farm
The car park is located inside the main entrance gates opposite the club house. Please come through. You will be asked to sign your child in and out of the premises on the register provided and the time of arrival and departure noted.

Wellington Country Park & Finkley Down Farm
The Go Beanies registration desk is located by the main reception/entrance point to each venue.
Please inform Go Beanies in advance if you wish to nominate another friend or family member to collect your child from camp. We will provide you with a unique password and the person collecting your child will need to provide this password and proof of identity.

What time can I drop off and collect my child?

The camp is open from 8.30am to 5.15pm Monday to Friday with activities running from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Drop-off and pick-up are from 8.30-9.15am and 4.30-5.15pm respectively. We also have a full day pass option (FDP) for parents who need the additional flexibility. The FDP gives parents additional flexibility and convenience to drop their child off from 8am and collect until 5:45pm. Full day passes cost £6 and can be ordered on line when making your booking or added up to 48 hours in advance either online or by telephone. Unauthorised delays will be subject to penalty fees (unless the delay was genuinely unavoidable)

What’s your policy for uncollected children?

Go Beanies endeavours to ensure that all children are collected by a parent or carer at the end of each session. If a child is not collected, and the parent or carer has not notified us that they will be delayed, we will follow the procedure set out below:

Up to 15 minutes late

• When the parent or carer arrives they will be reminded that they must call the Camp to notify us if they are delayed.
• The parent or carer will be informed that penalty fees will have to be charged (unless the delay was genuinely unavoidable).

Over 15 minutes late

• If a parent or carer is more than 15 minutes late in collecting their child, the manager will try to contact them using the contact details on file.
• If there is no response from the parent or carer, messages will be left requesting that they contact the Camp immediately. The manager will then try to contact the emergency contacts listed on the child’s registration form.
• While waiting to be collected, the child will be supervised by at least two members of staff.
• When the parent or carer arrives they will be reminded that they must call the Camp to notify us if they are delayed, and that penalty fees will have to be charged (except in exceptional circumstances).

Over 30 minutes late

• If the manager has been unable to contact the child’s parents or carers after 30 minutes, the manager will contact the local Social Care team for advice.
• The child will remain in the care of two of the Camp’s staff, on the Camp’s premises if possible, until collected by the parent or carer, or until placed in the care of the Social Care team.

Managing persistent lateness

The manager will record incidents of late collection and will discuss them with the child’s parents or carers. Parents and carers will be reminded that if they persistently collect their child late they may lose their place at the Camp. Go Beanies reserves the right to charge a fee of £10.00 per child for late collection. An additional charge of £10 per child will be charged for every 15 minutes that passes until collection.

Can I get some feedback on my child's day?

We would be delighted to give feedback on your child’s experience at the end of each day. The Camp Manager will be able to provide feedback at the collection desk. Please don’t hesitate to ask.

What happens if it rains?

We are fully prepared for such an eventuality and have a fully packed indoor programme within our Clubhouses at Westwood Farm, Finkley Down Farm and Wellington Country Park. The fun never stops at Go Beanies whatever the weather!

My child needs extra help. Can they still come to camp?

Our Camp recognises that some children have additional needs or physical disabilities that require particular support and assistance. We will assess the individual needs of each child in consultation with their parents prior to their attending the Camp, and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that children can access our services and are made to feel welcome.

What should I do if my child has left their belongings at camp?

We would be grateful if parents could ensure that all items of clothing, lunch boxes, bags and any other items are fully labelled. Should your child leave an item of property behind, we will store it in lost property during the Camp. Please do inform the Camp Manager as soon as you’ve become aware that any property has been left behind and we will make arrangements for the property to be returned.

My child has a specific medical condition. Do I need to tell you?

Yes, please. It is absolutely essential that you tell us about your child’s health and any specific medical conditions when you make your booking by completing and sending us a copy of the Additional Information Form.

If a child attending Go Beanies requires prescription medication of any kind, their parent or carer must indicate this on the Additional Information Form and give their consent for the medication to be administered . Staff at the camp will not administer any medication without such prior written consent.

Ideally children should take their medication before arriving at the camp. If this is not possible, children will be encouraged to take personal responsibility for their medication, if appropriate. If children carry their own medication (eg asthma inhalers), Camp staff will offer to keep the medication safe until it is required. Inhalers must be labelled with the child’s name.

Go Beanies can only administer medication that has been prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. However, if a medicine contains aspirin we can only administer it if it has been prescribed by a doctor. All medication provided must have the prescription sticker attached which includes the child’s name, the date, the type of medicine and the dosage.

A designated staff member will be responsible for administering medication or for witnessing self-administration by the child. The designated person will record receipt of the medication and will check that the medication is properly labelled, and will ensure that it is stored securely during the session.

If a child suffers from a long term medical condition the camp will ask the child's parents to provide a medical care plan from their doctor, to clarify exactly what the symptoms and treatment are so that the camp has a clear statement of the child's medical requirements.

What if my child is ill or has an accident at the camp?

At Go Beanies we will deal promptly and effectively with any illnesses or injuries that occur while children are in our care. We take all practical steps to keep staff and children safe from communicable diseases.

All parents or carers must complete the Additional Information Form when their child joins the Camp, requesting permission for emergency medical treatment for their child in the event of a serious accident or illness.

We will record any accidents or illnesses, together with any treatment given, on an Incident Record or Accident Record sheet as appropriate, which the parent or carer will be asked to sign when they collect the child.

Go Beanies cannot accept children who are ill. If any children are ill when they first arrive at Camp we will immediately notify their parents or carers to come and collect them. Any children who have been ill should not return to the Camp until they have fully recovered.

The Camp’s designated First Aiders hold current first aid certificates and have attended an Ofsted/Local Authority approved paediatric first aid course.

What if my child is unwell?

Go Beanies should be informed before 9am if your child will not be attending due to sickness

Children cannot be accepted at camp if they are ill. Please ideally let us know before 9am if your child will not be attending due to sickness. The camp holds a list of common communicable diseases and incubation periods. If a child falls ill at camp, parents will be contacted to collect their child from the camp.

BOOKING & PAYMENT INFORMATION

How much does it cost for my child to attend camp?

Full details of our prices and special offers can be found under the 'Prices & Offers' tab at the top of the home page.

How do I make a booking?

Booking with Go Beanies is simple. You can book by the day, week or both, to give you complete flexibility around your holiday needs. Once you’re ready just select the dates you need on our easy online booking system. We can also take bookings over the phone.

You'll have the opportunity to add extras such as our lunch option and full day passes to your booking.

Please call Go Beanies on 01189841684 or email info@gobeanies.org if you would like to make a booking with childcare vouchers. The online booking system can only accept card payments.

How and when can I pay?

Whether you book 2 days or 2 weeks paying is easy. Go to our book online option and follow the simple steps. We accept all major credit and debit cards. Payment can also be made over the telephone.

Full payment must be made at the time of booking to guarantee your child’s place at camp. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Please call our office on 01189841684 or email info@gobeanies.org if you would like to make a payment with childcare vouchers.

What if I need to change my booking date?

We know plans change so you can change booking dates for FREE up to 14 days before your camp booking - as long as its within the current season and there’s availability. Changes made less than 14 days prior to the date you would like to change will incur a £10 administration fee. If you have booked a full week then we can only move the booking as a full week, unless you are happy to pay the difference in price to split into days.

Please call our customer service team on 01189841684 if you need to change your booking date.

Why do I need to complete the Additional Information Form?

The form is an important part of the registration and booking process. We capture all the essential information about your child including your contact details in an emergency, their medical information, special needs and dietary requirements. The form can be downloaded from the book online section of the website or from the following link/. Please return the completed form either via email to enquiries@gobeanies.org or by post to Go Beanies, 1 Shooters Hill, Pangbourne, Berkshire RG8 7DZ. Completed forms should be returned as soon as possible after confirming your booking.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

What’s your behaviour management policy?

Go Beanies uses effective behaviour management strategies to promote the welfare and enjoyment of children attending Camp. Working in partnership with parents, we aim to manage behaviour using clear, consistent and positive strategies. The Camp rules are clearly displayed at every session, and are discussed regularly. Whilst at Go Beanies we expect children to:

• Use socially acceptable behaviour
• Comply with the Camp rules, which are compiled by the children attending the camp
• Respect one another, accepting differences of race, gender, ability, age and religion
• Develop their independence by maintaining self-discipline
• Choose and participate in a variety of activities
• Ask for help if needed
• Enjoy their time at the Camp

Encouraging positive behaviour
At Go Beanies positive behaviour is encouraged by:

• Staff acting as positive role models
• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Informing parents about individual achievements
• Certificates for exceptional accomplishments
• Offering a variety of play opportunities to meet the needs of the children attending the Camp

It is inevitable that as children develop and learn, there are times when they need support and guidance to understand that their behaviour is not acceptable. Staff at the Camp will try to determine the cause or triggers of the inappropriate behaviour to prevent the situation from recurring.

What is your policy on bullying?

Go Beanies will provide a supportive, caring and safe environment in which all children are free from the fear of being bullied. Bullying of any form is not tolerated in our Camp, whether carried out by a child or an adult.

Staff, children and parents or carers will be made aware of the Camp’s position on bullying. Bullying behaviour is unacceptable in any form.

Any child who is a victim of bullying will be dealt with in a sympathetic manner. If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff informed, and then discussed with the supervisor. A clear account of the incident will be recorded in an Incident log. All staff will be informed so that close monitoring of the victim and bully can begin. Parents of both parties will be informed.

What's your child protection policy?

Go Beanies is committed to building a ‘culture of safety’ in which the children in our care are protected from abuse and harm. The Camp will respond promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns of abuse that may occur. The Camp’s child protection procedures comply with all relevant legislation and with guidance issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

What's your confidentiality policy?

At Go Beanies we respect the privacy of the children attending the Camp and the privacy of their parents or carers. Our aim is to ensure that all those using and working at Go Beanies can do so with confidence.

We will respect confidentiality in the following ways:

• Parents can ask to see the records relating to their child, but will not have access to information about any other children.
• Staff only discuss individual children for purposes of planning and group management.
• Staff are made aware of the importance of confidentiality during their induction process.
• Information given by parents to Camp staff will not be passed on to third parties without permission unless there is a safeguarding issue.
• Concerns or evidence relating to a child’s safety, will be kept in a confidential file and will not be shared within the Camp, except with the designated Child Protection Officer and the manager.
• We will only share information with outside agencies on a need-to-know basis and with consent from parents, except in cases relating to safeguarding children or criminal activity. If we decide to share information without parental consent, we will record this in the child’s file, clearly stating our reasons.
• We will only share relevant information that is accurate and up to date. Our primary commitment is to the safety and well-being of the children in our care.

What is your equal opportunities policy?

At Go Beanies we will ensure that we provide a safe and caring environment, free from discrimination, for everyone in our community including children with additional needs.

To achieve the Camp’s objective of creating an environment free from discrimination and welcoming to all, the Camp will:

• Respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society so that each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping.
• Help all children to celebrate and express their cultural and religious identity by providing a wide range of appropriate resources and activities.
• Strive to ensure that children feel good about themselves and others, by celebrating the differences which make us all unique individuals.

What is your health and safety policy?

Go Beanies will do all that is reasonable and practicable to protect the health, safety and welfare of all children in our care, along with staff and any other visitors to our site. Staff will maintain a positive, proactive and diligent attitude towards health and safety throughout the season, frequently checking all systems and reviewing risk assessments if necessary.

Go Beanies considers health and safety to be of utmost importance. We comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 at all times.

The Camp has appropriate insurance cover, including employer’s liability insurance and public liability insurance.

What is Go Beanie's complaints procedure?

We are committed to establishing an open and trusting relationship with parents. Should you not be satisfied with our service or have a concern please contact the team leader responsible for your child in the first instance. Hopefully s/he will be able to resolve your concern. If you are still not satisfied with their response please inform the Camp Manager who will do their utmost to resolve your concern hopefully to your satisfaction.

Go Beanies Play & Learn (Breakfast and After-school Club/Extended Provision)

Why should my child attend the Play & Learn Club? What are the benefits?

Go Beanies Play & Learn provides fun ways for children to play, learn new skills, make new friendships and gain fresh experiences. The club also provides the children with great developmental benefits that will help them academically and socially.

Is Go Beanies Ofsted Registered?

As an Ofsted registered childcare provider on the Early Years, Voluntary and Compulsory parts of the childcare register, Go Beanies accepts children from Reception Year to Year 6.

Does the club provide drinks and snacks for my child?

Go Beanies Play & Learn is committed to providing healthy, nutritious and tasty food and drinks for the children attending our sessions. We endeavour to ensure that requirements of all the children from a dietary, religious and cultural perspective are met. Optional snacks are available at no additional cost. Alternatively, parents and carers may provide children with their own snacks.

What activities are on offer at Go Beanies Play & Learn?

Our out-of-school club provides the very best in play and learn with a combination of fun-filled activities on offer built around the creative arts, crafts, physical activity, science and culture supplemented by supervised free-play and chill-out time.

Our programme of games and activities have been designed to build confidence and encourage social interaction. We aim to create a relaxed and fun environment for your children. All our activities are age appropriate.

Who will be looking after my child?

We are very proud to have a very dynamic and enthusiastic team at Go Beanies who are not only accomplished in their field but know how to have fun and motivate & encourage the children within their care to have an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience.

Our on-site Club Manager is responsible for ensuring that the club runs smoothly overseeing all the staff, the timetables for each age group and the general health & welfare of the children. Our staff have a lot of practical experience, are DBS checked and safeguard trained. There are also qualified first aiders at the club too.

What are the staff to children ratios?

At Go Beanies there is always a minimum of two adults on duty at all times. We work to a ratio of 1:10 for children aged four to seven years and a maximum of 1:15 for our eight year olds and over.

How do I make a booking?

All you need to do is download or pick up a registration form directly from your school. We will need one for each child attending. You can book termly , selecting which sessions your child attends in advance (our ‘Season Pass’). Alternatively, you can book on a ‘pay as you go’ basis Bookings should be made 24 hours in advance with payment required at the point of booking. Such places will be subject to availability; and the cost of sessions is generally higher. Confirmation of your child’s place will be sent via email for all types of booking and is deemed as a binding contract under our terms and conditions.

Which method of payment can I use?

We have a range of payment options available. Please contact our office on 01189841684 for more information.

Does Go Beanies accept Childcare Vouchers?

Yes, as an Ofsted childcare provider we are able to accept all childcare vouchers as full or part payment of your booking. Please contact our office on 01189841684 for more information on how to pay via this option.

What is the booking deadline for after school and breakfast club sessions?

Bookings for the club must be made in advance of the term starting to secure your child’s place. We will allocate places on a first come, first served basis. There is an occasional day booking facility also. Twenty Four hours notice is required and payment made at the point of booking. Places with this option will be subject to availability.

What happens if I need to cancel any sessions?

Please contact us as soon as possible if you wish to cancel a session so we can amend registers and notify relevant staff. Unfortunately, a cancellation will result in you losing that session. There are no refunds available. A credit note will only be issued where the cancellation is due to child sickness or injury which keeps the child away from the club for three consecutive sessions and is supported by a doctor's note.

Can I visit the club to see what it is all about?

We welcome you and your child to visit the club. We ask that you please let us know, so that we can make sure our ‘beanies’ and our guests get our full attention and focus.

How will I know how my child is getting on at Play and Learn?

We know how important communication is, so we encourage parents to talk to us about any worries or requirements they might have. Parents will have regular contact with Go Beanies Leaders at pick up and drop off times where we aim to update you as much as possible.

How will my child get to their class after breakfast club has finished?

At the end of the session, our staff will escort all children to a pre-defined area in the school. At this point all children will be signed over to a member of staff from the school.

What time does the club run from and to?

Our breakfast clubs runs from 7.45-8.45am; and the after school club runs from school finish until 6pm. We are open every day of the school term (except INSET days).

How will my child get to the club?

Children should be dropped off directly at the club venue for morning sessions. In the afternoon, they will be collected at a designated point in the school by a member of the Play & Learn team and taken to the club (which is also on-site).

How do I collect my child from the after-school club?

You can pick up your child anytime between school finish and 6.00pm, however registration will close promptly at 6.00pm. Please note, we do levy late fees for late pick-ups.

What is Go Beanies check in and check out procedure?

We operate a secure drop off and collection procedure and it is essential therefore for a parent/guardian to sign in/out all children each day with a password which is provided once your child’s place at club is confirmed.

Can Go Beanies help me with the cost of my childcare?

As Go Beanies are an Ofsted Registered childcare provider, if you are eligible, you may be able to subsidise the cost of childcare through the Government’s Taxfree Scheme and Childcare Vouchers.Support is also available to parents and carers in receipt of Universal Credit. Please contact our office on 01189841684 for more information and advice on the options available to you.

What if my child requires medication whilst at the club?

Go Beanies are only able to administer prescribed medication on completion of a medical consent form. Please make sure that the prescribed medication is handed over to Go Beanies prior to your child's first attendance clearly labelled and with clear instructions.

My child is going to be absent, what should I do?

Please contact us as soon as you know your child is not attending a booked session by contacting the office on 01189841684 or email us at info@gobeanies.org.

My child is already attending an after-school activity. Can they then attend the Play & Learn Club once they finish?

That is absolutely fine. Go Beanies, however, will not be able to collect your child from their earlier after-school activity so please make the necessary arrangements with a responsible adult at the first activity to transfer your child safely to the Play & Learn Club. Please also ensure that Go Beanies is notified in advance that this will be happening.