Camp safety: what parents really need to know

When you book a holiday camp, there’s one question that matters more than any other:

Will my child be safe?

We understand why parents ask.

You want to know who is looking after your child, how they’ll be supervised and what will happen if they feel unwell, have an accident or need extra support.

You also want to feel confident that they’ll only leave camp with an approved adult.

At Aspire Active Camps, we use clear procedures throughout the day to help children feel safe, settled and ready to enjoy themselves.

Here’s what you can expect.

How will my child be signed in safely?

When you arrive, you’ll find a clearly signposted registration area and an Active Camps coordinator ready to welcome you.

Drop-off takes place between 8:00am and 9:30am.

You’ll sign your child in through the Active Camps App using the five-digit PIN linked to your account.

Once they’re registered, a member of our team will show them where to leave their belongings and help them join the camp activities.

This gives us an accurate record of every child on-site and helps your child feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.

What happens if somebody else collects my child?

Children are signed out through the Active Camps App using the same five-digit PIN.

When another adult is collecting your child, please tell the camp coordinator and make sure the collector knows your PIN.

Need to collect your child early? Let the coordinator know during registration so the team can prepare for their departure.

In line with Ofsted procedures, camp gates and doors remain locked until 4:00pm.

Collection arrangements can vary between venues, so please check the information for your chosen Active Camp before attending.

What happens during the camp day?

A clear routine helps children feel secure and understand what is happening next.

At 9:30am, the camp coordinator welcomes everyone and explains the camp rules.

Children then join their chosen academies, where the academy lead introduces the activities planned for the day.

Regular breaks are built into the timetable:

• Morning snack: 10:15am–10:30am
• Lunch: 12:00pm–1:00pm
• Afternoon break: 1:45pm–2:00pm

We encourage children to refill their water bottles regularly, particularly during energetic activities.

Children and team members also wash their hands before eating and drinking.

Organised activities finish at 3:45pm, followed by an end-of-day presentation before collection begins.

This structured approach means children can enjoy an exciting variety of activities without the day feeling disorganised or overwhelming.

What happens if my child has an accident?

Every Aspire Active Camps team member is a trained first aider.

If your child requires any first aid during the day, we'll always give you a phone call to keep you informed. Our priority is making sure you're aware of what's happened and have the information you need. 

Although no active environment can be completely risk-free, you can feel reassured that trained support is available and that we’ll keep you informed.

What happens if my child becomes unwell?

When a child becomes unwell at camp, our team will make them as comfortable as possible and contact you so they can be collected early.

Active Camps cannot care for an unwell child for an extended period, so it’s important that someone is available to collect them when needed.

We ask families to follow the same illness guidance used by schools across the UK. For example, children should remain at home for 48 hours after their last episode of sickness or diarrhoea.

Children wearing a plaster cast or supportive splint cannot attend because of the risks involved in taking part in physical activities.

Keeping an unwell or injured child at home helps protect them and the other children attending camp.

What if my child has a medical condition?

You know your child best.

That’s why it’s important to tell us about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies or additional needs when making your booking.

When your child needs medication during the camp day, please speak to the camp coordinator when you arrive. You’ll be asked to complete an Administering Medication Form.

We treat information about your child’s medical needs confidentially and share it only with the team members who need to know.

Providing clear information before camp gives us time to understand your child’s needs and prepare the right support.

How is behaviour managed?

Safety is about more than preventing accidents.

Children also need to feel comfortable, included and respected.

At Aspire Active Camps, we encourage and reward positive behaviour. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, our team addresses it firmly, calmly and fairly.

The Active Camps Code of Behaviour is displayed at each venue, and team members explain what is expected throughout the day.

We deal with concerns when they happen and contact parents when behaviour becomes serious or persistent.

Some children may need additional reassurance or support in particular situations. Please tell us before they attend if your child has any worries, additional needs or known triggers.

We’ll treat this information confidentially and use it to help your child have a positive camp experience.

What happens if I’m late for collection?

We understand that unexpected delays sometimes happen.

When you know you’re going to be late, please contact the camp coordinator using the telephone number on your contact card.

When you cannot reach the coordinator, call the Active Camps office on:

0121 663 1979

A small additional charge may apply when collection takes place more than 15 minutes after your pre-booked collection time.

Letting us know as soon as possible helps us reassure your child and make the right arrangements.

Are Aspire Active Camps Ofsted registered?

Yes.

All Aspire Active Camps venues are registered with Ofsted.

You can find the relevant registration number in the information provided for your chosen venue.

Ofsted registration gives parents additional reassurance that our camps follow recognised childcare requirements and procedures.

So, will my child be safe at Aspire Active Camps?

No active holiday camp can promise that a child will never have a minor accident, feel unwell or need extra support.

What we can promise is that we take your child’s safety seriously.

At Aspire Active Camps, you can expect:

• Clear sign-in and collection procedures
• Trained first aiders on-site
• Recorded accident processes
• Prompt communication about serious incidents
• A structured and supervised camp day
• Support for medical conditions and additional needs
• Clear expectations around positive behaviour

We combine these procedures with a welcoming, energetic environment where children can get active, try new experiences and build confidence.

By sharing your child’s medical information, additional needs and collection arrangements before they attend, you can help our team prepare and provide the best possible support.

Together, we can help your child enjoy a safe, happy and memorable school holiday.

Before your child attends

Please read the full Active Camps Parent Guide and check the information for your chosen venue.

To discuss your child’s needs or ask a question about your booking, contact the Aspire Active Camps team on 0121 663 1979.