FAQs

We are registered with Ofsted to accept children from 4 ½ years to 15 years.

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, the welfare of your child is our top priority. Before our camp opens, we ensure that our facilities meet the highest standards for the care of children aged 4½ to 15 years old. Comprehensive on-site risk assessments are carried out, and our staff undergo extensive training in all necessary policies and procedures. This includes health and safety, safeguarding, hygiene, first aid, and managing children’s behaviour, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every child. Additionally, staff are trained to deliver a wide variety of activities, always maintaining a focus on safety and fun. 

 During camp, our team actively monitors activities daily, ensuring they are conducted safely and in accordance with our strict codes of practice. To uphold the highest standards of childcare, staff complete daily welfare checklists covering essential routines such as hygiene, emergency evacuation, healthy eating, sun protection, and toilet trips. Children are always supervised, including during break and lunch periods.  

 At the end of each day, our staff follow a secure collection procedure as children leave. If you would like feedback on your child’s day, please let us know during pick-up, and we will arrange for their Group Leader (also known as their key worker) to speak with you. 

 Our Designated Safeguarding Lead on camp is the Camp Coordinator and the Sylvestrian General Manager, who is available should you need to discuss any concerns.  

When you arrive at Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, please follow the signs to the registration area. From there, a designated staff member, known as a ‘runner’, will escort your child—along with all of their belongings—to their base room. 

 Upon arrival at the base room, your child will be greeted by their Group Leader, who will sign them into their group and record their time of arrival. This ensures a smooth and organised start to their fun-filled day at Sylvestrian Holiday Activities! 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, each child is assigned a Key Worker, also known as their Group Leader, who will be responsible for their welfare and well-being throughout their time at camp. You will be informed of your child’s Group Leader upon arrival. If you wish to discuss anything regarding your child, you are welcome to contact the camp directly at any time. 

At Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, we are unfortunately unable to accept children who are not toilet trained onto our camps, as we do not have the necessary resources to provide the required support. We kindly ask that all children attending are fully toilet trained before joining our holiday camp. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we have qualified first aid and paediatric first aid staff at each of our childcare settings, trained to handle accidents and illnesses.  

 Thankfully, most incidents we encounter are minor, such as grazed knees. However, in the event of a more serious injury or illness, you will be contacted immediately to ensure your child receives the necessary care. 

If you would like to speak with your child’s Group Leader, Camp Manager or the Camp Coordinator at the end of the day, please feel free to ask and they will be happy to meet you in the collection area to discuss your child’s day. 

Our staff take an individual approach to each child and are always happy to share the exciting activities and experiences their groups have enjoyed! 

To help your child make the most of their fun and active day at camp, it’s important they have plenty of nutritious food to provide a well-balance meal and importantly fluid to remain hydrated. As they’ll be more active and with us for a longer period than a typical school day, they will need a more substantial lunch and snacks. 

 What to Pack: 

•  A refillable water bottle
• A healthy and balanced packed lunch with snacks for both morning and afternoon breaks 
• An ice pack or frozen drink to keep food cool (please note, fridges are not available) 

Healthy & Tasty Lunch Ideas: 

• Sandwiches, bagels, wholemeal pitta/wraps, pasta/rice/couscous salad, cooked meats, cheese, Quorn, hummus, tuna, egg, salad, pickles.
• Apples, satsumas, bananas, pineapple, carrot batons, grapes, cherry tomatoes. 
• Yoghurt, fromage frais, milk, cheese.
• Water, sugar-free squash, fruit juice 

We operate a strict ‘no nuts’ policy, so please avoid items such as peanut butter, pesto, nut-based snacks, or spreads. 

By providing a well-balanced meal, your child will have the energy they need to fully enjoy their day at Sylvestrian Holiday Activities.

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, many of our staff at camp are trained to administer an Auto injector in case of an emergency. Parents must inform the camp if their child carries an Auto injector during their registration, ensuring we can provide the necessary care and support if needed. 

We ask that you provide any relevant health information about your child when making your booking. This includes conditions such as epilepsy, serious allergies diabetes, or any other medical needs. In some cases, we may require additional forms and further details to ensure we can meet your child’s needs effectively. 

 If your child requires medication during camp, you must inform our staff and complete a medication form, which will be available at registration. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we are committed to inclusivity and believe that every child deserves a fantastic experience at camp. While we are not a specialist camp for children with additional or educational needs, we strive to support each child’s needs within our usual staff-to-child ratios. 

For any enquiries regarding special educational and/or additional needs, please contact the Camp Coordinator 02085096520 who will be happy to assist you. 

In some cases, we may not be able to meet a child’s specific needs if the camp environment is not suitable or if it has not been possible to arrange additional staff support.  

To ensure the best chance of securing a place, we strongly recommend early booking. We appreciate your understanding and will do everything we can to make Sylvestrian Holiday Activities an enjoyable experience for all. 

To ensure your child has a comfortable and enjoyable time at Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we recommend they wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear. As activities may include field sports and arts & crafts, we advise against sending children in new or valuable clothing that could get dirty or damaged.

Swimming Kit & Sun Protection

• Swimming Kit – Please bring swimming gear every day for water activities, even though it may not always be needed.  
• Sun Protection – During warmer months, please apply sunscreen on your child before they arrive and show them how to reapply. Spray-on sun lotion is a great option for younger children, as staff can assist with spraying, and children can rub it in themselves. Staff will also remind children at break times to reapply and assist younger ones if needed. Additionally, we recommend sending a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears. 

Food & Hydration 

• Packed Lunch & Snacks – All children must bring a healthy packed lunch along with snacks for both morning and afternoon breaks. Sylvestrian Holiday Activities does not provide food, and there is no option to purchase food on-site. 
• Water Bottle – A refillable water bottle is essential to keep your child hydrated throughout the day. 
• Keeping Food Fresh – As refrigeration is not available, we recommend packing lunch in a small cool bag with a frozen juice carton or ice pack to keep food fresh until lunchtime. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we strongly advise that children do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, computer games, iPods or similar electronic devices to camp. These items have no practical use during activities and can easily be misplaced or lost as children stay busy and engaged throughout the day. Staff are not responsible for looking after these belongings nor does our insurance include coverage for lost or stolen items. 

To help us quickly return misplaced items, please ensure that all of your child’s belongings are clearly labelled with their name. This makes it much easier for our staff to identify and return lost property promptly. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact you regarding unlabelled items. 

 If you realize your child has lost an item, please contact the camp as soon as possible to arrange a convenient time for collection. Lost property items will be displayed in the registration area, so we recommend checking this space during drop-off or pick-up times. 

 We are not responsible for any items left at Holiday Activities.

If your child is poorly or will be absent from camp, please ensure you notify the team by either contacting reception on 0208 509 6526 or emailing the Camp Coordinator at LAnglin@forest.org.uk.

Sylvestrian Holiday Activities staff are responsible for taking action if they suspect a child is experiencing harm or if a child discloses abuse. In such cases, staff will notify the appropriate local authority and follow their guidance accordingly. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect all staff to uphold this commitment. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel secure. Any suspicions or allegations of child abuse will be taken seriously and addressed promptly and appropriately. 

 All staff working with children have a legal duty to act if they believe a child is at risk or makes a disclosure. Our team follows the safeguarding procedures set by the local authority to ensure the highest standards of care and protection. 

 At camp, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the Camp Coordinator, available should you need to discuss any safeguarding concerns. Additionally, our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL’s) Lucy Anglin, Jenna-Wiseman Brown and Jordan Wilson, can be contacted at our Centre on 02085096520 for further assistance. 

Children attending Sylvestrian Holiday Activities have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, whether online or in real life. While our activity sessions do not involve IT, we still have a duty of care for every child at camp. If staff have concerns about a child’s online activity, they will report it internally following the same safeguarding procedures as any other concern. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we require a completed Booking Form for each child before they attend camp. This form includes important details such as emergency contact information, medical needs and unique password to be used when collecting your child from the camp. If necessary, additional forms, such as medication forms, may also be required to be completed. 

If someone else will be responsible or has been granted permission by yourself for the dropping off or picking up your child, please ensure they are added to the contact list on the Booking Form and provide them with your child’s unique password to be allowed to collect. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, our staff-to-child ratios exceed all statutory requirements, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every child. Our ratios are as follows: 

•  4½ – 5 years: 1:8. Maximum of 16 children per group 
• 5 – 8 years: 1:8. Maximum of 16 children per group
• 8 – 15 years: 1:10. Maximum of 20 children/young adults per group. 

 The Camp Coordinator holds overall responsibility for Health & Safety, but all staff play a vital role in ensuring our procedures are followed to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all children. 

All Sylvestrian Holiday Activities staff undergo an enhanced DBS check to ensure the highest level of child safeguarding. Additionally, specialist external instructors are requested to provide proof of their enhanced DBS and proof of their specific qualifications for activities such as cooking, inflatables, dance and motorsports in order to maintain a safe and high-quality experience. 

 Before working at camp, every staff member must complete all relevant training required to fulfil their post. These measures ensure that all staff are fully prepared to provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment for every child. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we conduct thorough risk assessments across all areas of camp, including activity areas, registration points, and base rooms. These assessments are an essential part of our ongoing safety checks to ensure a secure environment for all children and staff. 

 Risk assessments are continuous and regularly reviewed, with careful on-site evaluations from our Health and Safety Compliance Director, to identify potential hazards. Any necessary precautions are promptly implemented to prevent harm and maintain the highest safety standards throughout camp. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, the General Manager and Camp Coordinator conduct regular audits of all camps to ensure that our rigorous safety protocols are consistently followed. 

 In the rare instance that any areas require improvement, immediate action is taken, and a follow-up assessment is conducted to ensure all necessary adjustments have been effectively implemented. This ongoing process helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and quality at camp.

Sylvestrian Holiday Activities is Ofsted registered and our registration certificate can be found on the information board displayed at our collection and drop-off point. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, all Lifeguards hold valid RLSS NPLQ lifeguard qualifications and must pass a competency test and attend monthly mandatory training before working at camp, ensuring they meet our high safety standards. 

We have a 6 lane 25 metre swimming pool that depth ranges from 1.2 metres to 2.2 metres and a learner swimming pool that is heated at 30 degrees Celsius and depth ranges from 0.6 metres to 0.8 metres in depth. 

All children that attend Holiday Activities are swim competency tested by our STA qualified swimming teachers in order to deem the appropriate depths and ability of the swimmers to ensure they are placed in the correct pool or depth within the swimming pool. 

For full details on our swimming policy, please refer to our FAQs.

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, all inflatable equipment undergoes thorough external inspections by a certified inspector registered with the Register of Play Inspectors International.  

Each inflatable is issued a PIPA tag, confirming it meets all current safety regulations and is safe for use. 

In addition to external inspections, our trained staff perform daily safety checks before any inflatable is used. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, we take our responsibility to keep all children and visitors safe very seriously. We strictly follow official guidance from government departments and medical authorities and will continue to adapt as new information becomes available regarding Covid-19. 

If your child tests positive for Covid-19, they are not permitted to attend camp or come on site for at least 5 days. Please contact either enquiries@sylvestrian-leisure.co.uk or LAnglin@forest.org.uk to inform us.

Sylvestrian Holiday Activities are structured into nine 40 minute sessions over the course of the day. Our diverse range of activities ensures there’s something for everyone, whether they prefer sports or creative pursuits. 

 The day also includes a short morning break, a lunch break, and a short afternoon break to keep children refreshed and energised. 

 All our activities that we offer are included within the price. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, while we can’t control the weather, we have a comprehensive wet weather programme ready to go at the first sign of rain. As a provider of holiday childcare, we always consider the unpredictable weather when planning activities.  

 Our well-equipped facilities ensure that children still have access to a diverse and engaging programme, even on rainy days. For safety reasons, some activities are withdrawn in wet conditions.

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, each child will be assigned a Keyworker, also known as their Group Leader, who will be responsible for their welfare throughout their time at camp. You’ll be informed of your child’s Group Leader upon arrival.  

 If you need to speak with them, you can contact the camp directly to arrange a conversation at any time. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, our standard hours run from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. 

Drop-off is available between 8:30 am and 9:30 am, while collection takes place between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm. For added flexibility, we offer Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up, extending the day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. This can be purchased in addition to your child’s booking.  

While drop-off is usually a quick process, please allow extra time on your child’s first day for registration. Before attending camp, you must have completed and submitted your child’s Booking Form. 

If someone else will be responsible for drop-off or collection, please add them to your list of contacts on the Booking Form and share the unique password with them in order to collect your child. 

 To minimize disruptions, we ask that drop-offs and collections take place outside of activity hours (9:30 am – 4:30 pm). If you do need to collect or drop off your child during this time, please call the camp directly in advance to arrange this with the Camp Manager. 

At Sylvestrian Holiday Activities, your child will be well cared for until you arrive. If you anticipate being delayed beyond 5:30 pm, please call the camp so our staff can reassure your child. In this case, they will be booked into the Late Pick-up, and you can pay the £4 fee upon collection. 

 If you expect to arrive later than 6:00 pm, please arrange for someone else to pick up your child, as we are only registered to provide care until this time. Any child still on-site after 6:00 pm must be reported to Children’s Services. Additionally, parents collecting children after 6:00 pm will incur a charge of £5 for every 5 minutes, which will be added to their account. 

Camps will be running during every school holiday. Dates and booking details for upcoming camps can be found on the main Holiday Activities page.

Upcoming Camp Dates 2025

Children attending camp are organised into ‘bubbles’ primarily based on age, where the maximum age difference of children is generally no more than two years. The number of children in each bubble may vary but will not exceed 20. There will be at least two Group Leaders with each bubble throughout the day. The staff to children ratio for under 8’s is 1:8 and for over 8’s is 1:10.

Bubble requests – if you would like your child to be placed in the same bubble as a sibling or friend, please send a request to LAnglin@forest.org.uk. We will do our utmost to accommodate all requests but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee all requests will be possible.

Approximately a week before your child is due to attend camp, you will receive an email with details regarding their attendance at camp including which bubble group they will be in for the week.

We have a number of different payment options available. You can either pay via card, PayPal or childcare voucher. For more information regarding payment, please visit the Payment Methods tab.

The club runs during each half term and School Holiday with the exception of Christmas where we run our. The yearly structure is as follows:

• February Half Term – 1 Week
• Easter Holidays – 3 Weeks*
• May Half Term – 1 Week
• Summer Holidays – 7 Weeks*
• October Half Term – 2 Weeks
• Christmas Holidays– 1 Weeks

*During these weeks, prices may vary due to additional activities taking place.