FAQs

Booking is quick and easy! Simply use our online booking system on our website, and you’ll receive confirmation plus all the forms you need to get your child ready for a fun-filled day at Camp.

Prefer to speak to someone? No problem! Give our friendly team a call on 01923 469475, and we’ll be happy to process your booking with you over the phone.

Absolutely! We understand that plans can change (and who doesn’t love a little holiday shuffle?). Just drop us an email at least 24 hours before your child’s start date, and we’ll do our best to adjust your booking, subject to availability. If there’s a price difference, this will need to be covered. For full details, please also see our Terms & Conditions.

We know that life can be unpredictable! Please take a look at our Terms & Conditions for full details. While we’re happy to help where we can, we cannot offer credits for missed days due to illness unless we receive at least 24 hours’ written notice. Please also note that we do not provide refunds for cancellations.

Yes! You can use vouchers to cover all or part of your payment. We’re registered with a wide range of providers, so it’s easy and flexible. Call the office on 01923 469475 or check our Voucher Provider page on our website for more details.

Our camps run throughout the year to keep children active, creative and entertained!

• Half Term’s, Easter, Summer & Christmas Holidays: We run an action-packed programme full of exciting activities for all ages.

Please note: Not all activities run at every venue or during every holiday period. To find out the scheduled activities for each holiday, give our friendly team a call on 01923 469475 or email info@clubexcel.co.uk.

Our camp hours are designed to give children plenty of time for fun and activities:

• Standard Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Early Club: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Late Club: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

On arrival, look out for the large Club Excel signs guiding you into the site entrance or car park. Once on site, orange signs will point you in the direction of the correct sign-in area.

Collection at 3:30 p.m. will be at the same place as drop-off. If your child is attending Late Club, the collection point may be different, but there will be clear signs to direct you.

To help keep your child safe, we use a pick-up codeword system. While this is voluntary for most camps (except Mini Camp, where it’s mandatory), we strongly encourage all parents to take part for extra security.

When completing your Emergency Contact/Medical Form, you can set a pick-up codeword. You can view or update this codeword at any time in the ‘Parent Login’ area at the top left of the website:

1. Click the blue ‘MY DETAILS’ button.
2. Click the green ‘PICK-UP CODEWORD’ button.

If anyone other than yourself will be collecting your child, you must set a codeword for them in advance. Once set, anyone collecting your child—including parents—will need to know this codeword.

We’re a registered Ofsted setting and welcome children aged 3 to 13 years. That means your little ones can join us as soon as they turn three, and they’ll be part of a safe, nurturing, and exciting environment designed just for them!

Come and join the fun – there’s something for everyone!

No worries at all! We are happy to support all children’s care needs. Please bring with you nappies, wipes, nappy bags, and any creams your child might need. It’s important that you inform us of any nappies or toileting requirements on the medical form before camp, so our friendly staff are fully prepared. They will also be happy to discuss your child’s needs with you at sign-in.

Don’t worry – safety and wellbeing are our top priorities! Every Camp has qualified first aiders on site to handle minor bumps and scrapes calmly. If your child feels unwell during the day, we’ll give you a call, and you may need to collect them to make sure they’re comfortable.

All accidents and incidents are recorded on a form, which you’ll review and sign at the end of the day. For head bumps, we’ll contact you or your emergency contacts, monitor your child closely, and advise on next steps if needed. In the unlikely event of a serious incident, we may need to call emergency services to ensure your child gets the right care.

We’ve got it covered! Please let us know before Camp via the medical form, email, or phone. Bring two clearly named Epi-Pens in a see-through, sealable bag. Several of our staff are trained to administer Epi-Pens safely in an emergency, so your child is in safe hands.

Absolutely. All medication should be clearly named and stored in the office, with instructions recorded on the medical form. This helps our team give your child the care they need while keeping things simple and safe.

Yes! Your child is fully covered under our public liability insurance, giving you peace of mind while they enjoy all the fun Camp activities. Certificates are available for viewing at the Camp site office by prior arrangement.

At Club Excel, there’s something for everyone! Depending on age and venue, children can enjoy arts & crafts, sports, games, music, dance and much more! Please visit the Activities page on our website for full information.

Please note: Some activities may not run at every venue, so give us a call on 01923 469475 if you’d like to check the schedule for your child’s camp.

We provide all the equipment needed for the activities, so you don’t have to worry!

Just remember to bring a

• Packed lunch (Please do not bring anything onto camp that contains or may contain nuts)
• Swimming kit (If your child is not in Mini Camp and your booking is at St Hildas School in Harpenden)
• Sun protection.

Swimming sessions are an exciting part of camp life, but please read the guidelines below:

• Please ensure your child brings swimwear, a towel, and either a swim hat or has their hair tied back. Goggles are optional.
• Swimming sessions are currently only available at St Hilda’s School in Harpenden.
• All children are assessed on their swimming ability before entering the pool.
• Armbands are provided for children who are still learning, to ensure extra safety.
• Swimming is optional for most camps. If your child would not like to take part in swimming alternative activities will be available.

Important:

• Football Camp – swimming is not included
• Mini Camp – swimming is not included
• Every pool session is fully supervised by a qualified lifeguard.

Children attending Football Camp should:

• Arrive in trainers, as the first part of the day will be spent indoors.
• Bring football boots or astro shoes to change into for outdoor play. This also allows them to play indoors if the weather is poor.
• If you are booked onto football at a school with 3G pitches (Beaumont School, Priory School, Broxbourne School, Birchwood School and Queens Park School) children must wear football boots. Children are not allowed to wear blades or metal studs as the special playing surface can be damaged by incorrect footwear.
• If you are booked into Dame Alice Owen’s school you will need trainers or astro boots, no studs.
• Wear layers, as children will be playing outdoors for most of the day, unless severe weather prevents it.
• Always bring a waterproof coat to keep them dry in wet conditions.
• Pack a change of clothes, so they can stay comfortable if they get wet or muddy.

These guidelines help ensure your child can play safely, stay comfortable, and enjoy the full day, whatever the weather.

Yes! We ask that children bring a healthy, non-perishable lunch along with a water bottle that they can refill throughout the day. This keeps their energy up for all the exciting activities and games we have planned!

The children get one morning, and afternoon break time so please also pack extra snacks for break times.

If your child is attending Mini Camp, don’t worry – we provide fresh fruit and drinks throughout the day, so they’ll stay refreshed and ready to play.

Absolutely! Most of our camps have a tuck shop where children can buy small treats and refreshments. We suggest 50p–£1, kept in a named purse or wallet.

Alternatively, you can just pack lots of extra snacks!

For the safety of all children, we cannot allow any food containing nuts or that may contain nuts onto camp. This ensures camp is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

• Water is key! Make sure your child brings a refillable bottle every day.
• Ice packs can help keep lunches cool during hot weather, as we don’t have refrigeration.

At Club Excel, our staff-to-child ratios are carefully structured by age:

• Ages 3–4: 1 staff member for every 8 children
• Ages 5–7: 1 staff member for every 10 children
• Ages 8–10: 1 staff member for every 12 children

And it doesn’t stop there! We always have additional staff on hand to ensure every child’s individual needs are met and that fun, safety, and support are always our top priorities.

Don’t worry – it’s completely normal for children to feel a little nervous on their first day! Our friendly, caring staff are experts at helping children settle in, make friends, and start having fun straight away.

If your child is struggling, we’ll give you a call to let you know how they’re doing. And of course, you’re always welcome to call the office for updates throughout the day. In our experience, most children quickly feel comfortable and join in the adventures, games, and activities within their first day.

At Club Excel, we create a positive, supportive environment. Our team uses gentle, consistent strategies to manage behaviour, helping children learn friendship, respect, and teamwork while having fun.

We focus on fun, creativity, and teamwork, but always with safety and wellbeing at the heart. In line with our Terms & Conditions, we reserve the right to address repeated or unsafe behaviour and may contact parents if necessary. In rare cases where a child’s behaviour significantly affects the safety or enjoyment of others, we may ask parents to collect their child to ensure a safe and happy environment for everyone.

Our goal is always to support children to enjoy their time on camp, and return home happy, confident, having made new friends!

Yes! We’ve been Ofsted registered for over 20 years, with regular inspections to make sure we’re providing high-quality, safe, and engaging childcare. You can view our inspection reports anytime at reports.ofsted.gov.uk for peace of mind.

Absolutely – and as many times as you like! If you’d like an update on your child, just call the office on 01923 469475. Our friendly team is always happy to let you know how your little one is getting on and share any highlights from the day.

For peace of mind: if your child is ever unhappy or unsettled, we will call you to keep you informed and work together to help them feel comfortable and happy.

We recommend leaving phones at home so children can fully enjoy a day packed with fun, games, and activities without distractions. Phones aren’t used during the day at Camp – we’ve got plenty to keep them busy!

The only exception is for children who arrive and walk home independently. In this case, they may bring a phone for safety and communication purposes only. Please note that Club Excel cannot take responsibility for any mobile phones that children bring to Camp.

No need to worry! We adapt activities for indoor fun if outdoor play isn’t possible due to rain or extreme weather, so the day is still full of games, creativity, and adventure.

To help your child keep track of their belongings, please make sure all items are clearly named. Children are encouraged to take belongings home each day, as unnamed lost property is often hard to return once camp ends. If you have lost an item, please email info@clubexcel.co.uk and the team will be able to help.

To give your child the best possible experience at Camp, we kindly ask that you share full details of any additional needs on the medical/needs form at the time of booking and let us know before Camp begins by emailing info@clubexcel.co.uk This helps our team prepare activities, staffing, and any extra support your child may benefit from.

Our staff are experienced, caring, and always do their very best to support children with SEN and additional needs, creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. However, in some circumstances, if we feel we cannot safely meet a child’s needs within our standard staffing ratios, we may need to discuss alternative arrangements with you. This ensures the wellbeing and safety of your child, other children, and our staff.

Club Excel does not provide 1:1 support as part of our standard staffing. If your child usually has a 1:1 support worker at school, they are very welcome to attend Camp with them. You must let us know in advance if your child will be attending with a 1:1, so we can make the necessary arrangements and ensure everything runs safely and smoothly.

Yes – we love capturing those big smiles and fun moments at Camp! Photos may be used for activity records, newsletters, or our website and social media channels to share the exciting activities children take part in throughout the camp day.

We will only ever use photos in line with our safeguarding policies, and you always have the option to opt out. If you’d prefer for your child not to be photographed, please let us know in writing by emailing info@clubexcel.co.uk when you register.

For your peace of mind, we never share children’s names or information with photos.

Your child’s safety is our priority. If your child has any allergies, please provide full details on the medical form when booking and let us know before camp starts. This allows our team to plan ahead, brief staff, and make sure we have everything in place to keep your child safe.

If your child requires specific allergy care (for example, carrying an inhaler, EpiPen, or other medication), please ensure it is clearly labelled and handed to staff on arrival.

Our camp managers are trained in administering emergency medication, and we follow clear procedures in line with our health and safety policy. While we do everything possible to reduce risks, we cannot completely guarantee an allergen-free environment. If your child has a severe allergy, please contact the team on 01923 469475 or email info@clubexcel.co.uk to discuss arrangements with you beforehand.

Absolutely! We know that having a familiar face can make the first day at Camp extra comforting. You will need to inform the staff on the day at the sign in desk so that they can make sure any friendship groups are together.

Yes! Children are usually grouped by age so that activities are safe, fun, and suited to their development. Our senior team takes great care in planning and creating age-appropriate activities, ensuring every child is engaged, challenged, and has the best possible Camp experience.

Children are allowed to move down into a younger group if needed, but for safety and developmental reasons, they cannot move up into an older age group.