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• Please put your child in something they are comfortable moving around in and don’t mind getting messy.
• We spend the day doing lots of dancing. Feel free to bring dance shoes if you have them! 
• Please bring waterproof shoes such as boots or wellies for rainy days in the garden
• Holiday t-shirts are optional and can be purchased for £8. Orders need to be placed at least 2 weeks in advance.

We’re unable to look after children who are still in nappies however are happy to accept children who are in the process of toilet training. Please ensure you have made us aware and pack spare clothing just incase.

No. Please provide your child with a packed lunch, plenty of snacks and something to drink.

Here at Big Time we have a strict no nuts policy and regularly remind children not to share food, as many of the children attending our camps have allergies.

In warmer months we may provide ice creams and ice lollies to help keep the children cool. Please make sure their allergy information is up to date on their profile. 

Yes! Our private, secure garden is located to the right of the Library, offering a safe and fun space for children to explore and play. The garden is equipped with a variety of exciting play features, including a swing, Wendy house, mud kitchen, outdoor whiteboard, and ride-on toys – perfect for hours of outdoor enjoyment!

Our age 3 to 4 camps are generally kept separate from older age groups, except during snack and lunch times or special party workshops.

For our older campers, ages 5 to 14, there may be opportunities for merging during warm-ups, lunch, and special workshops. However, for activities like singing, dancing, and acting, the groups will split into age-specific teams as they prepare for their final show.

Unfortunately not. This is a question we are asked often. As we’re OfSted registered as an after school and holiday club, the law states we can’t look after under 5s for more than 4 hours a day.

My child has attended longer camps elsewhere… this is also something we hear a lot. Many childcare providers aren’t aware of OfSted rules so may not be aware that they’re breaking them. It may also be that your club is registered on the compulsory OfSted register for day care settings and is operated by nursery qualified and Level 3/4 childcare staff.

Most camps take place in our studios at Mill Hill Library (NW7 2HX), however on occasion we may run camps at other venues across Mill Hill due to high demand. 

There is free street parking before 11am and after 12pm on weekdays outside the library, and round the corner on Flower Lane. There's also a small paid car park next door. 

Unfortunately we're unable to offer any on-site parking. The driveway at Mill Hill Library is for staff only.

If you require disabled access, please get in touch and we will arrange parking for you. 

We need a minimum of 6 children in order to run each camp. On very rare occasions when we have been unable to fill spaces, we may need to cancel or provide an alternative, such as merging two age groups together.

In the event that this happens we will give you as much notice as possible so you are able to arrange childcare. If a camp is cancelled you will be offered a full refund.

Due to the high demand on places, in the event that your plans change and you need to cancel your child’s space, we require at least 2 weeks notice. A £20 cancellation fee will be deducted from your refund. If we manage to fill your child’s space, a full refund will be provided.

• 10% sibling discount on the second child

AGE 5 + 

• For 5 day camps the last day is free

AGE 3 - 4

• For 5 day camps there is a 10% discount applied when booking a full week

• If you have more than 2 children, please feel free to get in touch as we may be able to apply an additional discount

Yes! Please click here to find out how to book. 

At our holiday club, we follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) guidelines set by Ofsted to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our care.

• For children aged 3 to 5 years old, the staff-to-child ratio is 1 staff member for every 8 children. If there are children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), this ratio is adjusted to 1 staff member for every 4 children.
• For children aged 2 years old, the ratio is 1 staff member for every 4 children.
• For children aged 5 years and above, there is no specific EYFS ratio, but we maintain a recommended staff-to-child ratio of 1 staff member for every 10-12 children to ensure safe and effective supervision.

We are committed to providing a safe, engaging environment for all children and ensuring our staff are well-trained, experienced, and qualified to meet the EYFS and Ofsted guidelines.

At our camp, we prioritise creating a dynamic, interactive environment where staff are actively involved with the children. Our staff are not just supervisors; they are mentors and facilitators who play a hands-on role in the activities.

Throughout the day, staff engage with children by:

• Leading and participating in activities: Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, games, or group discussions, our staff are always involved, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and fun.
• Guiding play: Our staff actively observe and interact during playtime, helping children explore new ideas, resolve conflicts, and develop social skills.
• Providing positive support: We believe in fostering a positive atmosphere. Our staff offer encouragement, praise, and guidance to help children build confidence, try new things, and overcome challenges.
• Being approachable and responsive: Staff are always available to listen to children’s ideas, answer questions, and offer support when needed, ensuring every child feels valued and heard.

By maintaining a high level of engagement, our staff help create a supportive and enriching environment that fosters growth, learning, and fun throughout the day.

We understand that it's natural for some children to feel homesick or upset when they’re away from home, and we are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment. Our staff are trained to recognise and respond to emotional needs with care and sensitivity.

If a child feels homesick or upset, our approach includes:

• Offering comfort and reassurance: Our staff are experienced in providing emotional support. They take the time to listen to children, acknowledge their feelings, and offer comfort to help them feel safe and secure.
• Providing a calm space: If needed, children can take a moment in a quiet area where they can relax and collect themselves with the support of a staff member. We encourage positive distraction through activities or simple chats to help them feel more settled.
• Encouraging gradual adjustment: For children who may need extra time to adjust, we provide gentle encouragement and ensure they are gradually integrated into group activities. Our staff stay close by, offering positive reinforcement as children begin to feel more comfortable.
• Parental communication: If homesickness persists or if a child is particularly upset, we will contact parents to discuss the situation and work together to find the best solution. We believe in an open line of communication to ensure the child’s well-being.

Our staff are always available to provide extra support, and our goal is to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and ready to enjoy their time at camp.

We take great care in selecting and training our staff to ensure that every child is in safe, capable hands. Our recruitment and training process is thorough, and we focus on both the qualifications and personal qualities that make staff members well-suited to work with children.

Here’s how we recruit and train our staff:

• Comprehensive Interviews: All candidates undergo a detailed interview process where we ask a variety of scenario-based questions to assess their approach to working with children, problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of child safety and welfare.
• References and Background Checks: We require references from previous employers to ensure that candidates have a positive history of working with children. Additionally, all staff members undergo background checks to comply with safeguarding regulations and ensure their suitability for working with young people.
• Trial Shifts: Candidates are invited to complete trial shifts, where we observe them in action, interacting with children, and participating in class activities. This gives us a clear understanding of how they engage with children, manage behaviour, and contribute to the camp environment.
• Policy and Procedure Training: All staff are given access to our comprehensive policies and procedures to review before starting their role. They receive detailed training on our key guidelines, including safeguarding, health and safety, and behaviour management.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection: Our Principal takes staff through our main safeguarding points, ensuring that everyone is fully aware of our duty of care and how to handle any concerns related to child protection. Staff are also trained on recognising signs of distress, bullying, or unsafe behaviour, and how to address these appropriately.
• Ongoing Professional Development: We are committed to the continuous professional growth of our staff. Throughout the camp season, staff are provided with regular training sessions, including updates on best practices in child safety, behaviour management, and camp-specific activities.

By following this comprehensive process, we ensure that our team is not only qualified but also passionate and well-prepared to provide the best possible experience for every child at camp.

We ensure that all staff members are highly qualified and experienced in working with children, prioritising their safety, well-being, and enjoyment at all times.

• Senior Management Team: A member of our senior management team is always on-site during camp hours. They hold safeguarding qualifications from Ofsted-approved providers and are trained in paediatric first aid, ensuring that we have expert oversight on all safeguarding and medical matters.
• Camp Staff: All staff members running camps have received safeguarding training provided by Big Time or hold their own safeguarding qualifications. Additionally, most of our staff hold first aid certifications, ensuring they are equipped to respond to any medical needs that may arise.
• Ongoing Training: We are committed to the continuous professional development of our team, and all staff undergo regular training to keep their skills and knowledge up to date, particularly in areas like child protection, first aid, and behaviour management.

By maintaining high standards for staff qualifications and training, we ensure that every child is in safe, capable hands while having a positive and enriching experience at camp.