“Kids Takeover looked like a jam-packed day of activities with lots of sport to keep my boys entertained. I think they love the variety of sports activities available – they are always very tired when they come home.”

Kate Copeman

 

The Parent

All parents will have their reasons for needing to look for childcare options. Whether you’re returning to work after a career break or trying to juggle your heavy responsibilities with single-parenting, looking for childcare options can be pressing. Here we look at a specific case from one of our own parents, Kate Copeman. She shares her experiences in the hope that other parents will be able to see the benefits that Kids Takeover has to offer.

Kate originally moved to the area to work full time and was looking for school holiday cover for her sons. She saw an advert through the boy’s school (Tranby Croft formerly Hull Collegiate) and then enquired about the Kids Takeover Tranby Croft camps.

 

The Challenges

It was important for Kate that her children were somewhere familiar. This would be the first time they were being left in someone else’s care, so their own school was a convenient location.

They also needed to get the most out of their Summer and it was important for Kate that they didn’t spend the whole day twiddling their thumbs. A structured and activity packed day would be needed to keep them wanting to come back. She also wanted to to ensure they made the most of their summers by keeping active.

Before Kate committed to sending the boys to Kids Takeover, she also needed to be reassured that they were in good hands. Her eldest son has multiple allergies and for that reason, someone would need to pay close attention to his dietary requirements and the team needed to be EpiPen trained. All coaches that worked across the camp, old or new, would need to be communicated with to ensure they were aware of his needs.

 

The Solution

The Kids Takeover camps provide over 12 scheduled activities per day, tailored to suit all the children so no one is left out. Staff members provide options for each of the 12 activity slots and make sure everyone gets a choice. Kate added that the wrap around care was also a major factor for her. She works hours that mean the early drop off is key and a lot of holiday camps she researched started at 9:30-10am.

In terms of the wide range of activities, this was highly important for the boys. The eldest son is football mad so suits him well. He prefers all the sports activities and there’s a big variety throughout the weekdays. The younger son has been attending only for the last year and Kate noted that it had been tricky with all pandemic restrictions. The team made the most of the situation though and made sure it was as comfortable as possible. At first, he was nervous and shy so having some tailored activities helped him to settle a bit more. Now he’s always ready and raring to go, especially when dodgeball takes place.

The fact that all staff members are fully qualified, DBS checked, First Aid and Child Protection trained was a crucial point for choosing the Kids Takover summer camps. It gave Kate the peace of mind she needed to make her decision. It’s also worth noting that some of the staff also work in the school during term time within the PE departments so have plenty of experience to transfer over.

 

The Results

The kids really enjoy the activities and Kate can go to work knowing that they have a day of fun ahead of them. She needed a provider that could look after both sons, and she need someone she could trust to pay attention to their needs. Kate has been using us for over 2 years now and the boys still get excited every time she says it’s time for Kids Takeover.

For the eldest son it is all about stimulation. He is very confident and active child and Kate wanted him to enjoy his time in camp. It is safe to say he has a great place to release all his energy. Not only does he attend Kids Takeover, but he has also taken up Ballers Academy. His football development is growing all the time under their supervision.

The camps have given the younger son much more confidence not only around the other children, but with other adults. It’s great to see his character building while he makes new friends outdoors. And of course, the arrival of the ice cream van is always a big motivator for the day!

“Kids Takeover has been a massive help, my husband and I work full time and do not have family in area to support with child care so we rely on holiday camps.”

Kate Copeman