Choosing a Summer School

MAIN CONSIDERATIONS

Attending a Summer School presents a great opportunity for your child to make new friends, widen their horizons, gain independence and discover new strengths. Summer Schools are becoming increasing more popular in the UK. There are a wide range of Summer schools, activity camps and courses available, you just have to consider your child's needs and interests. Some of the main considerations are listed below:

  • Location

    - How close is the Summer school/camp to your home?

  • Cost

    - What are the costs and do they fit your budget?

  • Transport

    - Is transport available? Is there an extra cost?

  • Types of activities

    - What does your child enjoy doing? Choose a Summer school/camp that interests them or focuses on what your child enjoys or excels at while allowing them to try new things.

  • Childcare vouchers

    - Many employers offer tax-free childcare vouchers. Do they accept these vouchers? If so, which vouchers do they accept?

  • Age range

    -Are the children grouped by age? Are the activities age-appropriate?

  • How are the children supervised?

    - What is the ratio of staff to children? For residential camps, will there be supervision in the accomodation units?

  • Ofsted

    - Have they been Ofsted inspected?

OTHER FACTORS

  • Are they accredited?

    - English Language schools should be accredited by the The British Council

  • Day vs Residential

    - Which option would suit your child best? Do day camps offer flexible hours for working parents?

  • What is a typical days schedule?

    - Is there a good balance of activities?

  • Discipline

    - What is their behaviour policy? Is discipline stricter or more relaxed than you would expect?

  • Is your child included in the decision making process?

    - Every child has likes and dislikes, they should have some input into the decision

  • Reputation

    - How many students choose to return there? Is there a list of parents who you can contact for feedback?

  • Food

    - Do they need to bring a packed lunch or is food provided? If food provided ask for sample menus. Are snacks available throughout the day and after evening meal (for residential camps)?

  • Mobile Phones

    - Are children allowed phone calls? Are Ipods, mobile phones other electrical equipment allowed?

  • Valuables

    - Is there a safety deposit box where children can store passport, money, other valuables?

  • Insurance

    - A copy of the company's insuarance certificate should be available

  • CRB

    - Are all employees CRB checked?

  • Weather

    - If activities are based outdoors, do they have an indoor option if weather too cold, hot or wet?

  • Equipment

    - What should my child bring? Sporting equipment, stationery, musical instruments

  • Clothing

    - What should my child wear? Should I pack a change of clothes?

  • Suncream

    - Will suncream be provided?

  • Illness

    - If my child is ill will I be entitled to a refund? Some companies offer an optional customer protection plan .

  • Packing Lists

    - Do they have a packing list available?