FAQs for School Holiday Cover
Answers to some of the most popular questions we're asked
If your question isn't answered here, please get in touch with our team on mfc@myfamilycare.co.uk or 0345 241 5306.
We're available 7:30am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Your Service
What is School Holiday Cover?
School Holiday Cover allows you to search for and book local holiday club places in advance, and when disruptions to your regular care arrangements happen and you need to get to work.
Choose from over 800 fun-packed, activity-filled holiday clubs nationwide. Peace of mind for you, and a great time for your children.
Holiday clubs available include Barracudas, Camp Beaumont, Super Camps, Activ Camps... and many more.
Our registered parents enjoy peace of mind in knowing they've already got a backup plan in place, and are able to:
- Search for their local holiday clubs
- Save favourites for future reference
- Suggest other clubs you'd like to join
- Book holiday club places with us.
When and why you might need us
Whether it's a last minute booking or a pre-emptive solution planned in advance, we provide the choices parents need.
Clubs can be booked for whenever you need: today, tomorrow, or up to 3 months in advance (on a day-at-a-time basis).
Detailed registration form
To get started you only need to fill in a short form.
We strongly recommend that you then go on to complete all your details prior to booking with us. This allows you time to investigate the different options available to you.
The form is detailed, but easy to complete and contains all the relevant information on your child(ren). This ensures the holiday club you book has all of the details they need to provide the highest level of care.
You only need to complete your details once, but from time to time it's a good idea to double check your information is up-to-date.
Holiday Clubs
Only quality clubs available
We currently only work with the major providers and those that are regulated by either Ofsted or BAHA and have received a "satisfactory" rating.
Using a preferred club
If your usual club isn't already on our website, it's free for them to join and take bookings, and there are many benefits.
We've found in the past that if you've already spoken to them about School Holiday Cover, and let them know you want to use us to book - they're far more receptive about joining.
Please visit our nomination form and provide us the details of the provider you wish to join our network, and we will contact them on your behalf.
Information passed to holiday clubs
Whilst developing the registration form we worked very closely with a number of leading care organisations such as PACEY, SCMA, BAHA and Ofsted to ensure all the correct information is collected. The holiday club you book will receive this information.
Even so, if there is time before the booking commences, the relevant provider will take the time to answer any questions you might have and gather any further information about your child that you deem relevant.
Holiday club daily rates
Prices for a day at a holiday club will vary greatly depending on location and activities offered.
The cost of a day at a holiday club can vary between as little as £25, and as much as £120+. However, the typical cost of a day at a club usually ranges between £30 and £50 per day, but generally the cost is reduced the more days you book at the same site (during the same week).
Many clubs offer optional extras. Please check these before proceeding with the booking.
Are there any additional costs?
To provide a responsive, quality service with easy access to holiday clubs we do add a 5% fee to bookings. Our booking fee will be applied to the whole booking and shown clearly at the confirmation stage.
Your Child
Settling in with a new holiday club
All of the holiday club workers involved in School Holiday Cover are highly trained and experienced. If, in their professional opinion, your child isn't settling in they will contact you and arrange pick up arrangements.
If your child needs specific medication
All information regarding illnesses and medication should be recorded in the relevant sections on the registration form.
This information is passed on to the club as soon as you've booked. We do recommend that you talk through your child's requirements prior to booking.
Making a Booking
How do I book?
Once you’re registered, booking with us is a straightforward process. We explain in a little more detail in How to Book a Holiday Club.
All bookings start with a search. Choose your preferred childcare option, enter your postcode (your home postcode is the default) and click 'Search'.
You'll see a list of available holiday clubs (if you've booked before you'll already have some favourites you can go straight to). Just select the dates and times you'd like to request*, and let us know if there are other local clubs you'd consider if your preferred choice is unable to help for any reason.
* Once we receive your request, our system and team double checks with the provider before we confirm your booking.
Minimum booking times
You can book a holiday club place as little as 1 hour before they open, as long as there is availability. Bookings are for full days only.
Booking early in the morning or after 5.30pm
You're able to use our online service 24/7.
Our team provides phone and email support 7:30am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday, on mfc@myfamilycare.co.uk or 0345 241 5306.
Please note that if you do book outside our office hours, we will only start working on the booking from 7:30am the next working day. However we'll do our utmost to ensure your booking is filled.
Cancelling a booking
In order to obtain a full refund you need to cancel your booking with at least 2 working days' notice.
To cancel a booking please call our team on 0345 241 5306 or email cancellation@myfamilycare.co.uk.
If you cancel within 2 working days, you will be charged 100% of the booking fee.
Your Security
Secure payments
Your payment is absolutely secure. You will be able to use the same card as a previous booking - the information is processed by our payment gateway Opayo, and we do not store the card details.
Please visit Opayo for more details. Work+Family Space is PCI Compliant and our certificate can be shown on request.