FAQs
1. Can I choose who my child shares a room with?
Rooms will be carefully allocated by the holiday leaders to ensure all children feel happy, included and able to make new friends.
2. How will you handle homesickness?
We recognise this might be the first time some children will be away from home. We are happy for children to bring an item from home e.g. cuddly toy which will help them settle. Our pastoral care team will also comfort and distract any child who shows signs of homesickness.
3. Who will help my child select the right clothes for the day?
Staff will tell the children what they need to wear in advance of every activity/outing (e.g. the night before). If any child is not suitably dressed, their assigned helper will advise them to change or select an alternative item of clothing.
4. Who will my child’s assigned helper be and can I contact them directly?
Your child will be told who their dedicated helper is upon arrival at Hebron Hall. Parents can make contact with the Pastoral Leads (John or Kerry Randall) via the Tabernacle main line 020 7735 7076 rather than individual helpers.
5. What will happen if my child misbehaves?
All children will receive patient, kind and understanding care. However, children who consistently misbehave and spoil the atmosphere or upset others will be withdrawn from activities until their behaviour improves.
Please refer to our Safeguarding and Wellbeing policy.
6. What if my child gets hurt?
We have a number of first aid trained staff on the holiday, in addition to medical professionals (e.g. nurses). If your child is seriously hurt or injured we will seek medical attention and contact you straight away.
7. My child has a medical condition, will there be somebody on hand to help them?
Yes. Please ensure you complete the ‘Your Child’s Details’ form and specify both the condition and any medication required. There will be two qualified nurses on the holiday and first aid trained staff, but the more information you provide the better.
8. Can my child bring spending money?
Yes, but no more than £5. The children will need to look after their own money in a purse or wallet.
9. My child can’t swim, will they be safe on the beach or in the swimming pool?
Firstly, please ensure you complete the ‘Your Child’s Details’ form to inform us of your child’s swimming ability. Secondly, there will be lifeguards at the beach and at Hebron Hall. All children will be briefed on safety in water and buoyancy aids given where appropriate.
10. How will you cater for fussy eaters?
We will encourage the children to try all of the food on offer unless there are specific dietary requirements or allergies (specified on the ‘Your Child’s Details’ form). No child will go hungry, so allowances will be made if parents inform us of any specific dietary challenges.
11. My child is quite shy and struggles to get involved; can they opt out of activities?
Participation will be key to ensuring everyone has a lovely time away. We expect all children to take part in all of the activities and will encourage shy children to get involved too.
12. Why can’t my child take their electronic devices, especially their phone?
We hope this holiday will be an opportunity for the children to enjoy good, wholesome fun with their friends. Electronic devices pose safeguarding risks and can be an unhelpful distraction.
13. How can I get in touch with my child and vice versa?
In the case of emergencies, please call the Tabernacle on 020 7735 7076, a holiday leader will be alerted. Children will have access to a member of staff’s phone if they need to reach you.
At the end of each day, all parents can access a ‘daily round up’ of events via the Parent Area. No direct news about your child, is usually good news!
14. Who will take photos and how will they be used?
There will be two approved photographers. The photos will be used in the ‘daily update’ of activities for parents, available via the Parent Area in this microsite. We might also use the photos in displays within the Tabernacle and Sword & Trowel magazine. The photos must not be downloaded or shared, especially on social media platforms. The children’s privacy will always be taken into consideration.
15. Will there be a meeting for parents to get more information?
Yes. There was Zoom briefing for parents on Thursday 25th July, 8pm. If you missed it, please request a link to the recording using the form below.
16. How can I access the Parent Area?
Parents will be given a password to access the Parent Area in advance of departure. The area will remain unavailable until then.