Due to unprecedent demand and the need to carefully manage availability to stay within our safe operating limits, we have taken the booking system offline for the next 7 days.
I am also seeking clarification and updated guidance, as the Department for Education has advised that: “summer holiday providers are to remain closed for the time being”. Unfortunately, this information was not the same information provided by Ofsted on the 1st of June when I called them to get clarification on whether we would be allowed to run this summer. At that time there was not clear guidance on the reopening of holiday clubs on the government website – only early years settings being mentioned in the initial guidance documents and we are an early years setting Ofsted registered provider. However they have subsequently reviewed the guidance and subdivided early years settings only for nurseries and childminders whereas previously this had included breakfast clubs and holiday clubs, which was the case when I received my information on the 1st of June.
Furthermore, I explained all our measures in place to keep the children and staff safe during the summer and the information I received was that as early years setting providers we would be able to be re-open in the same way as nurseries and childminders.
Consequently, this latest guidance may now affect our decision on whether or not we can open this summer. The Government says that it is keeping this position under review, and “will let providers know more, including about arrangements for the summer holiday period, as soon as possible”.
I do appreciate the inconvenience of this matter and can only apologise for this – I am doing my best to manage a very difficult situation. However, if we are unable to open our holiday club, and you have already booked onto the camp then of course I would offer a full refund. If you have paid by childcare vouchers then a credit note will be available.
Once again, I am monitoring this situation closely and hope to be able to run our camp over the summer.
Kindest regards,
Adriane
MuddyBoots owner and founder.