Our teacher to children ratio is between 1:8 and 1:10, which exceeds Ofsted requirements for this age group. It is also lower for activities, such as fire-making or whittling, which carry a higher risk. This is key to the quality of the experiences we create with children. More information is available on our Safety Policies page.
The Hive works with a wide range of expert facilitators. Some have been with us since we started. Others joined us more recently. Their background is hugely varied - they may be school teachers, artists, film-makers, teachers, actors, architects, botanists, herbalists, bushcraft experts, forest school practitioners, kite makers, woodworkers, bee keepers, etc. - but a passion for sharing their skills and expertise with children is common to all of them.
All our facilitators are DBS checked and experienced in running workshops for children. Prior to employment, The Hive asks for proof of all qualifications, as well as professional references and all have to undertake our compulsory in-house training.
We use technology across all our missions but in different ways, depending on each specific activity, the age of the children and the nature of each mission.
We use iPods and iPads, as well as laptops with more specialist software when needed. The technology we use includes Nature Cams, Augmented Reality apps (Aurasma, Zappar, Touchcode), filming and videoing apps and software (iMovie, iMotion, Animate It), location-based apps (KlikaKlu, Compass Heading), Avatar-based apps (Tellagami), design software and computing tools such as Raspberry Pi as well as quizzes, self-publishing tools and QR codes.
Technology is always used to support creativity, exploration and interactivity. It is never the primary focus. It helps our campers interrogate and discover whilst subtly building their digital skills.
We believe that not only does technology used well support children's engagement in the outdoors, the way in which it is used at The Hive fosters investigation, imagination, communication and enterprise, the core of our learning approach. It is always specific to an activity, used in context and never gratuitous.
Our technology set-up complies with Ofsted requirements and is in line with school provision.
All our missions have daily itineraries, which are available for parents to browse. Please email team@thehive-kids.com to request the mission itineraries.
Missions start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm. The flow of the day follows a traditional school day: children have a morning break of 15 minutes at 11am, a lunch break of 60 minutes at 12.30pm and an afternoon break of 15 minutes at 2.45pm.
We have 3 levels of pricing, depending on the complexity of a mission, its use of technology and the amount of materials and equipment needed. Click here to see our prices.
Yes, The Hive offers discounts for siblings and multi-week bookings. Click here to see all the discounts we offer, as well as our discount policy.
Safeguarding
All our facilitators are DBS checked. Prior to employment, The Hive also asks for proof of all qualifications, as well as professional references and all staff have to undertake our compulsory in-house safeguarding training.
Technology
To complete our missions, the children are given team iPods or iPads. All tablets are set up to comply with Ofsted school online safety requirements and children are only able to access pre-loaded apps, information and functions linked to the challenges. They're never asked to register, sign-in or share any personal data. More information is available on our Safety Policies page.
Risk assessments
All our equipment and activities are risk assessed, as are the grounds and buildings we use at Eltham College. We also carry out a dynamic risk assessment throughout each mission. Our risk assessment documentation is on site at all times and parents are welcome to look through at drop-off or pick-up. More information is also available on our Safety Policies page.
All camps have at least one certified First Aider holding a valid First Aid certificate that is less than 3 years old. At least one facilitator per location is also an Ofsted approved Paediatric First Aider. Facilitators may also be Outdoor First Aid Certified.
We are covered by a £5m public liability Forest School insurance. Our insurance company is Birnbeck Finance Ltd, a Forest School Insurance Specialist. A copy of our policy is on site at all times and parents are welcome to look through during drop-off or pick-up. Our policy is also available to view and download in our Safety Policies page.
The Hive is registered with Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, on the Compulsory Childcare Register. Our Registration Certificate is EY497153.
The Hive's latest Ofsted inspection was carried out on 10th August 2016: not only did we pass with flying colours, but the inspector shared some lovely feedback about the work we do and the benefits to children. The Hive was praised in particular for:
The Hive is for children between 5 1/2 and 13, who work in small age appropriate groups. Unfortunately we can only accept children younger than 5 1/2 if they have completed Reception and are ready to start Year 1. We cannot be flexible in this area.
Our Missions start at 9.30am and run through to 4pm. We also offer an extended care option from 8.30am through to 6pm for an additional cost. Click here for more information. Please note that we charge a £5 fine per 5 minutes for parents picking up their children later than 6pm, as we have to pay our staff extra time.
Childminders, friends or family members that have been authorised in writing by you at registration to collect your child from camp are able to collect. We ask that all parents/ family members collecting children bring the unique booking ID number when collecting, in order to confirm that they are authorised to collect
Children should come to Camp ready for an active outdoor day. We recommend comfortable, sporty clothes (i.e. tracksuit bottoms and trainers), as well as a waterproof jacket and sun hat or cap during hot weather. A change of clothes might be also be good if the weather is wet.
Children should bring a healthy - nut free - packed lunch with morning and afternoon snacks especially if you are dropping your child off early or picking them up late.
Refillable water bottle that the children can take out with them throughout the day (we supply drinking water for them to fill their bottles).
Please also pack sun cream for your child, preferably applying it before they arrive on Camp, although we cannot apply sun cream directly to your child, we will remind them throughout the day to re-apply.
To help us return lost property please ensure everything is named where possible.
At the time of booking, please give us as much information regarding medical conditions and medication as possible in order for us to appropriately care for your child during their time at The Hive. We will require you to fill out additional information prior to Camp, but we will send these out with your confirmation email. All information you provide at the time of booking will be with our staff on Camp by the time you arrive for your first day.
Since September 2014, children suffering from allergies are required to bring two Epipens to camp. The Hive will refuse any child not carrying two Epipens.
Yes, if you specify it at the time of booking. We always ensure that friends and siblings are together, especially if this is your first booking at The Hive. Just mention it to the team:)
Our missions run rain or shine: good waterproofs mean that activities can take place outside:) The Hive has also access to school buildings, including several classrooms and a school hall.
Yes, absolutely! All Hive missions finish with an exhibition, showcase or performance for parents.The format depends on each particular theme and project. We usually ask parents to arrive between 15 and 30 minutes early to get the most of the showcases.
Credit and Debit Cards We currently accept any credit or debit card with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express Logo.
Childcare Vouchers We do also accept Childcare Vouchers from all major providers.
Yes, The Hive is registered with most Childcare Voucher providers from Kiddivouchers through to EdenRed, ComputerShare, Care-4 and many more. Please follow instructions when booking online.
In the event of cancellation by you, a refund will only be issued if such cancellation is notified in writing to The Hive at least one month before the commencement of the Camp. An administration charge of £50 per week per child will be deducted from the refund. No refunds will be issued for bookings cancelled in the last month prior to the date of the camp. A credit may be issued at the discretion of The Hive.
If, for any reason, the Camp is cancelled by The Hive, the total liability of The Hive will not exceed that proportion of the Fees The Hive have actually received.
Fees are non-returnable for students arriving late, leaving early or missing a day of camp (whether on account of illness or any other cause). If the course has been booked, then the full fees are payable.
As part of our Social Enterprise mission, we do all we can to keep our programmes accessible to as many children as possible. 15% of all children attending The Hive benefit from our scholarship scheme.
Please email team@thehive-kids.com if you would like your child to benefit from attending The Hive but the cost is too high.
We consider each application on its merit and allocate scholarships accordingly. Please note that you will be required to fill in a short application form.
