Whissendine Holiday Club

Den building, football and a scarecrow project give Whissendine Holiday Club a clear character: active play sits alongside making things together. The club operates at Whissendine Sports Club in Oakham, with shared activities and children's own choices both featuring in its May 2026 day.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership and governance to meet the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. The practical reservation concerns boundaries during play: reminders about safe behaviour and treating equipment carefully needed more consistent follow-through.

In May 2026, children built dens from chairs and tables, then requested cardboard boxes to develop their ideas. This gave them room to shape the activity themselves rather than follow a finished design. A papier-mâché scarecrow head formed part of a project continued from the previous day, giving children something to return to and complete together.

LEGO, bracelet making and colouring provided indoor alternatives. Outdoors, football, obstacle courses and stuck in the mud brought physical activity into the day, while team games required children to cooperate. The combination suited different kinds of participation: making, imaginative play and energetic group activity.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2026 examples included learning through play, making choices and practising cooperation, alongside routines for health and safety.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that staff recognised individual needs through observation, communication with parents and work with the host school, adapting activities and giving additional help to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children could take time to settle and participate at their own pace, making support part of their everyday experience.

In May 2026, staff listened to children's ideas and talked with them about their play. Displays celebrated their work, and photographs preserved creations before dismantling. That gave temporary constructions a lasting acknowledgement.

Health routines included handwashing before food and access to drinking water throughout the session. Accidents were documented and communicated promptly to parents. These were concrete care arrangements alongside the games and creative work.

The address is Whissendine Sports Club, Melton Road, Whissendine, Oakham, LE15 7EU.

In May 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, and children attending were aged 4 to 12. Those details describe the club at that time.

• Boundaries during active play. In May 2026, some children pointed blaster guns towards other children and staff. More consistent intervention was needed, so discuss how staff now reinforce safe play and care for equipment.
• Attendance arrangements. The May 2026 opening window was 9am to 3pm on weekdays. What booking pattern and holiday dates would apply to your child?

Whissendine Holiday Club suits families drawn to a mix of outdoor games, construction and creative projects. Its May 2026 character was participatory: children extended dens, collaborated on a scarecrow and chose quieter indoor activities. Consistent boundaries during imaginative and active play are the main point to explore before choosing it.