OFSTED Compliance Made Easy for Holiday Camps

If you run a holiday camp or sports programme for kids, chances are you’ve got a lot on your plate already. Schedules. Bookings. Health forms. Ratios. Wet weather plans. And then there’s OFSTED – the word that makes admin alarms ring for even the most organised provider.

But here’s the thing: OFSTED doesn’t need to be a scary acronym that keeps you up at night. With the right systems in place, you can stay inspection-ready and still focus on what really matters – giving children amazing, active experiences.

“Less time doing admin, more time doing what we love”

That’s exactly what Kris Hatton from Complete Coaching set out to do. Based across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, Kris and his team work with children from age four right up to 19 through half-term holiday camps, after-school clubs, and full-time football education programmes.

“We started this business to make an impact in our community,” Kris shares. “To inspire the next generation. But we found ourselves spending too much time chasing outstanding payments or correcting bookings.”

Sound familiar?

That’s when Kris discovered Pebble.

“Since moving to Pebble, we’ve spent less time on admin and more time doing what we’re great at – being on the field with the kids.”

OFSTED: What You Actually Need to Know

If you’re new to the process or not sure where your setting fits, here’s a quick lowdown:

Do You Need to Register?

If your holiday club looks after:

• Children under 5: You’ll likely need to register on the Early Years Register.

• Children aged 5 to 8: Register on the Childcare Register (compulsory).

• Children aged 8+: You can join the Voluntary Register – optional, but it builds trust with parents.

Not sure? OFSTED’s helpline (0300 123 1231) can guide you based on your setting and age groups.

What’s the Process Like?

You’ll need to apply online via GOV.UK, with a few essentials ready:

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Childcare qualifications

• First aid training

OFSTED inspections usually happen within 30 months of registration and then every four years or so. For childcare providers, it’s all about showing a safe, supportive environment where children thrive.

Pebble Makes OFSTED Compliance Simpler (Really)

Kris isn’t the only one singing Pebble’s praises. Activity providers across the UK are turning to our platform because staying compliant shouldn’t mean drowning in paperwork.

Here’s how we help:

Automated Registers – So You Don’t Have to Scramble

OFSTED expects accurate, up-to-date attendance logs. Pebble handles this automatically:

• Digital check-in/out for each session

• Real-time visibility across devices

• Instantly downloadable for inspectors

“Generating QR codes for sign-in has made things so easy,” says Kris. “It’s a smooth process for staff and parents.”

Medical Records – Easy to Manage, Easy to Access

Every child is different – and Pebble helps you keep their care personalised and safe:

• Allergies, meds and emergency contacts stored securely

• Consent forms and incident logs in one place

• Instant updates available to staff

With Pebble, nothing gets lost in a folder or forgotten on a clipboard.

Document Everything (Without Doing Everything)

OFSTED likes systems. So do we. Pebble helps you stay organised without getting overwhelmed:

• Digital logs of every session

• Role-based access to sensitive info

• Reports that are ready when inspectors come calling

More Than Software – It’s a Shift in Mindset

When Kris took the leap to switch platforms, it felt a bit daunting at first. But the results speak for themselves:

“It’s just made sense. The communication with Pebble has been incredible. Any ideas I’ve had have been actioned quickly.”

Now, instead of chasing invoices or checking spreadsheets, his team is back where they belong – out on the pitch, making a difference.

Ready to Get OFSTED-Ready?

At Pebble, we don’t just help you tick boxes. We give you the tools to grow with confidence. Because running a holiday camp should be joyful – not buried in red tape.

If you’re:

• Preparing for OFSTED for the first time

• Wanting to streamline how you run your camp

• Or just tired of late payments and manual registers...

We’re here for you.

“There’s only one way forward – and that’s with Pebble.”
— Kris Hatton, Complete Coaching

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Experience it for yourself. See how it feels to focus on what you do best – while we take care of the rest.

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