We get asked this a lot:
“Holiday Club sounds great - but is it really right for my three-year-old?”
It’s a totally fair question. After all, if your little one is just out of nappies, still needs help with snack wrappers, or has never done a full day without a nap, a busy Holiday Club might sound… well, a bit much.
But here’s the thing: we’ve built our Holiday Clubs with every child in mind - from the sporty 10-year-olds who want to lead the scavenger hunt, to the quiet three-year-old who needs time to watch before they join in.
Our approach to supporting 3–4 year olds is deeply rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, but more importantly - it’s rooted in warmth, patience and a whole lot of play.
When booking, you’ll be asked to choose a Crew colour: Blue, Yellow, Orange, or Green or sometimes we sometimes merge into our favourite hybrids: Blorange and Grellow (yes, we’re proud of those!)
There’s no major difference between Crews - just smaller groups to help children buddy up more easily and give our Crew Leaders the chance to tailor activities to the children in their group. You can even choose different Crews on different days to match up with friends. Totally flexible.
And while your 3–4-year-old will spend some of their day with their Crew, they’ll also have plenty of time with other little Clubbers their age in their own cosy space - The Den - as well as joining in when we bring everyone together for the big, fun moments.
Our 3–4s have exclusive access to The Den - a calm, welcoming indoor space set up with everything they need to feel comfortable and confident. It’s their home base for the day, and they can pop in and out as they like.
Inside The Den, they’ll find:
We know younger children often need slower transitions, more time to warm up, and somewhere to retreat and regroup. That’s exactly what The Den offers.
We’re all about fun - but we also know that these early years are a crucial stage of development. Our days are shaped by the four guiding principles of the EYFS:
Every family with a 3-4 year old fills out a child profile before their first session - so we know what makes your little one tick. From favourite toys to soothing tricks, it all helps us make their first experience a smooth and happy one.
At the end of each day, you’ll receive a daily diary sheet filled out by their Key Person. It’s a little peek into what they’ve done, how they felt, and the moments that made them smile.
Parents often tell us it becomes the highlight of their day, too.
Your child might take a while to warm up. Or they might dive straight into the mud kitchen with a fistful of glitter. Either way, we follow their lead - never pushy, always encouraging.
They’ll join in with their Crew when they feel ready. They’ll explore their own little world in The Den. They’ll take part in whole-club games, crafts, and silliness when the moment feels right. And they’ll go home full of stories.
To help our youngest Clubbers feel seen, supported, and safe during their day, we’ve created a system that makes sure they always have an extra helping hand when needed.
All children in the Early Years age group wear a special gold wristband - a little visual reminder that they’re one of our VILPs (Very Important Little People!). It means our team can easily spot who might need a little extra help during transitions or group games.
We’ve designed a buddy system where some of our older Clubbers (ages 8+) volunteer to support our little ones in bigger activities. They wear a gold wristband too - because helping others deserves recognition! Whether it’s lending a hand in a team game, walking alongside them to the forest, or just offering some gentle encouragement to join in, it’s a lovely way for different ages to connect, build confidence and feel like part of the same Practically Family gang.
It’s one of those things that starts as a safety measure - and ends up as something pretty magical.
“OMG! Holiday Club is amazing! My 3 3/4 year boy loves it. It’s so much fun, energy, magic and entertainment! In safe hands and they come home tired but happy from karaoke, bracelet making, chocolate making. football tricks, blowing bubbles, dancing, running and playing, face painting the list goes on and no day is the same! It’s a god send. Well done Sophie and team, smashed it out of the park!” Tara.
We know it’s a big decision to trust someone else with your little one during the holidays. But we promise - we’ve thought about the tiniest Clubbers just as much as the big ones.
With us, they’re safe, supported, and surrounded by qualified staff who genuinely get little people.
We think so. But if you’ve got questions, drop us an email at hc@practicallyfamily.co.uk
Whether your child is bold and bouncy or quiet and cautious, we’ve thought about what they need. And we’re ready to welcome them with open arms (and possibly a glitter shaker).
Come join us! We are currently running holiday clubs at Greenbank Preparatory School, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. You can find more info here.
“Holiday Club sounds great - but is it really right for my three-year-old?”
It’s a totally fair question. After all, if your little one is just out of nappies, still needs help with snack wrappers, or has never done a full day without a nap, a busy Holiday Club might sound… well, a bit much.
But here’s the thing: we’ve built our Holiday Clubs with every child in mind - from the sporty 10-year-olds who want to lead the scavenger hunt, to the quiet three-year-old who needs time to watch before they join in.
Our approach to supporting 3–4 year olds is deeply rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, but more importantly - it’s rooted in warmth, patience and a whole lot of play.
Here’s how it works:
First, you’ll choose their Crew (when you book)
When booking, you’ll be asked to choose a Crew colour: Blue, Yellow, Orange, or Green or sometimes we sometimes merge into our favourite hybrids: Blorange and Grellow (yes, we’re proud of those!)
There’s no major difference between Crews - just smaller groups to help children buddy up more easily and give our Crew Leaders the chance to tailor activities to the children in their group. You can even choose different Crews on different days to match up with friends. Totally flexible.
And while your 3–4-year-old will spend some of their day with their Crew, they’ll also have plenty of time with other little Clubbers their age in their own cosy space - The Den - as well as joining in when we bring everyone together for the big, fun moments.
The Den: A home base made just for them
Our 3–4s have exclusive access to The Den - a calm, welcoming indoor space set up with everything they need to feel comfortable and confident. It’s their home base for the day, and they can pop in and out as they like.
Inside The Den, they’ll find:
- Circle Time just right for their age
- Free play invitations tailored to their interests
- Cosy spaces to relax or have a little nap
- Easy access to drinks, toilets and friendly faces
We know younger children often need slower transitions, more time to warm up, and somewhere to retreat and regroup. That’s exactly what The Den offers.
Grounded in the EYFS framework…but never boring
We’re all about fun - but we also know that these early years are a crucial stage of development. Our days are shaped by the four guiding principles of the EYFS:
- A Unique Child: Every child is different - and we celebrate that.
- Positive Relationships: Your child is assigned a Key Person who supports their emotional wellbeing and helps them settle in.
- Enabling Environments: From our outdoor play areas to the cosy corners in The Den, every space is set up to help them feel safe and curious.
- Learning and Development: Whether they’re crafting, climbing, sorting, scooping or storytelling, they’re learning through play, every single day.
We get to know them before Day One
Every family with a 3-4 year old fills out a child profile before their first session - so we know what makes your little one tick. From favourite toys to soothing tricks, it all helps us make their first experience a smooth and happy one.
And we keep you in the loop
At the end of each day, you’ll receive a daily diary sheet filled out by their Key Person. It’s a little peek into what they’ve done, how they felt, and the moments that made them smile.
Parents often tell us it becomes the highlight of their day, too.
They’ll join in - on their own terms
Your child might take a while to warm up. Or they might dive straight into the mud kitchen with a fistful of glitter. Either way, we follow their lead - never pushy, always encouraging.
They’ll join in with their Crew when they feel ready. They’ll explore their own little world in The Den. They’ll take part in whole-club games, crafts, and silliness when the moment feels right. And they’ll go home full of stories.
Gold Bands for Very Important Little People (VILPs)
To help our youngest Clubbers feel seen, supported, and safe during their day, we’ve created a system that makes sure they always have an extra helping hand when needed.
All children in the Early Years age group wear a special gold wristband - a little visual reminder that they’re one of our VILPs (Very Important Little People!). It means our team can easily spot who might need a little extra help during transitions or group games.
Our Buddy System
We’ve designed a buddy system where some of our older Clubbers (ages 8+) volunteer to support our little ones in bigger activities. They wear a gold wristband too - because helping others deserves recognition! Whether it’s lending a hand in a team game, walking alongside them to the forest, or just offering some gentle encouragement to join in, it’s a lovely way for different ages to connect, build confidence and feel like part of the same Practically Family gang.
It’s one of those things that starts as a safety measure - and ends up as something pretty magical.
What parents tell us
“OMG! Holiday Club is amazing! My 3 3/4 year boy loves it. It’s so much fun, energy, magic and entertainment! In safe hands and they come home tired but happy from karaoke, bracelet making, chocolate making. football tricks, blowing bubbles, dancing, running and playing, face painting the list goes on and no day is the same! It’s a god send. Well done Sophie and team, smashed it out of the park!” Tara.
We know it’s a big decision to trust someone else with your little one during the holidays. But we promise - we’ve thought about the tiniest Clubbers just as much as the big ones.
With us, they’re safe, supported, and surrounded by qualified staff who genuinely get little people.
So… is Holiday Club right for your 3–4 year old?
We think so. But if you’ve got questions, drop us an email at hc@practicallyfamily.co.uk
Whether your child is bold and bouncy or quiet and cautious, we’ve thought about what they need. And we’re ready to welcome them with open arms (and possibly a glitter shaker).
Come join us! We are currently running holiday clubs at Greenbank Preparatory School, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. You can find more info here.
Practically Family
07939 942334 (during Holiday Club weeks only)
