A typical break at Honeypot
The magical breaks here at Honeypot not only begins when the children arrive at the Honeypot House, but the moment they step onto our minibus. This valuable time is sometimes taken for granted; this is the first time the children meet each other and Honeypot staff, usually with The Greatest Showman or The Long King playing on the tele in the background. The chaperone ensures each child is happy and comfortable for the journey ahead and is always there for extra reassurance if needed. From this point on the special friendships and memories grow right in front of our eyes, as the children begin their Honeypot journey.
“All children are given a tour of the house and grounds on their first visit to Honeypot to make them feel safe and most importantly, at home.”
The smiley team greet every group of children off the minibus in the same welcoming ‘Honeypot’ style. Every break is started off with a ‘welcome circle’, where all staff and children introduce themselves to the group. Lots of ‘getting to know you’ games are played so staff can paint a picture of the group. This helps the Honeypot team to support and plan their break around the children’s individuals wants and needs. All children are given a tour of the house and grounds on their first visit to Honeypot to make them feel safe and most importantly, at home.
The Honeypot team talk about the behaviour and kindness principles that guide their interactions throughout their break and are central to every child’s Honeypot experience. The three main steppingstones that guide our fabulous breaks are: be kind, be safe, and most importantly: have fun.
“Regular ‘check in’ sessions are done throughout the day to bring the group together to feedback how they’re feeling and to ensure that everyone is included and valued within the group.”
Our days here at Honeypot are busy and full of fun! Although there is structure to how the days run, the activities themselves are very child led. From baking cookies and cakes, riding on go-karts and bikes, to arts and crafts, getting messy outside, exploring the woodland and swimming and water games in our indoor pool! Regular ‘check in’ sessions are done throughout the day; these important talks bring the group together to feedback how they’re feeling, if there’s anything different they’d like to do and to ensure that everyone is included and valued within the group. A perfect game to express these feelings in an informal manner is ‘High, Low, Hero.’ Each child is given the opportunity to pick out something ‘high’ from their day that they’ve really enjoyed, something ‘low’ that they’ve tried and probably won’t do again and ‘a hero’, someone who’s done something kind and made their day extra special. Staff then use these responses to improve activities, create new play opportunities and recognise special friendships forming throughout the break.
“It is paramount that all children go to bed happy and content, with curiosity and excitement of what the next honeypot day will bring!”
As night time draws in, all children have the option to shower and change into their pyjamas ready for a movie night. Our living room area is turned into a movie theatre; with blankets and cushions spread out across the sofas and floors with staff handing out popcorn and hot chocolate as we settle down for a film chosen especially by the children. The children are all settled into their rooms by around 9pm with a bedtime story and all children are reassured that staff are available during the night if they need us. It is paramount that all children go to bed happy and content, with curiosity and excitement of what the next Honeypot day will bring!
“Each child receives an award for something they’ve enjoyed, they’ve conquered, or any highlight we’ve noticed from their time with us.”
The final day is always made extra special with a full English breakfast to line our stomachs whilst we reflect on our wonderful break. Each child receives an award for something they’ve enjoyed, conquered, or any highlight we’ve noticed from their time with us. Each child receives a certificate, an envelope full of craft, and sometimes even the odd cookie makes its way home for loved ones (unfortunately they don’t usually make it past the kitchen!!).
We make time to reflect on our greatest Honeypot achievements, before waving the children off in our mini bus; with bellies full of food, hearts full of friendships, and heads full of special memories.
