Some guidance for parents looking for a good entertainer.

It can be a very daunting affair looking for someone to entertain your child and friends at a party. You need to know he or she will be able to hold the children's interest, keep them 'under control' and most of all, entertain them. Some points to consider include;

How long has the entertainer been doing this job? Experience of working with children is very important, it takes some special skills to work with a large group successfully. Children at parties can be rather over excited, and need a firm but fun control. Make sure anyone you book has had plenty of experience of working with children before.

Tina Says.. Before I was a party entertainer I was a primary school teacher - children's  entertainment on a different scale! I have been working with children at parties since 1999, and doing Sword Play parties since 2005. I'm a full-time coach working in schools during the week, so have plenty of experience with children!

Have you had any word of mouth recommendations? This is probably one of the most useful gauges to an entertainer's skills. People will be more than happy to tell you what they really think! If you haven't already had a personal recommendation you may wish to ask a prospective entertainer if you can contact a previous client. They should be happy to provide some details if they have nothing to hide!

Tina Says.... I hope you've come to this website because someone has already recommended me to you! If not, please do take a look at the testimonials I have below. I am also most happy to put you in touch with a recent client if you would like.

Does the entertainer hold any qualifications in their field? This may not be appropriate, depending on the activities planned, but should be carefully considered if he is advertising himself as a professional, or expert. He may or may not hold formal qualifications, but should normally be a member of a professional body.

Tina Says.... I have been fencing myself since I was 11, and hold a level 2 foil coach qualification with the British Fencing Association. I am on the England Fencing's coaches register. I am also a qualified teacher with a B.Ed. and have taken a first aid course.

Does the entertainer have public liability insurance and a CRB clearance form? Every entertainer should have these. The insurance shows that they take their job seriously and professionally, and is important in case there is an accident. An enhanced disclosure on a CRB form shows that the entertainer was checked by the police and (at the time the form was issued) was found to have no record of criminal convictions or activity.

Tina says... Yes, I do hold public liability insurance, for £5M. Not that I have ever needed to use it! I also have several recent CRB forms (you need to apply for one every time you work in a new school!)

Is everything confirmed in writing? Does the entertainer give you clear information about what he / she will be doing with the children, exactly how long it will take, how much it will cost, etc? A good entertainer should be very clear about what will be happening at your party. They may well offer different activities depending upon the ages of the children, showing that they are flexible and willing to ensure that your child's party is just right.

Tina Says... I always send out an information sheet explaining how the party will work, what we will require space-wise, what the children need to wear, and how much it will cost. I am always happy to answer any questions and to give advice about anything to do with your party. In return, I ask the parents to complete a booking form for me, so I know exactly what I'm required to do at your party, and when / where I need to be!

 Some comments from recent Sword Play clients....

"Dear Tina
I'm writing to say thank you for doing Louis' party last Saturday. What a brilliant day! I was a little concerned how a dozen 11 year olds were going to behave with real swords, but I needn't have worried. They really enjoyed themselves, and behaved perfectly throughout - you had them spellbound, and kept them completely occupied. I'm also pleased with how much they seemed to learn - they certainly looked like proper fencers to my untrained eye! I shan't hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a different party idea .Thank you again."
Mrs W-J, Chelmsford