twinkletotshire@gmail.com
About us
About Us
I am a stay-at-home Mum to cheeky two year old Amelia and a wife to my wonderful childhood-sweetheart, Adam. We live in St Ives and enjoy gardening, eating great food and visiting new places!
I have a degree in English Literature and began my working life as a Head Waitress at a high-end local Wedding Venue whilst at University, getting my first taste of Events Planning - but I couldn't fathom the late nights and weekend work, wanting to start a family. I then went on to become a Marketing Administrator in a Luxury Estate Agents, buying our first home and getting married during this time, before fulfilling the reason I went to University by teaching as a Cover Teacher in a local Secondary School. Shortly after starting that job, I fell pregnant with Amelia and realised that I wanted to stay at home and look after her before continuing my career. I now work one day a week for a well-known Baby/Toddler Group, offering classes full of music, dance, puppetry and even some makaton signing to local families.
The opportunity arose for this business during the Coronavirus Lockdown in 2021, and within 2 days we had purchased our beautiful Princess Soft Play Equipment, had a graphic designer create our logo, and launched our website and Facebook page! Within a week, we were so popular we had to go out and purchase our Pirates Soft Play Equipment too to fulfill demand! It was utterly bonkers... but then life in 2020 into 2021 was bonkers in itself!
This business seemed like the ideal next step for me, following on from working wedding events, marketing and with children in a school! Having just had a baby myself late 2019 shortly going into Lockdown for the first time in 2020, alongside suffering Postnatal Depression, I knew what it was like to be stuck at home with a bored baby and then toddler after she began walking at 10 months much to our surprise! Financially, we realised how expensive little ones are, and when her first birthday hit we wanted to ensure it was special in the gap between Lockdowns!
That's why we understand that parents want to give their children the very best experiences/days out/parties and decided that we wanted to stick to an affordable business model to allow all parents to give their child a wonderful experience without costing the earth!
We have attended lots of local events, meeting lots of wonderful people, as well being invited to attend the national TOTFest event at Newmarket Racecourse in 2021. We set up a Stay & Play Group in Godmancester, which has gone done very well with local mums and tots! We have already added a big Princess Ball Pit, and our jumbo Party Package too. In the near future we aim to invest any profits into purchasing more packages, so we can cater for more children! Who knows where we will go from there...
We look forward to discussing your needs and welcome any questions or requests and will work with you to help you achieve a wonderful experience.
Laura (Manager)
Find out how we are keeping you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
Our COVID GuaranteeTerms and Conditions
These are the Terms & Conditions of Hire. If you do not agree with any of our terms, contact us immediately and we will cancel your booking. If you are in any doubt as to the meaning of the terms, please do contact us also. Please read these carefully and as you will be asked to sign to signify that you accept them.
Provided that the Soft Play Package is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of hire, those using this equipment should do so safely. However, accidents can happen. Twinkle Tots Soft Play Hire accept no liability for damage, injuries or any other loss, howsoever caused, as the Soft Play Package will be in the hirer’s possession and control whilst in use, rather than Twinkle Tots Soft Play Hire, therefore any liability for damage, injuries or other losses rests with the hirer. You are advised to take out Public Liability Insurance covering the use of the equipment whilst it is on hire to you.
The Soft Play Package is strictly for use by children aged under five years old. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should older children or adults use the equipment as this may result in damage to the equipment. Failure to observe this age limit at any time during the hire period will render you liable for any associated repair costs.
WE ONLY HIRE TO GROUND FLOOR VENUES. Free parking is to be supplied right outside the entrance for delivery and collection. It is your responsibility to ensure that there is easy access to the venue with car parking. If you have added the Ball Pit then we can set up for you and this will take approximately half an hour to set up and remove the soft play equipment.
The Soft Play Package must be set up onto a clean flat lawn/astro-turf (free of litter, animal foul etc) OR clear flat indoor space free of furniture in advance, as we cannot move anything out of the way to make room for the equipment (remembering to move any loose cables/other safety hazards). Through September to February, hires must be inside only, unless we have agreed with you otherwise to have it outside in an enclosed covered area outside with ground-covering to protect the mats, by prior arrangement. This could extend into early Spring if the ground is still sodden/muddy. It is the Hirers responsibility to check the site measurements for the required soft play package, and also to ensure there is adequate space surrounding the equipment. If we arrive and there is insufficient space or the area is unsuitable, we reserve the right to refuse delivery, to return at a later time, or to request the removal certain items – full payment must still be made.
We will always aim to deliver to you and within the time frame you have requested, however delays from road closures, unprecedented excessive traffic and accidents are beyond our control. We are not liable for lack of delivery or damage due to any act of God, war, strike, lockout, pandemic, industrial action, fire, flood, drought, or other event beyond the reasonable control of the supplier (us). In such circumstances, we will give notice to you as the Hirer where possible, and be released from our obligations wherein impossibility prevents or restricts our ability to hire to you. You would be refunded in this case.
***We offer a no fee cancellation service when you cancel at least 7 days prior to the hire drop-off time. If cancelling within 7 days of the hire time, you will be charged 50% of the hire rate, and if cancelling within 24 hours of the hire time you will be charged the full rate (the deposit will be fully refunded). We reserve the right to cancel any booking in bad weather or for any other safety reasons. You will be fully refunded if we cancel it or your booking moved to another date. Cancellations must be made in writing by email to Twinkle Tots Soft Play Hire. Claims for refunds will not be accepted - the soft play hire packages are hired as seen***
All bookings are to be made via email using the booking form, wherein you should pay in advance online and read/agree to the terms and conditions. If the deposit is not paid in advance online, the driver is to be paid the refundable cash deposit upon delivery, which will be returned upon our collection of the equipment. Only our delivery driver is authorised to collect the equipment and under no circumstances should any of the equipment be handed over to anyone other than our delivery driver.
If any of the equipment is damaged or lost during the hire period, your deposit will be used in its entirety or for part payment for any repairs/replacements. You will be liable for the full cost of any repair/replacement as a result of the hire and we will send an invoice for the full amount to the address of the hirer on the initial contract. Should payment not be received when the invoice is sent, we reserve the right to take legal action, and all costs associated with this will be passed onto the hirer. We will contact you within 24 hours of your event finishing should we find damage not brought forward to us by the hirer upon collection.
The hire period, unless otherwise agreed at the discretion of Twinkle Tots Soft Play Hire, is from delivery until the agreed end time noted on the contract. Any obstruction/unnecessary delay will be charged at £10 per hour or part of.
The Soft Play Package cannot be left unattended, and if hired out overnight, the equipment along with all accessories is to be stored indoors. The Hirer is responsible for safe keeping of the equipment and you will be charged for any damage caused to it or for any items missing from it on its return. The hirer shall not use the Soft Play Package for any purpose other than that described in this agreement, and shall not sub-hire or use the equipment, or allow the equipment to be used, for any unlawful purpose or in any unlawful way.
You must ensure that there is always adequate adult supervision when the Soft Play Package is in use. To comply with our insurance regulations, responsible adults must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when in charge. You are responsible for the supervision of the equipment, its care, safety from damage however slight of any sort, and the behaviour of all persons using the equipment, and so you must ensure it is always used properly. Stop any horseplay. For the safety of the users, the foam safety mats provided must be positioned under the Soft Play Package at all times.
Children must remove their shoes before using the equipment. Parents whilst supervising must remove their shoes too. Adults must not sit or lean on any of the equipment. Food and drink should not be consumed on or taken onto the equipment, and sharp/dangerous items (including but not limited to badges, earrings, jewellery etc) and pets are forbidden on the equipment. No signs/decorations are to be glued, taped or hung onto the equipment at all. No face paint, party poppers, coloured streamers, pens or silly string should be taken, thrown or sprayed onto the equipment as these materials permanently stain the material and the hirer will be liable to compensate us in the event of damage. No glass/drinking glasses/glass bottles. No water/water fights. No furniture on and no high heels on the safety mats as this can penetrate the EVA material and make holes or leave it permanently dented. No smoking, fires or barbecues to be used near the equipment.
Equipment returned in a very dirty condition will be subject to a cleaning charge. A £50 cleaning fee will apply for any unnecessary soiling against the rules - which includes but is not limited to: food or drink on the equipment, party poppers, coloured streamers or silly string thrown or sprayed onto the equipment, users wearing facepaint on the equipment, wetting equipment by way of garden hose, buckets of water, etc, or leaving outside during rain.
Do not use the equipment in wet weather, storms, high winds, snow or ice and in any other weather condition that a competent person deems to be unsafe (including heatwaves wherein sunstroke could cause illness in a small child). In the event of bad weather, we will endeavour to provide the package booked, by setting up indoors. If we have to cancel the hire then a full refund will be issued, but should the Hirer cancel the party on the day then no refund is to be issued.
We reserve the right to cease operation and remove any hired equipment from the site of hire if at any time we feel that the Hirer and/or their guest's conduct endangers the safety of the guests, the Hirer themselves, our staff or the safety of the hired equipment. At no time will any level of abuse against Twinkle Tots Hire's staff be tolerated. In all such cases no refund will be given.
Public Liability Insurance is excluded in its entirety following any claim or injury to any third party or employee whether directly or indirectly related to the use of drugs and/or alcohol. STRICTLY no alcohol or drug use on or near the soft play equipment. Twinkle Tots Soft Play Hire excludes any liability for injury, loss or damage caused to any person using the equipment contrary to the terms and conditions of this contract. Risk assessments and insurance documents are available on request.
The Soft Play Package is checked by us prior to, and on, delivery. The hirer is deemed to have inspected the equipment and to have agreed that it is supplied in good condition, unless when coming into possession of the equipment they immediately bring it to the attention of Twinkle Tots Soft Play Hire as it is set up. Your signing indicates acceptance of it as being in good, clean condition.
SCUTTLEBUGS & HOPPERS
⦁ Scuttlebugs and Bouncy Hoppers must NOT be used as bumper cars and care must be taken when getting on/off them.
⦁ Do not throw or attempt to stand on any of the Scuttlebugs / Hoppers.
⦁ Ensure the Scuttlebugs are set up properly and clicked together before use.
⦁ Helmets are not provided, but are recommended.
⦁ Children should be able to sit up on their own before using the Scuttlebugs and Hoppers, manufacturer's maximum weight on Scuttlebugs = 20kg, manufacturer’s recommended age for use on Scuttlebugs = 12 months.
⦁ We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents resulting from use of the Scuttlebugs or Bouncy Hoppers.
OPTIONAL BALL PIT
⦁ Our ball pit requires an additional £50 refundable deposit.
⦁ Balls from the ball pit must be collected and bagged before our arrival to collect equipment.
⦁ If balls are not collected and bagged, £20 of the deposit will not be returned.
⦁ Encourage children not to throw balls. They can sting, especially on babies!
⦁ However tempting, adults must NOT enter the ball pit.
⦁ Socks must be worn in the ball pit at all times.
⦁ Do not use the ball pit if potty training, please put your child in a nappy if not toilet trained.
⦁ 6 children maximum inside the ball pit at all times.
⦁ Do not lean on the sides of the ball pit, they are not strong enough to hold.
⦁ Do not jump off or stand on the sides of the ball pit, they are not strong enough to hold, and it will be very clear upon collection of the equipment if this happened and you will be charged for it.
⦁ The ball pit can be overwhelming, especially for younger babies. Ensure that babies are not unsupervised or within the ball pit with older children, it is advisable that similar ages use it at one time.
Safe Play Guidance
• The hirer of the equipment (a responsible person over the age of 18) must ensure that only children aged under five are allowed on the equipment. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should older children or adults use the equipment.
• No shoes, sharp or dangerous objects. No eating or drinking. No pets on equipment.
• No signs/decorations are to be glued, taped or hung onto the equipment at all.
• No party poppers, coloured streamers, pens or silly string should be taken, thrown or sprayed onto the equipment as these materials permanently stain the material.
• The hirer is to observe the safety and well-being of the users. You must ensure equipment is always used properly. Stop any horseplay.
• The seams and zips should be monitored, to look out for any tears. The hirer must ensure that the equipment remains intact throughout the use, and in the event of failure of this all users are to be safely removed. Any accidents must be reported, and the injured parties' representative is to sign and date under the explanation of what occurred in the relevant Accident Record Book.
• The weather conditions are to be monitored when outdoors. The equipment should be moved inside in bad weather and should always be protected from rain.
• The equipment should be set up onto a clean flat lawn or clear indoor space free of furniture (and any loose cables/safety hazards).
• You must ensure that there is always adequate adult supervision when the equipment is in use.
• For the safety of the users, the foam safety mats provided should be positioned under the equipment.
COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT
OUR POST-‘FREEDOM DAY’ COVID GUARANTEE:
***If you cancel your hire due to a positive Coronavirus test or if you have been told to isolate by the NHS Covid app / Track & Trace, regardless of whether is is within 7 days or 24 hours of your hire as per our usual cancellation terms, then you may move your booking to another available date after your isolation period, upon proof of your isolation request / positive test result. Likewise, if our staff test positive for Coronavirus or are advised to isolate by NHS Track & Trace or otherwise, then we will have to cancel your booking, of which you will be fully refunded, of course, or have the choice to move your booking to another date after our isolation period***
These new terms (19.07.21) take into account the fact that most restrictions in the UK have now been lifted for the time being – but that the virus is still with us. But as Government advice may change in the future, then we reserve the right for our safety policies to be reviewed to reflect any changes that are either compulsory or optional.
We continue to provide a fully contactless delivery and set up service for our equipment, leaving you with everything you need to have a wonderful, but most importantly, safe experience. All our staff have now been double vaccinated to give you extra peace of mind, and minimize any risks.
• If anyone in the household is showing, or in the 10 days before the hire has shown, any signs of Coronavirus, or if you have been advised by NHS Test and Trace to isolate, then you CANNOT hire the equipment. You must to self-isolate if you test positive for the virus or if you have been instructed by the NHS Covid app. If any of your guests feel unwell and/or have a high temperature then you must inform us immediately. We abide by the Governments's Track and Trace system for identifying local outbreaks of Covid-19 in the community.
• We accept no responsibility for breach of Coronavirus rules/legislations/laws which may lead to fines/prosecution. We do not advocate ANY breach of Coronavirus restrictions
• Please respect social distancing at all times during delivery / collection
• OUTDOOR SET UP - Secure private gardens only with no public access - we must be able to access your back garden through an external passage, as we cannot take the equipment through your house. Hand sanitiser is used before and after drop-off and collection by our staff, we encourage you to do the same.
• INDOOR SET UP - We continue to offer a door drop off service, leaving you to set up the equipment indoors (we take no responsibility for incorrect set-up / dangerous environments which lead to injury (loose cables, furniture not pushed back etc) as we will be unable to perform a risk assessment for your indoor space without seeing it), unless you require the ball pit inside, in which case we must set this up, and ask for an empty room to do so.
We want to reassure our customers that we are taking every precaution to maintain a hygienic and safe environment. Our equipment will be placed in sanitised vehicles after the equipment has been carefully cleaned and sanitised with professional Anti-Viral Disinfectant which kills Coronavirus within 5 minutes. This could mean that equipment received may be slightly damp or wet upon delivery, however, it will dry within 5-10 minutes.
The above are the steps that we are taking to keep our customers, their children and us safe. If you have any questions or concerns you can email us at: twinkletotshire@gmail.com or give us a call on 07565541266.
Please book early to avoid disappointment because demand for our equipment is currently greater than the supply.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this difficult time.
As always, please stay safe.