From 1st April 2025, we will be introducing a mandatory registration fee for all families that access leisure services and family activities e.g., family swim, family events, private bookings. Also holiday activities, all clubs, and swimming lessons. This includes those on the waiting list for any activities.

However, if a family only wishes to access MediCinema and no other family/child activities, this fee does not apply, as per MediCinema charity registration.

Existing families and new users will be required to pay a registration fee of £48.00 a year, this amount equates to supporting the charity £4 per month.

 

Q&A

 

Why is there a need for a mandatory annual fee?

The fee is intended to cover the costs of providing specialist equipment, fully trained staff, and accessible facilities to ensure that children, young people and families can fully experience leisure services.

 

How does the fee support the running of clubs and the future of the charity?

The fee helps ensure that clubs have the necessary resources to operate effectively, including funding for staff, equipment, and facilities. It also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the charity, allowing it to continue offering valuable services and expanding its reach to more children in need.

 

Are there any exemptions or discounts available?

Yes, there may be exemptions or discounts for families with financial hardships. If families only wish to be registered for MediCinema, and no other family/child activities, this fee does not apply, as per MediCinema charity registration.

 

How can parents apply for financial assistance?
Parents can apply for financial assistance through Sparkle's hardship policy. Please email for more details.

 

What leisure services does the fee apply to?

The fee covers all Sparkle leisure services, including family activities e.g., family swim, family events, private bookings. Also holiday activities, all clubs, and swimming lessons. This includes those on the waiting list for any activities. However, if a family only wishes to access MediCinema and no other family/child activities, this fee does not apply, as per MediCinema charity registration.

 

Will the fee affect the quality of services provided?

The goal is to enhance the quality of services by ensuring that there are sufficient resources to meet the needs of our families. The fee will support the delivery of leisure services and helping to secure the future of the charity.

 

Is this fee refundandable, if we no longer wish to access Sparkle leisure services?

This fee is non-refundable due to increasing overhead costs and is essential for the charity.

 

What if a child/young person is unable to attend activities?

The fee is typically structured to cover the entire year, regardless of the number of activities attended. 

 

How will annual club re-allocation affect this fee?

The annual re-allocation of clubs will not affect the fee, as this fee remains mandatory for all families registered to leisure activities and/or on a waiting list.

 

Is this fee still required if we are already paying for club sessions or family activities?

Yes, the fee is mandatory for all families to annually register for all Sparkle leisure services. 

 

How can parents provide feedback or raise concerns?

Parents can provide feedback or raise concerns through Sparkle's putting things right policy.