Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Play Hopper. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our platform and services. By accessing or usingPlay Hopper, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access our services.

2. Platform Role and Limitations

Play Hopper operates as a platform connecting adults with playgroup organizers. We are not responsible for:

• The conduct of playgroup organizers or participants
• The safety or quality of playgroup activities
• Any injuries or incidents that occur during playgroup sessions
• The accuracy of information provided by organizers

Play Hopper provides a platform to help adults find and book playgroups. We do not directly operate or manage any playgroups on the platform.

You are fully responsible for the operation, legal compliance, and safety of your playgroup.

Play Hopper reserves the right to:

• Suspend or remove any playgroup listings that pose a safety risk, fail to meet legal standards, or breach this agreement.
• Investigate concerns raised by adults and take appropriate action.

3. User Responsibilities

3.1 Adults

• Verify playgroup details and organizer credentials
• Supervise children during playgroup activities
• Report any concerns or inappropriate behavior
• Provide accurate information when registering

3.2 Organizers

• Maintain valid certifications and insurance
• Provide accurate information about playgroups
• Ensure safe and appropriate environments
• Comply with local regulations and safety standards

Your Legal Responsibilities

By registering your playgroup on Play Hopper, you confirm that:

• You have the legal right to operate your playgroup under UK law.
• You comply with EYFS statutory requirements, Ofsted (where applicable), and your local authority's licensing and safeguarding obligations.
• You (and any staff or volunteers involved) have current Enhanced DBS checks and valid public liability insurance.
• You maintain appropriate child-to-adult ratios and meet all health, safety, and supervision standards required for early years settings.

3.3 Health, Hygiene, and Illness

You must:

• Follow strict handwashing and cleaning routines before and after activities, snacks, or toilet use.
• Sanitise toys, surfaces, and shared spaces in line with infection control guidance.
• Maintain hygienic nappy-changing stations and ensure privacy and dignity for children.
• Communicate clearly with adults about illness policies (e.g. when children must stay home).
• Store and serve food or formula hygienically and in compliance with food safety standards.

3.4 Behaviour and Social Development

You agree to:

• Use consistent and age-appropriate behaviour management strategies.
• Prevent and address bullying, exclusion, or unsafe behaviour among children.
• Promote positive conflict resolution and social interaction.
• Be sensitive to and supportive of children showing signs of developmental delay, special needs, or emotional challenges.
• Ensure staff are trained in child development, inclusion, and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

3.5 Staff and Volunteer Standards

You agree to:

• Only allow qualified, DBS-checked staff or volunteers to supervise or support children.
• Maintain adequate staffing levels to avoid burnout or unsafe ratios.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your team and culture.
• Keep staff trained in first aid, safeguarding, and communication with adults.
• Ensure transadult and respectful communication with families at all times.

3.6 Learning, Play and Environment

You agree to:

• Provide age-appropriate, engaging, and stimulating resources and activities.
• Minimise or avoid screen time unless clearly explained to adults in advance.
• Include outdoor play where possible and safe.
• Avoid rigid or chaotic scheduling—routines should support, not stress, the children.
• Celebrate creativity, exploration, and varied learning opportunities in your sessions.

3.7 Accessibility and Inclusion

You agree to:

• Welcome and support children of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
• Provide reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of children with disabilities, dietary restrictions, or language barriers.
• Ensure your environment reflects diverse representation in books, toys, and activities.
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with families, using accessible language.

3.8 Communication and Administration

You agree to:

• Promptly notify adults and the Play Hopper team of any schedule changes, closures, or incidents.
• Keep emergency contacts, allergy info, and permissions up to date and securely stored.
• Use clear and timely communication channels with adults (email, phone, etc.).
• Maintain accurate records of accidents, incidents, and adult interactions.
• Be transadult about fees, cancellations, and refund policies.

4. Child Safety

Play Hopper prioritizes child safety. We require:

• Background checks for organizers
• Adherence to our Child Safety Policy
• Immediate reporting of safety concerns
• Proper supervision ratios

• Ensure constant active supervision of all children, including during outdoor play and toilet breaks.
• Implement clear drop-off and collection procedures, including authorised pickup lists and sign-in/out processes.
• Keep all play areas safe, visible, and free of hazards. Regularly inspect equipment and surfaces for safety.
• Adhere to medical protocols, including allergy plans, emergency medication (e.g. EpiPens), and adult notifications.
• Have an up-to-date safeguarding policy that all team members are trained in.

5. Liability and Insurance

Play Hopper is not liable for:

• Accidents or injuries during playgroup activities
• Property damage or loss
• Disputes between users
• Content posted by users

You agree to:

• Hold valid public liability insurance for your playgroup and its activities.
• Indemnify Play Hopper against any legal claims, damages, or costs arising from your operation of the playgroup, including injury, misconduct, or regulatory breaches.

Organizers must maintain appropriate liability insurance coverage.

6. Intellectual Property

Users agree not to:

• Use copyrighted material without permission
• Share or reproduce platform content without authorization
• Use the Play Hopper brand without permission

7. Content Guidelines

All content must be:

• Accurate and not misleading
• Appropriate for all audiences
• Free from discrimination or hate speech
• Respectful of privacy and confidentiality

8. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the United Kingdom. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

9. Data Protection

You agree to:

• Follow all UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 requirements.
• Obtain and store adultal consents securely for any personal data collected (e.g. photos, allergy info).
• Notify Play Hopper immediately of any data breaches affecting users from the platform.

10. Termination

Play Hopper may suspend or terminate your listing if:

• You breach this Agreement.
• You operate in a way that puts children at risk.
• We receive serious or repeated complaints and cannot resolve them with you.

Play Hopper reserves the right to:

• Suspend or terminate accounts for violations
• Remove inappropriate content
• Ban users who breach these terms

You may request removal of your listing at any time by contacting remove-listing@playhopper.app

11. Updates to This Agreement

We may update this Agreement to reflect changes in regulation or platform policies. You will be notified of any significant changes, and continued use of the platform means acceptance of the updated terms.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Users will be notified of significant changes. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these terms, contact us at:

Email: support@playhopper.app

Address: [Your Business Address]