Business Profile – Jump

Struggling for ideas on how to keep the kids busy? Why not take them to Jump? The exciting soft play area, based at the Christian Mill Business Park, in Crownhill, is packed full of safe, exciting and imaginative FUN!

Your child can enjoy the amazing facilities, which are packed into 19,000 square feet of laughter and adventure. They can have a great time on the play frames, on the indoor inflatable, football pitch, toddler area or relax over a well earnt bite to eat in the café area, writes Duncan Little.

The centre has been open for more than 10 years with parties taking place there every day. It’s a key venue for Plymouth with thousands of youngsters enjoying safe play areas and great food every year.

Mums and dads can relax with the safe knowledge that all staff members are first aid trained, with security and safety being the number one priority for managers at the site.

“There are independent inspections and we have staff members located at our play frames. We do as much as we can to ensure a happy and safe environment,” explains Tom Sutherland, the centre’s General Manager.

“Every child receives a wrist band on entrance and the parents receive the corresponding ticket. This ensures a safe exit after a fun visit,” says Tom. Gates and exit doors are controlled electronically and safety instructions are given to every customer on entrance for a fantastic visit and safe play.

And what fun they can have! This centre has it all – everything from parties including Laser Storm through to ball pools and daily activities. There’s a separate toddler area with a sensory room with its magical musical touch pads and bubble tubes.

For the adventurous 3 to 12 year olds, there are various astro slides, tube slides, soft play and climbing areas. The party atmosphere is always in high gear with cheerful staff entertaining up to five parties every week day and 12 parties at the weekend.

“It’s great value for money,” says Tom. “We give them squash on arrival and then the two hour party starts! They have one hour to play in our main area, have fun in one of our five themed party rooms with party food supplied and a choice of activities to keep them in the party spirit. You can stay as long as you like afterwards during peak times.”

If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, your dedicated host will certainly inject enthusiasm, fun and adventure into your child’s big day as they make sure there’s never a dull moment!

“They really are the stars of the shows,” explains Tom. “They are what bring life to the party. We look for people with a theatrical background who are into music. We like to think we provide one of the best children’s party packages in Plymouth.”

You can even choose the theme of the room where the food and activities take place – everything from an enchanted castle through to outer space. Perhaps your son or daughter loves Jurassic Park? If so, there’s a dinosaur themed area! There’s even a safari room if they prefer the idea of pretending to watch lions and tigers! Every birthday child also gets a free month’s pass to Jump as a gift.

The complex is one of three sites which, alongside Bristol and Cardiff, have enjoyed national success with awards for their innovative approach to children’s play.

Meeting General Manager Tom provides tremendous reassurance over the smooth running of the centre. As a proud dad himself, he loves to see his own two year old daughter, Millie, playing with friends in the toddler area.

“We’ve had her birthday party here and she always wants to come here. For her, this place really is a second home!

“The centre has a daily maintenance check with staff and professional cleaning schedules. We also have regular deep cleans and maintenance for the soft play area including all the ball pools, and high level cleaning to ensure it has an exceptionally good level of hygiene for our guests.”

Its smooth running means a busy daily routine for the team. Tom, or a fellow manager, will start at eight in the morning when they inspect the building and make sure everything is up and running (including the crucially important coffee machines!)

Staff receive their morning briefing at 8am (ahead of a 10am opening) so they know exactly what tasks need to be completed and where everyone will be to make sure the centre and parties run smoothly.

Managers play a crucial role in the day to day running of the centre as they work alongside staff in the café, reception and activities area. It means they receive direct feedback from customers and colleagues. This gives customers the ability to easily approach them and let them know when something is working well or if something needs attention.

Towards the end of the day is the evening laser party for children who are over the age of 8. It’s great for team building and also to help youngsters develop their problem solving capabilities.

After the happy, but tired children have gone home for the day, the tidying up begins!

The team are constantly looking for ways to help parents get the best deals. They’re introducing a loyalty discount card which allows a discount for every visit. It’s perhaps not surprising to hear loyal customers travel from as far away as Liskeard and Looe with families also flocking to Jump from all over Devon.

And if you’ve previously booked a party with the team, you’ll have a chance to receive a 10% discount for return bookings. Tom is rightly proud of his lowest price party costs which currently start from £10 per child Monday to Friday term time.

There are currently some great deals at the centre including a half price after school offer. So, visit Jump from 3.30pm Monday to Friday, during term time, and children aged between two to 12 years old pay just £3.50! Mums and dads also receive free entry all day every day.

Don’t forget, there are daily activities including weekends and school holidays. There are exciting events and activities throughout the year. Jump has a fantastic Facebook page and website where you can check out the latest offers and events. There are always loads of great value deals taking place! Visit Jump’s website to find out more: www.123jump.co.uk

Call: 01752 782415 | Visit: www.123jump.co.uk | Find us: Christian Mill Business Park, Crownhill, PL6 5DS