AMES vs ClassForKids

AMES provides connected activity management and enrolment software for swim schools, dance studios, martial arts academies, gymnastics clubs and other class-based operators. It includes class scheduling, occupancy visibility, waitlists, mobile booking and enrolment across multiple classes or siblings. Staff can record attendance and absences, generate credits and let parents book replacement sessions subject to availability rules. AMES Pay accepts cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay through Stripe Connect, and GoCardless Direct Debit for recurring class fees. Parent updates, reminders, message history and automated absence and credit notices are part of its communications workflow. Listed integrations include Google Calendar, Xero, QuickBooks, Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, Instagram and Google Reviews; custom API integrations can be built during onboarding. AMES says it helps import existing member data, configure the system with a team and provide support after launch. Standard charges a transaction fee on successful payments collected through AMES, starting at 1.25 % per contact, with no monthly platform subscription or setup fee. Payment-provider processing fees and certain communications and AI services cost extra.

ClassForKids is booking and management software for children's activity providers, bringing bookings, payments and parent communication into one service. Parents can book classes, camps and trial sessions online at any time; the system sends confirmations, updates registers and manages waitlists. Providers can take card, Apple Pay and Google Pay payments, offer upfront payments or monthly subscriptions, issue invoices and automatically retry failed payments. Marketing tools include trial bookings, promotions, auto-enrol and email or SMS campaigns, and customers receive a free listing on the Discovery Site. Registers support attendance tracking, timestamped check-in and check-out, safeguarding notes, first-aid incidents and emergency contacts. Camp providers can offer full-week, individual-day or half-day places, with early drop-offs or late pick-ups. The parent app lets families view and manage upcoming bookings. ClassForKids supports Android, iOS and web, and states it is fully GDPR-compliant and ISO-certified. Year-Round starts at £34.99/month, with two months free when paid annually; Camps Only is £120/year.