The Arty Crafts Handbook for Parents and Staff

Equal Opportunities Policy

Arty Crafts is committed to equal opportunities and believes the values derived from different backgrounds should be recognised and respected. We aim to provide an environment from which all children can benefit.

Strategy

• All children have equal access to all activities.
• Positive images of people from different races and cultures are provided through books, resources used, and playworkers employed.
• Children with special needs are welcome. The relevant playworkers are made aware of a child's particular needs and if necessary the child will have one named playworker to oversee their provision. Social Services and the Early Years and Childcare Service are available to support us if needed.
• Arty Crafts is committed to challenging racism, sexism and all other discriminatory behaviour in both children and playworkers.

Reviewed April 2008

Arrivals and Departures

Our Club will give a warm and friendly welcome to each child on arrival and ensure that they depart safely at the end of each session.

Arrivals

On arrival please sign in your child in the signing in book. A member of staff will immediately record the child’s attendance in the daily register, including the time of registration.

The room will be set up ready for the children’s arrival and all heath and safety checks completed.

Departures

Parents and carers are expected to sign children out indicating the time of collection. Staff will ensure that this is done.

No adult other than those named on the registration form will be allowed to leave the Club with a child. In the event that someone else should arrive without prior knowledge, the Club will telephone the parent/carer immediately

If the child is to be collected by someone other than the parent/carer, this must be indicated to a member of staff and recorded at the start of the session. The adult nominated to collect a child must be one of those named on the registration form.  Only adults – aged 16 years and over – and with suitable identification, will be authorised to collect children.

If the parent/carer or alternative nominated adult is late to collect their child, staff must be informed of this. If the designated adult is late in picking up their child without prior warning, the provisions of the Uncollected Children policy will be activated.

Permission and arrangements for children aged eight years and over leaving the Club alone at the end of a session will be a matter for discussion between the Manager and parents/carers, based on an understanding of a child’s age, maturity and previous experience. Written consent for children leaving the Club alone must be submitted to the Club before such arrangements are able to commence.

No child under the age of 8 will be allowed to leave the Club unaccompanied.

Reviewed July 2008

Child Protection Policy

Any playworker who has knowledge of or a suspicion that a child is suffering significant harm or is at risk of significant harm has a duty to refer their concern to the Arty Crafts Site Manager who will follow procedures set down by the statutory agencies Office of Children and Young Peoples Service (Social Services) or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Strategy

• Any concerns are logged in the 'Confidential Incident' book on the day the concern arises and as soon as possible on that day
• If in doubt, playworkers must seek advice from the Playscheme Manager
• If a playworker is suspected or accused of child abuse they will be suspended from their duties until investigations have been completed
• Confidentiality is of the up most importance and incidents should only be discussed with the relevant persons e.g. Arty Crafts Site Managers or Office of Children and Young Peoples Service (Social Services)
• To comply with the local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures
• Arty Crafts Local Authority Designated Officer(LADO) is Tom McPherson, Manager, Arty Crafts

The main philosophies of the Children Act 1989 and 2004 are that local authorities should work in 'partnership' with parents wherever possible. The Office of Children and Young Peoples Service (Social Services) guidelines stress:

• All referrals are taken seriously and are considered with an open mind
• Once the local authority has been informed it has a duty to investigate
• Any enquiry should be conducted in such a way that the parents are not unnecessarily antagonised
• Parents are entitled to know what is going on and to be helped to understand the steps that are being taken

  Recognising Child Abuse

  Child abuse manifests itself in a variety of different ways, some overt and others much less so. A person may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children and young people may be abused in a family or in an institution or community setting; by those known to them or, more rarely by a stranger.

  Physical Abuse: This involves hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, suffocating or any other physical harm. Deliberately causing a child’s ill health also constitutes physical abuse.

  Sexual Abuse: This involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. Showing children pornographic materials, sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways also constitutes sexual abuse.

  Emotional abuse: Varying degrees of emotional abuse is present in virtually all child protection incidents, but can also constitute abuse in its own right. Emotional abuse involves persistent or severe emotional ill treatment or torture causing, or likely to cause, severe adverse effects on the emotional stability of a child. Such behaviour may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved, or inadequate, or making them feel unnecessarily frightened or vulnerable.

  Neglect: Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical, emotional or psychological needs, such as is likely to have a severe impact on their health, development or emotional stability. Neglect may involve failing to provide adequate food, shelter or clothing for a child, or failing to adequately protect them from physical harm or ill health Neglect can also manifest itself in a failure to meet the basic emotional needs of child.

  What to do if a child discloses

  Not all child protection information results in a referral, but small pieces of information may be significant on their own to create a wider picture. 

  All information should be recorded including:

  Date of the disclosure/concern

  Date and time of the record being made

  Name and date of birth of the child/ren

  A factual report of what happened- recorded in the words of the child, as told.

  A note of any other people involved

  Printed name of the person making the record and job title

  SignatureThe Designated Child Protection Officer should be informed and given the record.  They will then decide if they need to contact Social Care or make a referral.

  If staff feels that the incident has not been adequately followed up, they have a right to call Social Care themselves.

  If the child protection concern is with regards to a staff member, the club whistle blowing procedure should be followed (see whistle blowing policy).

  Third Party Information

  Third party information is when anyone (other than those directly involved with the club i.e. staff and management) passes on information or expresses their concerns. 

  Information from a third party regarding suspicions of child abuse cannot be ignored.  If the person imparting the information has concerns, they should be encouraged to contact Social Care.  If they do not wish to do so, it should be explained to them that the club is obligated to. The concerns should be logged and any action taken recorded fully.

  Allegations against staff members and volunteers

  If an allegation of any form of child abuse is made against a member of staff or volunteer the matter must be reported to Social Care, the police and Ofsted. Advice regarding internal enquiry should be sought from these agencies to ensure that this does not jeopardise any investigation.

  If an allegation is made against a member of staff, it will be factually recorded in the Incident Book stating the actions taken. All witnesses to the incident should sign and date the entry to confirm it.

  It may be necessary for the club to refer to its staff disciplinary procedure regarding suspensions and exclusions following advice sought from Social Care.

  The management also has the right to seek professional advice from Employment Law specialists.

  Staff Support and Training

  The Club is committed to ensuring that it meets its responsibilities in respect of child protection through the provision of support and training to staff. Therefore, the Club will ensure that:

  • All staff have child protection training and will be vigilant to signs and evidence of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect.
  • All staff, students and volunteers are carefully recruited, have verified references and have full and up to date enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks.
  • All staff and volunteers are given a copy of the Child Protection policy during their induction, and have its implications explained to them.
  • All staff and volunteers receive regular training and supervision in child protection issues and are provided with any relevant information and guidance.
  • All staff are provided with supervision and management support commensurate with their responsibilities in relation to child protection, and their requirement to maintain caring and safe relationships with children.
  • All staff are aware of the main indicators of child abuse.

   

  • All staff are aware of their statutory requirements in respect of the disclosure or discovery of child abuse and the procedure for doing so. All students and volunteers are instructed to report the disclosure or discovery of abuse to the Manager.
  • The Club will take appropriate action in relation to the findings of any investigation into allegations of abuse, consistent with it’s duties to protect the safety of children and up hold fair processes for staff, students and volunteers.
  • Any member of staff, a student or volunteer under investigation for the alleged abuse of a child, will be subject to the provisions of the Staff Disciplinary Policy.

  Safe Caring

  All staff understand the Club’s child protection procedures and have had appropriate training and guidance in the principles of safe caring. To this end:

  • Every effort will be made to avoid or minimise time when members of staff, students or volunteers are left alone with a child. If staff are alone with a child, the door of the room should be kept open and another member of staff should be informed.
  • If a child makes inappropriate physical contact with a member of staff, students or volunteer, this will be recorded fully in the Incident Record Book.
  • Staff will never carry out a personal task for children that they can do for themselves. Where this is essential, staff will help a child whilst being accompanied by a colleague. Unless a child has a particular need, staff should not accompany children into the toilet. Staff are aware that this and other similar activities could be misconstrued.
  • Staff will be mindful of how and where they touch children, given their age and emotional understanding. Unnecessary or potentially inappropriate physical contact will be avoided at all times.
   
  

  Staff are familiar with and make use of the Child Protection File which is kept……… and updated with new and relevant information 
  

  Who to contact:

  Within Arty Crafts:

  Arty Crafts Site Manager on 01223 277 922 or mobile 07980 146 382

  Outside Arty Crafts:

  Useful Numbers: 
  Social Care 08450 455203 
  Ofsted 08456 404040 
  LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) 01480 372442 * 
  LSCB (Local Safeguarding Children Board) www.cambslscb.org.uk  01480 376699 
  *The LADO deals with allegations against staff  
  0800 800500 National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

Reviewed July 2008

Missing Child Policy

To prevent a child going missing all children are checked in on the register at the start of the day. Children are made aware of the boundaries at the start of their first day. Children are supervised at all times and playworkers remain vigilant. Visitors are recorded arriving and leaving.

Procedure 1 - If a child is noted to be missing from the site:

• Contact the Arty Crafts Site Manager immediately.
• Call the register to check and establish which child is missing.
• Playworkers will check grounds and rooms to ensure the child has not hidden or been locked in anywhere within the boundary.
• Other sites are to be contacted to check the child has not joined another group that might be sharing the grounds with Arty Crafts.
• The Arty crafts Site Manager will contact the police and the parents.

Procedure 2 - If a child insists on leaving the premises:

• If a child insists on leaving the premises with the knowledge of the Playworkers and cannot be persuaded by the Playworkers to stay on site, parents will be contacted immediately.
• If appropriate, and enough playworkers available to enable one to leave the Playscheme with a mobile phone, they will follow and observe as to where the child is going.
• If there are not enough playworkers to leave the site to observe the child the Site Manager may decide the child is unsafe and call the police 999.

Reviewed April 2007

Non Collection of Child Policy

Arty Crafts closes at 4.30pm daily and parents must collect their children by this time. If a parent is unavoidably delayed due to circumstances beyond their control they should make all efforts to contact Arty Crafts directly.

Procedure

• If a child is not collected by 4.45pm and a parent has not made contact, the site Manager will make every effort to contact the parents via their work, home and emergency contact numbers on their booking form.
• If no contact has been made with the parents by 6pm then the Site Manager will contact the local Police Authority (telephone 08454 564564). A police officer will collect the child from the site. It will be the role of that officer to find a responsible person to look after the child.
• Two play workers will remain on site until the child is collected either by the parent or the Police.

Reviewed April 2007

Inappropriate Behaviour Policy

Inappropriate behaviour is when the well being and safety of any individual or the whole Playscheme group are affected.

Strategy

• Children are discouraged from continuing inappropriate behaviour by looks which demonstrate that their behaviour has been noticed.
• A child is given the reasons why their behaviour is inappropriate which is often sufficient to change their behaviour.
• A child will be asked to sit down and be given 'time out' to calm down and reflect or be spoken to away from an audience.
• Children are encouraged to reflect on the consequences for themselves and others.
• After an incident has been dealt with it will be monitored by staff to prevent further occurrences.

Disagreements between children

• Each side is listened to.
• The views of direct witnesses are heard if required.
• Those involved are asked for an alternative way of behaving that would have prevented the problem.
• The children return to the group once the argument is resolved.
• If there is no resolution to the argument an additional meeting is called with the whole group.

Additional meetings about behaviour or any problems are not meant to be humiliating. During the meeting the children and playworkers will discuss only the nature of the problem and then vote to give a majority decision on how to deal with the situation e.g. everyone may have agreed that if certain behaviour occurs then that person should miss out on an activity.

• Parents are kept informed of any inappropriate behaviour. If inappropriate behaviour continues, the child and their parent/carers will receive a written warning that the child must stop this behaviour.
• If this is not acted on the child and their parents will receive a final warning that exclusion from all Arty crafts Workshops if the behaviour continues.

Reviewed April 2007

Healthy Eating Policy

Arty Crafts offers a biscuit and water or orange squash at first break each day. Parents are invited to give their child an alternative healthy snack. Arty Crafts asks that all children have a packed lunch and are asked not to share food.

Procedure:

• Always wash hands before handling food.
• Ensure all utensils and surfaces are clean, if in doubt wipe over with a clean cloth and anti-bacterial solution.
• Parents are advised in their 'further details' letter to use cool packs in their children's lunch boxes, especially during warm weather.
• Parents are required to clearly label their child's packed lunch box with the child's name to avoid them eating the wrong lunch.

Arty Crafts is committed to providing healthy, nutritious and tasty food and drinks for children during our sessions. The Manager and staff will make every effort to ensure that food and drink is safely prepared and sensitive to the dietary, religious and cultural requirements of all the children.

When preparing food and drink, staff will be mindful of the provisions of the Health and Safety policy.

No child will ever be forced to eat or drink something against their will and the withholding or granting of food and drink will never be used as either a punishment or reward.

The staff at Arty Crafts will make every effort to promote healthy eating and will lead by example.

• Staff will discuss with children the importance of a balanced diet were appropriate.

Health

Staff will make sure there is a regular supply of drinking water available to children at all times, especially in hot conditions. In such circumstances, staff will also ensure that children are adequately protected from the sun.

Sun Protection

The Manager and staff understand the dangers posed to children and themselves by over exposure to the sun.

In hot weather, parents/carers are encouraged to provide sunscreen for their children. A store of sun protection should also be kept on the premises.

In hot weather, staff will encourage children to drink water frequently. Staff should also ensure that shady areas out of the sun are always available to children when playing outside.

Hygiene

The Manager and all staff will be vigilant to any potential threats to good hygiene at Arty Crafts. To this end, a generally clean environment will be maintained at all times.

Toilets are cleaned daily and that there is always an adequate supply of soap and hand drying facilities for both staff and children. This is also monitored throughout the session.

The First Aider will be mindful of the need to observe the highest standards of personal hygiene when administering any treatment to children.

As such, they will wash their hands thoroughly both before and after giving first aid, and ensure that plasters or disposable gloves cover any cuts, wounds or skin damage.

Sick Children and Accidents

Arty Crafts is committed to dealing efficiently and effectively with illnesses and emergencies that may arise while children are in our care.

First Aid

Arty Crafts recognises its responsibilities in providing adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable suitable first aid to be given.

Arty Crafts has a designated member of staff responsible for First Aid and resuscitation. This person has an up to date First Aid certificate. The certificate must be updated every 3 years.

We aim for other members of staff to have First Aid training so that there is always a qualified First Aider on site.

The First Aid box will be regularly checked to ensure its contents are up to date, in good condition and fulfil the criteria set out in the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

All parents/carers must complete and sign the Consent Form, enabling the Manager or any member of staff so empowered, to give permission for emergency medical treatment for their child in the event of a major accident or illness.

In the Event of a Major Accident or illness

• The First Aider will be notified and take responsibility for deciding upon the appropriate action.
• The First Aider will assess the situation and decide whether the child needs to go straight to hospital or whether they can safely wait for their parent/carer to arrive.
• If the child needs to go straight to hospital, an ambulance will be called. The parent/carer will also be contacted. A member of staff will accompany the child to the hospital and will consent to medical treatment being given, so long as the Emergency Medical Treatment Form has been completed and signed.
• The Child’s medical form should be taken to hospital.
• All such accidents or incidents will be recorded in detail and logged in the Incident Record Book or the Accident Record Book. Parents/carers will be asked to sign in the relevant section of the book to acknowledge the incident or accident and any action taken by the Club and its staff.
• The Manager and other relevant members of staff should consider whether the accident or incident highlights any actual or potential weaknesses in the Club’s policies or procedures, and act accordingly, making suitable adjustments where necessary.
• Parents/carers will be made fully aware of the details of any incidents involving their child’s health and safety, and any actions taken by the Club and its staff.

Contingency arrangements need to be considered in the event of a major accident.

 In the Event of a Minor Accident, Incident or Illness

The designated First Aider will be notified and take responsibility for deciding upon any appropriate action.

• If the child is judged to be able to safely remain at the Club, the First Aider will remove the child from the activities and, if appropriate, treat the illness /injury themselves.
• If the child is feeling sufficiently better, they will be resettled back into the activities, but will be kept under close supervision for the remainder of the session. At the end of the session, the First Aider will fully inform the parent/carer of the illness accident and any treatment given.
• If the injury cannot be treated by the First Aider, but does not warrant hospitalisation (or the child continues to feel unwell or requests to go home) the parent/carer will be contacted immediately and asked to collect their child. Until the parent/carer arrives, the child will be kept under close supervision and as comfortable as possible.
• All such accidents and incidents will be recorded in detail and logged on an Incident Record sheet or the Accident Record sheet. Parents/carers should sign to acknowledge the incident and any action taken.

The Manager and any other relevant staff should consider whether the accident or incident highlighted any actual or potential weaknesses in the Club’s policies or procedures, and make suitable adjustments if necessary.

In circumstances where the designated First-Aider is absent, the Manager will assume all responsibilities, or nominate an appropriately trained replacement.

If a child has had to go home prematurely due to illness, they should remain at home until they are better for at least 24 hours, or according to the times set out in the infectious and communicable diseases policy. If a member of staff becomes ill at work, similar restrictions on their return will apply.

Reviewed July 2008

Leaflets and Booking forms are sent out for each Arty Crafts Workshop around 5 weeks before the start date of the next Workshop. Forms can be either posted or emailed to parents.

• All places are booked on a first come basis.
• A hard copy of the booking form should be returned to Arty Crafts as soon as possible with the fee. We accept provisional bookings by phone or email.
• Bookings will only be accepted on receipt of a fully completed and signed booking form and full payment either by cheque, cash or childcare vouchers.
• Forms that are not completed will be returned to parents for completion.
• A confirmation letter of the booking will be posted back to you once your child is booked in.
• If the places you requested are not available you will be contacted by telephone or email as soon as possible.
• Consent Forms are required to be filled in on site on your child's first day, which are used on site to inform playworkers of emergency and contact numbers, any medical or dietary requirements. All data is securely held. The data is available to members of staff only. Data is used for correspondence and for emergency contact only.

Allergies

If a child has a serious allergy (i.e. Asthma, Nuts, Latex) parents should provide full information on/with the booking form and provide an emergency protocol each time they book into Arty Crafts. If Epipens or inhalers are prescribed then these must be brought along to the Playscheme in a clearly named container and a medication consent form should be completed each day (available at site reception).

The Playscheme Day

Arty Crafts opens at 9am. All child must be checked in to the Site Manager by parents at the reception desk as soon as they arrive. Parents should write details and sign if someone else will be collecting their child.

When collecting children, parents should inform reception so they can be marked off the register. Parents are always expected to inform a playworker of their child's arrival and departure.

Lunch and Snack Breaks

Playworkers sit, eat and drink with the children at all break times, to encourage some to eat, to help undo containers and packets and to mop up spills etc.

Staff

We aim to provide consistency in regular teams of staff whenever possible for the Playschemes with a mixture of experienced and less experienced playworkers. Staffing level are a minimum of 1 to 8 children.

Arty Crafts Site Manager

• Register the children, communicate with the parents and keep the workers informed of all important information about the children.
• Record all accidents or breakage of equipment.
• Maintain standards of hygiene.
• Set up and co-ordinate the playworkers, activities and cleaning.

Playworkers

Their responsibilities are to:

• Facilitate, safe, creative and appropriate art and play opportunities
• Be positive, enthusiastic, encouraging and patient with all children
• Arrive promptly at the specified time
• Make sure all the equipment is looked after and safe
• Tidy and clean up during and at the end of each day

And to know:

• Where the fire exits are and the fire procedure
• How to check the register
• Where the register and records are kept
• What activities are planned and where the materials and equipment are kept
• Who the First Aiders are and where the first aid box and any medicines are kept
• Which children have particular problems or requirements and to respect confidentiality of information given

Volunteers 

These can be children aged 14 - 15 years who are too young to be registered playworkers and too old to attend the Playscheme or adults registered with Ofsted seeking experience in playwork. Volunteers are always supervised by the site co-ordinators, and are included in the staff meetings and training. A daily expenses charge is required for volunteers aged 14 - 15 years and they must be booked into Playscheme using a Volunteer Booking Form.

Accidents

• There is always a First Aider on each site and on outings.
• Accidents are recorded in the Accident Book and a parent is asked to sign it 
• If a child's life is in danger the parents will be informed after arrangements have been made for the child to go to hospital, otherwise parents will be contacted first if a child needs medical help.

Fire Safety and Risk Assessment

Arty Crafts complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Designated Fire Safety Officers have the responsibility to ensure that all staff and volunteers are made aware of the following procedures at the start of the Induction period.

The manager of the club will appoint a designated Fire Safety Officer.

Designated Fire Safety Officers are responsible for: 

• Regular risk assessments, which include identifying, fire hazards, areas of the premises most at risk and people most at risk.
• Evaluation of the premises and procedures to, remove or reduce and protect from fire.
• Record and share with colleagues/managers, fire drills, incidents, findings and actions.
• Instruct and train relevant people/colleagues on fire procedures.
• Review the risk assessment regularly and make changes where necessary.
• Carrying out regular (at least once a week) fire drills to allow all users to experience the evacuation process.  All fire drills will be recorded.

Fire prevention

• Ensuring that power points are not overloaded with adaptors.
• Equipment will be properly maintained and inspected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All electrical toys and equipment are subject to PAT (Portable Appliance Testing).
• Ensuring that the Club's ‘No Smoking’ policy is always observed.
• Checking for frayed or trailing wires.
• Checking that fuses are replaced safely.
• Unplugging all equipment before leaving the premises.
• Storing any potentially flammable materials safely.

All staff are aware of the location of all fire exits, the fire assembly point and where fire safety equipment is stored. Where possible, staff will be trained to use basic fire fighting equipment such as extinguishers and fire blankets.  In the event of a small fire, staff will only attempt to put it out if they feel confident to do so and they or others are in no imminent danger.

Children will be made aware of the fire safety procedures during their settling in period and on regular occasions from then on. All children will be made aware of the location of fire exits and the fire assembly point.

Fire doors and fire exits are clearly marked and never locked, are not obstructed at any times, and are easily opened from the inside.

Fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems are regularly tested in accordance with manufacturer's guidance.

The assembly point will be risk assessed and moved when appropriate.

In the event of a fire

A member of staff will raise the alarm immediately and the emergency services will be called at the earliest possible opportunity.

All children will immediately be escorted out of the building and to the assembly point using the nearest safe fire exit. No attempt will be made to collect personal belongings, or to re-enter the building after evacuation.

The Designated Fire Safety Officer will check the entire premises and the register will be collected, providing that this does not put anyone at risk. On exiting the building, the Fire Safety Officer will close all accessible doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire.

The register will be taken and all children and staff accounted for. If any person is missing from the register, the emergency services will be informed immediately. If for any reason the register is not to hand, the Manager should access the emergency contacts list that is kept off the premises (for further details see the Documentation and Information policy).

If for any reason the designated fire safety officer is absent at the time of an incident, the Manager will assume responsibility. 

Risk Assessment

We understand the importance of ensuring that systems are in place for checking that our Club is a safe and secure place for children, staff and other visitors. Our risk assessment procedures are part of a continuous process to prevent any dangerous incidents taking place. They are the responsibility of all staff as part of their daily duties.

In accordance with our duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Club is required to undertake regular risk assessments and take any necessary action arising from these according to provisions set out in the Health and Safety policy and elsewhere.

The Manager is responsible for making sure that risk assessments are completed, logged and effectively monitored. Reviews are conducted when there is any change to equipment or resources, any change to the Club’s premises, or when particular needs of a child or other visitor necessitates this.

The Manager is further responsible for conducting any necessary reviews or making changes to the Club’s policies or procedures in the light of any potential risks that they or other members of staff discover.

A visual inspection of both the equipment and the entire premises – both indoor and outdoor – will be carried out daily. This will, ordinarily, be carried out by a designated member of staff on arrival at the Club and will be completed before any children arrive.

During the session, staff will be vigilant and continuously aware of any potential risks to health and safety arising from the clubs environment both inside and out. All surfaces and floors inside and out and all equipment used by children and staff.

On discovering a hazard, staff will take all steps necessary to making themselves and any other people potentially affected safe.

The Manager is then responsible for ensuring that any necessary action is taken.

Recording Accidents, Incidents and Dangerous Occurrences

All accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences will be recorded either on the Incident Record or Accident Record Sheets on the same day as the event took place. The record will be kept on the child’s file. Records will be tracked in order to see regular occurrences.

Records must contain:

• The time, date and nature of the incident, accident or dangerous occurrence.
• Details of the people involved.
• The type, nature and location of any injury sustained.
• The action taken and by whom.
• The signature of the member of staff who dealt with the event, any witnesses and countersignature by the parents/carers of the children involved.

Reviewed July 2008

Sick Children

• All children are expected to be well on arrival. If a child becomes unwell during the day at Arty Crafts day parents will be contacted to come and collect their child. Any infectious diseases or parasites discovered at the Playscheme will be advertised to parents.

Medication

• The Playscheme will not administer any medicine to children.
• Children can administer their own inhaler providing they are labeled with the child's full name and are given to reception on arrival and they are accompanied by a parental consent form.
• Parents should provide a letter of authorisation clearly stating when and how the medicine/inhaler should be administered.
• A medication record is completed, which needs to be signed at the end of each day by a parent.

Clothing

We ask children to wear old clothes, which they can put on and take off easily by themselves. They are likely to get dirty even though we do provide aprons for art. The clothes should protect them from the weather, including sun hats, raincoats, warm clothes and clothes they can run around in. In the summer please provide your child with a bottle of sunscreen labeled with their name and if necessary ask the playworkers to look after it.

Site Security

Parents/carers are encouraged to talk to their children about the importance of remaining safe and not leaving the Club’s premises during the session. Arty Crafts will reinforce this.

The entrances to the club building will be kept locked to the outside.

All staff will observe and supervise the entrance and exit points when the club is in operation.

Visitors will be greeted on arrival and will be asked to sign the visitor’s book.

Visitors to the Club will not be left unsupervised with children at any time.

If an unexpected visitor has no suitable reason to be on the Club’s premises, then they will be asked to leave immediately and escorted from the premises. If the visitor repeatedly refuses to leave, the police will be telephoned immediately.

A record will be made of any such incidents in the Incident Record Book, and the Manager will be immediately notified.

The Manager (in consultation with staff and parents/carers) will regularly review security procedures.

Equipment

All furniture, toys and equipment are kept clean, well maintained and in good repair and in accordance with BS EN safety standards or the Toys (Safety) Regulations (1995) where applicable.

Equipment will be properly maintained and inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All electrical toys and equipment are subject to PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), and that relevant staff are trained on the correct use of computers and other IT equipment.

All equipment and resources will be selected with care, and risk assessments carried out before new toys and equipment are purchased, according to the principles of the Risk Assessment policy.

Defective or broken equipment will be taken out of use and stored in a safe place before being disposed of. Flammable equipment will be stored in a safe location away from sources of heat and/or naked flames.

Reviewed July 2008

Environmental Policy

Our club is committed to promoting environmentally friendly practice to help reduce pollution, emissions and waste.

Staff will be made aware on how to reduce the use of raw materials, supplies and energy through the staff induction process and continued participation.

Awareness will be raised with the children through discussion, projects and routine systems within the club.

• Scrap paper and junk will be re-used for craft activities where safe and appropriate. In other cases these will be recycled appropriately.

Reviewed July 2008

Problems

If you have any concerns about your child or the Playscheme please talk to the Arty Crafts Site Manager immediately, do not wait for the evaluation forms. If that is not appropriate please address a letter to the Manager, Arty Crafts, 10 Girton Road, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0LJ.

The best time to discuss any problems is when you deliver or collect your child or by telephone during the day.

Arty Crafts is registered and inspected by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). 

Making a Complaint to Ofsted

Any parent/carer can, at any time, submit a complaint to Ofsted about any aspect of registered childcare provision. Ofsted will consider and investigate all complaints received that are in breach of the National Day Care Standards.

Records of all complaints must be retained for a period of 10 years on which the record was made. A summery of complaints must be available to parents on request a model complaints form can be down loaded from www.ofsted.gov.uk and photocopied.

Ofsted Address:

Ofsted

Royal Exchange Building

Royal Anne’s Square

MANCHESTER

M2 7LA

08456 404040 
 Useful Numbers

OOSST (Out of School Support Team) 01954 273365

Child Protection Issues:

Office of Children and Young Peoples Service (Social Service) office hours 01223 718211
Out of hours (if help is urgently needed) 01733 234724
NSPCC 0800 800500