Coronavirus Statement

Currently we are able to open a number of our clubs as we recognise we are a key childcare setting for families around the country, however this is and will continue to be based on the latest government guidance. In the event of a Fun Fest Holiday Club being advised to close by government advice or by Public Health England due to the Coronavirus, a full refund (credit or cash based on franchisee discretion) will be given for the days that we are closed.

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we take health and safety seriously. In light of the current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have put together some information, all of which is based on Public Health England advice.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

Fun Fest Holiday Clubs have put stringent measures in place to ensure your children can continue to enjoy their holidays with us in a safe environment. We believe these measures should give parents the comfort and assurances you need to continue booking your children into Fun Fest Holiday Clubs. We have adopted the following special measures in response to the Coronavirus outbreak:

• Government advice is to stay alert. We will be adhering to the government guidance for early years and childcare providers as of 14th June 2021.  We will also be following the new national restrictions that was updated on 24th May 2021 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-holiday-and-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak  All Fun Fest Holiday Clubs will be opening but with restricted numbers in place and in line with social distancing.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures

Fun Fest Holiday Club will only be opening for all children without restriction as per the current government guidance.

 

• At Point of booking, a declaration has been added to the website for parents to declare that you, or your child has not been in close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and if they have, they have self-isolated for 10 days.
• Additional cleaning measures in all clubs to maintain the highest possible standards of hygiene.
• Talks with the children at morning and afternoon registration about hand washing and the importance of using and disposing of tissues
• Children will be organised into colour coded ‘bubble’ groups of no more than 15 children, with 2 staff members.  Where rooms are spacious and well ventilated more children can be added to the bubble, at the settings discretion.  The children and staff will then remain in their ‘bubble’ and zone for the whole day.
• There will be no mixing of children between activities and between groups. All children will complete a shortened version of every activity to avoid mixing the groups.
• Clubs will show child-friendly videos to the children about how to thoroughly wash their hands to stay hygienic.
• Every club will have a supply of antibacterial hand-gel and encourage staff and children to use this regularly throughout the day. In the event of not being able to supply antibacterial hand gel, soap will be made accessible to enable children and staff to continue to wash their hands.
• Staff will need to complete a Health Screen Questionnaire declaring if they have been in contact with anyone infected with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
• We will ensure that when parents arrive to drop off or collect their child/children that we maintain the government guidelines on social distancing and ensure there is 2 meters between everyone.  No parents will be allowed into the building whilst dropping the children off and collecting and staff will sign the children in and out.  The social distancing measures will also be a rule set in line for when children are sitting and playing
• Any child who develops a high temperature will not be able to stay at the club.
• If a child begins to show symptoms of a cough/fever there will be a designated area where the child can be kept safe and isolated until they are collected
• PPE will be available for staff to wear if they choose to. This will apply to children too if they choose to wear gloves or face masks they can.
• All clubs operating will ensure all staff are wearing face coverings when welcoming the children into the club and when the children are going home, as per the current government guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak#face-coverings unless they are exempt due to medical reasons. All Parents to wear face coverings when dropping off or collecting children.

 

What we will do if someone develops symptoms at Fun Fest;

If anyone in your setting develops a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia), they must be sent home and be advised to follow the guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. This sets out that they must:

• self-isolate for at least 10 days
• arrange to have a test to see if they have coronavirus (COVID-19)

Action List

• In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. Do not visit theGP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
• Call parents/legal guardian to collect child and take them home. Advise them that all household members will need to isolate and refer them to the guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
• If a child is awaiting collection, they will be moved, if possible and if appropriate, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door. We will be mindful of individual children’s needs – for example it would not be appropriate for younger children to be alone without adult supervision. Ideally, a window will be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, we will move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people. The member of staff supervising the child will wear PPE and the area will be deep cleaned once the child has been collected.  Any windows in the room please open for ventilation.
• If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they will use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom will be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.
• If a member of staff has helped someone who was taken unwell COVID-19 symptoms, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell and remove and dispose of their PPE.
• When parents/legal guardian pick up the child, advise them to get the child tested and notify you of the results.
• Once the child has left the premises, thoroughly disinfect/clean all surfaces and touchpoints they came into contact with (including the bathroom if used).

In most cases, closure of a Fun Fest Holiday Club will not be needed but this will be ours, along with advice from Head Office, decision based on various factors such as establishment size and risk of further spread.

This is a fast-evolving situation and we will monitor and share any new advice at the earliest opportunity.

Whilst we understand that the current situation is causing concern, there is no need for alarm. You do not need to keep your children away from a setting unless they have been to, or have been in contact with someone who has been infected.

Information for the public can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Public Health England and Department of Health have advised that schools or settings can now open with restricted numbers from the 1^st June 2020 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings

If a confirmed case is identified with links to a school or setting, specific advice would be given on a case by case basis and parents and students would be updated appropriately.

There are some practical steps you can take to stop viruses:

Do

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately
• wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Keep 2m distance as per the social distancing guidelines

Don’t

• Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all children and staff at our Holiday Clubs across the country is our top priority.

This policy was adopted on	Signed on behalf of Fun Fest Holiday Club	Date for review
June 2021	E.K.Price	July 2021

Policies:

• Safeguarding Children / Child Protection Policy
• Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Use
• Social Networking
• Inclusion and Equality
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Health and Safety – General Policy
• Sickness and Illness
• Medication
• Promoting Positive Behaviour
• Complaints and Compliments
• Visits and Outings
• No Smoking Policy
• Critical Incident
• Adverse Weather
• Supervision of Children
• Supervision of Visitors
• Data Protection & Confidentiality
• Safe Recruitment of Staff
• Accidents and First Aid
• Allergies and Allergic Reactions
• Sun Care
• Late Collection and Non-Collection

Safeguarding Children/Child Protection Policy

Disclaimer from Ofsted: The EYFS requires that a setting’s safeguarding policy ‘should be in line with the guidance and procedures of the relevant local authority’

 

This policy has been reviewed and is consistent with the requirements of the local authority Safeguarding Partnership.

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect, be helped to thrive and to be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

We support the children within our care, protect them from maltreatment and have robust procedures in place to prevent the impairment of children’s health and development. In our setting we strive to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and we promote acceptance and tolerance of other beliefs and cultures (please refer to our inclusion and equality policy for further information). Safeguarding is a much wider subject than the elements covered within this single policy, therefore this document should be used in conjunction with the club’s other policies and procedures.  Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility.  At Fun Fest Holiday Club all staff, students and visitors are made aware of and adhere to, the policy.

This policy works alongside these other specific policies to cover all aspects of child protection:

• Online safety
• Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Prevent Duty and Radicalisation
• Domestic Violence, Honour Based Violence (HBV) and Forced Marriages
• Looked After Children
• Monitoring staff behaviour
• Social networking
• Mobile phone and electronic device use
• Safe recruitment of staff
• Disciplinary
• Grievance
• Promoting positive behaviour

Legal framework and definition of safeguarding

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Childcare Act 2006
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2017
• Working together to safeguard children 2018
• Keeping children safe in education 2018
• Data Protection Act 2018
• What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused 2015
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• Inspecting Safeguarding in the Early years, Education and Skills settings 2019
• Prevent Duty 2015

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, in relation to this policy is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development
• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

(Definition taken from the HM Government document ‘Working together to safeguard children 2018).

Policy intention

To safeguard children and promote their welfare we will:

• Create an environment to encourage children to develop a positive self-image
• Provide positive role models and develop a safe culture where staff are confident to raise concerns about professional conduct
• Support staff to notice the softer signs of abuse and know what action to take
• Encourage children to develop a sense of independence and autonomy in a way that is appropriate to their age and stage of development
• Provide a safe and secure environment for all children
• Promote tolerance and acceptance of different beliefs, cultures and communities
• Help children to understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making and how to promote British values through play, discussion and role modelling
• Always listen to children
• Provide an environment where practitioners are confident to identify where children and families may need intervention and seek the help they need
• Share information with other agencies as appropriate.

Fun Fest Holiday Club is aware that abuse does occur in our society and we are vigilant in identifying signs of abuse and reporting concerns. Our practitioners have a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children. Due to the many hours of care we are providing, staff may often be the first people to identify that there may be a problem. They may well be the first people in whom children confide information that may suggest abuse or to spot changes in a child’s behaviour which may indicate abuse.

Our prime responsibility is the welfare and well-being of each child in our care. As such we believe we have a duty to the children, parents and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. This includes sharing information with any relevant agencies such as local authority services for children’s social care, family support, health professionals including health visitors or the police. All staff will work with other agencies in the best interest of the child, including as part of a multi-agency team, where needed.

Fun Fest Holiday Club aims to:

• Keep the child at the centre of all we do, providing sensitive interactions that develops and builds children’s well-being, confidence and resilience. We will support children to develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe, healthy and have positive relationships.
• Ensure staff are trained right from induction to understand the child protection and safeguarding policy and procedures, are alert to identify possible signs of abuse (including the signs known as softer signs of abuse), understand what is meant by child protection and are aware of the different ways in which children can be harmed, including by other children (peer on peer)  through bullying or discriminatory behaviour
• Be aware of the increased vulnerability of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and other vulnerable or isolated families and vulnerability in families; including the impact of toxic trio on children and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s)
• Ensure that all staff feel confident and supported to act in the best interest of the child; maintaining professional curiosity around the welfare of children and share information, and seek the help that the child may need at the earliest opportunity.
• Ensure that all staff are familiar and updated regularly with child protection training and procedures and kept informed of changes to local/national procedures including thorough annual safeguarding newsletters and updates
• Make any child protection referrals in a timely way, sharing relevant information as necessary in line with procedures set out by the Solihull Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (Lscp)
• Ensure that information is shared only with those people who need to know in order to protect the child and act in their best interest
• Keep the setting safe online using appropriate filters, checks and safeguards, monitoring access at all times and maintaining safeguards around the use of technology by staff, parents and visitors in the setting.
• Ensure that children are never placed at risk while in the charge of club staff
• Identify changes in staff behaviour and act on these as per the Staff Behaviour Policy
• Take any appropriate action relating to allegations of serious harm or abuse against any person working with children or living or working on the club premises including reporting such allegations to Ofsted and other relevant authorities including the local authority.
• Ensure parents are fully aware of child protection policies and procedures when they register with the club and are kept informed of all updates when they occur
• Regularly review and update this policy with staff and parents where appropriate and make sure it complies with any legal requirements and any guidance or procedures issued by the Solihull Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.

We will support children by offering reassurance, comfort and sensitive interactions. We will devise activities according to individual circumstances to enable children to develop confidence and self-esteem within their peer group and support them to learn how to keep themselves safe.

Contact telephone numbers

Ofsted 0300 123 1231

Emergency police 999

Non-emergency police 101 

Government helpline for extremism concerns 020 7340 7264

Child exploitation and Online protection command (CEOP)

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Solihull Fun Fest:

Local authority children’s social care team 0121 788 4300

Local authority Designated Officer (LADO) 0121 788 4310

Local Authority referral team 0121 788 4300

Local Authority Out of Hours Team 0121 605 6060

NSPCC 0808 800 5000

Local Safeguarding Children Partnership 0121 788 4325

Local early Help services 0121 788 4300

Sutton Walmley, Four Oaks & Birmingham West Fun Fest:

Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board     0121 464 2612

Birmingham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)   0121 303 1888

Emergency Duty Team (evenings & weekends)    0121 303 1888

Cheadle Fun Fest:

Cheshire East Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub    0300 123 5012

Emergency Duty Team (evenings & weekends)  0300 123 5022

Orpington Fun Fest:

Hartford Fun Fest:

Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)   0151 356 6614

Coleshill & High Meadow Fun Fest:

Local Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)    01926 414 144 (daytime) or 01926 886 922 (evening from 5.30pm)

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)        01926 743 433

Lichfield Fun Fest:

Uxbridge Fun Fest:

Hillingdon Multi- Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)   01895 556 633

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)    01895 250 975

Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)    01895 556 633

Wilmslow Fun Fest:

Children’s Social Care Team       0300 123 2012

LADO     0160 628 8931

LCSB   0160 627 5039

Chorley Fun Fest:

Children’s Social Care Team    0300 123 6720 / 0300 123 6722 (out of hours) 

LSCB    01772 536954

LADO   01772 536694 / 01253 477541 / 01254 585184

Altrincham Fun Fest:

Local authority children’s social care team Trafford First Response 0161 9125125

Local authority Designated Officer (LADO) 0161 9125125

Local Authority referral team 0161 9118687

Local Authority Out of Hours Team 0161 9122020

NSPCC 0808 800 5000

Local Safeguarding Children Partnership 0161 9118687

Local early Help services 0161 9122122

Harrow Fun Fest:

Children’s Services’ Golden Number 020 8901 2690

Lado  07968485704 

Children & Family Services (out of hours)  020 8424 0999

Children’s Access Team: duty&assess@harrow.gov.uk

Redditch Fun Fest:

LADO  01905846221

Out of hours emergency duty team  01905768020

Local family front door team  01905822666

Safeguarding Quality Assurance (SQA)  01905846057

Children’s safeguarding team  01905846057

Government Helpline for extremism concerns  0207 340 7264

Watford Fun Fest:

Children’s Services  0300 123 4043

LADO  0199 255 5420

Types of abuse and particular procedures followed

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by harming them or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused within a family, institution or community setting by those known to them or more rarely, a stranger. This could be an adult or adults, another child or children.

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused (advice for practitioners) 2015 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

The signs and indicators listed below may not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, but will help us to recognise that something may be wrong, especially if a child shows a number of these symptoms or any of them to a marked degree.

Indicators of child abuse

• Failure to thrive and meet developmental milestones
• Fearful or withdrawn tendencies
• Unexplained injuries to a child or conflicting reports from parents or staff
• Repeated injuries
• Unaddressed illnesses or injuries
• Significant changes to behaviour patterns

Softer signs of abuse as defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) include:

Emotional states:

• Fearful
• Withdrawn
• Low self-esteem.

Behaviour:

• Aggressive
• Oppositional habitual body rocking.

Interpersonal behaviours:

• Indiscriminate contact or affection seeking
• Over-friendliness to strangers including healthcare professionals
• Excessive clinginess, persistently resorting to gaining attention
• Demonstrating excessively ‘good’ behaviour to prevent parental or carer disapproval
• Failing to seek or accept appropriate comfort or affection from an appropriate person when significantly distressed
• Coercive controlling behaviour towards parents or carers
• Lack of ability to understand and recognise emotions
• Very young children showing excessive comforting behaviours when witnessing parental or carer distress.

Peer on peer abuse 

We are aware that peer on peer abuse does take place, so we include children in our policies when we talk about potential abusers. This may take the form of bullying, physically hurting another child, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. We will report this in the same way as we do for adults abusing children, and will take advice from the appropriate bodies on this area; to support for both the victim and the perpetrator, as they could also be a victim of abuse. We know that children who develop harmful sexual behaviour have often experienced abuse and neglect themselves.

Physical abuse   

Action needs to be taken if staff have reason to believe that there has been a physical injury to a child, which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. These symptoms may include bruising or injuries in an area that is not usual for a child, e.g. fleshy parts of the arms and legs, back, wrists, ankles, trunk and face.

Many children will have cuts and grazes from normal childhood injuries.  When children enter the nursery with an existing injury, we will record the details of the injury. Any injuries that are a cause of concern will be followed up with parents and the designated safeguarding lead

Fabricated illness

Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. The parent or carer may seek out unnecessary medical treatment or investigation; they may exaggerate a real illness and symptoms or deliberately induce an illness through poisoning with medication or other substances or they may interfere with medical treatments. Fabricated illness is a form of physical abuse and any concerns will be reported, in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM is a procedure where the female genital organs are injured or changed and there is no medical reason for this. Some ethnic groups practise this form of physical abuse as a cultural ritual. When the procedure happens is dependent on the community and it may occur shortly after birth, during childhood; during adolescence, just before marriage or during a woman’s first pregnancy. The practice can cause severe pain and there may be immediate and/or long-term health consequences, including mental health problems, urinary infection, septicaemia, incontinence; difficulties in childbirth, causing danger to the child and mother; and/or death.

If you have concerns about a child or family, you should contact children’s social care team in the same way as other types of physical abuse. There is a mandatory duty to report to police any case where an act of female genital mutilation appears to have been carried out on a girl under the age of 18.

Breast Ironing

Breast ironing also known as “breast flattening” is the process where young girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged and/or pounded down through the use of hard or heated objects in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely. It is believed that by carrying out this act, young girls will be protected from harassment, rape, abduction and early forced marriage. Although this is unlikely to happen to children in the club due to their age, we will remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms in any children and families using our services and follow-up concerns following our regular safeguarding referral process.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing, or enticing, a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place online and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Adult males do not solely perpetrate sexual abuse; women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Action must be taken if a staff member witnesses an occasion(s) where a child indicates sexual activity through words, play, drawing, has an excessive preoccupation with sexual matters; or has an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour, or language, for their developmental age. This may include acting out sexual activity on dolls/toys or in the role-play area with their peers; drawing pictures that are inappropriate for a child, talking about sexual activities or using sexual language or words.

The physical symptoms may include genital trauma, discharge and bruises between the legs or signs of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Emotional symptoms could include a distinct change in a child’s behaviour. They may be withdrawn or overly extroverted and outgoing. They may withdraw away from a particular adult and become distressed if they reach out for them, but they may also be particularly clingy to a potential abuser so all symptoms and signs should be looked at together and assessed as a whole.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) 

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 (2017 updated version) defines CSE as “…a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”

We will be aware of the possibility of CSE and the signs and symptoms this may manifest as. If we have concerns, we will follow the same procedures as for other concerns and we will record and refer as appropriate.

Emotional abuse

Working Together to Safeguard Children defines emotional abuse as the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or develop mentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Signs that children are being emotionally abused may include shying away from an adult who is abusing them; becoming withdrawn, aggressive or clingy in order to receive their love and attention; not having a close bond with their parent/carer; seem unconfident or anxious, or being aggressive towards others.

Action should be taken if the staff member has reason to believe that there is a severe, adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child, caused by persistent or severe ill treatment or rejection.  Children may also experience emotional abuse through witnessing domestic abuse and alcohol and drug misuse by adults caring for them.

Neglect

Working Together to Safeguard Children defines Neglect as the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

a. Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)

b. Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger

c. Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers)

d. Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Signs may include a child persistently arriving at the club unwashed or unkempt, wearing clothes that are too small (especially shoes that may restrict the child’s growth or hurt them), arriving having an illness or identified special educational need or disability that is not being addressed by the parent. A child may also be persistently hungry if a parent is withholding food or not providing enough for a child’s needs.

Neglect may also be shown through emotional signs, e.g. a child may not be receiving the attention they need at home and may crave love and support at the club. They may be clingy and emotional. In addition, neglect may occur through pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.

Action should be taken if the staff member has reason to believe that there has been any type of neglect of a child.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) 

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) can be described as when an individual, or group, takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child Criminal Exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

County Lines

County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs from big cities into smaller towns, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line.’ Customers will live in a different area to where the dealers and networks are based, so drug runners are needed to transport the drugs and collect payment.

They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move the drugs and money, and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.

Signs that a child may be involved in county lines could be a change in behaviour, suddenly having more money or possessions; change in friendship group, withdrawing from family life, sudden change in appearance; unexplained physical injuries, staying out late or a lack of interest in school and previous positive activities.

Cuckooing

Cuckooing is a form of county lines crime in which drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to criminally exploit them as a base for drug dealing, often in multi-occupancy or social housing properties. Signs that this is happening in a family property may be an increase in people entering or leaving the property, an increase in cars or bikes outside the home; windows covered or curtains closed for long periods, family not being seen for extended periods; signs of drug use or an increase in anti-social behaviour at the home.

If we recognise any of these signs, we will report our concerns as per our reporting process.

Contextual safeguarding–

As young people grow and develop, they may be vulnerable to abuse or exploitation from outside their family. These extra-familial threats might arise at school and other educational establishments, from within peer groups, or more widely from within the wider community and/or online.

As part of our safeguarding procedures we will work in partnership with parents/carers and other agencies to work together to safeguard children and provide the support around contextual safeguarding concerns.

Domestic Abuse / Honour Based Violence / Forced Marriages

We look at these areas as a child protection concern. Please refer to the separate policy for further details on this

Extremism – the Prevent Duty 

Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 we have a duty to refer any concerns of extremism to the police (In Prevent priority areas the local authority will have a Prevent lead who can also provide support).

Reasons for referral may include a cause for concern relating to a change in behaviour of a child or family member, comments causing concern made to a member of the team (or other persons in the setting) or actions that lead staff to be worried about the safety of a child in their care.  We have a Prevent Duty and Radicalisation policy in place. Please refer to this for specific details.

Online Safety. 

We take the safety of our children very seriously and this includes their online safety. Please refer to the Online Safety policy for details on this.

Human Trafficking and Slavery 

Please refer to our Human Trafficking and Slavery policy for detail on how we keep children safe in this area.

Adult sexual exploitation 

As part of our safeguarding procedures we will also ensure that staff and students are safeguarded from sexual exploitation.

Up skirting

Up skirting involves taking a picture of someone’s genitals or buttocks under their clothing without them knowing, either for sexual gratification or in order to humiliate, or distress, the individual. This is a criminal offence and any such action would be reported following our reporting procedures.

Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB)

Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) can happen in families when there is a concept of belief in:

• Witchcraft and spirit possession, demons or the devil acting through children or leading them astray (traditionally seen in some Christian beliefs)
• The evil eye or djinns (traditionally known in some Islamic faith contexts) and dakini (in the Hindu context)
• Ritual or multi murders where the killing of children is believed to bring supernatural benefits, or the use of their body parts is believed to produce potent magical remedies
• Use of belief in magic or witchcraft to create fear in children to make them more compliant when they are being trafficked for domestic slavery or sexual exploitation.

This is not an exhaustive list and there will be other examples where children have been harmed when adults think that their actions have brought bad fortune.

Reporting Procedures

All staff have a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns and suspicions of abuse. These concerns will be discussed with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) as soon as possible.

• Staff will report their concerns to the DSL  (in the absence of the DSL they will be reported to the Deputy DSL) 
  
• Any signs of marks/injuries to a child or information a child has given will be recorded and stored securely
• For children who arrive at Fun Fest Holiday Club with an existing injury, a form will be completed along with the parent’s/ carer’s explanation as to how the injury happened. Staff will have professional curiosity around any explanations given, any concerns around existing injury’s will be reported.
• If appropriate, any concerns/or incidents will be discussed with the parent/carer, such discussions will be recorded.  Parents will have access to these records on request in line with GDPR and data protection guidelines.
• If there are queries/concerns regarding the injury/information given then the following procedures will take place:

The designated safeguarding lead will:

• Contact the local authority children’s social care team to report concerns and seek advice immediately, or as soon as it is practical to do so.    If it is believed a child is in immediate danger, we will contact the police.  If the safeguarding concern relates to an allegation against an adult working or volunteering with children then the DSL will follow the reporting allegations procedure (see below)
• Record the information and action taken relating to the concern raised
• Speak to the parents (unless advised not do so by LA children’s social care team)
• The designated safeguarding lead will follow up with the Local Authority children’s social care team if they have not contacted the setting within the timeframe set out in Working Together to Safeguarding Children (2018).  We will never assume that action has been taken.

Keeping children safe is our highest priority and if, for whatever reason, staff do not feel able to report concerns to the DSL or deputy DSL they should call the Local Authority Children’s social care team or the NSPCC and report their concerns anonymously.

These contact numbers are displayed on staff Safeguarding Lanyards or on the parents information board in the club’s entrance.

Responding to a spontaneous disclosure from a child 

If a child starts to talk openly to a member of staff about abuse, they may be experiencing then staff will:

• Give full attention to the child or young person
• Keep body language open and encouraging
• Be compassionate, be understanding and reassure them their feelings are important. Phrases such as ‘you’ve shown such courage today’
• Take time and slow down: we will respect pauses and will not interrupt the child – let them go at their own pace
• Recognise and respond to their body language
• Show understanding and reflect back
• Make it clear you are interested in what the child is telling you
• Reflect back what they have said to check your understanding – and use their language to show it’s their experience
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you. Make sure they know that abuse is never their fault
• Never talk to the alleged perpetrator about the child’s disclosure. This could make things a lot worse for the child.

(Information taken from NSPCC)

Any disclosure will be reported to the Fun Fest Holiday Club manager or DSL and will be referred to the local authority children’s social care team immediately, following our reporting procedures.

Recording Suspicions of Abuse and Disclosures

Staff should make an objective record of any observation or disclosure, supported by the manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). This record should include:

• Child’s name
• Child’s address
• Age of the child and date of birth
• Date and time of the observation or the disclosure, location
• Exact words spoken by the child (word for word) and non-verbal communication
• Exact position and type of any injuries or marks seen
• Exact observation of any incident including any concern was reported, with date and time; and the names of any other person present at the time
• Any discussion held with the parent(s) (where deemed appropriate).

These records should be signed by the person reporting this and the DSL/manager, dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

If a child starts to talk to an adult about potential abuse it is important not to promise the child complete confidentiality. This promise cannot be kept. It is vital that the child is allowed to talk openly and disclosure is not forced or words put into the child’s mouth. As soon as possible after the disclosure details must be logged accurately.  It is not the holiday club’s role to investigate, it is the role of statutory services to complete this.

Staff involved in a safeguarding case may be asked to supply details of any information/concerns they have with regard to a child. The club expects all members of staff to co-operate with the local authority children’s social care, police, and Ofsted in any way necessary to ensure the safety of the children.

Staff must not make any comments either publicly or in private about the supposed or actual behaviour of a parent or member of staff.

Informing parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the local authority children’s social care team/police does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent or family member is the likely abuser or where a child may be endangered by this disclosure. In these cases, the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions, enquiries and external investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared in line with guidance from the local authority. All staff, students and volunteers are bound by confidentiality and any information will not be discussed out of work, or this will become a disciplinary matter.

Fun Fest Holiday Club has due regard to the data protection principles as in the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)[1]. These do not prohibit the collection and sharing of personal information, even without consent if this would put the child at further risk. We will follow the principles around data collection and information sharing, and ensure any information is recorded and shared in an appropriate way.

Support to families

The club takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff, students and volunteers within the club.

The club continues to welcome the child and the family whilst enquiries are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Parents and families will be treated with respect in a non-judgmental manner whilst any external investigations are carried out in the best interest of the child.

Record Keeping

Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child, only if appropriate in line with guidance of the local authority with the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount. We will do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

Fun Fest Holiday Club keeps appropriate records to support the early identification of children and families that would benefit from support. Factual records are maintained in a chronological order with parental discussions. Records are reviewed regularly by the DSL to look holistically at identifying children’s needs.

Allegations against adults working or volunteering with children 

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, student or volunteer or any other person who lives or works on the premises regardless of whether the allegation relates to premises or elsewhere, we will follow the procedure below.

The allegation should be reported to the senior manager on duty. If this person is the subject of the allegation then this should be reported to the *owner/*registered person/*DSL/*deputy manager instead.

At Fun Fest Holiday Club we will follow our own local safeguarding partnership website information about how to report an allegation and we would also inform Ofsted immediately in order for this to be investigated by the appropriate bodies promptly:

• If as an individual you feel this will not be taken seriously or are worried about the allegation getting back to the person in question then it is your duty to inform the local authority children’s social care team yourself directly
• The local authority children’s social care team will be informed immediately for advice and guidance
  • A full investigation will be carried out by the appropriate professionals (local authority children’s social care team, Ofsted) to determine how this will be handled
  • The club will follow all instructions from the local authority children’s social care team and Ofsted and ask all staff members to do the same and co-operate where required
  • Support will be provided to all those involved in an allegation throughout the external investigation in line with local authority children’s social care team support and advice
  • The club reserves the right to suspend any member of staff during an investigation , legal advice will be sought to ensure compliance with the law.
  • All enquiries/external investigations/interviews will be documented and kept in a locked file for access by the relevant authorities
  • Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being reinstated
  • Founded allegations will be passed on to the relevant organisations including the local authority children’s social care team and where an offence is believed to have been committed, the police will also be informed.
  • Founded allegations will be dealt with as gross misconduct in accordance with our disciplinary procedures and may result in the termination of employment, Ofsted will be notified immediately of this decision along with notifying Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure their records are updated.
  • All safeguarding records will be kept until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 21 years and 3 months years if that is longer. This will ensure accurate information is available for references and future DBS checks and avoids any unnecessary reinvestigation
  • The club retains the right to dismiss any member of staff in connection with founded allegations following an inquiry
  • Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being reinstated.
  • A return to work plan will be put in place for any member of staff returning to work after an allegation has been deemed unfounded. Individual support will be offered to meet the needs of the individual staff member and the nature of the incident; this may include more frequent supervisions, coaching and mentoring and external support.

 

Monitoring attendance of children

As part of our requirements under the statutory framework and guidance documents we are required to monitor children’s attendance patterns to ensure they are consistent and no cause for concern.

Parents should please inform the club prior to their children taking holidays or days off, and all sickness should be called into the club on the day so management are able to account for a child’s absence.

If a child has not arrived at the club within one hour of their normal start time the parents will be called to ensure the child is safe and healthy. If the parents are not contactable then the further emergency contacts will be used to ensure all parties are safe.

If a child has not arrived at the club within one hour of their normal start time the parents will be called to ensure the child is safe and healthy. If the parents are not contactable then the emergency contacts numbers listed will be used to ensure all parties are safe. Staff will work their way down the emergency contact list until contact is established and we are made aware that all is well with the child and family. It is a parent’s responsibility to keep their emergency contact details updated.

Where a child is part of a child protection plan, or during a referral process, any absences will immediately be reported to the local authority children’s social care team to ensure the child remains safe and well.

Looked after children 

As part of our safeguarding practice we will ensure our staff are aware of how to keep looked after children safe. In order to do this we ask that we are informed of:

• The legal status of the child (e.g. whether the child is being looked after under voluntary arrangements with consent of parents or on an interim or full care order)
• Contact arrangements for the biological parents (or those with parental responsibility)
• The child’s care arrangements and the levels of authority delegated to the carer by the authority looking after him/her
• The details of the child’s social worker and any other support agencies involved
• Any child protection plan or care plan in place for the child in question.

Please refer to the Looked After Children policy for further details.

 

Staffing and volunteering

Our policy is to provide a secure and safe environment for all children. We only allow an adult who is employed by the club to care for children and who has an enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to be left alone with children.

We will obtain enhanced criminal records checks (DBS) for all volunteers and do not allow any volunteers to be unsupervised with children.

All staff will attend child protection training and receive initial basic child protection training during their induction period. This will include the procedures for spotting signs and behaviours of abuse and abusers/potential abusers, recording and reporting concerns and creating a safe and secure environment for the children in the club. During induction staff will be given contact details for the LADO (local authority designated officer), the local authority children’s Social care team, and Ofsted to enable them to report any safeguarding concerns, independently, if they feel it necessary to do so.

Ongoing suitability of staff is monitored through:

• regular supervisions
• peer observations
• annual declaration of staff suitability
• safeguarding competencies
• regular review of DBS using the online update service (if staff are on it)

Designated Safeguard Lead

We have named persons within the club who take lead responsibility for safeguarding and co-ordinate child protection and welfare issues, known as the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL), there is always at least one designated person on duty during all opening hours of the setting. The designated persons will receive comprehensive training at least every two years and update their knowledge on an ongoing basis, but at least once a year.

The clubs DSL’s liaise with the local authority children’s social care team, undertakes specific training, including a child protection training course, and receives regular updates to developments within this field. They in turn support the ongoing development and knowledge update of all staff on the team.

Although, under the EYFS, we are only required to have one designated lead for safeguarding, for best practice and to ensure cover at all times, we have two/three designated leads in place. This enables safeguarding to stay high on our priorities at all times. There will always be at least one designated lead on duty at all times our provision is open. This will ensure that prompt action can be taken if concerns are raised.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Fun Fest Head Office is:  Vicky Hayton

The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead: 

• Ensure that the settings safeguarding policy and procedures are reviewed and developed in line with current guidance; and develop staff understanding of the settings safeguarding policies
• Take the lead on responding to information from the staff team relating to child protection concerns
• Provide advice, support and guidance on an on-going basis to staff, students and volunteers.
• To identify children who may need early help or who are at risk of abuse
• To help staff to ensure the right support is provided to families
• To liaise with the local authority and other agencies with regard to child protection concerns
• Ensure the setting is meeting the requirements of the EYFS Safeguarding requirements
• To ensure policies are in line with the local safeguarding procedures and details
• Disseminate updates to legislation to ensure all staff are kept up to date with safeguarding practices
• To manage and monitor accidents, incidents and existing injuries; ensuring accurate and appropriate records are kept
• Attend meetings with the child’s key person if needed
• Attend case conferences and external safeguarding meetings, as requested, by external agencies.

Fun Fest Holiday Club safeguards children and staff by;

• Providing adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of all children
• Informing applicants for posts within the club are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out checks before posts can be confirmed. Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information
• Give staff members, volunteers and students regular opportunities during supervisions and having an open-door policy to declare changes that may affect their suitability to care for the children. This includes information about their health, medication or about changes in their home life such as child protection plans for their own children
• Requesting DBS checks on a 3-year basis/or we use the DBS update service (with staff consent) to re-check staff’s criminal history and suitability to work with children at regular intervals
• Abiding by the requirements of the EYFS and any Ofsted guidance in respect to obtaining references and suitability checks for staff, students and volunteers, to ensure that all staff, students and volunteers working in the setting are suitable to do so
• Ensuring we receive at least two written references BEFORE a new member of staff commences employment with us
• Ensuring all students will have enhanced DBS checks conducted on them before their placement starts
• Volunteers, including students, do not carry out any intimate care routines and are never left to work unsupervised with children
• Abiding by the requirements of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (amended 2018) in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of child protection concerns will be reported to the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS)
• Have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the club and take security steps to ensure that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children
• Ensuring all visitors/contractors are supervised whilst on the premises, especially when in the areas the children use
• Staying vigilant to safeguard the whole club environment and be aware of potential dangers on the club boundaries such as drones or strangers lingering. We will ensure the children remain safe at all times
• Having a Staff Behaviour Policy sits alongside this policy to enable us to monitor changes in behaviours that may cause concern. All staff sign up to this policy too to ensure any changes are reported to management so we are able to support the individual staff member and ensure the safety and care of the children is not compromised
• Ensuring that staff are aware not to contact parents/carers and children through social media on their own personal social media accounts and they will report any such incidents to the management team to deal with
• Ensuring all staff have access to and comply with the whistleblowing policy which will enable them to share any concerns that may arise about their colleagues in an appropriate manner.  We encourage a culture of openness and transparency, and all concerns are taken seriously
• Ensuring all staff are aware of the signs to look for of inappropriate staff behaviour may include inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; or inappropriate sharing of images. This is not an exhaustive list, any changes in behaviour must be reported and acted upon immediately
• Ensuring all staff will receive regular supervision meetings where opportunities will be made available to discuss any issues relating to individual children, child protection training, safeguarding concerns and any needs for further support or training
• Having peer on peer and manager observations in the setting to ensure that the care we provide for children is at the highest level and any areas for staff development are quickly highlighted. Peer observations allow us to share constructive feedback, develop practice and build trust so that staff are able to share any concerns they may have. Concerns are raised with the designated lead and dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner
• Ensuring the deployment of staff within the club allows for constant supervision and support. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, the door will be left ajar or other safeguards will be put into action to ensure the safety of the child and the adult.

We also operate a Phones and Other Electronic Devices and Social Media policy which states how we will keep children safe from these devices whilst at Fun Fest Holiday Club.   This also links to our Online Safety policy.

Fun Fest Holiday Club has a clear commitment to protecting children and promoting welfare. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of the manager/DSL/registered owner at the earliest opportunity.

Early help services

When a child and/or family would benefit from support but do not meet the threshold for Local Authority Social Care Team, a discussion will take place with the family around early help services.

Early help provides support as soon as a concern/area of need emerges, helping to improve outcomes and prevent escalation onto local authority services. Sometimes concerns about a child may not be of a safeguarding nature and relate more to their individual family circumstances. Fun Fest Holiday Club will work in partnership with parents/carers to identify any early help services that would benefit your child or your individual circumstances, with your consent, this may include family support, foodbank support, counselling or parenting services.

 

Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Use

This policy refers to all electronic devices able to take pictures, record videos, send or receive calls and messages. This includes cameras, mobile telephones, tablets and any recording devices including smartwatches. More and more devices are technically, capable of connecting us to the outside world. We will adapt the policy to include all devices we deem required to safeguard children. 

 Re – Fitbits: It is recommended that you amend this policy at your discretion depending on what the device is capable of doing, e.g. ones that receive calls and messages are prohibited but ones that only count steps are allowed. 

Mobile phones and other devices that accept calls, messages and video calling

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we promote the safety and welfare of all children in our care. We believe our staff should be completely attentive during their hours of working to ensure all children receive good quality care and education.

To ensure the safety and well-being of children we do not allow staff to use personal mobile phones, smartwatches and/or fitbits during working hours.

We use Mobile Phones / walkie talkies supplied by Fun Fest Holiday Club to provide a means of contact in certain circumstances, such as outings.

This policy should be used in conjunction with our online safety and acceptable IT use policies, to ensure children are kept safe when using the club’s devices online

Staff must adhere to the following:

• Mobile phones/smartwatches/fitbits are either turned off or on silent and not accessed during your working hours
• Mobile phones/smartwatches/fitbits can only be used on a designated break and then this must be away from the children
• Mobile phones/smartwatches/fitbits should be stored safely in staff lockers/bags in the staff room at all times during the hours of your working day
• No personal device is allowed to be connected to the school’s wifi at any time
• The use of devices, such as tablets, must only be used for the club’s purposes
• The club’s devices will not have any social media or messaging apps on them
• Any apps downloaded onto devices must be done only by management. This will ensure only age appropriate apps are accessible to staff, or children using them
• Passwords / passcodes for the devices must not be shared or written down, and will be changed regularly.
• During outings, staff will use mobile phones/walkie talkies belonging to the club wherever possible. Photographs must not be taken of the children on any personal phones or any other personal information storage device. Only club owned devices will be used to take photographs or film videos
• Devices will not be taken home with staff and will remain secure at the setting when not in use. If a device is needed to be taken home due to unforeseen circumstances, then the person taking this device home must ensure it is securely stored and not accessed by another other individual and returned to the club as soon as practically possible

Parents’ and visitors’ use of mobile phones and smartwatches 

Whilst we recognise that there may be emergency situations which necessitate the use of a mobile telephone, in order to ensure the safety and welfare of children in our care and share information about the child’s day.  However, parents and visitors are kindly asked to refrain from using their mobile telephones whilst in the club or when collecting or dropping off their children.

If you are found to be using your phone inside the club premises you will be asked to finish the call or take the call outside.

We do this to ensure all children are safeguarded and the time for dropping off and picking up is a quality handover opportunity where we can share details about your child.

Visitors are requested to leave their mobile phones or smart watches in the safety of the office where they will be locked away safely.

Parents are requested not to allow their child to wear or bring in devices that may take photographs or record videos or voices. This includes smart watches with these capabilities, such as Vtech. This ensures all children are safeguarded and also protects their property as it may get damaged or misplaced at Fun Fest Holiday Club.

Photographs and videos 

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we recognise that photographs and video recordings play a part in the life of the club. We ensure that any photographs or recordings (including CCTV) taken of children in our club are only done with prior written permission from each child’s parent and only share photos with parents in a secure manner. We obtain this permission when each child is registered and update it on a regular basis to ensure that this permission is still valid.

We ask for individual permissions for photographs and video recordings for a range of purposes including: for display purposes; for promotion materials including our website, brochure and the local press; and for security in relation to CCTV and the different social media platforms we use. We ensure that parents understand that where their child is also on another child’s photograph, but not as the primary person.  Photographs and videos will not be taken in areas where intimate care routines are carried out.

If a parent is not happy about one or more of these uses, we will respect their wishes and find alternative ways of recording their child’s play or learning.

Staff are not permitted to take any photographs or recordings of a child on their own information storage devices e.g. cameras, mobiles, tablets or smartwatches and may only use those provided by the club. The manager will monitor all photographs and recordings to ensure that the parents’ wishes are met, and children are safeguarded.

Photographs or videos recorded on mobile devices will be transferred to the correct storage device to ensure no images are left on these mobile devices.

Parents, and children, are not permitted to use any recording device or camera (including those on mobile phones or smartwatches) on the clubs’ premises without the prior consent of the manager.

During special events, e.g. Christmas or leaving parties, staff may produce group photographs to distribute to parents on request. In this case we will gain individual permission for each child before the event. This will ensure all photographs taken are in line with parental choice. We ask that photos of events such as Christmas parties are not posted on any social media websites/areas without permission from parents of all the children included in the picture.

Social Networking

Social media is becoming a large part of the world we live in and as such at Fun Fest Holiday Club we need to make sure we protect our children by having procedures in place for safe use.

We use Facebook and Instagram to share pictures of the activities the children have accessed at Fun Fest. In order to safeguard children, we will:

• Ensure all children in the photographs or posts have the correct permissions in place from their parent / carer
• Not allow others to post on our Facebook page, i.e. only management can post on the page, only parents / family / carers who have been invited to join the group can view and comment on the posts
• Monitor comments on all posts and address any concerns immediately.

Staff use of social media

We require our staff to be responsible and professional in their use of social networking sites in relation to any connection to the club, staff, parents or children.

• When using social networking sites such as Facebook or Instagram staff must:
  • Not name the setting they work at
  • Not make comments relating to their work or post pictures in work uniform
  • Not send private messages to any parents/family members
  • If a parent asks questions relating to work via social networking sites, then staff should reply asking them to come into the setting or contact the manager
  • Ensure any posts reflect their professional role in the community (e.g. no inappropriate social event photos or inappropriate comments i.e. foul language)
  • Report any concerning comments or questions from parents to the manager/safeguarding lead
  • Follow the staff behaviour policy
  • Not post anything that could be construed to have any impact on the club’s reputation or relate to Fun Fest Holiday Club or any children attending the club in any way
  • Not belong to our closed Facebook group if linked to a personal account
  • Not like or share any of our Facebook posts
  • Not be connected to the club’s Facebook / Instagram account in any manner
• If any of the above points are not followed then the member of staff involved will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal.

 

Parents and visitors’ use of social networking

We promote the safety and welfare of all staff and children and therefore ask parents and visitors not to post, publicly or privately, information about any child on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We ask all parents and visitors to follow this policy to ensure that information about children, images and information do not fall into the wrong hands.

We ask parents not to:

• Send friend requests to any member of staff
• Screen shot or share any posts or pictures from the club on social media platforms (these may contain other children in the pictures)
• Post any photographs to social media that have been supplied by the club with other children in them (e.g. Christmas photographs or photographs from an activity at Fun Fest)

We ask parents to:

Share any concerns regarding inappropriate use of social media through the official procedures (please refer to the partnership with parent’s policy, complaints procedures and grievance policy).

Inclusion and Equality 

 

Statement of intent

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we take great care to treat each individual as a person in their own right, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within Fun Fest Holiday Club.

A commitment to implementing our inclusion and equality policy will form part of each employee’s job description. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of Emma Price at the earliest opportunity. Appropriate steps will then be taken to investigate the matter and if such concerns are well-founded, disciplinary action will be invoked under Fun Fest Holiday club’s disciplinary policy.

The legal framework for this policy is based on:

• Special Education Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice 2015
• Children and Families Act 2014
• Equality Act 2010
• Childcare Act 2006
• Children Act 2004
• Care Standards Act 2002
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001

Fun Fest Holiday Club and staff are committed to:

• Recruiting, selecting, training and promoting individuals on the basis of occupational skills requirements. In this respect, Fun Fest Holiday Club will ensure that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity/paternity
• Providing a childcare place, wherever possible, for children who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities or are deemed disadvantaged according to their individual circumstances, and the club’s ability to provide the necessary standard of care
• Making reasonable adjustments for children with special educational needs and disabilities
• Striving to promote equal access to services and projects by taking practical steps (wherever possible and reasonable), such as ensuring access to people with additional needs and by producing materials in relevant languages and media for all children and their families
• Providing a secure environment in which all our children can flourish and all contributions are valued
• Including and valuing the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality, inclusion and diversity
• Providing positive non-stereotypical information
• Continually improving our knowledge and understanding of issues of equality, inclusion and diversity
• Regularly reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of inclusive practices to ensure they promote and value diversity and difference and that the policy is effective and practices are non-discriminatory
• Making inclusion a thread, which runs through the entirety of the club, for example, by encouraging positive role models through the use of toys, imaginary play and activities, promoting non-stereotypical images and language and challenging all discriminatory behaviour (see dealing with discriminatory behaviour policy).

Admissions/service provision

Fun Fest Holiday Club is accessible to all children and families in the local community and further afield through a comprehensive and inclusive admissions policy.

The club will strive to ensure that all services and projects are accessible and relevant to all groups and individuals in the community within targeted age groups.

Recruitment

Recruitment, promotion and other selection exercises such as redundancy selection will be conducted on the basis of merit, against objective criteria that avoid discrimination. Shortlisting should be done by more than one person if possible.

All members of the selection group will be committed to the inclusive practice set out in this policy and will have received appropriate training in this regard.

Application forms will be sent out along with a copy of the equal opportunities monitoring form. Application forms will not include questions that potentially discriminate on the grounds specified in the statement of intent.

Vacancies should generally be advertised to a diverse section of the labour market. Advertisements should avoid stereotyping or using wording that may discourage particular groups from applying.

At interview, no questions will be posed which potentially discriminate on the grounds specified in the statement of intent. All candidates will be asked the same questions and members of the selection group will not introduce nor use any personal knowledge of candidates acquired outside the selection process. Candidates will be given the opportunity to receive feedback on the reasons why they were not successful.

Under the Equality Act 2010 you can only ask questions prior to offering someone employment in the following circumstances:

• You need to establish whether the applicant will be able to comply with a requirement to undergo an assessment (i.e. an interview or selection test)
• You need to establish whether the applicant will be able to carry out a function that is intrinsic to the work concerned
• You want to monitor diversity in the range of people applying for work
• You want to take positive action towards a particular group – for example offering a guaranteed interview scheme
• You require someone with a particular disability because of an occupational requirement for the job.

The national College for Teaching and Leadership provides further guidance specific to working with children:

Providers have a responsibility to ensure that practitioners have the health and physical capacity to teach and will not put children and young people at risk of harm. The activities that a practitioner must be able to perform are set out in the Education (Health Standards England) Regulations 2003. Providers are responsible for ensuring that only practitioners who have the capacity to teach remain on the staff team.

People with disabilities or chronic illnesses may have the capacity to teach, just as those without disabilities or medical conditions may be unsuitable to teach. Further information on training to teach with a disability is available from the DfE website.

Successful applicants offered a position may be asked to complete a fitness questionnaire prior to commencing the programme. Providers should not ask all-encompassing health questions, but should ensure that they only ask targeted and relevant health-related questions, which are necessary to ensure that a person is able to teach.

Staff

It is the policy of Fun Fest Holiday Club not to discriminate in the treatment of individuals. All staff are expected to co-operate with the implementation, monitoring and improvement of this and other policies. All staff are expected to challenge language, actions, behaviours and attitudes which are oppressive or discriminatory on the grounds specified in this policy and recognise and celebrate other cultures and traditions. All staff are expected to participate in equality and inclusion training.

Staff will follow the ‘Dealing with Discriminatory Behaviour’ policy where applicable to report any discriminatory behaviours observed.

Training

Fun Fest Holiday Club recognises the importance of training as a key factor in the implementation of an effective inclusion and equality policy. All new staff receive induction training including specific reference to the inclusion and equality policy. Fun Fest Holiday Club will strive towards the provision of inclusion, equality and diversity training for all staff on an annual basis.

Early learning framework

Early learning opportunities offered in Fun Fest Holiday Club encourage children to develop positive attitudes to people who are different from them. It encourages children to empathise with others and to begin to develop the skills of critical thinking.

We do this by:

• Making children feel valued and good about themselves
• Ensuring that all children have equal access to early learning and play opportunities
• Reflecting the widest possible range of communities in the choice of resources
• Avoiding stereotypical or derogatory images in the selection of materials
• Acknowledging and celebrating a wide range of religions, beliefs and festivals
• Creating an environment of mutual respect and empathy
• Helping children to understand that discriminatory behaviour and remarks are unacceptable
• Ensuring that all early learning opportunities offered are inclusive of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Ensuring that children whose first language is not English have full access to early learning opportunities and are supported in their learning
• Working in partnership with all families to ensure they understand the policy and challenge any discriminatory comments made
• Ensuring the medical, cultural and dietary needs of children are met
• Identifying a key person to each child who will continuously observe, assess and plan for children’s learning and development
• Helping children to learn about a range of food and cultural approaches to meal times and to respect the differences among them.

Information and meetings

Information about Fun Fest Holiday Club, its activities and children’s development will be given in a variety of ways according to individual needs (written, verbal and translated), to ensure that all parents can access the information they need.  At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we share information with parents as follows:

• Newsletters
• Daily verbal feedback
• Emails and social media advertising about upcoming holidays and events
• Achievement certificates

Wherever possible, meetings will be arranged to give all families options to attend and contribute their ideas about the running of the club.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

 

This policy has been created with regard to:

• The SEND Code of Practice 2015
• Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3)
• Equality Act 2010
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
• Statutory Framework for the EYFS (2017)

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) code of practice.

Fun Fest Holiday Club has regard to the statutory guidance set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability code of practice (DfE 2015) to identify, assess and make provision for children’s special educational needs.

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we use the SEND Code of Practice (2015) definition of Special Educational Needs and Disability:

A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.

A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she:

• has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or
• has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions.

Statement of intent

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we are committed to the inclusion of all children. All children have the right to be cared for and educated to develop to their full potential alongside their peers through positive experiences, to enable them to share opportunities and experiences and develop and learn from each other. We provide a positive and welcoming environment where children are supported according to their individual needs and we work hard to ensure no children are discriminated against or put at a disadvantage as a consequence of their needs. Each child’s needs are unique, therefore any attempt to categorise children is inappropriate.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents in order to meet their child’s individual needs and develop to their full potential. We are committed to working with any child who has a specific need and/or disability and making reasonable adjustments to enable every child to make full use of the club’s facilities. All children have a right to a broad and well-balanced early learning environment.

Where we believe a child may have additional needs that have previously been unacknowledged, we will work closely with the child’s parents and any relevant professionals to establish if any additional action is required.

Where a child has additional needs, we feel it is paramount to find out as much as possible about those needs; any way that this may affect his/her early learning or care needs and any additional help he/she may need by:

• Liaising with the child’s parents and, where appropriate, the child
• Liaising with any professional agencies
• Reading any reports that have been prepared
• Attending any review meetings with the local authority/professionals
• Observing each child’s development and monitoring such observations regularly.

All children will be given a full settling in period when joining Fun Fest Holiday Club according to their individual needs.

We will:

• Recognise each child’s individual needs and ensure all staff are aware of, and have regard for, the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice
• Ensure that all children are treated as individuals/equals and are supported to take part in every aspect of the club day according to their individual needs and abilities
• Encourage children to value and respect others
• Share any statutory and other assessments made by the club with parents and support parents in seeking any help they or the child may need
• Include all children and their families in our provision
• Identify the specific needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and meet those needs through a range of strategies
• Ensure that children who learn at an accelerated pace e.g. ‘most able’ are also supported
• Provide well informed and suitably trained practitioners to help support parents and children with special educational difficulties and/or disabilities
• Develop and maintain a core team of staff who are experienced in the care of children with additional needs and identify a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENCO) who is experienced in the care and assessment of children with additional needs.  Staff will be provided with specific training relating to SEND and the SEND Code of Practice
• Monitor and review our practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments, and seek specialist equipment and services if needed
• Challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices
• Promote positive images and role models during play experiences of those with additional needs wherever possible
• Celebrate diversity in all aspects of play and learning.
• Work in partnership with parents and other agencies in order to meet individual children’s needs, including the education, health and care authorities, and seek advice, support and training where required

Fun Fest Holiday club’s Special Education Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENCO) is Emma Price

The role of the SENCO includes:

• ensuring all practitioners understand their responsibilities to children with SEN and the setting’s approach to identifying and meeting SEN
• advising and supporting colleagues
• ensuring parents are closely involved throughout and that their insights inform action taken by the setting
• liaising with professionals or agencies beyond the setting
• taking the lead in implementing the graduated approach and supporting colleagues through each stage of the process.

We will:

• Designate a named member of staff to be the SENCO and share their name with parents
• Have high aspirations for all children and support them to achieve to their full potential
• Develop respectful partnerships with parents and families
• Ensure parents are involved at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision and review of their child’s care and education and where possible include the thoughts and feelings voiced by the child
• Signpost parents and families to our Local Offer in order to access local support and services
• Provide a statement showing how we provide for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and share this with staff, parents and other professionals
• Ensure that the provision for children with SEN and/or disabilities is the responsibility of all members of staff in the club through training and professional discussions
• Set out in our inclusive admissions practice on how we meet  equality of access and opportunity
• Make reasonable adjustments to our physical environment to ensure it is, as far as possible suitable for children and adults with disabilities using the facilities
• Provide a broad, balanced, aspirational early learning environment for all children with SEN and/or disabilities and differentiated activities to meet all individual needs and abilities
• Liaise with other professionals involved with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families, including transition arrangements to other settings and schools.
• Use the graduated response system  to assess, plan, do and review to ensure early identification of any SEND
• Ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their parents are consulted at all stages of the graduated response, taking into account their levels of ability
• Review children’s progress and support plans e.g every holiday, and work with parents to agree on further support plans
• Provide privacy of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities when intimate care is being provided
• Raise awareness of any specialism the setting has to offer, e.g. Makaton trained staff
• Ensure the effectiveness of our SEN/disability provision by collecting information from a range of sources e.g. additional support reviews, Education and Healthcare (EHC) plans, staff and management meetings, parental and external agencies’ views, inspections and complaints. This information is collated, evaluated and reviewed annually
• Provide a complaints procedure and make available to all parents in a format that meets their needs e.g. Braille, audio, large print, additional languages
• Monitor and review our policy and procedures annually.

Effective assessment of the need for early help

Local agencies should work together to put processes in place for the effective assessment of the needs of individual children who may benefit from early help services. Children and families may need support from a wide range of local agencies. Where a child and family would benefit from coordinated support from more than one agency (e.g. education, health, housing, police) there should be an inter-agency assessment. These early help assessments, such as the Common Assessment Framework, should identify what help the child and family require to prevent needs escalating to a point where intervention would be needed via a statutory assessment under the Children Act 1989.

The early help assessment should be undertaken by a lead professional who should provide support to the child and family, act as an advocate on their behalf and coordinate the delivery of support services. The lead professional role could be undertaken by a General Practitioner (GP), family support worker, teacher, health visitor and/or special educational needs coordinator. Decisions about who should be the lead professional should be taken on a case by case basis and should be informed by the child and their family.

For an early help assessment to be effective:

• The assessment should be undertaken with the agreement of the child and their parents or carers. It should involve the child and family as well as all the professionals who are working with them;
• A teacher, GP, health visitor, early years’ worker or other professional should be able to discuss concerns they may have about a child and family with a social worker in the local authority. Local authority children’s social care should set out the process for how this will happen; and
• If parents and/or the child do not consent to an early help assessment, then the lead professional should make a judgement as to whether, without help, the needs of the child will escalate. If so, a referral into local authority children’s social care may be necessary.

If at any time it is considered that the child may be a child in need as defined in the Children Act 1989, or that the child has suffered significant harm, or is likely to do so, a referral should be made immediately to local authority children’s social care. This referral can be made by any professional. Working together to safeguard children 2018

Graduated Approach

We follow the SEND Code of Practice (2015) recommendation that, in addition to the formal checks above, nurseries should adopt a graduated approach to assessment and planning, led and coordinated by a SENCO. Good practice of working together with parents, and the observation and monitoring of children’s individual progress, will help identify any child with special educational needs or disability This graduated approach will be led and coordinated by the SENCO and appropriate records will be kept according to the Code of Practice.

 

Assess

In identifying a child as needing SEN support, the key person, working with the SENCO and the child’s parents, will carry out an analysis of the child’s needs. This initial assessment will be reviewed regularly to ensure that support is matched to need. Where there is little or no improvement in the child’s progress, more specialist assessment may be called for from specialist teachers or from health, social services or other agencies beyond the setting. Where professionals are not already working with the setting, the SENCO will contact them, with the parents’ agreement.

Plan

Where it is decided to provide SEN support, and having formally notified the parents, the key person and the SENCO, in consultation with the parent, will agree the outcomes they are seeking, the interventions and support to be put in place, the expected impact on progress, development or behaviour, and a clear date for review. Plans will take into account the views of the child.

The support and intervention provided will be selected to meet the outcomes identified for the child, based on reliable evidence of effectiveness, and provided by practitioners with relevant skills and knowledge. Any related staff development needs should be identified and addressed. Parents will be involved in planning support and, where appropriate, in reinforcing the provision or contributing to progress at home.

 

Do

The child’s key person will be responsible for working with the child on a daily basis. With support from the SENCO, they will oversee the implementation of the intervention agreed as part of SEN support. The SENCO will support the key person in assessing the child’s response to the action taken, in problem solving and advising on the effective implementation of support.

Review

The effectiveness of the support and its impact on the child’s progress will be reviewed in line with the agreed date. The impact and quality of the support will be evaluated by the key person and the SENCO in full consultation with the child’s parents and taking into account the child’s views. Information will be shared with parents about the impact of the support provided.

Assess – The key person works with the setting SENCO and the child’s parents and brings together all the information, then analyses the child’s needs.

Plan – The key person and the SENCO will agree, in consultation with the parent, the outcomes they are seeking for the child, the interventions and support to be put in place, the expected impact on progress, development and behaviour and finally a date for review.

Do – The child’s key person implements the agreed interventions or programmes

Review – On the agreed date, the key person and SENCO working with the child’s parents, and taking into account the child’s views, will review the effectiveness of the support and the impact of the support on the child’s progress. They will then evaluate the impact and quality of support on the child.

Education and Health Plan (EHC)

Some children and young people may require an EHC needs assessment in order to decide whether it is necessary to develop an EHC plan. The purpose of an EHC plan is to make adjustments and offer support to meet the special educational needs of the child, to secure the best possible outcomes for them across education, health and social care.

The local authority will conduct the EHC needs assessment and take into account a wide range of evidence, including

• evidence of the child’s developmental milestones and rate of progress
• information about the nature, extent and context of the child’s SEN
• evidence of the action already being taken by us as the early years provider to meet the child’s SEN
• evidence that, where progress has been made, it has only been as the result of much additional intervention and support over and above that which is usually provided
• evidence of the child’s physical, emotional and social development and health needs, drawing on relevant evidence from clinicians and other health professionals and what has been done to meet these by other agencies.

We will then work with the local authority and other bodies to ensure that the child receives the support they need to gain the best outcomes.

 

 

Health and Safety – General Policy

Considerations from the legal team:

Ultimately the employer is accountable for health and safety and therefore cannot delegate health and safety duties. It can require staff to cooperate with them and to follow what they are told, but it cannot delegate a duty. There is no problem asking staff to do something e.g. a risk assessment, which is part of the policy, but it remains the employer’s duty to ensure it’s done and that it’s suitable and sufficient. It would not be a defence to a Holiday Club if a member of staff did not undertake, for example, a risk assessment. The employer must therefore have a system in place to ensure such things are done.

 

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees and a safe early learning environment in which children learn and are cared for. To develop and promote a strong health and safety culture within the club for the benefit of all staff, children and parents we provide information, training and supervision. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which we will make to implement our health and safety procedures are set out within this policy and we make sufficient resources available to provide a safe environment.

Legal framework 

We follow all relevant legislation and associated guidance relating to health and safety within the club including:

• The requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2017
• The regulations of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other relevant legislation such as Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (COSHH)
• Any guidance provided by Public Health England, the local health protection unit, the local authority environmental health department, fire authority or the Health and Safety Executive

Aims and objectives

The aim of this policy statement is to ensure that all reasonably practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the premises.

To achieve this we will actively work towards the following objectives:

• Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the club’s premises including outdoor spaces
• Establish and maintain safe working practices amongst staff and children
• Make arrangements for ensuring safety and the minimising of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of hazardous articles and substances
• Ensure the provision of sufficient information, instruction and supervision to enable all people working in or using the club to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own health and safety and to ensure that staff have access to regular health and safety training
• Maintain a healthy and safe club with safe entry and exit routes
• Formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and other emergencies and for evacuating the club premises. Practice this procedure on a regular basis to enable the safe and speedy evacuation of the club
• Maintain a safe working environment for pregnant workers or for workers who have recently given birth, including undertaking appropriate risk assessments
• Maintain a safe environment for those with special educational needs and  disabilities and ensure all areas of the club are accessible (wherever practicable)
• Provide a safe environment for students or trainees to learn in
• Encourage all staff, visitors and parents to report any unsafe working practices or areas to ensure immediate response by the management.

We believe the risks in the club’s environment are low and we will maintain the maximum protection for children, staff and parents.

Fun Fest Holiday Club will:

• Ensure all entrances and exits from the building, including fire exits are clearly identifiable and remain clear at all times
• Regularly check the premises room by room for structural defects, worn fixtures and fittings or electrical equipment and take the necessary remedial action
• Ensure that all staff, visitors, parents and children are aware of the fire procedures and regular fire drills are carried out
• Have the appropriate fire detection and control equipment which is checked regularly to make sure it is in working order
• Ensure that all members of staff are aware of the procedure to follow in case of accidents for staff, visitors and children
• Ensure that all members of staff take all reasonable action to control the spread of infectious diseases and wear protective gloves and clothing where appropriate
• Ensure there are suitable hygienic changing facilities (see infection control policy)
• Prohibit smoking on the club premises
• Prohibit any contractor from working on the premises without prior discussion with the manager
• Encourage children to manage risks safely and prohibit running inside the premises unless in designated areas
• Risk assess all electrical sockets and take appropriate measures to reduce risks where necessary and ensure no trailing wires are left around the club
• Ensure all cleaning materials are placed out of the reach of children and kept in their original containers
• Wear protective clothing when cooking or serving food
• Prohibit certain foods that may relate to children’s allergies, e.g. peanuts are not allowed in the club
• We follow the EU Food Information for Food Consumers Regulations (EU FIC). These rules are enforced in the UK by the Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR).  We identify the 14 allergens listed by EU Law that we use as ingredients in any of the dishes we provide to children and ensure that all parents are informed.
• Follow the allergies and allergic reactions policy for children who have allergies
• Ensure risk assessments are undertaken on the storage and preparation of food produce within the club
• Familiarise all staff and visitors with the position of the first aid boxes and ensure all know who the appointed first aiders are
• Provide appropriately stocked first aid boxes and check their contents regularly
• Ensure children are supervised at all times
• Ensure no student or volunteer is left unsupervised at any time.
• Ensure staff paediatric first aid certificates are on display (or made available to parents).

Responsibilities 

Responsibility for Health and Safety in the club is that of the Director or Manager.

The manager has overall and final responsibility for this policy being carried out at:

Fun Fest Holiday Club.

The deputy club manager will be responsible in his/her absence.

All employees have the responsibility to co-operate with senior staff and the manager to achieve a healthy and safe club and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. Neglect of health and safety regulations/duties will be regarded as a disciplinary matter (see separate policy on disciplinary procedures)

Whenever a member of staff notices a health or safety problem which they are not able to rectify, they must immediately report it to the appropriate person named. Parents and visitors are requested to report any concerns they may have to the appropriate person in charge.

Daily contact and health and safety meetings provide consultation between management and employees. This will include health and safety matters.

Health and safety training

Person responsible for monitoring staff training is the club Director.

Health and safety is covered in all induction training for new staff.

Training table (example):   

At present at least one member of staff on duty MUST hold a full paediatric First Aid at Work certificate in the club. At Fun Fest Holiday Club we have extended this to ensure that all staff attend the Paediatric First Aid, and that a minimum of 1 first aider is on duty all times.  In addition to this, all newly qualified entrants to the early years workforce who have completed a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification on or after 30 June 2016, must also have either a full PFA or an emergency PFA certificate within three months of starting work in order to be included in the required staff:child ratios at level 2 or level 3 in an early years setting

All trained first aiders must be listed in the first aid policy.

Health and safety arrangements

• All staff are responsible for general health and safety in the club
• Risk assessments will be conducted on all areas of the club, including rooms, activities, outdoor areas, resources and cleaning equipment
• These are reviewed at regular intervals and when arrangements change
• All outings away from the club (however short) will include a prior risk assessment – more details are included in our outings policy
• All equipment, rooms and outdoor areas will be checked thoroughly by staff before children access them or the area. These checks will be recorded and initialled by the staff responsible. Unsafe areas will be made safe/removed from the area by this member of staff to promote the safety of children. If this cannot be achieved the manager will be notified immediately
• We provide appropriate facilities for all children, staff, parents and visitors to receive a warm welcome and provide for their basic care needs, e.g. easy to access toilet area and fresh drinking water
• The club will adhere to the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (COSHH) to ensure all children, staff, parents and visitors are safe in relation to any chemicals we may use on the premises
• We identify and assess any water sources at risk of legionella, and manage these risks including avoiding  stagnant water.
• All staff and students will receive appropriate training in all areas of health and safety which will include risk assessments, manual handling and fire safety. We may also use benefit risk assessments for particular activities and resources for children
• We have a clear accident and first aid policy to follow in the case of any person in the club suffering injury from an accident or incident
• We have a clear fire safety policy and procedure which supports the prevention of fire and the safe evacuation of all persons in the club. This is to be shared with all staff, students, parents and visitors to the club
• We review accident and incident records to identify any patterns/hazardous areas
• All health and safety matters are reviewed informally on an ongoing basis and formally every six months or when something changes. Staff and parents will receive these updates, as with all policy changes, as and when they happen
• We welcome feedback from staff and parents.  They are able to contribute to any policy through informal discussions, the suggestion scheme and/or during regular meetings held at nursery.

The policy is kept up to date and reviewed especially when the club changes in nature and size. It is revised annually, or as and when required. We therefore welcome any useful comments from members of staff, parents and visitors regarding this policy.

Sickness and Illness

 

At Fun Fest Holiday Club we promote the good health of all children attending. To help keep children healthy and minimise infection, we do not expect children to attend the club if they are unwell. If a child is unwell it is in their best interest to be in a home environment with adults they know well rather than at Fun Fest with their peers.

Our procedures

In order to take appropriate action of children who become ill and to minimise the spread of infection we implement the following procedures:

• If a child becomes ill during the day, we contact their parent(s) and ask them to pick up their child as soon as possible. During this time we care for the child in a quiet, calm area with their key person, (if the child has one) wherever possible
•  We follow the guidance given to us by Public Health England (Health Protection in Schools and other childcare facilities) and advice from our local health protection unit on exclusion times for specific illnesses, e.g. sickness and diarrhoea, measles and chicken pox, to protect other children in the club.
• Should a child have an infectious disease, such as sickness and diarrhoea, they must not return to the club until they have been clear for at least 48 hours. We notify Ofsted as soon as possible and in all cases within 14 days of the incident where we have any child or staff member with food poisoning. We inform all parents if there is a contagious infection identified in the club, to enable them to spot the early signs of this illness. We thoroughly clean and sterilise all equipment and resources that may have come into contact with a contagious child to reduce the spread of infection
• We notify Ofsted as soon as possible and in all cases within 14 days of the incident where we have any child or staff member with food poisoning
• We exclude all children on antibiotics for the first 48 hours of the course (unless this is part of an ongoing care plan to treat individual medical conditions e.g. asthma and the child is not unwell) This is because it is important that children are not subjected to the rigours of the club day, which requires socialising with other children and being part of a group setting, when they have first become ill and require a course of antibiotics
• We have the right to refuse admission to a child who is unwell. This decision will be taken by the manager on duty and is non-negotiable
• We make information/posters about head lice readily available and all parents are requested to regularly check their children’s hair. If a parent finds that their child has head lice we would be grateful if they could inform the club so that other parents can be alerted to check their child’s hair.

Meningitis procedure

If a parent informs the club that their child has meningitis, the manager will contact the Local Area Infection Control (IC) Nurse. The IC Nurse will give guidance and support in each individual case. If parents do not inform the club, we will be contacted directly by the IC Nurse and the appropriate support will be given. We will follow all guidance given and notify any of the appropriate authorities including Ofsted if necessary.

Transporting children to hospital procedure

The manager/staff member must:

• Call for an ambulance immediately if the sickness is severe. DO NOT attempt to transport the sick child in your own vehicle
• Whilst waiting for the ambulance, contact the parent(s) and arrange to meet them at the hospital
• Redeploy staff if necessary to ensure there is adequate staff deployment to care for the remaining children. This may mean temporarily grouping the children together
• Arrange for the most appropriate member of staff to accompany the child taking with them any relevant information such as registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and the child’s comforter
• Inform a member of the management team immediately
• Remain calm at all times. Children who witness an incident may well be affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance. Staff may also require additional support following the accident

Medication

 

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, we promote the good health of children attending and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection (see sickness and illness policy). If a child requires medicine, we will obtain information about the child’s needs for this, and will ensure this information is kept up to date.

We follow strict guidelines when dealing with medication of any kind in Fun Fest Holiday Club and these are set out below.

Fun Fest Holiday Club WILL NOT administer any medication unless prior written consent is given for each and every medicine.

Illness

• If any child is brought to the club in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the Club Manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the club.
• For information on infection control and infectious diseases visit the Public Health England website and view their document titled ‘Health protection in schools and other childcare facilities’.
• If the child is deemed well enough to stay at the setting, the parent/ carer must be asked if any kind of medication has already been given, at what time and in what dosage and this will be recorded.

 

Medication in the Setting – General Guidance

• Before administering medication to any child we will require written agreement from the parents
• This agreement (usually a Medication Form) should include;
  • the child’s name
  • the name of the medication
  • the required dose and agreed time of administration
  • Clearly stated whether the medication is on-going or to be taken up until a particular date
  • Possible side effects, and/or the information leaflet that is normally supplied by the manufacturer made available
  • Medication is only accepted in its original labelled container
  • Where the medication is an adrenaline pen or inhaler (where there may be only occasional emergency use), it will have the expiry date of the medication recorded on the appropriate form
  • For non-prescription medication Fun Fest Holiday Club reserve, the right to determine the number of days the medication will be given before requesting parents/ carers further input or the advice of a healthcare professional. This will be based upon the individual child and condition
  • If at any time there is any doubt regarding the administration of medication to a child, play leaders will stop and check with the Club Manager before continuing.

Medication Prescribed by a Doctor, Dentist, Nurse or Pharmacist

(Medicines containing aspirin will only be given if prescribed by a doctor)

• Prescription only medicine will be given when prescribed by the above and only for the person named on the dispensing label on the bottle/container for the dosage stated
• Medicines must be in their original containers with their instructions printed in English
• Those with parental responsibility for any child requiring prescription medication should hand over the medication to the club manager or deputy manager who will then note the details of the administration on the appropriate form and another member of staff will check these details
• Those with parental responsibility must give prior written permission for the administration of each and every medication. However, we will accept written permission once for a whole course of medication or for the ongoing use of a particular medication under the following circumstances:

1. The written permission is only acceptable for that brand name of medication and cannot be used for similar types of medication, e.g. if the course of antibiotics changes, a new form will need to be completed
2. The dosage on the written permission is the only dosage that will be administered. We will not give a different dose unless a new form is completed
3. Parents must notify us IMMEDIATELY if the child’s circumstances change, e.g. a dose has been given at home, or a change in strength/dose needs to be given.

• Fun Fest Holiday Club will not administer a dosage that exceeds the recommended dose on the instructions unless accompanied by written instructions from a relevant health professional such as a letter from a doctor or dentist
• The parent must be asked when the child has last been given the medication before coming to the club; and the staff member must record this information on the medication form. Similarly, when the child is picked up, the parent or guardian must be given precise details of the times and dosage given throughout the day. The parent’s signature must be obtained at both times
• At the time of administering the medicine, a senior member of staff will ask the child to take the medicine, or offer it in a manner acceptable to the child at the prescribed time and in the prescribed form. (It is important to note that staff working with children are not legally obliged to administer medication)
• If the child refuses to take the appropriate medication, then a note will be made on the form
• Where medication is “essential” or may have side effects, discussion with the parent will take place to establish the appropriate response.
• Only First Aiders should administer medication

Non-prescription Medication (also known as over the counter medicine – these will not usually be administered)

• If any child is brought to the club in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the club
• Fun Fest Holiday Club will not administer any non-prescription medication containing aspirin
• Fun Fest Holiday Club will only administer non-prescription medication for a short initial period, dependant on the medication or the condition of the child. After this time medical attention should be sought
• If the manager feels the child would benefit from medical attention rather than non-prescription medication, we reserve the right to refuse care until the child is seen by a medical practitioner
• If a child needs liquid paracetamol or similar medication during their time at Fun Fest Holiday Club, such medication will be treated as prescription medication with the *onus being on the parent to provide the medicine/Fun Fest Holiday Club providing one specific type of medication should parents wish to use this
• An emergency Fun Fest Holiday Club supply of fever relief (e.g. Calpol) and anti-histamines (e.g. Piriton) will be stored on site. This will be checked at regular intervals by the designated trained first aider to make sure that it complies with any instructions for storage and is still in date
• If a child does exhibit the symptoms for which consent has been given to give non-prescription medication during the day, Fun Fest Holiday Club will make every attempt to contact the child’s parents. Where parents cannot be contacted then the manager will take the decision as to whether the child is safe to have this medication based on the time the child has been in the club, the circumstances surrounding the need for this medication and the medical history of the child on their registration form.
• Giving non-prescription medication will be a last resort and the staff will use other methods first to try and alleviate the symptoms (where appropriate). The child will be closely monitored until the parents collect the child
• For any non-prescription cream for skin conditions e.g. Sudocrem, prior written permission must be obtained from the parent and the onus is on the parent to provide the cream which should be clearly labelled with the child’s name
• If any child is brought to Fun Fest Holiday Club in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the club. If the child is staying, the parent must be asked if any kind of medication has already been given, at what time and in what dosage and this must be stated on the medication form
• As with any kind of medication, staff will ensure that the parent is informed of any non-prescription medicines given to the child whilst at the club, together with the times and dosage given
• Fun Fest Holiday Club DOES NOT administer any medication unless prior written consent is given for each and every medicine.

Emergency Medication

• • At registration of a child during the booking process, parents will be asked if they are happy to give consent to ‘medication’  being given. This would be only deemed necessary for specific circumstances. Parents/ carers will be asked to tick to give consent. The circumstances will include:
    • The circumstances in which ‘emergency’ medication will be given e.g. High temperature (above 37.8˚c)
    • The specific medication (drug name) e.g. Paracetamol
    • Dose to be administered will follow the guidance on the original container e.g. following age / dosage instructions
    • Statement that medication will only be given if the club is unable to contact the parent
  • An ‘emergency’ stock of medication may be kept on site
  • Stock medication will be kept in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions on the container (e.g. cool dark place, out of the reach of children)
  • Stock will be checked at regular intervals by the designated trained first aider to ensure there is ample supply and is still within its expiry date
  • If a child experiences symptom of illness, attempts will be made to contact the child’s parents before administering ‘emergency’ medication
  • Where parents cannot be contacted the Club Manager will take the decision as to whether the child is suitable to receive the ‘emergency’ medication based on the symptoms and medical history of the child given at registration
  • Administering ‘emergency’ non-prescription medication will be a last resort and the staff will use other methods first to try and alleviate the symptoms. The child will be closely monitored until the parents collect the child.

Injections, Pessaries, Suppositories

As the administration of injections, pessaries and suppositories represents intrusive nursing, we will not administer these without appropriate medical training for every member of staff caring for this child. This training is specific for every child and not generic. The club will do all it can to make any reasonable adjustments including working with parents and other professionals to arrange for appropriate health officials to train staff in administering the medication.

Staff Fitness Medication

• All staff have a responsibility to work with children only where they are fit to do so
• Staff must not work with children if they are infectious or too unwell to meet children’s needs. This includes circumstances where medication taken by staff affects their ability to care for children, for example, where it makes a person drowsy
• If staff members believe their condition, including any condition caused by taking medication, is affecting their ability to care for children they must inform their line manager immediately
• The club manager / person’s line manager/registered provider will decide if a staff member is fit to work, including circumstances where other staff members notice changes in behaviour suggesting a person may be under the influence of medication. This decision will include any medical advice obtained by the individual or from an occupational health assessment
• Where staff may occasionally or regularly need medication, any such medication must be kept in the person’s locker/separate locked container in the staff room. If the medication is required to be accessed in an emergency, such as an asthma inhaler, this should be easily accessible but safe from children
• In all cases medication must be stored out of reach of children. It must not be kept in the first aid box. It will be clearly labelled with the name of the member of staff.

Storage

All medication for children must have the child’s name clearly written on the original container and kept in a closed box, which is out of reach of all children.  Emergency medication, such as inhalers and EpiPens, will be within easy reach of staff in case of an immediate need, but will remain out of children’s reach.  Any antibiotics requiring refrigeration must be kept in a fridge inaccessible to children.

All medications must be in their original containers, labels must be legible and not tampered with or they will not be given. All prescription medications should have the pharmacist’s details and notes attached to show the dosage needed and the date the prescription was issued. This will all be checked, along with expiry dates, before staff agree to administer medication.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

 

At Fun Fest Holiday Club we believe that children flourish best when they know how they and others are expected to behave. Children gain respect through interaction with caring adults who act as good role models, show them respect and value their individual personalities. The club encourages and praises positive, caring and polite behaviour at all times in and provides an environment where children learn to respect themselves, other people and their surroundings.

Children need to have set boundaries of behaviour for their own safety and the safety of their peers. Within the club we aim to set these boundaries in a way which helps the child to develop a sense of the significance of their own behaviour, both on their own environment and that of others around them. Restrictions on the child’s natural desire to explore and develop their own ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum.

We aim to:

• Recognise the individuality of all our children and that some behaviours are normal in young children e.g. biting, hiting
• Encourage self-discipline, consideration for each other, our surroundings and property
• Encourage children to participate in a wide range of group activities to enable them to develop their social skills
• Ensure that all staff act as positive role models for children
• Encourage parents and other visitors to be positive role models and challenge any undesired behaviour shown
• Work in partnership with parents by communicating openly
• Praise children and acknowledge their positive actions and attitudes, therefore ensuring that children see that we value and respect them
• Encourage all staff working with children to accept their responsibility for implementing the goals in this policy and to be consistent
• Promote non-violence and encourage children to deal with conflict peacefully
• Provide a key person system for the younger children, enabling staff to build a strong and positive relationship with children and their families
• Provide activities and stories to help children learn about accepted behaviours, including opportunities for children to contribute to decisions about accepted behaviour where age/stage appropriate
• Supporting and developing self-regulation and empathy as appropriate to the stage of development
• Have a named person who has overall responsibility for behaviour management.

The named person Emma Price for managing behaviour will:

• Advise and support other staff on behaviour concerns
• Along with the club manager and deputy managers will keep up to date with legislation and research relating to behaviour
• Support changes to policies and procedures in the club
• Access relevant sources of expertise where required and act as a central information source for all involved
• Attend regular external training events, and ensure all staff attend relevant in-house or external training for behaviour management. Keep a record of staff attendance at this training.

Our club rules are concerned with safety, care and respect for each other. We keep the rules to a minimum and ensure that these are age and stage appropriate.  We regularly involve children in the process of setting rules to encourage cooperation and participation and ensure children gain understanding of the expectations of behaviour relevant to them as a unique child.

Children who behave inappropriately, for example by physically abusing another child or adult e.g. biting,hiting, or through verbal bullying, are helped to talk through their actions and apologise where appropriate. We make sure that the child who has been upset is comforted and the adult will confirm that the other child’s behaviour is not acceptable. We always acknowledge when a child is feeling angry or upset and that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable, not the child.

When children behave in unacceptable ways:

• We never use or threaten to use physical punishment/corporal punishment such as smacking or shaking
• We only use physical intervention for the purpose of averting immediate danger or personal injury to any person (including the child) or to manage a child’s behaviour if absolutely necessary. We keep a record of any occasions where physical intervention is used and inform parents on the same day, or as reasonably practicable
• We recognise that for some children there may be specific development needs that mean regular and ongoing restraint may be necessary to keep themselves and others safe from harm. Any restraint used will be carried out by staff who have received specialist restraint training and staff will use techniques and guidance recommended by the approved training provider. Specialist restraint arrangements will be agreed with parents and recorded. We will complete an incident form following any use of restraint and notify the parents the same day
• We do not single out children or humiliate them in any way. Where children use unacceptable behaviour they will, wherever possible, be re-directed to alternative activities. Discussions with children will take place as to why their behaviour was not acceptable, respecting their level of understanding and maturity
• Staff will not raise their voices (other than to keep children safe)
• In any case of misbehaviour, we always make it clear to the child or children in question, that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome
• We decide how to handle a particular type of behaviour depending on the child’s age, level of development and the circumstances surrounding the behaviour. This may involve asking the child to talk and think about what he/she has done. All staff support children in developing empathy and children will only be asked to apologise if they have developed strong empathy skills and have a good understanding of why saying sorry is appropriate
• We help staff to reflect on their own responses towards behaviours that challenge to ensure that their reactions are appropriate
• We inform parents if their child’s behaviour is unkind to others or if their child has been upset. In all cases we deal with inappropriate behaviour at the time. We may ask parents to meet with staff to discuss their child’s behaviour, so that if there are any difficulties we can work together to ensure consistency between their home and the setting. In some cases we may request additional advice and support from other professionals, such as an educational psychologist
• We support children in developing non-aggressive strategies to enable them to express their feelings
• We keep confidential records on any behaviour that challenges that has taken place. We inform parents and ask them to read and sign any incidents concerning their child
• We support all children to develop positive behaviour, and we make every effort to provide for their individual needs
• Through partnership with parents and formal observations, we make every effort to identify any behavioural concerns and the causes of that behaviour. From these observations and discussions we will implement an individual behaviour modification plan where a child’s behaviour involves aggressive actions towards other children and staff, for example hitting, kicking etc. The manager will complete risk assessments identifying any potential triggers or warning signs ensuring other children’s and staff’s safety at all times. In these instances we may remove a child from an area until they have calmed down.

Anti-bullying

Bullying takes many forms. It can be physical, verbal or emotional, but it is always a repeated behaviour that makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened.  We acknowledge that any form of bullying is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately.

We recognise that children need their own time and space and that it is not always appropriate to expect a child to share. We believe it is important to acknowledge each child’s feelings and to help them understand how others might be feeling.

We encourage children to recognise that bullying, fighting, hurting and discriminatory comments are not acceptable behaviour. We want children to recognise that certain actions are right and that others are wrong.

At Fun Fest Holiday Club, staff follow the procedure below to enable them to deal with behaviour that challenges:

• Staff are encouraged to ensure that all children feel safe, happy and secure
• Children are helped to understand that using aggression, to get things, is inappropriate and they will be encouraged to resolve problems in other ways
• Our staff will intervene when they think a child is being bullied, however mild or harmless it may seem
• Staff will initiate games and activities with children when they feel play has become aggressive, both indoors or out
• Staff will sensitively discuss any instance of bullying with the parents of all involved to look for a consistent resolution to the behaviour

• We will ensure that this policy is available for staff and parents and it will be actively publicised at least once a year to parents and staff.

• If any parent has a concern about their child, a member of staff will be available to discuss those concerns. It is only through co-operation that we can ensure our children feel confident and secure in their environment, both at home and in the club
• All concerns will be treated in the strictest confidence.

By positively promoting good behaviour, valuing co-operation and a caring attitude, we hope to ensure that children will develop as responsible members of society.