Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
2014-2015
Contents
1. Introduction/Staffing structure
2. Annual Itinerary
3. Room plan
4. Statement of Purpose.
5. Admission Procedures.
6. Rules and Regulations.
7. Fee payment protocol
8. Equal Opportunities Policy.
9. Behaviour Policy.
10. Specific Needs Policy.
11. Meal information.
12. Partnership responsibilities.
13. How to find us map.
N.B. You will be issued admission forms to
complete on your initial registration. Each
holiday scheme you book your child with us
you will be sent a weekly admission form to
complete before each scheme.
If you require a personal copy of this booklet
please ask a member of staff or contact
karen.parker@southwales.ac.uk.
N.B. For all policies and procedures please refer
to the office booklet.
Are you looking for quality full day care for your children aged between
4-12 years of age during holiday periods?
The University of South Wales Child Care Services Department provides a safe central
venue for your child’s holiday enjoyment and can cater for up to 14 children.
The Playcare scheme takes place at the Playcentre building on the Treforest Campus.
Hours of Opening- 8.00am-5.15pm Mon-Thursday / 8.00am-4.45pm Friday
Prices- Full week- £120.00 / Full day- £25.00
A meal Package is included within the fees
Time outside contracted hours-£12.00 per 15 minutes.
There is an option for your child to be booked in a week in advance from 5.15pm 6.00pm at an additional charge of £10.00 per day.
N.B. This is subject to staffing.
Staffing at the Playcare scheme
Emily Davies is the Playcare Leader
(CACHE Level 3 in Child Care &
Education & Level 3 in Playwork)
Lauren Cambridge is the Deputy Play
Leader CACHE Level 3 in Child Care &
Education/Foundation degree in childhood
studies.
Karen Parker is the Child Care
Services Manager (NNEB, ADCE in
Child Care & Education, Bsc(Hons) in
Childhood Studies Degree)
N.B. Emily & Lauren are the consistent nursery nurses at the Playcare scheme. If necessary you will occasionally see other
members of staff from the Day Nursery covering at the Playcare scheme.
Amy is taking a well earned rest on maternity leave at present looking after her baby son Bailey.
Itinerary for 2014-2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Monday 21st July – Friday 25th July 2014
Time to Think of our Future
Ice breakers/Forest Fun/Draw a future animal/Tag fun
Ice breakers/Junk modelling/Make your own mini
beast/Floating & sinking fun/Ball games
Ice breakers/Tick charts (what do we recycle in the
house)/Draw a future house/Bird watching/Circle games
Ice breakers/Rhys Recycle visit/Art & crafts/Out &
about/parachute fun
Ice breakers/Recycling posters/Make your own recycling
bins/Relay races/Eco meeting
Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August 2014
Back in Time
Ice breakers/Dance crazy/Junk modelling/Crazy
golf/Obstacle course
Ice breakers/Opposites day/Drama fun/Quiz with a
twist/Wear your clothes inside out/Obstacle course – loser
wins/Football with your arms
Ice breakers/Pool championships/Friendship cards/Musical
games/Face painting
Ice breakers/Hide & Seek/Charades/Pin the nose on the
clown/Circle games
Ice breakers/Out & About/Picnic/Parachute fun/Eco
meeting
N.B.The children will take part in various outing on and around campus including the
forest area and also within the local community. They will also have visits from
various outside agencies at the Playcentre. The Eco Committee will meet on a Friday
afternoon consisting of Playscheme children and staff.
Itinerary for 2014-2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Monday 4th August – Friday 8th August 2014
Think Green
Ice breakers/Book swap (Bring a book to swop)/Litter
picking
Ice breakers/How clean is our campus charts/Bug
hunt/Sand fun/Circle games
Ice breakers/Forest fun/Arts & crafts/Painting fun/Ball fun
Ice breakers/Junk modelling/Pipe cleaner fun/Musical
games
Ice breakers/Poster fun/Recycling around the nursery/Eco
meeting/Tag fun
Monday 11th August – Friday 15th August 2014
Back in Time
Ice breakers/Out of space pictures/Space jars/Water
fun/Football
Ice breakers/Dinosaur prints/Ice play/Out of space
mobiles/Hoop fun
Ice breakers/Pin the door on the rocket/Lava
bottles/Obstacle course/Tag fun
Ice breakers/Space hands/Make your own tardis/Junk
modelling/Spaceships & rockets/Ball fun
Ice breakers/Out & About/Picnic/Parachute fun/Forest
fun/Eco meeting
N.B.The children will take part in various outing on and around campus including the
forest area and also within the local community. They will also have visits from
various outside agencies at the Playcentre. The Eco Committee will meet on a Friday
afternoon consisting of Playscheme children and staff.
Itinerary for 2014-2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Date:
Theme:
Mon
(Closed)
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Monday 18th August – Friday 22nd August 2014
Everyday Fun Day
Ice breakers/Haribo hunt/Friendship bracelets/Collage
pictures/Skateboard fun
Ice breakers/Bouncy castle fun/Animal masks/Creative bag
fun/Partner fun/Circle games
Ice breakers/Soft play/Sand bottles/Chalking fun/Creative
chiefs
Ice breakers/Water fun/Hopscotch fun/Scooter
races/Hoop fun/Forest fun
Ice breakers/Smelly feet pictures/Glitter fun/Relay
races/Eco meeting
Monday 25th August – Friday 29th August 2014
Around the World
Bank Holiday
Ice breakers/Welsh day/Welsh flag/Rugby/Welsh tasting
session : laverbread, cheese, water, welsh cakes
Ice breakers/French day/French flag/Couldron of
fun/Picked onions and spaghetti painting/Circle games
Ice breakers/Chinese day/Chinese flag/Chinese
lanterns/Fans/Parachute fun
Ice breakers/World party/Come in dressed as a person
from a favourite country/Bring a plate of food from around
the world (label ingredients)/Musical games/Face painting
N.B.The children will take part in various outing on and around campus including the
forest area and also within the local community. They will also have visits from
various outside agencies at the Playcentre. The Eco Committee will meet on a Friday
afternoon consisting of Playscheme children and staff.
Itinerary for 2014-2015
Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October 2014
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Space Invasions
Ice breakers/Make a superhero/Cardboard box fun/Face
painting/Superhero tag/Forest fun
Ice breakers/Costume making/Make a magic potion/Soil
play/Drama fun
Ice breakers/Creative chiefs/Pipe cleaner fun/Superhero
quiz/Parachute fun
Ice breakers/Show & tell(bring something in to
show)/Junk modelling/Forest fun/Circle games
Ice breakers/Halloween party/Apple fun/Musical
games/Fancy dress/Face painting
Monday 22nd December – Tuesday 23rd December 2014
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
(Close
12p.m.)
Christmas is Here!WILL OPERATE DEPENDANT ON NUMBERS
Ice breakers/Door Hangers/Handprints Christmas
tree/Flour play/Parachute fun
Ice breakers/Collage pictures/Snowflake
making/Christmas cards/Junk modelling
No Playscheme in operation
Thu
(Closed)
Christmas Day
Fri
(Closed)
Boxing Day
N.B.The children will take part in various outing on and around campus including the
forest area and also within the local community. They will also have visits from
various outside agencies at the Playcentre. The Eco Committee will meet on a Friday
afternoon consisting of Playscheme children and staff.
Itinerary for 2014-2015
Monday 16th February – Friday 20th February 2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Shake It! Make It!
Ice breakers/Forest fun/Chalking fun/Junk
modelling/Circle games
Ice breakers/Salt dough fun/Block fun/Newspaper
fun/Scooter races
Ice breakers/Lego worlds/Creative chiefs/Soft play/Ball
fun
Ice breakers/Dance crazy time/Soil play/Art &
crafts/Hoop fun
Ice breakers/Musical instruments fun/Collage fun/Water
fun/Eco meeting
Monday 30th March – Friday 3rd April 2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Easter is Here!
Ice breakers/Easter egg hunt/Easter cards/Creative
chiefs/Obstacle course
Ice breakers/Marble races/Ice play/Chick pictures/Bunny
tag
Ice breakers/Forest fun/Spaghetti fun/Simon says
Ice breakers/Animal water fun/Carrot printing/Straw
painting/Stuck in the Mud
Ice breakers/Disco fun/Musical games/Face painting/Tag
fun/Eco meeting
N.B.The children will take part in various outing on and around campus including the
forest area and also within the local community. They will also have visits from
various outside agencies at the Playcentre. The Eco Committee will meet on a Friday
afternoon consisting of Playscheme children and staff.
Itinerary for 2014-2015
Monday 6th April – Friday 10th April 2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Easter is Here!
Ice breakers/Collage pictures/Marble painting/Hand
printing/Circle games
Ice breakers/Junk modelling/Easter nest/Den
building/Relay races
Ice breakers/Painting fun/Art & crafts fun/Puppet
making/Parachute fun
Ice breakers/Paper mache chicks/Acting antics/Pipe
cleaner fun/Ball fun
Ice breakers/Forest fun/Scooter races/Eco meeting
Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May 2015
Date:
Theme:
Mon
(Closed)
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Make Believe
Bank Holiday
Ice breakers/Make your own world/What do I want to
be shield/Magic circle fun/Football
Ice breakers/Creative chiefs/Den building/Art &
crafts/Fireball
Ice breakers/Salt dough fun/Drama fun/Friendship
bracelets/Circle games
Ice breakers/Forest fun/Poster fun/Eco meeting/Tag fun
N.B.The children will take part in various outing on and around campus including the
forest area and also within the local community. They will also have visits from
various outside agencies at the Playcentre. The Eco Committee will meet on a Friday
afternoon consisting of Playscheme children and staff.
Windows
Craft
with 2 chairs
Shelf
Games
table
Windows
Computer corner
Floor
Frieze boards
Role Play
Area
Entrance Door
Information Window
Games Cupboard
Windows
Storage Cupboards
Fire Exit Door
Soft
floor
mat
corner
with
books
on
window
sill
Cloakroom
Playscheme Room Floor Plan
Play area
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Statement
of Purpose
Principles
We believe that play is critical to the well being and healthy development of every child. Play, as well as being fun, is primarily an
instinctive process through which the child begins to explore, experiment, and
define its environment. It is through play that a child learns a range of social, emotional, intellectual and creative skills, which helps
the child become a balanced, healthy person with a positive sense of self-being and worth.
Our Aims
We aim to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere based on equality of opportunity, ensuring all children and their families using
the Play care scheme are included and enjoy all experiences by :~ providing a fully supervised quality scheme.
~adhering to positive policies, procedures and practices.
~ providing a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
~ providing a safe, caring environment, free from discrimination and
major hazards.
~ providing a varied timetable of stimulating activities .
~ providing a flexible approach to planning which enables us to address
the needs of children and their families.
We achieve this by:~ providing qualified, experienced staff who work together to ensure team work.
~ listening to the comments of children and their parents.
~ following strict guidelines of the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales and Children Act.
~ Planning activities with the children in advance
The University of South Wales Child Care Services Department provide a safe central venue for each child’s holiday enjoyment.
The scheme operates from the Child Care Services Department on the University of South Wales Treforest campus. It caters for
up to 14 children aged from 4-12 years old, between the hours of 8.00 a.m. to 5.15p.m from Monday to Thursday and 8.00 a.m. to
4.45 p.m. on a Friday.
A meal package is included within the fees which consists of a morning and afternoon snack and a cooked two course meal at
midday.
The venue consists of a playroom, which is ideal for craft and creative activities, table toys, cookery, imaginative play and chill out
areas and it will also serve as the dining area.. The venue also benefits from a large outside play area with differing play surfaces for
wet play, plus ball and team games during dry days. The children will also have access to a new forest area which is close to the
setting.
All staff at the Playcare scheme have childcare qualifications and are aware of the importance of providing age appropriate play and
experiences to stimulate the children emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially and culturally.
At the Playcare Scheme the main language of communication is English, though staff at the scheme can offer basic Welsh if
necessary. Two way communication between parents and staff will ensure that the needs of a child, whose second language is
English, are met.
Each day circle time takes place to discuss different issues with the children such as:•The daily activities.
•Icebreakers- which gives everyone the chance to get to know each other by playing different games, encouraging the children to
relax and enjoy their time with us.
•Fire drills- the staff run through the fire drill explaining where the fire exits are and what to do if the fire alarm sounds.
•Rules and regulations- The children have their chance to decide on what rules and sanctions they want in place, guided by staff. In
doing this, the children are more likely to respect them, each other and the Playcare staff.
As well as providing children with space, materials and equipment to explore and create with, the staff will be running a daily
programme of exciting activities, which will encourage age appropriate grouping. Daily staff routines and rotas are in place to ensure
each child benefits from continuity and a wide range of experiences.
The activities include: Art, Textiles, Sport, Games, Cookery, Drama, Board Games, community outings and much more.
The activities are based on themes which have been pre-planned to ensure a variety for differing age groups, abilities and
personalities. They were discussed and chosen by the children who attended the previous Playcare schemes.
During the admission procedures parents receive a pack. The policies and procedures can be found on our website and on the
parents board. Parents must complete the relevant information about their child before leaving the child in the care of the Playcare
scheme. Parental involvement is encouraged throughout the Playcare day. To ensure the parents are aware of their child’s daily
experiences they will receive verbal, and if requested, written feedback on an individual slip noting their child’s experiences/meals
etc for the day from staff. There will be daily notices displaying activities on the parent’s information board and newsletters at the
beginning of each scheme updating parents on staffing and current issues. The daily meal information will be displayed on the menu
board in the foyer area.
In setting these standards, we hope all children will have experience of a wide range of appropriate activities throughout the
Playcare day.
Please also refer to the SOP for the Playcentre.
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Admission Procedures
During the admission procedures parents are issued with a folder
containing the following information :•Initially parents are issued with an admission form & medical form.
Each holiday scheme they will be required to complete a weekly form
giving details of the child’s bookings.
•A fee letter and fee protocol.
•In a bid to save the environment there is a main booklet containing
general information about the Playcare schemes staff, meals,
activities and outings, statement of purpose, rules & regulations,
general policies and an itinerary containing details about prices,
times, routines and activities for the year. If parents wish they are
given the option on the newsletter and forms to request a personal
copy or have a copy sent via email from
karen.parker@southwales.ac.uk.
Parents and children are introduced to the staff at the Playcare
scheme and formally shown around, an open invitation is extended to
the parents to settle the child in for a session themselves, if they
wish, before leaving the child with the staff. Thus allowing the child
to settle and also allows the parent time with staff members. The
staff will complete a Playscheme induction with individual children.
All forms must be completed before parents leave the child in the
care of the Playcare scheme.
Parental involvement is encouraged throughout the Playcare day. To
ensure the parents are aware of their child’s daily experiences they
will receive verbal and written feedback from staff. There will be
daily notices displaying activities on the parents information board,
menus will be displayed on the menu board in the foyer area.
If parents wish they will also receive an individual slip from staff
noting their child’s experiences/meals etc for the day.
The parents are also reminded that on no account will the child be
allowed to leave unless accompanied by an adult, who is known to
Playcare scheme staff.
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Rules & Regulations 2014-2015
•The Playcare scheme is open as follows. Mon – Thu.:- 8.00 – 5.15 Fri:- 8.00 – 4.45
• Fees rates are set by the University and reviewed from time to time. Time outside contracted session will be charged at
a rate of £12.00 per 15 minutes.
•N.B. There is an option for your child to be booked in from 5.15pm -6.00pm at an additional charge of £10.00 per
day. However, you must request this at the time of booking each holiday scheme and it is dependant on staffing.
•Children will be booked in for a full day. Parent’s who wish their child to attend for part of a session will be required to pay
the full session rate.
•The Playcare scheme offers care for the child in the absence of parents/carers for the duration of the session and until
collected by the designated person who has been identified to staff via a personal introduction.
•Children will not be allowed to leave the scheme until collected by a familiar named adult with a password.
•Fees will be paid when the child is booked in, prior to attending the scheme and are non refundable. Fees will be calculated
based on the booking for that period. Parents/Guardians should note that fees will not be reduced for absences as staff will
be allocated in advance to cover ratios within the holiday scheme. For Health & Safety reasons Parents/Guardians are
required to inform the management of any change to normal bookings.
•In the interest of the welfare of all children attending the Playcare scheme, the Playcare scheme Child protection protocol
and procedures conforms to the child protection guidelines.
•For the health and safety of other children Parents/Guardians should observe the recommended periods of absence if
their child is affected by the following:
Minimum Period of Exclusion(based on Guidance on Infection control in Schools and Child care settings
Sickness or Diarrhoea
48 hours symptom free.
Chicken Pox
6 days from the onset of rash
German Measles (Rubella)
6 days from the onset of rash
Measles
4 days from the onset of rash
Mumps
5 days from the onset of swelling
Impetigo
Until skin has healed or 48 hrs after antibiotics
Head Lice
Until treatment has been carried out
Ringworm of the scalp
Until cured
Ringworm of the body
Absence not normally necessary unless
evidence of epidemic
Scabies
Return after first treatment has commenced
Conjunctivitis
Until condition is cured
•High temperature – indicates an illness. It is at the discretion of the Child Care Services Manager to decide whether a
child attending the Play Care Scheme should remain at home.
•The Child Care Services Manager reserves the right to require parents to remove their child if either the child or the
parent is persistently disruptive in the Playcare Scheme or in connection with its activities. In event of such action being
considered necessary, parents have the right of appeal to the Head of Campus Services.
•Outings- We will arrange a variety of community outings for the children. All outings have been organised with safety in
mind, staff carry a mobile phone, children are well supervised with a ratio of 1-6 a qualified first aider will be in attendance
on all outings.
•For Health & Safety reasons No home cooked foods will be reheated at the Playcare scheme. Parents must provide only
packed lunches in appropriate containers with cool packs if the meals provided are not consumed.
•For Health & Safety reasons parents must sign the visitors book on your child’s entry and exit to the Playcare scheme.
•If a child was to go missing in our care, the police will be contacted immediately and the child’s parents. If a child is not
collected at the end of the day and the parents have not contacted the Playcare scheme. Staff will contact the parents. If
a parent cannot be contacted within half an hour of the setting closing, (6.30pm Monday – Thursday & 6.00 pm on Fridays),
the police will be contacted immediately.
•Parents who wish to comment upon any aspect of the service provided by the Playcare Scheme, are invited to instigate the
complaints procedure or to contact the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW) office on 03000628888.
We Promise
We promise that the building it’s structures and the outside play area will be a safe and clean space for us all to play and
also all our staff are qualified /experienced regarding child care issues.
We will listen, be polite and help in any way we can. We can only do this by you understanding that we have an open door
policy and need to hear your concerns or problems no matter how small they may seem, so please let us know so we can keep
our promise to you.
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Fee Payment Protocol 2014-2015
•Charges will be issued one week before your child’s attendance at Playcare scheme.
•Parents/Guardians will be expected to complete the Debit form and the fees will be
taken on the scheme start date in which the child is attending. Please note fees are
non refundable.
•If fees are not paid or if there are not enough funds within the account to cover the
fees a standard letter will be sent to the parents/guardians reminding them of the
importance of paying promptly.
•If fees are not paid by 14th of the month the Childcare Services Manager will forward
debt details to the Finance department who will raise invoices and send letter stating
the possible exclusion of using the Playcare Scheme. The invoice will have immediate
payment terms with a legal follow up letter after 7 days.
•The Playcare Scheme will be unable to accept the child after the 7 day period, if
payment arrangements have not been discussed with the Finance department.
•If applicable your Child Care Voucher payment will be deducted from your fee amountplease arrange for your Child Care Voucher payment to be paid into our bank account on
the 1st Monday of the month.
Parents should be aware that they will continue to incur fees during days of
absence due to lack of prompt payment.
•It is the policy of the Child Care Services Department to help families as much as
possible. Therefore it is imperative parents seek information or help regarding financial
difficulty, as soon as possible.
If students have any queries regarding the Childcare grant or any other aspect of
student finance please make an appointment to speak to a Student Advisor in the
Student Finance Centre, C Block, Student Services, Telephone no 01443 482898, Fax
01443 482799. Alternatively, parents/guardians can also speak to Kim Prosser at the
Finance Department on 01443 482196.
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Equal Opportunities Policy 2014-2015
We aim to provide a service based on equality of opportunity, ensuring that no person at the
Play care scheme; child, parent or staff member is unfavourably treated on the grounds of
race , religious belief, culture, language, gender, disability, age, class, marital status or any
other personal circumstance.
The provision of equality in the early formative years is crucial. We recognise that the
foundations of future attitudes and practices are laid in the early years, and, through good
practice, ensure that children learn to value and respect one another as individuals.
Children of all cultures, gender or those who have a disability, need to be treated with
respect to develop positive images of themselves.
We aim to maximise each child’s motivation by encouraging his or hers sense of being
included personally, racially and culturally in all aspects of the learning experience.
This is achieved through:Staff attitudes- respecting and treating each child as an individual.
Play resources- we provide a wide range of multicultural, non stereotypical resources. Our
books, toys, jigsaws, posters and games promote positive images of disabilities, are non
stereotyping and show the multi-ethnic society that Britain is today.
Anti sexist attitudes.
Challenging remarks- negative remarks are challenged, they can be deeply hurtful to children
and lead to feelings of inferiority.
Celebrating all religious occasions.
Learning the positive aspects of bilingualism, being able to be culturally biased and
subjective, to avoid stereotyping and making misinformed decisions about a child’s needs.
Liaising with outside bodies.
The staff at the Play care scheme value the rights and opinions of the parents of the
children in our care. This is achieved through:An open door system- all parents are welcome throughout the day.
An information forum meets twice a year and all parents are invited to attend this meeting.
Information boards/letters- enabling the parents to be continually informed about events
etc.
Liaising with outside bodies- providing information on childcare provisions within the area.
The staff at the Play care scheme are professional people, each of whom have something
different to offer through experiences and life’s challenges. Staff are given the necessary
support and guidance to ensure a shared response that best meets the
needs of themselves, the children and their parents.
This is achieved through:•Being respected and valued as an individual who has something to offer.
•Staff development- discussing personal issues and necessary individual training needs.
•Staff meetings- working together as a team.
•Setting goals and being able to achieve them.
In setting these standards, we hope to achieve equality for all, and opportunities for
everyone.
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Behaviour Policy 2014-2015
Physical punishment of any sort is absolutely forbidden, as is depriving a child or forcing a child to
consume food/drink and humiliating or frightening a child. The use of violence or abuse of a child
by a staff member will result in disciplinary procedures. (Taken from the Children Act 1989).
Staff have developed consistent, positive strategies by an agreed framework of basic rules for
discipline and acceptable behaviour within the Playcare scheme. The rules should be understood
and accepted by children, parents/ guardians. Staff will be expected to use positive techniques
when dealing with children. Reinforcing acceptable behaviour by offering praise, and dealing with
undesired behaviour in a way that does not humiliate, embarrass or hurt the child in any way or
form. The behaviour management techniques used must be appropriate to the age and
developmental stage of each individual child. If there is cause for concern written records will be
kept, to inform parents and for staff to monitor an individuals behaviour.
When dealing with undesirable behaviour, staff should ensure that the child is made to understand
what we feel is "undesirable" about the action, not the child itself. It is of the utmost importance
that all staff ensure a child’s self confidence and self-esteem are positively developed during their
time at the Playcare scheme.
Discipline is a shared process and the staff will always inform the parents if the child has been
disciplined during the day. Consistency towards the children is essential, with all children being
treated equally.
Bullying Policy
The children discuss issues such as bullying and other behaviour during icebreaker time in the
morning. The children decide on rules they would like to see in place during their time in the Play care
scheme, and they decide on what they think is appropriate action to
take. We believe that this empowers and gives the children ownership of the Play care scheme; the
children are then likely to keep to their own rules rather than those imposed on them.
We respect each other’s opinions and sit down and consult with each other to agree to a list of rules
that we all feel comfortable about. These rules include discouraging discrimination such as racism,
sexism and people with specific needs. Boys and girls
are encouraged to take part in all our activities, but will not be forced to do anything they feel
uncomfortable doing.
Our promise to all our parents and children is that we will:
Take bullying seriously
•Investigate the incident fully.
•Interview the bullies and victims separately.
•Interview witnesses if any.
•Make sure there is always a member of staff to provide support.
•Decide on appropriate action
•Inform parents/carers of any incidents.
It will be instilled into all staff that they should always believe, encourage and praise children who
approach them.
Information will be passed from one member of staff to another so that all staff will be aware of
problems that have taken place.
Every child has the right to feel safe and secure in our Play care scheme. We are committed to
providing your child/ren with this right, and hope that this policy along with committed staff will
combat any problems.
Child Care Services
Holiday Playcare scheme
Specific Needs Policy 2014-2015
The University of South Wales holiday Playcare Scheme, in compliance with the ‘Code of
practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs' from the LEA,
care for children with SEN and understand the need to provide the greatest possible access
to a broad and balanced care and education.
Our principles are:
 The needs of all children who may have SEN either throughout, or part of, their
time in our facility must be addressed.
 Children with SEN require the greatest possible access to a broad and balanced education
and have access, where possible, to the full range of activities available in the Playcare
Scheme.
 Children with SEN including children with statements of SEN, should, where appropriate
and taking into account the wishes of the parents and the child, be educated alongside their
peers.
 The knowledge, views and experience of parents are vital. Effective assessments and
provision will he secured where there is the greatest possible degree of partnership between
parents, their children, the Playcare Scheme, LEA's and other agencies. If necessary,
progress records are completed by the keyworker on a weekly basis.
We Aim to:
 Identify and assess as early as possible and as quickly as is consistent with thoroughness.
 Train staff.
 Where developmental delay is recognised, parents will be made aware of our concerns, the
child will be closely observed over a reasonable length of time and notes are made.
 Following consultation, parents will be sensitively informed of the observations by the Child
Care Services Manager.
 Parents will always have access to all records being kept on their child.
 If a child has a chronic illness or disability, information about the condition should be known
and understood by all staff via discussion and completion of forms by parents. The physical
environment will be adapted to suit the needs of the children where necessary. This will also
include privacy when intimate care is being provided for the children.
 When a child has SEN, other specialist staff are often involved. It is essential that
parents and staff are aware of what has been agreed and monitor the implementation of a
special learning programme or treatment.
 Close liaisons and good working relationships between specialist workers and the child's
Keyworker is essential in the need to set up a joint process for assessment and the keeping
of records.
 Specialist play equipment may be necessary if a child has a SEN. It may also be necessary
to provide a one-to-one worker. Specialist agencies will be contacted if necessary with
regard to the loan of equipment and funding for an additional worker.
Our responsibility to you
When your child attends the Playcare scheme you and your child have the right to
expect that:the Playscheme building and outside environment is safe and free from major
hazards
the programme of activities are of a high standard.
the staff are courteous and helpful and ensure equality of opportunity.
your child will be safe in our care until a named familiar person collects them.
Outings will be organised with safety in mind. We will ensure that child/staff
ratio’s are based on a 1-6 ratio for outings.
we will endeavour to make holidays as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
you have access to all policies and procedures, which are available on request.
Your responsibility to us
When your child attends the Playcare scheme, we have the right to expect that:you have booked your child in at the Playcentre and paid in full for the sessions
required.
you have signed the initial admission forms/weekly forms and provided at least 2
contact numbers.
you have read our rules and regulations and abide by them.
any problems, medical or emotional are discussed with staff beforehand and
additional forms completed if necessary.
you encourage your child to abide by the few rules under which the Playscheme
operates.
you provide your child with suitable play clothes and provide a sun hat and cream
for sunny days.
you will discuss any concerns regarding our provision and follow our complaints
procedure, if necessary.
you respect the area around the Playcentre and park appropriately.
N.B. Please remember that the staff have the responsibility for the welfare of all
the children attending the Playcare scheme and it is at their discretion to make
decisions to ensure the safety of everyone.
Breakfast
Children will be offered a
porridge,,cereals, toast, milk
or fruit juice on various
days-see menu board.
Lunch Menu
Playcentre Venue Meals
consist of cooked two course
Meal- see 4 weekly menu cycle
on Menu information board in
the Entrance foyer or on the
website.
Drinks
A choice of fruit juice, water
or Robinson’s juice will be
served throughout the day
Tea time
see 4 weekly menu cycle on Menu
information board in the Entrance foyer
All main meals are freshly prepared daily by the main kitchen at the
University.
N.B. All food is included within the cost of the fees
The Playcare scheme takes place at the Child Care
Services Building on the Treforest Campus.
Hours of Opening8.00 am-5.15 pm Mon-Thursday
8.00 am-4.45 pm Friday
We are here