Childcare Services Department

Childcare Services Department HolidayPlaycare scheme Information Booklet 2014-2015

Child Care Services Holiday Playcare scheme 2014-2015 Contents • Introduction/Staffing structure • Annual Itinerary • Room plan • Statement of Purpose. • Admission Procedures. • Rules and Regulations. • Fee payment protocol • Equal Opportunities Policy. • Behaviour Policy. • Specific Needs Policy. • Meal information. • Partnership responsibilities. • 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.

Fun & Friendly days at the University of South Wales Holiday Scheme Experiencedfor over 16years in providing quality, playcare provision. 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 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 Shelf Games table Computer corner with 2 chairs Floor Play area Windows Fire Exit Door Storage Cupboards Playscheme Room Floor Plan Windows Soft floor mat corner with books on window sill Games Cupboard Role Play Area Information Window Cloakroom Frieze boards Entrance Door

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 Statement of Purpose

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 6days 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 amount- please 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 approachthem. • 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.

3. Arrangements • In general the underlying principle adopted by the University is to avoid administering medicines wherever possible and to encourage parents or guardians to ensure medicines are administered to children before arrival at the University and after they have left. In circumstances where this is not possible, for instance where it would be detrimental to a child’s health if the medicine were not administered during the time that the child was in the care of the University, then the written consent of the parent(s) or guardian(s) must be obtained. • Written consent must be obtained using the form :- Record of medicine administered to an individual child and no child under the age of 16 years should be given medicine without the written consent of the parent(s) or guardian(s). • In respect of those children who have long-term medical needs then a Health Care Plan must be drawn up. Such a plan will include details of the medical condition, contact details including emergency contacts, medical needs and care requirements. • Non prescription medicinesshould not be administered, although in exceptional circumstances these may be administered by University Health Centre nursing staff in accordance with the Treatment Guide and Administration of Medicines Protocol agreed with the University Medical Officer. • N.B. The Child Care Services Managers may in exceptional circumstances agree to administer non prescription medicines such as teething gels, cream etc but only with the written parental authorisation, instruction and supply of medication. • Where consent has been obtained for the administration of medicines by University staff then the following will apply • Only authorised staff may administer medicines • Such authorised staff must be trained to an appropriate standard in accordance with the National Service Framework for Children, Young Persons and Maternity Services and they must not administer medicines until training has been received. A record of the training should be made using Staff training record-administration of medicines. • The member of staff administering medicines should check • Child’s name • Prescribed dose • Expiry date • Written instructions provided by prescriber on the label or container University Of South Wales Play scheme Menu 2014-2015 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. Breakfast Children will be offered a porridge,,cereals, toast, milk or fruit juice on various days-see menu board. 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

How to find our Holiday Playcare Scheme Venue 2014-2015 The Playcare scheme takes place at the Child Care Services Building on the Treforest Campus. Hours of Opening- 8.00 am-5.15 pm Mon-Thursday 8.00 am-4.45 pm Friday We are here

Childcare Services Department