Acorn Club – Policies

2 – Welcome

3 – Mission Statement

4 – Equal Opportunities

5/6/7 – Behaviour policy

8/9 Special Needs policy

10/11/12 – Key Person

13 – Complaints

14 – Non-Collection

15 – Mobile Phones

16 – The Acorn Clubs mobile phone

17 – Administering Medication

18 – Administering medication consent form

19/20/21 – EAP Lost Child

22/23/24 – Disqualification by association

25 – Children and Volunteers

26/27 – Accidents and first aid

28 – Pre-existing injuries

29/30 Ill or infectious child

31 – fire drill training

32 – Ratios

33 – Toilets and changing

34 – Settling in

35 – Outings

36/37 – Internet Safety

Welcome to the Acorn Club

We are open every school holiday Monday to Friday from 7.45am until 6pm. We are children’s based in a leisure centre. We provide numerous activities for the children to participate in from sports based activities such as swimming and football to karate, trampolining and arts and craft. Every school holiday has a different theme that runs continuously for that week. Some of the themes have included pirates, space, under the sea, sports week, people who help us week, Easter, Halloween and many others.

We are happy to welcome Children who aged between 5-13years old. An Acorn information sheet must be completed for every child before they attend, this will include there lunch choice, swimming abilities and an inclusion form to help us get to know your child.

All children must be signed in and out of Acorn club by a parent/ guardian. We use a password system, when children are dropped off a member of staff will ask the parent/ guardian to leave a password. This enables us to ask for the password when the child is collected so we know they are going home with the correct adult. All passwords are written down by a member of staff, and kept in the folder in the office to maintain data protection.

The Acorn staff have a duty of care towards every child that we have. We have a wide range of staff various ages and both males and females.

We have a maximum of 60 places, which are available on a “first comes, first served” basis. A booking facility is available at the main reception.

No child known to be suffering from any notifiable disease including conjunctivitis, diarrhoea or chickenpox can be accepted for an Acorn session. If a child is seen to have head lice, the appropriate adult will be contacted and arrangements will need to be made for the child to be collected as soon as possible. The child will be welcomed back once the infestation has been treated.

The parents/ guardian can supply drinks and food for their child. The Acorn staff will always carry around drink supplies, and take regular breaks to ensure all children have had a drink. Food can be consumed through morning and afternoon breaks. Morning break consists of fruit and raisins at a small cost. The afternoon break is towards the end of the day, and will contain small treats, such as fruit bags all at a small cost. As for lunch time the children may wish to bring in a packed lunch from home, or there is the option of ordering food from the cafeteria at an additional cost.

The Acorn Club is Ofsted registered: 126961

Misssion Statement

‘to positively change and extend peoples’ lives through delivering

a diverse, high quality health and socially focused leisure service’

Ethos

We at the Acorn club are committed to ensuring child safety and wellbeing whilst visiting us. We work to the EYFS (Early Year’s Foundation Stage) to ensure that our practices are safe and up to date. We encourage personal development through a variety of sporting and physical activities in a fun and friendly setting.

Equal opportunities Policy for Children

The policy is intended to achieve the equality of opportunity for all children, irrespective of colour, race, religion, sex or disability.

We aim to ensure that no children receive less favourable treatment, or is discriminated against under any circumstances.

To provide a suitable range of toys and equipment which will encourage all children to participate in all activities, whatever their gender or race.

We aim to recognise and deal sensitively with incidents based on differences of race, gender, disability and language.

Acorn Clubs-Behaviour Policy

Expectations:

We at the acorn club want all children to enjoy their time with us and most importantly have fun! To ensure this we have set out our ground rules:

  • Listening to one another
  • Helping one another
  • Respect one another and their feelings
  • Sharing

When giving instructions the Acorn Leader will put their hand in the air to get the attention of the children, all children must show they are listening by putting their hand into the air. Children are encouraged to talk to one another and we will organise ice breaker games in the morning so all children get comfortable with the leaders and other children in the group.

Children are encouraged to ask for help when needed and will be given clear instructions on each activity they undertake.

Children are encouraged to share toys, games and craft items by inclusion of group activities and games. Acorn leaders will always ensure each child is treated fairly.

Behaviour

Any behaviour that causes a negative effect to others is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Staff will work with children in our care to understand to respect themselves and others.

The designated behaviour manager is the Acorn Manager – Rachel Nutten, who will take actions with children and parents in cases of poor and positive behaviour.

Here at Acorn Club:

  • Children are never physically or emotional punished.
  • Children are encouraged to help set the club rules, and carry these out.
  • Children learn from adults and each other, therefore staff always act in a positive manner towards the children in our care.
  • Our aim is always to build a child's confidence, self-esteem, and always reward positive behaviour.
  • All staff promote sharing, politeness, supporting/helping each other and how to consider their own and others’ children’s feelings while in our care..
  • Children are encouraged to speak out about their feelings, including their likes & dislike.

Behaviour issues.

Where possible children will get 3 warnings regarding poor behaviour, after three warnings:

  • When necessary, we will ask the child to sit out for a short while to reflect on their actions and why their action was unacceptable.
  • We will always take the time to listen and talk with children when dealing with issues that were unacceptable.
  • We always take into account the child's age and ability of understanding.
  • We always inform parents upon their arrival about any issues relating to their child, and record this on our behaviour record form. Positive behaviour will also be fed back to parents.
  • Persistent unacceptable behaviour will result in working with parents to help their child gain the understanding that their behaviour cannot be tolerated and how what they do affects others.
  • Should bad behaviour still persist then we may have to undertake a child’s temporary or permanent exclusion.

Bullying Policy

Bullying - overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

  • Emotional and Verbal abuse, threats and Physical intimidation can all be seen as bullying.
  • Our staff are able to distinguish between bullying and normal play which can have elements of the above.
  • Bullying will not be tolerated and children in our care are encouraged to report incidents to staff, parent(s)/Carer(s) or any adult they feel they can talk too.
  • any incidents of bullying will be recorded on our behaviour record forms, including those of racial discrimination.

The Process of dealing with incidents;

  • We will hold a one to one discussion with the child on what happened and will talk to others who observed the incident and may be able to help determine what happened.
  • The parent(s)/Carer(s) of the child who was bullied will be notified by phone if urgent or upon collection of your child.
  • The child who has been bullied is supported, (according to their age).
    We hold sessions to look at how to deal with bullying and its affect during our sessions.
  • We will work closely with parents in planning the best way forward in supporting their child. (The child who has been bullied and the child who has committed the action)
  • The child who has committed the actions will either be given, a warning, suspended for an agreed amount of time if deemed necessary.
  • Our aim is to help the child to understand why their action is unacceptable and work on ways to change their behaviour.
  • When a member of staff has a concern or a worry about a child, they make it known to their manager, and the appropriate paperwork is completed, and we raise our concern with the relevant management.
  • Any accidents or incidents are written up and recorded. This will be all staff that where around or witnessed the situation, then to inform their manager and appropriate action will be taken.

Use of Physical Intervention

There may be a time where staff will need to use reasonable force in way of physical intervention if there is an implication on health or significant harm to the child themselves or others around, including damage to property or equipment.

Any use of Physical intervention will be detailed using our behaviour record forms and bought to the parent/guardians attention when they collect the child. If the incident is that of a serious nature the parent will be called as soon as possible, which may include the child leaving the setting temporarily or permanently.

The common types of reasonable force used will be:

  • the ‘seated double embrace’ which involves two members of staff forcing a person into a sitting position and leaning them forward, while a third monitors breathing;
  • the ‘double basket-hold’ which involves holding a person’s arms across their chest;

Any complaints concerning reasonable force should be made in conjunction to our complaints policy and will be dealt with speedily.

Special Needs Policy

We are aware that some children have special needs in terms of their development or level of ability. We will offer appropriate support and take appropriate action in order to ensure that such children are able to make full use of our services and gain the maximum benefit from their experiences. We will safeguard and promote the welfare and development of each child in partnership with their parents and other relevant agencies. We believe that the inclusion of children with special needs is beneficial to all children who attend, promoting their social development and raising their awareness.

Acorn Club is committed to the integration of all children in its care. Acorn Club also believes that children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities have a right to play, learn and be able to develop to their full potential alongside other children. Whenever possible, children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities will have access to the same facilities, activities and play opportunities as their peers. Everybody stands to gain if all children are allowed to share the same opportunities and are helped to overcome any disadvantages that they may face.

The policies, procedures and practices of Acorn Club in relation to children with special

Educational needs and/or physical disabilities are consistent with current legislation and guidance. These include the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Acorn Club believes that by identifying individual needs and taking proactive steps alongside parents/carers and other statutory professionals or agencies, all children should be able to play a full, active and equal part in the Club’s activities.

At Acorn we are unable to provide a one to one supervision, for those children with more specific needs. Such as behavioural situations, changing, toileting and feeding. We recommend that any child with additional support, including carers to bring them along when they attend, so we are able to integrate them into our daily routines alongside other children.

Our Aims at the Acorn Club

To be aware of the individual needs of all children who attend the club.

To meet the individual needs of all children who attend the club.

To accommodate the wishes of parents.

To make our services accessible to all children

To provide an environment in which children with special needs are valued and fully included.

To acknowledge and value the individuality of each child and value diversity within the club.

MEANS –

By gathering accurate information about each child when they are registered and ensuring that this information is kept up to date.

By working in partnership with parents and providing opportunities for parents to express their wishes.

By making contact and working with other agencies on a local, regional and national level.

By ensuring that the club is accessible to all children at all times and that the play environment is appropriate to the needs of all children.

By ensuring that activities are provided which are inclusive and can be enjoyed by all.

By providing staff with appropriate training in relation to special needs issues.

Acorn Club Key Person Policy for 5 year olds

At the Acorn Club we understand it may be quite daunting for our 5 year olds coming into a new club for the first time, so we have a “Key Person” policy.

One of our leaders who will be situated in the Under 8s group will introduce themselves to the 5 year old, letting them know:

  • Who they are
  • what type of activities they may be doing that day
  • Who to talk to if they have any problems or feel uneasy
  • and to be a general “friendly face”

The key person will be there to ensure they feel safe and have someone to talk to if they find a situation hard or challenging.

At Acorn Club it is our ethos to ensure all children are safe and have an enjoyable day with us.

Acorn Clubs- Keyworker Policy

The Early YearsFoundation Stagehighlights the job of the key person as a link sharing information with parents and carers about the child’s life at home.

The EYFS glossary defines a key person: ‘the named member of staff with whom a child has more contact than other adults. This adult shows a special interest in the child through close personal interaction day to day’.

The EYFS Principles into Practice card says, ‘A key person has special responsibilities for working with a number of children, giving them reassurance to feel safe and cared for and building relationships with their parent carers.

The welfare requirement of the EYFS explains the requirements of the role more fully, saying that a key person:

– Helps a baby or child to become familiar with the setting and to feel safe and confident

– Talks to parent carers to make sure the needs of the child are being met appropriately

– Makes sure that records of development and progress are shared with parent carers and other professionals as necessary

Key persons are the lynchpins of child care setting, as they shoulder the responsibility for creating the atmosphere in which children can thrive.

Effective delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage, with its emphasis on meeting the needs of the individual child, will depend largely on key persons fulfilling this role and within Extra time, we extend this extremely effective method of working to our children and young people with disabilities.

Every member of the team will be inducted on the key working system and any further training needed is available to them.

The role of the key worker is to keep up to date with the child and their development within our setting through using observation sheets, updating the child’s personal development records, updating the child’s individual planning and then sharing the information with parents and carers. We will regularly meet with other professionals such as school teachers, to discuss behaviour management for example, to ensure consistency in all approaches.

An effective key person should be

– Committed to their role

– A good communicator

– Calm and confident

– Open and sensitive, particularly during the transition into the setting

– Tactful – never forgetting the parent carers are a child’s key carers

– Able to gather and share relevant information, on a needs to know basis

– Able to prioritise to make the time to communicate with the parent carers at the beginning and end of the session/day.

If you are unsure who the key worker is for your child then please do ask the supervisor at the club who will be more than willing to share this information with you. Any decisions about your child or changes in the way we are supporting them will be discussed with you.

Acorn Complaints Procedure

We would like the customer, to help us achieve our aspiration of providing quality services and facilities. We will actively encourage you to express your views and to inform us if you are not happy about anything concerning your visit.