Evaluation 2013
Introduction:
Monday 29th July 2013 saw the commencement of the 27th summer play scheme run by the Pegasus committee; for the benefit of children with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties in the Dover/Deal area. This year we have offered places to 50 children from the ages of 8-25. Each child is provided with a 1:1 volunteer and we have engaged 47 volunteers in total this year alongside our 17 staff members. We were lucky to have a high percentage of ex-staff and volunteers re-apply ensuring some fantastic continuity for the children and lots of familiar faces!
The scheme was once again based at Astor School in Dover and had use of 6 rooms in the building; 1 for each group of children, 1 as a kitchen and changing room and a further room which was used for music and storage: All rooms are easily accessible for all and both steps and a ramp led up to the main entrance. The school are once again happy and supportive of having Pegasus on site and we are made to feel very welcome. Feedback demonstrates that parents/Carers are happy with the venue and state positives such as “plenty of parking”, “easy access” etc. Children particularly benefit from the large enclosed playground which they use for football, rounders, riding the bikes and more. Fire exits are clearly demarcated and an efficient fire drill was carried out on site, which saw all members of the scheme evacuated from the building in 2 minutes 4 seconds; staff re-called registers outside and there was a calm methodical approach to the procedure. Aqua aid was once again used to deliver water coolers and water to the site.
Pegasus continues to be voluntary registered with Ofsted and meet their requirements that relate to safety, Pegasus follows guidelines when staffing to ensure we employ the best people to provide high quality care.
Transport:
Regent Coaches once again provided the transport for the scheme this year. These have to be booked well in advance of the scheme commencing to ensure availability. Coaches varied between 29 and 42 seaters, but they were large enough such that any logistical concerns were allayed. Regent have sent us the same drivers now for the last few years, who are familiar with how we operate/ what we require from them; they are happy to facilitate this and support the groups well on their outings. All drivers are issued activity timetables in advance so they can plan their routes. Positive relationships were built between the drivers, staff and children. Unfortunately a parking ticket was obtained by one of the drivers and we are appealing against this currently.
Activities:
As always at Pegasus, we provide a full and varied activities timetable consisting of a range of both pre-booked and free days. Activities such as swimming, sailing, bowling, horse riding, canoeing, Deal Castle and sea safari were all pre-booked and paid for prior to commencing. The group leaders could then decide how to spend their free days and after collaborating with their assistants and the children in their groups, they were able to book additional activities. All groups reacted positively to the free day option as they could plan activities which were not weather dependent such as meals out, cinemas trips, Build a Bear, visits etc.
Laser Quest is proving a real hit with groups 2,3 and 4 and it was suggested that perhaps this is a pre-booked activity for all groups next year, they are very welcoming and music can be turned down and lights left on for those unsure of the dark/loud noises. A new venue ‘The Kitchen’ was trialled by group 4 as an afternoon activity following bowling—children got the chance to decorate cakes and biscuits in a safe/encouraging environment.
3 groups went together to the cinema this year on a day when the weather was rather
inclement—a discount was procured and fun had by all—a possible whole scheme outing for next year perhaps.
We were made particularly welcome at he Fun Fair in Dover and also at the Arcade besides Bugsy’s—venues provided free chances to go on the rides and prizes at the arcade for all children. Swimming was once again a firm favourite and the Army Barracks restaurant were particularly welcoming, providing a well priced lunch, several groups chose to partake in this. Staff managed their budgets well on the whole this year, however there was a been a noticeable rise in prices at some venues and this did have an impact. Once again having the majority of the outings pre-paid for and planned reduces stress for the group leaders and means they can simply turn up and enjoy the day – this was fed back on positively in the staff evaluation questionnaires
Staff/Volunteers:
We were very lucky this year, to have a large quantity of experienced staff and volunteers return to join us. All group leaders had prior experience and 7 out of 12 of out assistants were returning to the role. We were able to employ an ex volunteer as staff this year and she made the transition well into her new role.
Group leaders are all qualified to NVQ level 3 or above and assistants to NVQ2 or above. All staff and volunteers over 16 are CRB checked. A qualified first aider was present in each group. Volunteers were keen and fulfilled their role with professionalism, many of them are now in their 3rd or 4th year with us—this also supports children in the groups as they recognise familiar faces and their old friends! Due to unforeseen circumstances, our usual scheduled training day in June was unable to take place, so staff and volunteers were instead given some basic training on the first day and staff had been emailed a staff handbook and children’s details prior to the scheme start.
Volunteers and staff were once again encouraged to apply online this year as this reduces our mailing costs considerably. We also advertised positions on our website and through posters to schools, we did not advertise in the newspaper this year as this has become quite costly. Staff reported positively on the volunteers in their group, they all worked together as an effective team and some great friendships were built.
In a questionnaire to volunteers, of the 37 replies received, 35 could consider voluntary work again in the future—the remaining 2 were maybe.
When asked what made them apply for Pegasus, these were some of the following replies:
* Thorough enjoyment of previous years. * The experience and it is great fun too!
* It would feel rewarding to help others. * I did it last year and loved it!
* For work experience and to make new friends * I thought it sounded like a brilliant charity and would be a great experience.
When asked how they would describe their experience as a staff member and whether they would apply again, staff replied:
“We would all apply again, very fun and laid back, good experience.” “4 yeses!” “Training materials looked professional and experience was fabulous, yes all round to re-applying!”
Children:
With a clear deadline for applications this year, forms began coming in well; following advice from social services, we also requested upfront payment for all children (again with a deadline) and if monies were not received, places would be reassigned on a first come , first served basis. This ensured we knew how many children we would need to facilitate relatively early on and that funding was guaranteed for our pre-booked activities/coaches etc. The inclusion of a 3 day trial period was maintained for children new to the scheme and whilst we always try to include them beyond the trial period, it also ensures we are covered if we find they do not meet the criteria laid down in our constitution. Children were aged between 8 and 26 this year and were organised largely in age order across the 4 groups
Points to take forward:
Staff would like to see a ‘meet and greet’ session for staff/volunteers/parents/carers and children to take place prior to day 1 so that children can meet and become familiar with staff/volunteers and staff have the opportunity to really ask questions about the children.
This has once again been a very successful year for Pegasus – feedback from all involved has been very positive. A visit from Social Services took place during the second week of the scheme and they were once again, very impressed with what they saw. As we have now been at this venue for several years we are quick to set up and get going and parents/carers are happy with the ease of access and facilities on site. Photo albums were once again given to the children at the conclusion of the scheme and provide a fantastic reminder of all the activities they have undertaken throughout the duration of the 3 weeks. Once again, the play scheme was beneficial in many ways: All those who took part, had a lot of fun, experienced new things, and made some long lasting friendships—lots of happy faces!
The children were stimulated and stretched in activities, which developed their intellectual, physical and behavioural needs at the same time as having fun.
Parent/Carer feedback:
I just hope that funding can be found to continue to provide this excellent service which is invaluable for occupying *** during the long summer holiday. Thank You
Think it is perfect as it is!
*** is having a wonderful time—thank you soooo much!
*** is the happiest I have seen her in a long time and this has had a profound affect on her behaviour. She is continually smiling. My sincere thanks go out to all of you.
It is invaluable and a credit to all of you who run the scheme.
Keep it up! Brilliant scheme, thank you.
All staff and volunteers are brilliant, you all make sure the kids have so much fun—you deserve gold medals.
Such a brilliant scheme. Thank you for everything once again—run to perfection.
I love the 3 weeks of fun, great entertainment and interactions, which sometimes isn’t possible for one’s parents to do.
Thank you to all of Pegasus for all your hard work for making the scheme happen—A grateful parent!
*** has enjoyed Pegasus so much this year, had so much fun and new experiences with volunteers and staff.
Would really like to thank each and every person involved in the running of Pegasus. *** has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Pegasus and the team have ensured ***’s full inclusion in all activities, despite his high level of needs. The scheme has made a huge difference to the entire family and we can’t thank you all enough!
Data:
When asked whether Pegasus is ‘good value for money’, 100% of replies answered yes.
When applying were forms easy to access? 100% replied yes and where they did not have access to the internet—these were forwarded to parents with efficiency.
When asked why they are considering Pegasus as a childcare option for their child, the following responses were received:
* A fantastic time last year, so hoping for repeat!
* To give *** the opportunity to mix with others and have the chance to do different activities.
* There are lots of activities and the opportunity to socialise with other teenagers.
* Excellent care and trips out.
* We know our boys are well looked after and they have a great time.
* Because of its good reputation.
* Not used as childcare, but for continued social interaction with peers throughout the long holidays.
* It seems well run and children have a good time.
* The activities available and the amazing helpers!
* The fantastic opportunities the children are given.