2.2 Activities

Contents

1. Planning
2. Risk Assessments
3. Day Trips
4. Child's and Parental Involvement
5. Other Agencies using the Sensory Room
6. Recording and Monitoring

1. Planning

Staff should plan for all activities taking place in the Children's Centre or on Outreach Activities, for example in another location or in the children's home.  See the following procedures:

Lone Working Procedures

Outreach Procedures

Activities should reflect the information gathered from children's records regarding their stage of development and other requirements, such as a medical condition. See the following procedures:

Inclusion Procedures

Parental Involvement Procedures

Staff should consider whether toys and equipment used are well made and constructed from non-toxic materials.  The equipment should be checked regularly and damaged items should either be repaired or thrown away.  The Lion Mark (British Toy Manufacturers Safety and Quality Symbol) the CE Mark (The European Safety Symbol) are recognised safety markings.

Staff should follow the following procedures  with regard to the equipment they use and their own personal safety organising the activities in the Children's Centre:

Health and Safety Procedure

Manual Handling Procedures

Staff should know how to use the equipment correctly and follow the manufacturers instruction.

1.1 Guidance re the planning of activities

It is not possible to provide detailed guidance for all activities, but staff should always consider providing learning and play opportunities for children through a wide range of planned and free play activities both inside and outside including visits and outings.

Staff need to consider how to organise time, space, staff and resources in order to give children and families a mix of active times where children can take part in energetic play and quiet times when they can rest and relax in a quiet area.

The level of staff interaction with children needs to be carefully balanced. Children need time to play and learn independently and with their parents, initiating their own activities and exploring freely, and time for activities which need more support and direction from staff.

Staff can help children and parents develop their confidence and independence by providing a warm and secure environment which is:

• Has clear boundaries and is safe
• friendly and approachable
• positive and respectful of children of all backgrounds and abilities
• provides encouragement and appropriate praise
• where children and parents value each other
• where children and parents can try new activities in a safe and supportive environment.

2. Risk Assessments

All activities must be Risk Assessed and signed off by the Centre Manager, with a clear timescale for review e.g. if planning a series of activities.

The Risk Assessment should be based on the following considerations:

• What are the hazards?
• Whom might they affect?
• What safety measures need to be in place to reduce the risk to an acceptable level?
• Should it be one designated member of staff implementing these measures?
• What steps will be taken in an emergency?

Staff should also be aware of any child with a medical condition or known allergies and consider the implications of some of the activities in the Children's Centre.  For example the child may need extra support or supervision when using the messy play area. Staff should consult with parents regarding individual Risk Assessments.

3. Day Trips

The manager should take the following factors into consideration when assessing the risks of taking parents and children on day trips.

• The type of visit
• The location, routes and modes of transport
• The competence, experience and qualifications of staff
• Ratios of children to staff
• The healthcare needs of the children and stage of development
• The quality and suitability of available equipment
• Seasonal Conditions
• Emergency procedures

Parents should be informed of all future day trips and staff should ensure parents sign the relevant Consent Form. 

4. Child's and Parent Involvement

Staff should involve children and parents/carers as soon as practical with the preparation of the activity.

Staff should be good role models and show the child how to access the activity and ensure it is done safely.  However, it is necessary at times for children to take risks as this is how they learn what they can and cannot do.

Staff should explain the purpose of the activity, including its aims and objectives to the child and parent.  The child should be informed of the expected behaviour and the implications of poor behaviour. Staff may want to refer to the House Rules or Code of Behaviour in the Children's Centre. See Behaviour Management Procedure

5. Other Agencies using the Sensory Room

Agencies should follow these procedures for the use of the Sensory Room:

• No more than 4 children to be in the room at any one time.
• At least 1 adult to be in the sensory room at all times.
• Use of the room may be restricted to certain days to suit the centre.
• No food or drink is to be taken into the sensory room.
• It is advised that Children do not wear shoes in the sensory room are they not allowed in the sensory room whilst wearing face paints.

Agencies should give support to staff in setting the room up and tidying up after use.

6. Recording and Monitoring

The Centre Manager should ensure that a full inventory is kept of play/activity equipment in the Centre and a system for the recording of borrowing/use.  The inventory should be reviewed every 3 months for damage and possible replacement.

Staff should record the daily activities on the Centre's Activity Board with full details including the staff member who is taking the lead in the activity.  Staff should inform parents of the new 'One off' Activity Sheet, which they have to complete at each activity.

Any observations made during activities, which relate to the child's development should be recorded in the Child's Record.

End