Looking after your child - key worker system
The out of school childcare service runs a key worker system and has in place agreed policies at it's projects in Hammersmith & Fulham
When children attend our out of school projects, they are assigned a key worker - an identified adult who helps them settle into the project, ensures that they are well cared for and that their individual needs are met. We believe that the key worker system helps builds positive relationships with the children and between parents/carer and staff.
Some of the things your child's assigned worker may do:
- Introduce you and your child to the project
- Help your child get to know and understand the routines of the project
- Keep you informed of your child's development as he/she settles into the project
- Ensure that a range of fun, participative activities is offered and that they are appropriate for your child
- Keep you informed of the activities provide and their purpose
- Build a positive relationship with your child and offer encouragement, advice and guidance
- Be available, where necessary, for you as parents/carers to share relevent information about your child
- Join your child in his/her key group of children during snack/meal time.
You will be informed of your child's assigned key worker by the project manager. If you would like to meet with your child's key worker please contact the project manager in advance to arrange a time.
Policies
Promoting positive behaviour
Each project has devised its own behaviour code with the children. It is displayed in each project. We encourage poisitve behaviour, being respectful of one another, respecting difference, sharing and taking pride in the centre. We will not tolerate fighting, swearing, bad language or bullying. We are committed to developing and maintaining a friendly and open atmosphere where children and staff are valued and respected.
Suspension or exclusion of a place
We strive for a culture of positive behaviour at all times. In the event of persistent behavioural problems, a meeting will be arranged with the child's, the child's parents and in some circumstances with the child's school. We aim to work in partnership to identify a cause and solution; we use a 'contract' as a tool.
The contract is based on reinforcing good behaviour, with all parties agreeing to a consistent approach. We review the contract regularly and often find that after a very short time the child is fully included and enjoying all activities.
Should challenging behaviour continue, with the child endangering him/herself and others, exclusion will be considered. This decision would be taken with the child's parents and other agencies. No child would be suspended or excluded withour arrangments being made with the child's carers/paretns.
Reasons for withdrawl of a place
A child's place will be withdrawn if a joint decision has been taken to suspend or exclude a child for challenging bahaviour that endangers others.
A child's place will be withdrawn if a paretn/carer has failed to pay the appropriate fee or has incurred a debt in fees.
Parent/carers will receive two weeks notice of intention to withdraw a place.
Specific needs
The service is committed to opportnities for all in mainstream provision for children and young people with specific needs. An inclusive play development worker ensures that children's individual needs are recognised and provided for.
The service does not always have the resources to provide 1:1 support, but works in partnership with parents/carers and other agencies in order to find the most appropriate setting and resources which may involve an alternative provider.
