Parental Info


AIMS & OBJECTIVES

‘We aim to offer play and educational opportunities in a safe, welcoming environment with a clear emphasis on the social and educational welfare of each child. We will promote the dignity, privacy, choice, safety and diversity of all users and staff.’

REGISTERED BODY

EAC After School Clubs are registered with an organisation called The Care Commission who set guidelines, which must be met by childcare providers. A registration certificate will only be issued when the after school club has met all required criteria.

All EAC After School Clubs have obtained a registration certificate, which is displayed at each club.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the National Care Standards, you can contact The Care Commission at:
The Care Commission
South East Region
Stuart House
Eskmills
Musselburgh
EAST LOTHIAN EH21 7PB
Tel: 0131 653 4100
Web: www.carecommission.com

STAFFING

All staff employed by EAC After School Clubs must complete a stringent recruitment process involving:
Staff are carefully selected for their qualifications, skills, experience and personal qualities. They must be enthusiastic about their work and enjoy working with children.

EAC employ both part time and full time staff. Many employees are working within our after school clubs to gain vital experience required to gain entry into teacher training. For others it is their full time career. EAC also employ students on a part time basis whereby their work within the after school club is used to assist their studies.

Each member of staff is issued with the EAC uniform, Uniform must be worn whilst working at after school club. The bright uniform has been chosen specifically to help children attending identify members of staff.

In accordance with guidelines set by The Care Commission, EAC after school clubs operate the following minimum staff:child ratio’s:
Monday – Thursday 1:10
Friday 1:8

STAFF TRAINING

EAC realise the importance of recruiting and retaining experienced and quality staff. In order to encourage the above, EAC offer a staff training programme for all employees who wish to update currently held qualifications or gain new skills.

Working with organisations such as The British Red Cross, SCottish Out of School Care network and Edinburgh Inclusive EAC can offer a wide range of training modules on various topics such as first aid, promoting positive behaviour, bullying, activities for children etc.

Qualifications and skills gained on such courses can be applied to practical situations within the after school club thus leading to issues being dealt with in a correct and professional manner.

Training modules are also offered in fun topics, learning new games and activities, which can be offered to children attending after school club.

INSURANCE

All EAC After School Clubs have the appropriate insurance required for the operation of out of school care. The insurance certificates are displayed at each club.

DISCIPLINE

When required, children attending after school club are disciplined in a positive manner. They are encouraged to discuss the matter informally with a member of staff and to take responsibility for their behaviour.
A positive outcome is always sought and no child will be ever be punished physically or verbally abused.
Bullying of any kind is not tolerated at EAC After School Clubs. If it is thought a child is being bullied, both sets of parents are informed. The club manager will also liase closely with the head teacher of the appropriate school(s) to inform them of the situation and to ascertain whether there is an existing problem at school. All members of staff are made aware of the situation.

The main focus is always on dealing with the situation immediately and working towards a positive conclusion.
An incident book is kept at each after school club to record more serious cases of behavioural problems. Where an entry is made, the appropriate parent is made aware of the situation and asked to sign the book.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If you have a complaint regarding any matter related to the after school club, please, in the first instance, bring it to the attention of the club manager.

Where the related issue is deemed more serious or the parent does not wish to deal with the club manager then the complaint should be directed to EAC After School Clubs Manager, Jonathan Combe, who can be contacted at the following address:

EAC After School Clubs
45 Frederick Street
Edinburgh
EH2 1EP

Parents/guardians also have the option of directing complaints to The Care Commission. This is the national agency under which the After School Club is registered and who carries out inspections of the facility.

The Care Commission
Stuart House
Eskmills
Musselburgh
EH21 7PB
Tel: 0131 653 4100
Fax: 0131 653 4149
Web: www.carecommission.com

If parents have a particular point to make they should do so as soon as possible in order that any problems can be rectified at the earliest moment.

EAC After School Clubs will make every effort to understand the grounds of the complaint as they appear to the complainant, and will give full consideration to the complaint. If the complaint is held to be justified EAC After School Clubs will explain the reason fully to the complainant both verbally and in writing.