Playschemes

What to expect

• We normally start taking bookings 2 months before each playscheme. On average we offer families a booking period of at least a month to complete and return their forms.
• Any applications we receive before the closing date will be allocated a place on playscheme.
• If we are over-subscribed we may not be able to offer you all the dates you have requested.
• Following the booking period, we will allocate places to families and send out a confirmation letter detailing the dates you have been given and further information about how to pay.
• Following the closing date and places being allocated, we will then offer places on a first come first served basis. We will operate a waiting list once the playscheme is full.
• You will need to re-apply for a place on each playscheme – so if you attended or were on the waiting list in April, you will need to complete a new booking form if you want to attend in the summer.

• All children and young people and their families will be treated fairly and with respect
• We will support and encourage all children and young people attending activities to treat each other with kindness and respect.
• We understand that children and young people with additional needs sometimes experience the world and those around them differently and this can affect their responses. Our aim is to support them in responding appropriately to situations and to help them behave in a way that promotes enjoyment of the activities for them and those around them.
• We will work with parents/carers to understand how their child behaves and the different behaviours that they can exhibit when upset, anxious and happy.
• All staff and volunteers will be made aware of any particular triggers to behaviour that might be difficult to manage and techniques for de-escalating challenging behaviours.
• Positive interactions and behaviour will always be rewarded and praised.
• Children and young people will not be labelled, shouted at or told they are bad or stupid.
• In all cases staff will use de-escalation techniques to try to calm or settle a child/young person or distract them with another activity. Physical intervention or restraint of a child or young person will only be used in exceptional circumstances.
• If a child or young person’s behaviour escalates to a level at which they are at risk of harming themselves or others or they are distressed over a long period of time and are unable to settle and cannot be reassured, Leeds Mencap may ask parents/carers to collect their child/young person.
• Parents/carers will be consulted as a situation develops in order to prevent the child/young person needing to be collected if possible.