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What you need to know

What you need to know as a parent/carer

The purpose of this website is to provide information on activities and support services available to you and your family. Please note that some of the services detailed in this list are provided and managed by Wandsworth Borough Council (‘the Council’) whilst others are provided and managed by organisations and individuals independent to the Council.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Whilst the Council endeavours to ensure that such information is accurate, the Council provides no guarantee that such information is accurate. The Council shall not be held liable in any way whatsoever for any inaccuracy, misunderstanding or expectation drawn from this website.

The Council does not endorse, recommend or support any of the services included unless they are directly managed Council services. The Council is not responsible for any services detailed on this website (including policies, opinions, safeguarding and health and safety measures) that are provided by organisations and individuals independent to the Council. The Council will not be liable for any loss or damage arising in relation to such services and in particular out of any failure by any organisations or individuals independent to the Council to have or implement any policies or measures relating to safeguarding and health and safety.

You are responsible for checking details with providers directly and prior to booking to ensure the particular service meets your requirements.

This website refers to websites that are not under the control of the Council (‘third party sites’). The Council shall not be liable and accepts no responsibility for the nature, content and availability of such third party sites. The inclusion of such third party sites on this website does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by the Council.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Council disclaims all liability, representations, warranties, whether express or implied by statute, relating to the services provided and managed by the Council that are detailed on this website. The Council does not limit or exclude its liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, or in respect of its fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which it cannot exclude by law. The Council shall not be liable for any losses or damages (whether direct, indirect or consequential) whatsoever, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise arising from the services provided and managed by the Council that are detailed on this website.

What you can do

Many of the services and groups detailed on this website are not registered or regulated in any way. However, a good service will welcome questions about their activities and how they ensure safety. It is your responsibility to ensure your family’s safety when taking part in any service detailed on this website and the Council recommends that you contact the provider of the service prior to booking to ensure they have proper safeguarding and health and safety policies in place. Here is a list of things you may want to check out.

Checklist

  • Are the staff and any volunteers suitable? It is good practice for all staff to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau with an enhanced disclosure if they come into contact with children and young people. The enhanced disclosure will reveal if the person has a criminal record and list all convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
  • Do staff have appropriate experience and qualifications, and are they responsive to the needs of users of their service?
  • Is there a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice? How do staff ensure that users are free from bullying, shouting, racism, sexism or taunts regarding disability?
  • Does the service offer regular training to staff and volunteers?
  • Does the service have policies and procedures in place to protect children and young people (often known as Child Protection or Safeguarding Policy)?
  • Does the service have a health and safety policy? Find out if there is a leader qualified in first aid, that there is a first aid box and that the premises have passed any relevant regulations. Is the building safe and secure? What are the fire precautions and evacuations procedures?
  • Where applicable, what insurance cover is in place?
  • How can children, young people and their parents or carers voice their concerns? Services should tell you what to do if you have any worries or complaints?
  • If appropriate, you should check out routines for toileting, feeding and administering medication.
  • Does the service expect the parents/carers to participate in, or be present during the activities or delivery of the service?

 Remember...

  • Parents and carers should ensure their children are safe at all times.
  • Listen to your children and ask questions about their activities.
  • Services have a responsibility to be open and welcoming and to share information about themselves and their activities.

For more information about keeping your child safe please visit Wandsworth’s safeguarding website

We welcome feedback from anyone participating in the services detailed on this website and you can contact us by calling us on 020 8871 7899 or emailing us at fis@wandsworth.gov.uk or leaving feedback.