Member guidelines

PARENT / CARER GUIDELINES

WELCOME TO SKYLARKS

• Tuesdays 2.30pm – 5.30pm
• Fridays 9.30am – 12 noon
• Online activities also available
• Closed Facebook group available at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skylarksparents/

GUIDELINES FOR SKYLARKS FAMILIES

General

• Our staff and volunteers are trained in Fire Drill and several are trained in Paediatric First Aid. Skylarks is covered by public liability insurance.
• Please be aware that we take photographs of children to be used anonymously in our newsletters and social media. You will be asked to consent or not when you register with us. Please let us know if you do not wish your child to be photographed.
• Please do not take photos or videos involving other children while you are at our centres or activities.
• Our sessions can be busy with lots of parents needing to discuss issues they are experiencing. We will maintain confidentiality but need parents to be aware that might be overheard.
• We will deal with any complaints as quickly as possible. Please raise any issues with the Operations Team or any staff member or contact the Chair of Trustees.  
• We take safeguarding and child protection seriously. Please be aware of our Safeguarding policy.
• You can also read our Data Protection policy and our Privacy Policy on our website.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

• Please book all activities in advance.
• You, the parents or carer, are responsible for your child while they are at our centres or activities. You should make sure you know where your children are at all times and that they do not leave the premises. You must remain on-site at all times.
• Please shut all doors and gates behind you. All exit doors in the building are fire doors, so are able to be opened easily.
• Please do not let your child go in the garden unless they are accompanied by a specific responsible adult.
• If you wish to leave the room, you must ask another adult to supervise your child or take your child with you
• If you wish to attend talks, workshops or advice surgeries, please book crèche places in advance through the website or by email, as places are limited.
• We ask that you engage fully with your child during the sit- down activities in order to help him/her concentrate and enjoy the activity as much as possible.
• Please try to discourage your child from using a screen or tablet while they are at our sessions. We want them to join in social interactions as much as possible.
• Hot drinks should be placed out of the reach of children at all times.
• Please do not bring any products containing nuts or sesame (no hummus) or any sweets or lollies on a stick, into the building. Please do not eat food in our playroom; all food should be consumed in the seating area at the back of our hallway.
• Please do not bring your child if they are ill or have a contagious disease, as some of our children have compromised immune systems. If they are not well enough for school, they are not well enough for Skylarks!
• Please do not come if you have Covid, or if any family member you live with has Coronavirus. Some of our members are vulnerable. Please help us to keep everyone well.
• We will remind you of any appointments for therapies or advice clinics in advance. If you are unable to attend, please inform us in sufficient time so that we can offer the slot to someone else. Some of our activities are very valuable and in high demand, so we need to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to use them. Please see our Fair Access Policy.
• We ask that all users should respect our values.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

• All our staff and volunteers have DBS checks. They are trained in our policies of equal opportunities, confidentiality, health & safety and child protection and receive training in issues concerning children with additional needs. The volunteers will play with your children and support you to supervise them during our activities
• Parking: Please note that there is NO parking available at the Crossway Centre. Please use Marble Hill Car Park or surrounding streets.  More information is available here.
• To receive our newsletters, be able to book our activities and become a voting member of Skylarks, please visit our website at www.skylarks.charity/register
• We hope that your child enjoys having fun with us and that you will find some much-needed support. We welcome any suggestions to help us to expand or improve our services so please talk to us.

Crèche

• We are sometimes able to offer creche facilities on a Friday morning while you attend a meeting or appointment on-site. Please arrange this in advance. This will depend on the number of volunteers available.
• One volunteer will be allocated by a member of Skylarks staff to look after your child. In the event of a fire alarm, the volunteer will take your child outside to the assembly point.  
• Volunteers will not administer any medication or food. They will not change nappies or take children to the toilet, but will inform you if this is necessary. 
• If a child is upset and cannot be comforted, the volunteer will bring the child to you.  
• Volunteers will raise any problems with supervisors. 

Our Values

• We seek to be an open and inclusive organisation, promoting diversity and equality.
• We support and welcome parents and families from all communities and believe they should be treated with equal worth regardless of disability, gender, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or social class.

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