Aims and Objectives

The play centre aims to provide quality play opportunities for creative play, recreation and self expression in a variety of settings.  The balanced programme of activities, opportunities and fun provides a framework for both formal and informal learning and development which aims to increase the social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional (SPICE) development and experience of all children.

We will achieve the aims of the play service by using the seven Best Value Play Objectives.  This means that:

•  the provision will extend the choice and control that children have over their play, the freedom they enjoy and the satisfaction that they gain from it
•  the provision will recognise the child's need to test boundaries and it will respond positively to that need
•  the provision will manage the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep children safe from harm
•  the provision will maximise the range of play opportunities
•  the provision will foster independence and self-esteem
•  the provision will encourage the children;s respect for each other and will offer opportunities for social interaction
•  the provision will foster each child's well-being, healthy growth and development, knowledge and understanding, creativity and capacity to learn

Every play programme helps to support children and families through the 'Every Child Matters: Change for Children' agenda which is a new approach to safeguarding the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.

The play programme places better outcomes for children firmly at the centre of all policies involving children's services.  We intend that each child:

•  is healthy
•  stays safe
•  enjoys and achieves through learning
•  makes a positive contribution to society
•  achieves economic well-being
•  we also aim to protect children from harm and to give children a voice throughout the borough.

We will achieve this by forming strong partnerships with voluntary organisations, schools, the Primary Care Trust, children's centres, social care and other relevant agencies.  We aim to increase children's participation and input through a range of forums and committees.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

All staff within the play centre setting have the individual duty to respect confidentiality.  Paperwork or recorded information on incidents will be treated with care and the play workers will adhere to the following procedures:

• registration forms will be filed and kept in a safe and secure place
• written information about incidents at the play centre will be noted on the appropriate record sheets and stored in a safe and secure place.
• confidential information will be placed in envelopes marked 'Private and Confidential'

The personal information that you provide will be handled by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

The information that you provide will be used by the community learning directorate and its partners for the purposes of carrying out ordinary directorate business.  This information will only be used for this and related purposes.