Thinking About Physical and Emotional Safety and its Links to Safeguarding

Adaptations include:

• Bringing activities closer to the child so their mobility is not an issue,
• Using the floor to play on rather than sitting at a table,
• Exchanging simple equipment such as a larger ball in a game rather than a tennis ball,
• Finding out if there is specialised equipment that a child or young person needs to use and making sure you know how to use this appropriately. 

Support includes:

• Having regular check-ins with children or young people to find out how they are feeling,
• Observing what activities a child or young person enjoys and what they don’t so much like.  You may also see more about how someone is feeling from watching closely,
• Thinking about how children can spend more time happily with peers.( This may involve  child playing alongside a peer rather than activities that involve a lot of taking turns),
• Ensuring you have an anti-bullying policy,
• Using a ‘buddy’ system: Establish strong peer support opportunities where children can help each other, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.

Tips include:

• Make sure that all information is accurately written down ie. what dosage is needed and when
• Ensure that medication is stored safely (away from other children and young people) and that it is clear who is responsible for providing medication.,
• Consider any training you may need on medication administration, including recognising and responding to side effects.
• Establish clear policies and procedures for medication administration that comply with legal requirements.
• Parents and carers who deal with these medications everyday will likely be very helpful in ensuring that staff know what to do.
• Work closely with healthcare providers to understand each child’s medication needs and to receive guidance on best practices.

Some children or young people may need individualised meal plans. These can be developed in collaboration with parents and possible with healthcare providers. Tips for managing these include:

• Ensure all staff are aware of each child’s dietary requirements,
• Consider staff training on how to prepare and serve meals that meet special dietary needs, including recognising and responding to allergic reactions”,
• Adapt mealtimes to accommodate sensory needs, such as providing quiet spaces or using specialised cutlery, plates or bowls,
• It is important to encourage a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable and encouraged to eat,
• Use positive reinforcement and provide assistance as needed.

All staff should speak in shorter sentences and provide gestures or visuals to support what is being said.

We will ask everybody to fill in a booking form that asks about likes / dislikes/ strengths and needs.

We will set up an information sharing agreement and share information (with parents’ consent) that is appropriate to the needs of the activity and the child / young person.

We will provide a quieter space that children or young people can take themselves to if they feel that they need some time out.

We can look at introducing a buddy system and encourage children to play alongside others.

We will ensure that we have a written policy that is understood by all staff and includes details of all medication, storage and dosage for individual children / young people.

We will observe them during activities and develop a feedback system to find out what is working or not working for them.