Experience and training
King’s Camps are safe. With 15 years' experience and the largest network of day camps in the UK, we have an exemplary health and safety history and your children’s safety is our priority. Our camps are registered with OFSTED and Care Standards Inspectorate. Our staff teams are cleared using Disclosure through the Criminal Records Bureau.
Our coaches attend a comprehensive staff training programme that includes:
- Supervision of children
- Child protection
- First aid
- Fire procedures
- Equipment safety
Staff selection policy
All staff must:
- Be interviewed
- Provide professional and personal references
- Be registered/cleared carrying out an ENHANCED DISCLOSURE
No person applying for the position available will be treated less favourably than any other person on the grounds of their race, colour, religion, language, culture, gender, appearance, disability, marital status, class, personality or lifestyle. We will endeavour to employ staff that represent in some way the different ethnic groupings of children attending the camps.
Insurance
All of our camps have public liability and employer’s liability insurance cover. How your children will be grouped:
- Children are coached in minimum ratios of 1:16.
- The ratio for under 8s is 1:8.
- These ratios are increased further with the manager and helpers.
Under 5s
For legal reasons we can only accept children on the camp who are in compulsory full time education. This does not include nursery, kindergarten or pre-prep school children.
Lost property
Due to the nature of the activities, we recommend that your children do not wear their best or most expensive clothing for camp. We cannot guarantee the return of lost property, but we endeavour to return items that are clearly labelled with your child’s full name.
Packed lunch
Please Note: we are usually not able to provide refrigeration for lunches. We advise that you use an insulated container with a frozen pack or avoid high-risk foods such as meats, meat products, dairy products, rice and pulses. Cold air sinks – so place the frozen pack on top of the food, if possible.
Child security
At registration, Parent/Carers are given a security slip for each child, one half of which is given to the Group Coach and the number recorded on the register and the other half kept as proof of identity. Collecting adults must show their security card. If another adult is collecting then either the card may be passed on or at least the number passed on. Children must be signed out by their collecting adult. We can then recording the departure so that we are aware that the child has left and who they have gone with. Any child wishing to go home unaccompanied must have completed and signed the section on the Camp Attendance form indicating this.
Child protection statement
We acknowledge that all children have a right to grow up in an environment that is not abusive. We are aware that child abuse occurs to children of both sexes, at all ages and in all cultures, religions, social classes and to children with and without disabilities. We have a responsibility to our members and to the authorities to report suspected child abuse. Procedures will be followed sensitively but absolutely. Our loyalty in such circumstances remains with the child. When any person has knowledge or suspicion that a child is either being abused, or is at risk of abuse, or that a carer has seriously neglected or failed to protect a child, he/she has a personal duty to report this to:
- The Manager of the Camp or
- Head Office or
- The local Child Protection agency (details given in welcome packs) We will investigate and act quickly if there is any suspicion of discrimination towards any member.
Equal opportunities statement
We welcome children of all religious beliefs, faiths, cultures and abilities and believe that each child attending the camp is of equal value. The activities that we run strive to provide equal opportunities for all the children whatever their race, religion, language, culture, gender, health, disability, personality or lifestyle. According to the framework laid down by the following acts:
- Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) 1975
- Race Relations Act (RRA) 1976
- Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Equal Pay Act 1970 (amended 1983)
The King’s Foundation recognises that there are inequalities within our society and that many people suffer discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, colour and religion. As a Christian charity we never tolerate discrimination of this nature within our organisation.
Education and understanding of other people’s needs and backgrounds will be fostered to promote positive behaviour and attitudes. Discriminating behaviour, attitudes and comments will be challenged, regardless of whether they are from members, staff or parent/carers. We will regularly review our policy and amend it where necessary.
Special needs
As an educational Trust we welcome children with special needs where we can offer appropriate care within our staffing ratio. We are realistic about the limitations of a sports camp environment for children with special needs and attendance is considered on an individual basis. If there is a need for a higher level of supervision than normally offered and we feel that a child would benefit from our style of camps then either we can consider meeting the supervision requirement with an extra member of staff requiring funding or we welcome parents or carers to be in attendance.
Medication
We are required to keep a record of any medication administered to children whilst on the camp. You must inform us clearly if medication is required to be given. The Camp Attendance Form is used to record medication administered e.g. Antibiotics or Inhaler. The Parent/Carer needs to sign the form giving his/her permission for a staff member to administer the medicine.
Anaphylaxis (primarily nut allergy)
If your child suffers from Nut Allergy you must indicate this on the Camp Attendance Form in the medical section of the form. You must also speak with the manager of the camp about the condition.
We will need written permission from the parent allowing us to administer treatment in an emergency. We have a contract between King’s Camps and the parent for this purpose. It is essential that either the parent or someone with the correct medical background gives adequate training in how to administer the injection.
Accident reporting
It is essential that all incident report forms are signed by parents so that they are immediately and fully aware of anything that may have occurred to their child that day. A bright sticker is used to show that an accident has occurred. If your child has a sticker please speak to his/her Group Coach before you leave. Serious accidents are dealt with differently and parents or carers will be contacted during the day.
HIV and AIDS Confidentiality
There is no obligation to disclose information about an individual regarding HIV to our members. Disclosure of information is not permissible without the consent of the individual or their parent/guardian.
Fire drill
A Fire Drill will be carried out on the first morning of the camp.
Hot or Cold Weather
When the weather is particularly warm the following precautions must be taken:
- If there is any possibility of sunburn or sunstroke please ensure that the children wear adequate protection i.e. hat and sun cream of the correct factor.
- Children must have enough to drink for the whole day. This problem is made more acute as the children are participating in sport. Drinking water will be available.
When the weather is particularly cold or wet children will remain in the indoor areas.
Swimming
We have a very comprehensive swimming policy. One of the main priorities is to ensure that we assess the ability of a child, which governs whether the child wears armbands, and which zones the child is allowed to swim in. To enable this process to work we test each child and record the results. The estimate of parents is not ignored but a test is carried out just to confirm the ability. If our estimate of a child’s ability is higher than that of the parent we have a slip that must be signed giving us permission to do this.
Bullying
If a child feels that they are being bullied then they are encouraged to report this to their Group Coach. Once a member of staff has been informed they will report the incident to the Manager immediately who should then discuss the matter with the child and with their Group Coach. If the Manager feels that there is a legitimate complaint they then need to discuss the matter with the person being accused of bullying. It is worth bearing in mind that the bully may have problems of their own which are resulting in this behaviour and need to be dealt with sensitively and fairly. There may be reasons for their bullying but there are no excuses for such behaviour. If we are convinced that bullying has taken place then we will decide what action is appropriate. In a serious case we may need to consider the removal of the bully from the camp.
Behaviour Policy
Expected Behaviour from Children
Show respect for all children on camp treating them as they would wish to be treated. Swearing, abusive and hurtful language is not acceptable. Aggressive behaviour or violence cannot be tolerated. Show respect for all personal property and the facilities. Show respect for all staff. Listen to and follow instructions of the staff team. One child's behaviour will not be allowed to endanger the other children in the group by absorbing or distracting the supervising staff.
Parent Responsibilities
We would expect you to inform us both verbally and via the Camp Attendance Form of any potential behaviour issues that would help us deal with your child whilst on camp. You should be aware of the expected behaviour when your child attends camp. We would expect you to support action taken by staff to encourage good behaviour.
Staff Responsibilities
To treat all children fairly and recognise that each is an individual. To protect children’s self-esteem and develop them. To provide a challenging, relevant, appropriate and fun week. To be clear about the rules and use sanctions consistently. No physical punishment will ever be used. To be a good role model.
Behaviour management procedure
- Initially the Group Coach will try to deal with the situation.
- If unsuccessful: Manager will try to deal with the situation, removing the child from the group but having a witness.
- If unsuccessful: Parent/carer will be involved. If the parent/carer does not come to collect the child, a note will be given to them requesting that the parent/carer sees the manager in the morning.
- If unsuccessful: The manager will consider suspending the child after consultation with Head Office.
Sick Child policy
If your child is ill and you are unsure whether to send him/her to camp, please contact us as we have clear procedures in these circumstances.
Concerns and Complaints Policy
Our poster on display to parents entitled 'Concerns and Complaints' contains all of the contact details required in order to make a complaint at an appropriate level. All complaints, however serious, should always be referred to the Manager and will be logged on an Incident Form. If this route of communication is not appropriate then please contact us at our Head Office on 08700 429 329. Our staff team are trained to process your comments, passing them on to the appropriate department and management level. If a complaint is received at Head Office we will always reply within 24 hours. Complaints against a venue must be directed through our staff rather than direct to the venue. A record is always made on our database recording full details including any subsequent details, action taken and whether the complaint is complete. If necessary the complaint will be investigated and a verbal or written report will be returned to the complainant within 7 days.
Uncollected/Lost Child
There are a number of reasons why a child may remain uncollected at the end of the day, perhaps if a parent is delayed or confused about who is collecting or about the time of collection. Should this occur then the following action will be taken: We will attempt to contact you using the camp attendance information. At least two adults will remain with the child until collected. We will not allow the child to return home alone or with an unauthorised adult unless we have your permission. Upon collection we will politely ensure that the parent understands the procedures. If this occurs more than once for the same child Head Office will be informed. If after two hours no one arrives to collect the child and we have been unable to contact anyone by telephone, we will call the local social services department who will make arrangements for a social worker to collect the child. We also have procedures if a child is lost on the camp so please contact us should you require a copy.
Contacting Parents or Carers
Parents will be contacted under the following circumstances: Serious injury such as a broken or suspicion of broken bone. If the child is unable to participate due to serious illness. If a child is seriously upset about being on camp. Bang to head that may result in concussion. Any situation resulting in a hospital visit. Serious behaviour problem. If the child is found not to have brought food/drink.