Day care activities, such as pre-school playgroups, holiday play schemes and crèches, can register with their local authority, which means they have to meet certain standards. However, whether registered or not, you should expect the same standards from all organisations.

Once you’ve found a club or organisation you’ll need to get a real feel for the place, so always visit before your child starts attending. If the children there are happy and smiling, it’s a good sign. Friendly staff who welcome questions are also essential.

Are the staff and volunteers suitable to work with children?
All staff and volunteers should go through a proper recruitment process, which includes interviews, references and necessary legal checks,
such as with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

Does the organisation have a child protection policy and code of conduct?
All organisations should have a child protection policy and a written code of conduct, outlining good practice when working with children and a clear procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse. Organisations should be happy to show you these when you ask. Ideally, there should be a named person or club welfare officer who will answer any queries you might have. Unacceptable behaviour, such as bullying, shouting, racism and sexism, should not be tolerated. 
See our policies and procedures for further information.

Does the organisation/activity have a health and safety policy?
Find out if a trained first-aider is available at all times and find out what sort of policies and procedures they follow.

How does the organisation provide for intimate care needs?
In the case of very young or some disabled children, you should check out routines for toileting, feeding and administering medication.

What are the arrangements when children go on outings?
You should be informed of arrangements for all outings – including the transport there and back, worker-to-child ratios and emergency contact details. If the outings are a regular arrangement, then your consent should be obtained before the first outing and may not necessarily need to be obtained for every subsequent trip. For one-off outings, your consent should be obtained each time. 

Does the organisation have an internet safety policy?
If the organisation allows children to access the internet, find out what guidelines or filtering software they have in place for safe surfing.

How can you or your child (or a child you know) voice concerns?
If you are concerned you must take action. Speak to other parents or to the leader in charge of the activity. If, however, you are unhappy about the way your concern is dealt with and are still worried, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or your local children’s social care department (known as social work services in Scotland) or the police.

• No parental presence - parents should be encouraged to stay and watch their children, and cheer them on. Be wary of clubs that say you can’t.
• Inappropriate practices - activities encouraging rough play, sexual innuendo and humiliating punishments are completely unacceptable.
• Lack of adequate preparation for activities
• Unsafe or poorly maintained equipment
• Inexperienced activities leaders
• Individuals who take charge and organise activities themselves, without the knowledge of the organisation or independently of organisational guidelines.
• Favouritism - no child at a club should be singled out for extra-special praise or favouritism – each and every child should be praised for their individual merits.
• Unhappy children - if the children aren’t enjoying it or frequently drop out, it’s a sign that all is not well.
• Lack of communication - make sure that the staff involve you and keep you up-to date with your child’s progress.
• Invitations for children to spend time alone with staff or volunteers or even to visit their homes.

Remember: a good club should always encourage parents to be part of their child’s activities.