Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child states that signatories will:
“Recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to
engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child
and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts”.
Definition of Play:
Play is defined by the play work profession as behaviour
which is “freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated, that
is, performed for no external goal or reward” (PlayEducation, 1982).
Vision Statement:
The vision of the club is to provide quality childcare in a
stimulating environment that meets the age range and abilities and interests of
the children using the club. We want to be a reliable and valued part of the
community… (Extract from Skool’s Out’s Vision Statement)
Play Policy:
The programme of activities and the atmosphere of our
Skool’s Out aims to encourage confidence, independence and enjoyment, social,
cognitive, interpersonal and physical skills, and their desire to explore,
discover and be creative.
Skool’s Out will provide a well-planned and organised play
environment that offers children rich and stimulating experiences, alongside
opportunities to explore, experiment, plan and make decisions for themselves.
The programme of activities will recognise and take into account the differing
ages, interests, backgrounds and abilities of the children.
Care and attention will be taken to ensure Skool’s Out is an
enriching and stimulating environment providing privacy for children to
undertake their own pursuits in either groups or by themselves and active and
boisterous activities and stimuli for imaginative play.
Activities are carefully planned to allow children to build
on their natural curiosity, advance their thinking, use their imagination and
develop and enrich the children socially, intellectually, physically and
emotionally according to age. At all times, Skool’s Out will recognise a
child’s individuality, effort and achievement.
No child will be left unsupervised during activities.
Wherever appropriate, children will be involved in the
process of planning activities so that the programme reflects their opinions,
and so that children feel some ownership over their Club.
Skool’s Out will provide children with a range of equipment
and resources appropriate to their age and interests.
Children will be offered access to outdoor play whenever
practical
The programme of activities will be set each week and will
be displayed on the Skool’s out notice board which will be accessible to all
children and parents/carers.
