Our Policies
We are deeply committed to professionalism in every aspect of our club, from our robust safeguarding procedures to the quality of our activities. This page clearly outlines our family-friendly commitments: what we promise to do, what you can expect from us and how we evidence our compliance with best practice.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our policies.
1. Safeguarding and Child Protection
We take the safety of your children extremely seriously. Our promise is to always have a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) on-site, plus a named deputy ready to act on any concerns. We maintain the highest staffing standards by performing enhanced DBS, identity and suitability checks for every staff member and volunteer, keeping a Single Central Record (SCR). Every team member receives regular training on safeguarding, the Prevent Duty and safer working practices. We actively champion the child’s voice and take all concerns seriously under a ‘see or feel something, say something’ culture. We record concerns securely and act quickly, including making referrals to the local authority or LADO when appropriate. What you can expect: Clear, simple ways to share a worry (in person, by phone or email) and timely updates when it is safe to do so. You’ll see a child-friendly environment with site-specific risk assessments and clearly identified safe adults. In return: Please keep your emergency contacts current and tell us about any changes that may affect your child’s wellbeing.
2. Our Clear Complaints Procedure
If something isn’t right, we want to know so we can fix it. You can raise a concern verbally or in writing (we have a simple form available). We will acknowledge your complaint within twenty-four hours and aim to resolve it within 28 days following a fair investigation. We keep a written log of all complaints and provide a clear escalation route to a senior manager or owner if needed. What you can expect: A respectful, unbiased process with a written outcome. In return: Please provide relevant details and your preferred contact method so we can resolve matters quickly.
3. Health and Safety
Your child’s physical safety is paramount. We run daily checks and formal risk assessments for all premises, equipment and activities at each site. We maintain safe supervision ratios appropriate to the ages and activities and ensure all equipment is well maintained. Our staff receive training in safe play, manual handling and food hygiene where relevant. What you can expect: Clean, clearly signed spaces with simple safety rules children can follow and suitable equipment for every activity. In return: Please provide appropriate clothing and footwear for your child and tell us about any medical needs or limitations. We ask everyone to respect the site rules of the school.
4. Fire Safety and Evacuation
We plan ahead so everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Each venue has a written fire risk assessment and evacuation plan, with routes and assembly points clearly displayed. All exits are kept clear and equipment serviced. What you can expect: Calm, well-practised evacuation routines and clear information in activity areas. In return: Please tell us if your child needs any specific assistance during an evacuation.
5. Data Protection and Privacy
We treat personal information with care and respect. We only collect data necessary to keep children safe and run the club effectively (data minimisation). A clear Privacy Notice explains how we use and share information. We have a named Data Protection Lead and store all information securely, with access limited to authorised staff. What you can expect: The ability to view, update or change your consent preferences (for example, for photography) at any time. In return: Please keep contact and medical details up to date and use our secure channels when sending sensitive information.
6. First Aid, Accidents and Medicines
We are fully prepared for any bumps or illness. A paediatric first aider is on duty at every session and first-aid kits are checked regularly. We record all accidents, incidents and near misses and share these with parents on the same day. Medicine is only administered with written parental consent and according to the child’s care plan. What you can expect: Prompt communication after any injury or illness and confirmation that medicines are stored and administered safely. In return: Please provide clearly labelled medication and an up-to-date care plan if required.
7. Positive Behaviour and Anti-Bullying
We promote kindness and respect in everything we do. We set clear, positive rules and celebrate teamwork and effort. Bullying, harassment or discrimination is stopped quickly and fairly. We use restorative approaches, never humiliation or punishment. What you can expect: A culture of respect, with clear rules and regular feedback on your child’s behaviour. In return: Please discuss our rules with your child and share any concerns early.
8. Inclusion, Equality and SEND
Every child deserves the chance to join in fully. We welcome all children and make reasonable adjustments so they can participate in every activity. We challenge prejudice and plan inclusively from the start. Staff receive relevant training and, when useful, we liaise with school SENCOs for continuity of care. What you can expect: Open planning discussions to understand your child’s needs and any adjustments needed. In return: Please share the strategies that work best for your child and let us know of any changes.
9. Parent Information and Our Insurance
We are transparent about how we operate. All policies and club information are provided at enrolment and remain available online. We display our Ofsted registration and insurance certificates. Parents are notified promptly of any changes or issues. What you can expect: Clear session times, transparent fees and easy ways to contact us. In return: Please keep contact preferences current and check updates we send.
10. Attendance, Collection and Missing Child
Your child’s safe arrival and collection are always a priority. Registers are taken at arrival and departure, and children are only released to authorised adults. Late or uncollected children remain safely supervised until picked up. If a child is missing, we act immediately: search, check registers and contact the police and parents following our set procedure. What you can expect: Immediate contact from us if your child is absent when booked or not collected on time, with clear information about any late collection charge. In return: Please tell us if your child will miss a booked session and let us know in advance about any alternative collectors.
11. Confidentiality
We handle all personal and sensitive matters discreetly. Our promise is to limit access to personal information on a strict need-to-know basis and store it securely. We ensure our staff avoid discussing children in public or online spaces and use professional communication channels only. We only share information without consent when required to protect a child or when required by law. What you can expect: Private spaces for sensitive conversations and the assurance that all notes and records are stored confidentially. In return: We ask that you use official channels (and not social media) for communicating sensitive information. We require confidentiality agreements to be signed by all staff and volunteers and we investigate any breaches.
12. Our Programme of Activities
We offer a balanced, engaging and fun programme. Our promise is to provide a mix of sport, movement, arts and play with genuine child choice built in. We risk assess and adapt all activities to be inclusive and age appropriate. We rotate our themes and actively invite child and parent feedback to help us shape the programme. What you can expect: Termly outlines detailing the activities, kit requirements and opportunities for you to contribute ideas. In return: We ask that you provide appropriate clothing and footwear and share any participation limits your child may have. We retain activity risk assessments and session evaluations and log improvements for future sessions.
13. Safer Recruitment and Staff Training
We recruit and train a team of exceptional people. Our promise is to recruit fairly and safely by completing robust identity, reference, right to work, qualification and enhanced DBS checks. We maintain an up-to-date Single Central Record (SCR) of all vetting checks. All new staff receive a comprehensive induction covering safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour, data protection and our code of conduct. We provide ongoing professional development, supervision and annual appraisals and we address any conduct concerns quickly. What you can expect: Consistently professional staff who are skilled, friendly, accountable and excellent role models of our values. In return: We ask that you raise any conduct concerns immediately with the Club Manager or DSL. We audit our training logs, supervision notes and SCR at least annually.
14. Whistleblowing
We create a culture where staff can speak up without fear. Our promise is to protect anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith from any unfair treatment. We provide multiple reporting channels, including an external route where appropriate. We investigate all concerns quickly, fairly and confidentially and provide feedback on outcomes where we can. What you can expect: Confidence that serious issues can be raised and resolved without fear of retaliation. In return: We ask that you use the complaints route or contact the DSL or Owner immediately if you see something worrying. We maintain a whistleblowing log and review outcomes at leadership level.
15. E-Safety, Photography and Social Media
We use digital tools safely and respectfully. Our promise is to use images or video of children only with active parental consent and only for the stated purposes. We operate a strict mobile phones and cameras rule, prohibiting personal photography and all staff must follow our code of conduct regarding personal devices. Our staff never privately message or “friend” children on social media and use official channels only. We store digital media securely and delete it when it is no longer needed. What you can expect: Clear opt-in and opt-out forms and the ability to change your photography preference at any time. In return: We ask that you refrain from posting photos of other children on social media without their parents’ permission. We maintain consent records and media registers and apply routine deletion when media is no longer needed.
16. Food, Allergens and Healthy Eating
We support your child’s health through mindful eating. Our promise is to provide balanced snacks and water and to promote healthy choices. We operate an allergen-aware environment with a strict no-nuts rule and clear information available. We respect all cultural, religious and medical dietary needs and follow rigorous food hygiene procedures for preparation, serving and temperature control. What you can expect: Menu and allergen information available on request and displayed on-site where applicable. In return: We ask that you tell us about all allergies and intolerances and update us promptly if anything changes. We maintain an allergy register and conduct regular food hygiene checks.
17. Illness and Infection Control
We manage illness carefully to keep everyone healthy. Our promise is to follow current public health guidance on exclusion periods (for example, 48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea). We contact you promptly if your child becomes unwell and provide a quiet, supervised space until you can collect them. We clean and disinfect high-touch areas and equipment regularly and use PPE where required. What you can expect: Clear communication from us during any outbreaks and clear advice on return dates for your child. In return: We ask that you keep children at home when they are unwell and inform us of any infectious illnesses. We maintain illness logs and cleaning schedules and review outbreaks for learning.
For our comprehensive list of policies, please contact us at mark@thegamesyard.com
Glossary of Terms
DSL – Designated Safeguarding Lead
The trained member of staff responsible for safeguarding and child protection within The Games Yard. The DSL (currently Mark Skrypec) makes decisions about concerns, supports staff and liaises with local safeguarding partners where needed. A DSL is always contactable during club hours.
DDSL – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Supports the DSL and is trained to the same level to provide cover when the DSL is unavailable. The DDSL always ensures continuous safeguarding oversight.
MASH – Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
A local authority team bringing together professionals from social care, police, health and education to share information quickly and decide how best to support a child or family. The Games Yard’s DSL may contact the MASH team in Barnet, Camden, Haringey or Islington if a safeguarding concern arises.
LADO – Local Authority Designated Officer
The professional responsible for managing and overseeing any allegations made against adults working or volunteering with children. The DSL must inform the LADO if a concern involves a member of staff or volunteer. Each local authority has its own LADO contact and procedure.
FGM – Female Genital Mutilation
A serious form of child abuse involving the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK. The Games Yard trains staff to recognise warning signs and to report any known or suspected cases immediately in line with national guidance.
KCSIE – Keeping Children Safe in Education
Statutory guidance from the Department for Education setting out the legal duties for safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare in educational and childcare settings. The Games Yard’s safeguarding policy and staff training are aligned with the latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025).
Prevent Duty – Government guidance to prevent extremism
A legal duty within the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 requiring childcare providers to help prevent children and adults from being drawn into extremism or terrorism. The Games Yard meets this duty by training staff to recognise early signs of radicalisation and to refer concerns appropriately.
Ofsted – Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills
The government regulator and inspector for education and childcare in England. Ofsted ensures that The Games Yard meets its statutory duties for safety, welfare and quality of provision.
DBS – Disclosure and Barring Service
The government agency that conducts criminal record and background checks on people working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults. The Games Yard requires all staff and volunteers to hold an enhanced DBS certificate before working with children.
SCR – Single Central Record
A secure record maintained by The Games Yard listing all vetting and recruitment checks completed for staff and volunteers, including DBS, identity verification and references.
PEEP – Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
An individual plan developed for any child or adult who may need extra help to leave the building safely during an emergency evacuation.
SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
A term describing children who need additional or different support to learn effectively. The Games Yard works in partnership with parents and schools to provide inclusive experiences and reasonable adjustments.
Early Help
Support provided to children and families at the earliest opportunity when a concern emerges — before issues escalate. The Games Yard collaborates with parents, schools and local services to access Early Help when appropriate.
Safeguarding Partners
Local authority, health and police agencies that work together to coordinate safeguarding practice across an area. The Games Yard liaises with these partners when necessary to keep children safe.
