Support available to you
There is a great deal of support available to you if you want to set up out of school provision in Southampton.
The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership employs a specific team of people to help develop new childcare provision in the City.
Out of School Development Workers
Out of School Development Workers can offer support and advice especially during the initial start up and planning period. A development worker can support the club initially and can make regular visits as necessary. Development Workers can work with both the play leaders and committee to help the club grow and develop. Below is a list of some of the key services offered by Out of School Development Workers:Quality development
- Practical suggestions on how to provide quality play activities
- Advice on adult input and teamwork
- Advice on staff appraisals
- Advice on line management
- Advice on employment issues
- Assistance in identifying areas for development
- Provide support and advice for clubs working towards accreditation
Training
- Provide information on availability of local training
- Offer informal training opportunities within sessions and/or for committees
Early Years Directorate
- Advice on meeting Children Act 1989 requirements
Administration
- Advice on day-to-day issues concerned with management of clubs
- Grant applications and identifications of funding streams
Liaison
- Commitment on club behalf to network with the following: Childcare Inspectors, Health, Local Community, Local Schools and Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership
Development and Regulation Advisers
Development and Regulation Advisers can provide invaluable assistance with all aspects of preparing for inspection and regulation by Ofsted.- Pre-Inspection Support
- Help with policies and paperwork required by OfSTED.
- The registration process, completing OfSTED forms and the Criminal Records Bureau process
- Site visits, advice on suitable premises and risk assessment.
- Liaise with OfSTED on behalf of your provision.
- Advice on when to contact OfSTED regarding any changes to Registration e.g. staffing, building, times.
- Post Registration - support in completing OfSTED Actions and Conditions, and in maintaining good practice and improving the provision.
See Getting started to find out more about the help offered by the Early Years and Childcare Team.
