5.8 Protocol for Crofters

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This protocol applies to disabled children's access to social and leisure opportunities provided through Crofters.

1. Crofters is an umbrella term for the after school clubs, weekend clubs and holiday playschemes and activities organised throughout the year by staff based at the Croft Centre. Some residential weekends and holidays are also organised when funding is available.
2. Eligibility criteria. Crofters can be accessed by disabled children and young people between the ages of five and eighteen. The child must have a substantial and permanent disability which would make them eligible for inclusion on Richmond's Register of Disabled Children. It is not necessary for a child to be on the register but they must meet the criteria for registration.
3. Application for Crofters. Social workers or other professionals will normally refer the child to the Activities Co-ordinator, giving basic information about the child.
   
   The Activities Co-ordinator or Deputy Co-ordinator will contact the parent and young person to give them information about Crofters. This may entail a home visit if appropriate.
   
   Parents are asked to complete an application form for their child to become a member of the Crofters Club. Information on the child's health, behaviour, likes and dislikes, suggested staff ratio and preferred method of communication are included on the form. Parents are also asked to give their consent to their child travelling on the minibus or public transport; to their child having photographs taken and to Crofters staff seeking emergency medical assessment for their child and treatment as necessary.
4. If it is unclear whether a child meets the eligibility criteria for Crofters' membership, the Activities Co-ordinator will seek a decision from the Service Manager (Disabled Children). Parents will be informed if their child does not meet the criteria.
5. Once approved, the child's information is kept on the Crofters' database and parents are sent regular information about Crofters' activities and events.
6. Parents may request a place at specific Crofters' clubs and events. Allocation of places is normally done on a monthly basis (termly for regular mid-week after school clubs). Due to the high demand for places, there can be no guarantee that a child will be offered all the places requested. Places are allocated as fairly as possible, having regard to staff availability, the nature of the activity and the financial constraints of the budget.
7. Charging. Parents are asked to contribute to the costs of the schemes if they are able to do so. No child will be refused a place at Crofters because of the parents' inability to pay.
8. Feedback and Evaluation Parents, young people and staff are regularly asked to complete feedback and/or evaluation forms. These are used to improve the service and tackle any under-performance.