- Purpose
To ensure every child feels welcome, safe, and ready to participate from their first day, with clear information shared with parents/carers in advance. This policy aligns with the EYFS 2023 (where applicable), the Equality Act 2010, and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
- Pre-Start Information (No On-Site Induction Visits)
– Parents/carers receive a welcome email before the start date with key information (times/locations, what to bring, safeguarding/behaviour expectations, collection procedures) and links to all policies on our website.
– All registration, medical and consent forms must be completed and approved before attendance.
– For children in the EYFS (Reception), we will, where appropriate, liaise with the child’s school to support continuity and individual needs.
- First Day Induction (on arrival)
– A coach greets the child and parent/carer, confirms register, medical info, and authorised collectors.
– The child is shown: toilets, water/snack point, activity areas, fire exits/evacuation point, and where bags are kept.
– Club rules and routines (sign-in/out, behaviour, safety, how to ask for help) are explained in child-friendly language.
– The child is introduced to staff and allocated a “buddy” to help them join activities and make friends.
– Staff keep a supportive eye on the child throughout the session to ensure they are settled, engaged and safe.
- Parents/Carers Staying
– To maintain safeguarding and smooth routines, parents/carers do not remain on site after handover.
– Where a short additional settling handover is needed (e.g., anxiety, SEND), this may be agreed in advance with the Manager and kept brief.
- Key Person (EYFS Children)
– EYFS children will be introduced to a key person who monitors wellbeing, supports settling, and, where appropriate, liaises with parents and the child’s school.
– Reasonable adjustments will be made in line with the Equality Act 2010 and any medical/care plans.
- If a Child Struggles to Settle
– Staff will use reassurance, the buddy system, choice of activities, and check-ins.
– Where settling issues persist, staff will speak with parents/carers to agree practical strategies; for EYFS, we may also liaise with school.
– Any significant concerns (wellbeing or safeguarding) are recorded and escalated to the DSL as needed.
- Records & Data Protection
– Completion of induction steps is noted on the session register/induction checklist.
– Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 and our Privacy Notice.
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or practice.