Operational Plan

1. Purpose 

This Operational Plan sets out how First Kick Football delivers safe, inclusive, and high-quality childcare and holiday club provision. It provides an overview of the organisation’s structure, responsibilities, and daily management, and cross-references detailed policies for specific procedures. 

2. Legislative Framework 

  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2024) 
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025) 
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) 
  • Equality Act 2010 
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 
  • Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) 

3. Organisational Structure and Responsibilities 

  • Operations Director – overall responsibility for strategic leadership, safeguarding oversight, compliance, and quality assurance across all services. 
  • Senior Manager (Claire) – manages day-to-day operations, finance, administration, customer service, and internal systems. 
  • Head of Foundation (Tom Hutton) – leads the charitable foundation, including community projects, fundraising, and partnership development. 
  • Head of Mini Kickers (Chris Ganner) – responsible for the growth, delivery, and quality of the Mini Kickers programme. 
  • Holiday Club Managers – lead on-site delivery, ensure compliance with policies, manage staff, and maintain daily records. 
  • All Staff – uphold policies, deliver high-quality care and play opportunities, and report safeguarding or health and safety concerns immediately. 

4. Key Operational Areas (Cross-References) 

The following areas are covered in detail in separate policies: 

  • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy – outlines procedures for reporting concerns, safer recruitment, Prevent Duty, whistleblowing, and the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 
  • Health and Safety Policy – sets out arrangements for risk assessments, site safety checks, fire evacuation, first aid, accident reporting, and manual handling. 
  • Behaviour Policy & Anti-Bullying Policy – provide guidance on promoting positive behaviour, addressing incidents, preventing bullying, and supporting children’s wellbeing. 
  • Admissions and Fees Policy – details the registration process, payment structures, funding arrangements, and procedures for cancellations or non-payment. 
  • Data Protection Policy – explains how personal data is collected, stored, and processed in compliance with GDPR, and how confidentiality is maintained. 
  • Food Safety Policy & Healthy Eating Policy – outline safe food handling, allergy management, nutritional standards, and promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. 

5. Communication and Partnership 

  • Parents and carers are informed of policies through the booking portal and regular communications. 
  • Staff receive induction and ongoing training aligned to their roles. 
  • Feedback is welcomed from children, parents, and staff to support continuous improvement. 

6. Monitoring and Review 

The Operations Director and Director of Office Operations monitor compliance across all sites. Policies and procedures are reviewed annually, or sooner if required by legislation, Ofsted, or organisational changes.