Looking For An OSCAR Programme - What To Look For

Before you enrol your child in an OSCAR programme it is important to feel comfortable to leave your child there.

Visit
It is always a good idea to visit the OSCAR service before you enrol your child. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.

• Observe the children's activities and behaviour and the interactions between staff and children.
• Is everyone happily occupied?
• Are the staff engaged with the children?
• Is undesirable behaviour dealt with calmly and firmly?
• Is the level of supervision appropriate for your child?

Child, Youth and Family (CYF) Approval For OSCAR Services
Ask your OSCAR service if they have CYF Approval for OSCAR Services or it they comply with any of the OSCAR standards. There are no mandatory legal requirements for programmes to meet any childcare regulations or standards of care so because of this it is especially important for you to check that your child is receiving safe, quality care.

CYF Approval for OSCAR Services

Written Policies And Procedures
Before you enrol your child in an OSCAR programme ask to see their written policies and procedures. These should cover:

Enrolment Of Children
There should be a separate enrolment form for each child with relevant personal details. This should include emergency contact numbers and any special information affecting the child's care e.g. medical conditions. Parents/caregivers must give consent for their child to receive emergency medical treatment. The parent or caregivers responsibilities regarding informing the staff if a child is going to be absent, if a child is not well etc should be clearly stated.

Staff Selection
All staff, both paid and unpaid, should be interviewed and screened for their suitability to work with children. All staff should also be police vetted.

Discipline
Discipline should be managed positively. Children should not be physically punished, disciplined or treated in a way that is degrading, humiliating or causes fear or anxiety.

Accidents And Emergencies
There should be clear instructions on what to do in an accident and in emergencies, including what happens if a child does not arrive or goes missing. Fire drills should occur regularly and a record of all accidents should be kept.

Excursions
Excursions should be planned in advanced. This should include a prepared plan covering possible hazards and how they will be dealt with. Staff may visit the site beforehand to obtain the necessary information. Parental permission must be obtained for each trip.

Medications
All medication administered to children must be clearly recorded in accordance with the parent or caregivers instructions. Medication should be stored safely.

Collection And Transporting Children To/From School
If the OSCAR programme offers collection and transportation, a clear routine should be followed. This should include pre-arranged pick-up areas and a plan if a child does not turn up. There must be supervision to ensure the children's safety at all times.

Other Things To Consider
You could also look at these aspects of the OSCAR programme, and ask these questions if you feel they are important for you to know.

Staff

• How low their staff turnover is?
• Is the supervisor experienced and trained to work with children?
• Is staff trained in first aid?

 Supervision

• Are children supervised at all times?
• Are there always at least 2 staff members present? There should be no more than 10 children per adult.
• Are play areas clearly defined and are children aware of the boundaries?
• Is there a clear procedure for informing staff when children are collected at the end of a session?

Facilities

• Is there is an inside and outside play area?
• Does the inside area include spaces for quiet and active games separately?
• Is there a telephone easily accessible?
• Are food preparation areas clean and adequate?
• Are toilet facilities accessible, clean and adequate?
• Is there a a locked, well-stocked first aid kit?

It is advisable to look at and compare several programmes before you make a final decision about what will be best for your child and your family.

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