Disclaimer

Introduction

The Family Service Directory (FSD, Enhanced Childcare Directory and other directories within the WORD website, are provided by the Family Information Service (FIS), Dorset County Council, on behalf of Dorset Children's Trust Board (CTB). It should be noted that neither party directly endorses or recommends any of the services included within these directories.

Liability and responsibility

Whilst the FIS makes every effort to keep the information on this site accurate and up-to-date, it does not accept any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the suitability of any of the services described on the site for a particular purpose. These are matters about which you must satisfy yourself before making use of the services.

You must also take full responsibility for using the information and understand and agree that by doing so, neither the Children's Trust Board, Dorset County Council or any of its key partners, nor any of its partners' employees are responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage arising from its use.

The FIS cannot be held responsible for the content of any external site linked to from within this website. The contents of this directory are for reference purposes only and must not be used for any commercial or marketing purposes.

Advice to parents and carers

Some of the services and groups listed on this site are not registered or regulated in any way. However, a good service will welcome questions about their activities and how they ensure the safety of its users.

Here is a list of things you may want to ask the service provider about:

• Are the staff and volunteers suitable?
  It is good practice for all staff to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau if they come into contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
• Do staff have appropriate experience and are they friendly and responsive to the needs of users of their service?
• Is there a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice?
• How do staff manage difficult behaviour and ensure that users are free from bullying, shouting, racism, sexism or taunts regarding disability?
• Does the organisation offer regular training to staff and volunteers?
• Does the organisation have policies and procedures in place to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults?
• Does the organisation have a health and safety policy?
  Find out if there is a leader qualified in first aid, that there is a first aid box and that the premises have passed any relevant regulations
• Is the building safe and secure?
• What are the fire precautions and evacuations procedures?
• How can children, young people and their parents or carers voice their concerns?
  should tell you what to do if you have any worries.
• If appropriate, you should check out routines for toileting, feeding and administering medication
• Does the service expect the parents/carers to participate in, or be present during the activities?

What you should be wary of:

• Individuals who show favouritism or personally reward specific children.
• Encouragement of inappropriate physical contact.
• Poor communication and lack of parental involvement that leaves you feeling uneasy.
• Children who drop out or stop going for no apparent reason, or are suddenly reluctant to attend.
• Invitations for children to spend time alone with staff or volunteers, or even to visit their home

Remember: As a parent or carer, you are responsible at all times for the safety and wellbeing of your child.

You have both a right and a responsibility to ensure that children are safe at all times. Listen to your children and ask questions about their activities. Organisations have a responsibility to be open and welcoming and to share information about themselves and their activities.

Questions?

If you are in any doubt about a service provider or you need more information about how to safeguard your child(ren), please do not hesitate to contact us and we will endeavour to help with any enquiry you might have.

Can't find what you're looking for? Call the Family Information Service for help on 01305 221066.