Safe Start Services provide a safe place for children before school, providing supervised activities for children to allow parents to get to work for 9am.
It is run by voluntary management committees whom have identified a need for a before school service.
This service does not need to be registered with the Care Inspectorate, as it only runs for 1 - 1 ½ hours. Perth and Kinross Council would support the group with best practice guidance.
How much time is involved in setting up a Safe Start Service?
Initially there are a number of meetings to discuss the service, nominate a committee, and discuss roles and responsibilities.
How much time is involved once this is up and running?
This would depend on what has been set in the constitution but may be between 6 weekly or termly meetings.
If the service has employed staff then they will run and deliver the service on a day to day basis, the committee just needs to oversee the management of the service.
If the service is a community based model where parents take a turn of running the service then, this will involve much more time. This model also involves much more communication between the rota parents.
Committee members and staff may also attend training if appropriate for example Child Protection or First Aid.
What support is available?
When communities show an interest in setting up a Safe Start Service the Childcare Strategy Team will arrange a meeting. This can be arranged at convenient time during the day or early evening.
The team will support the group become constituted and guide them through the paperwork to get started.
At present there is a start-up grant available:
- Part 1 - pre-set up - for purchasing a phone, insurances and recruitment, PVG's and marketing.
- Part 2 - a resources grant to purchase toys and other resources for the children to use whilst at the service.
Committee skills and bespoke training tailored to the group of parents would be available to enable them to get started for example, adapting policies, and help with recruitment, followed by ongoing advice as required.
A training package would be identified for the staff or committee members of Safe Start, for example First Aid or Child Protection.
Can I claim tax free childcare?
Unfortunately not, as this is not a registered childcare service you are unable to claim tax free childcare or childcare vouchers.
Please contact the Childcare Strategy Team for further advice and support.
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