ChYPS

DASH judged as ‘Good’ by OfSTED

DASH play schemes were recently inspected by OfSTED and found to be ‘Good’ in all areas. The inspection was carried out on the Honey Bears play scheme for 3 - 7 year olds and judgements made about the quality of the provision.

The report highlights our strengths in;

• providing a welcoming inclusive environment
• providing a wide range of activities and experiences which build upon childrens interests
• how well children are safeguarded and their well being supported and
• the fair, calm and consistent approach of staff.

We are delighted with the report and its findings which reflect the hard work,commitment and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers that support DASH.

A full copy of the report can be viewed here.

For further information about DASH play schemes, including how to request places, please contact the Children and Young Peoples Service on 01325 254848, email chyps@darlingtondisability.org or text 07624 818780.

DASH Summer Playscheme

Our 2013 Summer Playscheme is fast approaching! There are paid and volunteering opportunities available. Anyone interested in being involved, please visit our Vacancies page for further details.

What does our Children and Young People’s Service (ChYPS) offer?

ChYPS provides inclusive play and leisure opportunities, supporting young disabled people to make their voice heard. The aim is to provide an inclusive play and leisure provision which is open and accessible to all, and takes positive action in removing disabling barriers so that disabled and non-disabled children can participate.

ChYPS provides the following services:

DASH (Inclusive play care for children)

DASH provides several inclusive playschemes throughout the school holidays to all children, disabled and non-disabled children. This year we will be providing three main playschemes. These include:

• “Honey Bears”

Play care scheme for children aged 3 – 7 years old.

• “Busy Bugs”

Play care scheme for children aged 8 – 12 years old.

• “The Buzz”

Play care scheme for children aged 13 – 15 years old.

Each child is placed on a scheme depending on their age and their individual requirements.

DASH promotes a free play structure, but some structured activities are also provided, including indoor and outdoor play sessions, workshops, trips to the seaside, soft play, swimming and bowling.

Through trained staff and volunteers we are able to maintain a high level of support for children. All volunteers are offered training and are fully CRB and reference checked.

We aim to:

• Promote a fun, stimulating and safe environment for disabled children to play and socialise.

• Provide a range of exciting play and leisure opportunities.

• Encourage children to be as independent as possible through providing the appropriate level of support.

• Provide parents/carers with an opportunity to take time off from caring for themselves.

• Provide a "children first" service.

Each child is supported by trained volunteers and / or staff on a one to one basis or a one to two depending on the child’s needs.

DASH aims to ensure each child’s needs are met in a safe and dignified way. To help us do this we ask parents to complete a child information form and to give as much information as possible. This information is used on a daily basis whilst the child is on scheme. DASH recognises that parents and carers are the “real experts” in how to best care for their child.

ChYPS has a General Information booklet for parents and carers which gives more detailed information about its services, including Safeguarding, policies etc. This is available on request.

Bridges

This is an inclusive Bridging Support Service that supports children and young people to access and participate in play and leisure opportunities of their choice. The project aims to work with play and leisure providers to enable them to become inclusive for disabled children. The service also organises, promotes and delivers training to play and leisure providers

Inclusion Support Service

This is aimed at children and young people accessing a Direct Payment to enable them to access play and leisure provision of their choice.

Young Leaders

ChYPS provides Inclusion, Participation and Leadership opportunities for disabled young people aged between 14-25 years. As well as regular Forums the project Leaders also provides training, opportunities for personal development. The intention is that young disabled people gain skills and experience in order to influence DAD and other services.

Inclusion and Participation

ChYPS also enables younger disabled children to have a voice in the delivery of play provision and to influence change. The project also encourages children and young people to engage with other settings to improve inclusion provision.

Can You Help?

We are constantly seeking funds to enable us to continue providing a high quality play provision in Darlington.
Could you organise a sponsored event or activity?
Does your employer have a community charity of the year?
Does your bank/building society offer a scheme that "Match funds" and money raised for local charities?
Would you or anyone you know like to make a regular monthly donation of £2, £5 or £10 by Direct Debit?
Do you have any further fundraising ideas you would like to undertake?
For more information on ways that you can support the work that ChYPS does with children and young people see DAD’s Support Us webpage.

Contact details

For more information about any of our services, or to request a General Information pack about DASH, please contact:-

DAD Children and Young People’s Service (ChYPS)

Located on West Crescent, off Woodland Road. Our building is accessible. On-street parking is available in certain areas of West Crescent. Dimensions Disability Initiative has limited Blue Badge parking.

West Lodge
West Crescent
Darlington
DL3 7PS
Telephone: 01325 254848 or 01325 489999 (DAD main office)
E-mail: chyps@darlingtondisability.org

Please use main office number listed above to contact staff during school holidays. Your message will be forwarded to ChYPS staff.

OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education)

For Complaints or concerns you may have, contact Ofsted directly on:
Tel: 0845 601 4772
Email:yne.rc@ofsted.gov.uk