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Contents

1. General
2. Computers, Electronic Games, Videos and Films

1. General

1. Opportunities for leisure and hobby activities as well as play and sport are recognised as important factors for enhancing emotional wellbeing, working on issues of self-identity and self esteem and developing social skills In addition, activities which facilitate expression such as art and drama may facilitate talking about painful issues and events or experiences connected with coming into care.
   
   
2. Leisure activities should be planned for and form part of the care planning for the child. The borough has made a commitment to increasing leisure activities for Looked After children and therefore social workers should endeavour to factor this in to their care planning.  Carers should be encouraged to play a role in developing or enhancing children’s leisure interests.
   
   
3. All Looked After Children must be encouraged to participate in recreational, social and leisure activities, suitable to their needs and interests, on a group and individual basis; within and outside the home.
   
   
4. Children should have occasional opportunities to participate in special trips, outings and have at least one holiday per year.
   
   
5. Birthdays, name days, cultural and religious festivals must be celebrated.
   
   
6. Children must be encouraged to pursue hobbies, leisure and sporting activities. Any existing interests must be nurtured.
   
   
7. There should be a proper balance between free and controlled time in the child’s daily routine.
   
   
8. Risk Assessments must be completed before activities are undertaken and plans implemented to reduce or prevent identified risks (see Activities and Transporting Children Procedure)
   
   
9. Where required, qualified or certified staff/instructors must be engaged/employed.
   
   
10. Children should have access to, and a choice in the selection of, newspapers, books and magazines suitable to their age and level of understanding
    
    
11. Children should have access to, preferably ownership of, suitable toys, music, books and games.
    
    
12. Transport used by the home should not be marked in such a way as to distinguish it from an ordinary family vehicle, unless it has been received by the home as a charitable donation in which case it may carry the name of the donating charity.
    
    
13. Children should be encouraged and enabled to make and sustain friendships with children of their own age outside the home. This may involve friends visiting the home, and reciprocal arrangements to visit friends’ homes.  (See also Contact with Relatives and Friends Procedure, for the contact that staff/carers can agree).

2. Computers, Electronic Games, Videos and Films

1. Children should be encouraged and supported to use computer technology, including the Internet, and electronic games suitable to their age and level of understanding.
   
   
2. Children may only watch videos, television programmes or films designated for their age.

End