School age childcare: national children's charter

Our six principles

It's important that no matter where the school age childcare is, all children taking part feel that the following principles are respected:

Kindness

(how we act towards each other)

We feel truly appreciated by childcare leaders, and this is obvious in their words and actions. We are encouraged to be kind to each other, and you get time out for bad behaviours but not kicked out!

Community

(how we relate to the world outside)

Everyone looks out for everyone else, and we aim to work as a team. We are always thinking about our local community, finding ways to work with other members (young and old) and the wider world. We like to get out into the local community for our activities, and we'd love opportunities to mix with children from other places.

Fairness

(how we make sure everyone's included and treated fairly)

Everyone's rights are understood and respected, and there are clear rules and expectations agreed by children in each place. Childcare leaders understand disabilities and emotional struggles, so everyone is supported and involved.

Happiness

(how we make sure everyone feels good)

We feel good about ourselves and get to eat good food, take rest, reduce stress, and have opportunities to stay active and try new things. We feel comfortable here.

Fun

(how we make sure our activities are always enjoyable and personally challenging)

We think everyone should have fun in the world. We need activities we enjoy, teach us new things, and help us be curious. It's important this feels different to school, and we are recognised and rewarded for our personal achievements. Risks and benefits are balanced so that adventures stay challenging, but are also safe!

Choice

(how we make sure children make their own decisions)

We would like to have choice in the places we go to for childcare, to decide the activities that happen there, take part in activities (or no activities!), and have opportunities to lead activities ourselves. This includes taking part in fundraising, and learning how to take on new roles and responsibilities as we get older and more experienced. We would also like to have our say and be listened to when it comes to voting for leaders, activities, and interviewing new workers.