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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Planning
3. Computers, Electronic Games, Videos and Films
4. The Role of Foster Carers and Residential Staff

1. Introduction

Leisure activities are an important part of everyday life. The guiding principle is that looked after children should, as far as possible, be given the same opportunity to take part in normal and acceptable age-appropriate activities as their peers. Judgment should depend on the assessed risks and needs of the child.

Leisure activities benefit a child and can help develop their emotional, intellectual, social, creative and physical skills.

Children should enjoy and have access to a range of social, educational and recreational opportunities, including activities in the local community, as appropriate. They should have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities or community-based activities and school trips and holidays, and be supported to engage in faith-based activities if they wish.

Arts and drama can help a child or young person to express their feelings with the child being free from everyday pressures. Mental wellbeing can also be supported by sports and other activities as it gives a child or young person an outlet for their energy, emotions and/or focus.

Taking part in after school activities can increase a child or young person self-esteem and give them another skill such as piano lessons, football, drama classes etc. It can also help with structuring a child or young person's week and give them security.

The existing leisure interests of a child or young person can play an important role when a child or young person becomes looked after as it provides some stability and continuity for the child and helps maintain friendship groups.

2. Planning

The child or young person's interests, hobbies and leisure activities should be considered when placing a child. As far as practical hobbies and interests should be maintained and encouraged. This will form part of the placement plan (see Decision to Look After Procedure and Care Planning Procedure).

A child or young person's personal education plan should be used to encourage a child or young person to develop leisure activities both in and out of school.

The placement plan should also detail and add clarity around day to day decisions and activities such as education, leisure activities, overnight stays, and personal issues such as haircuts.

The child or young person's looked after review should be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these plans and ensure that a child or young person's needs are being met.

Children should be supported to take age-appropriate risks that are considered with carers, placing social workers (as appropriate) and the children themselves, following appropriate risk assessment.

3. 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;
3. Children should be reminded of the potential risks of going online and the need to protect their identity and personal information when using social media. Parents and carers may consult 'Child Safety Online: A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media' for further information.

4. The Role of Foster Carers and Residential Staff

Foster carers and residential staff should be proactive and encourage the child to take part in leisure activities, and outside interests should also be encouraged.

Leisure activities depend on what the child or young person is interested in and their abilities. For example a disabled child may not be able to ride a bike but may enjoy music and swimming activities.

End