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accessibility help and information

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The parent carer rating system

The rating system is based on giving activities ‘star ratings’, since this is a common rating system which families should be aware of. Parents and carers can rate activities against how well they do against the 7 categories parents and carers said were most important to them. So:        

  • 1 star = poor
  • 2 stars = quite good
  • 3 stars = good
  •  4 stars= very good
  • 5 stars = excellent

Parents and carers can then use the comments box to explain why they have given the star rating they have chosen, and to add any other information which they think will help other families decide whether that activity is suitable for them or not.

Each category is rated individually since some may be more important to families at different times, or stages, than others.

You can see an example of how families used the 'Ratings system' to tell others about activities at Grafham Water.

Rating questions

1. Is there space for parents to stay?

Things to consider:

  • In the case of young people, is the space separate from where the young people are?

2. Are staff and helpers trained and knowledgeable, and do they have appropriate language skills?

Things to consider:

  • Do they have a knowledge of a range of disabilities and an understanding of disabled children and young people’s needs?
  • Have they received appropriate training?
  • Do they have experience of working with disabled children and young people?
  • Have they had the required safeguarding checks, including CRB checks and Vetting and Barring?
  • Do they have appropriate language skills (such as sign language, Makaton, and English) so they can communicate effectively with the children and young people and help them if they have a problem?

3. Is there good information on how to get there?

Things to consider:

  • Is the route to and from the venue safe for young people to travel on their own?
  • Is a detailed map provided?
  • Is there information on public transport, such as bus times?

4. Is there information on all the costs?

Things to consider:

  • Is there detailed information on what is included in the costs and what extra money young people might need to bring, for example for refreshments?
  • Is free carer transport available?

5. Is there detailed information on the activities?

Things to consider:

  • Is there enough information to help you decide if the activities are appropriate for your child or young person’s needs and abilities?
  • Is there feedback from children and young people on what they think of the activities?

6. Is the environment safe and secure, and is there appropriate supervision?

Things to consider:

  • Are the grounds and buildings secure?
  • Do staff have sufficient knowledge on how to keep disabled children and young people safe from harm?
  • Are risk assessments carried out regularly and made available?
  • Is the level of supervision adequate and appropriate both for the individual’s and the group’s needs?
  • What is the ratio of staff to children and young people?
  • Is the building accessible: are there ramps, wide doors, steps to negotiate, and so on?
  • Is there access to a phone which young people and their parents and carers can use to keep in contact?

7. Do they offer an open day or taster session?

Things to consider:

  • Is there a chance to try out the activity with your child or young person without having to commit to attending and, for example, to paying a whole term’s fees?

In summary

We hope to develop this rating system over time with input from others to help parents and carers of disabled children chose activities that will provide a positive experience for the whole family.