Advice when choosing services

This directory is maintained by Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. The purpose of the directory is to provide information about the range of services and activities available to children, young people and their families in Wigan Borough

Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust do not endorse or recommend any of the activities or services.

Whilst every effort is made to keep the information on this site accurate we do not accept any liability or responsibility for:

• the accuracy of the information
• the suitability of activities or services for a particular purpose
• the quality of the service provided
• the content of any external website linked to this site

What you can do

Many of the activities and services on this site are not required to be registered or regulated in any way. However, a good service will welcome questions about their activities and how they ensure safety.

Useful checklist

• Are the staff and any volunteers suitable? It is good practice for all staff to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) if they come into contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
• Do staff have appropriate experience and are they responsive to the needs of users of their service?
• Is there a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice? How do staff ensure that users are free from bullying, racism, sexism or taunts regarding disability?
• Does the service offer regular training to staff and volunteers?
• Does the service have policies and procedures in place to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults?
• Does the service have a health and safety policy? Find out if there is a member of staff qualified in first aid, that there is a first aid box and that the premises have passed any relevant regulations. Is the building safe and secure? What are the fire precautions and evacuations procedures?
• How can children, young people and their parents or carers voice their concerns? Services should tell you what to do if you have any worries or complaints.
• If appropriate, you should check out routines for toileting, feeding and administering medication.
• Does the service expect the parents/carers to participate in, or be present during the activities or delivery of the service?

Remember...

Parents and carers have a right and a responsibility to ensure that their children are safe at all times.
Listen to your children and ask questions about their activities.
Services have a responsibility to be open and welcoming and to share information about themselves and their activities.