What should I tell a club, holiday scheme or childcare setting about my child?

The short answer

Tell the setting what helps staff support your child during this particular activity. Include how to get their attention, how they communicate, what they want from the session, the first signs that they need help, useful responses, relevant health or safety information, personal-care needs, the break and exit plan, and who may collect them. Ask the setting about its group, staff, supervision, safeguarding, activity rules and ability to make the requested changes before deciding what to share. Involve your child in the wording and agree who can see it. A concise current profile is more useful than a long diagnostic history, but do not omit information needed to prevent serious harm or provide necessary care.

• Ask how the setting works before writing a support profile.
• Share information that changes what staff need to do.
• Include the child's interests, communication and preferred help.
• Record health, safety, personal-care and collection arrangements precisely.
• Agree who may see the information and review it with the child.
• Test the plan during a small first visit and update it from observation.