2.2 Evaluate policies and procedures in relation to the rights of the child

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Evaluate policies and procedures in relation to the rights of the child.

When working with children aged 4 to 16, playworkers should continuously assess and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and procedures. These help to uphold children’s rights and promote their welfare. Ensuring that the rights of children are respected is central to creating a supportive, safe, and enriching play environment.

This task involves evaluating how well the policies and procedures in a play setting align with the rights outlined in frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and UK laws. A strong understanding of these policies ensures children are treated fairly, protected, and supported to reach their potential.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

The UNCRC is an international treaty adopted in 1989. It sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child under the age of 18. It highlights 54 articles, with some being particularly important for playworkers. Examples include:

• Article 12: Children’s right to be heard on decisions that affect them.
• Article 31: The child’s right to rest, leisure, play, and participation in recreational activities.
• Article 19: Protection from harm and abuse.
• Article 3: Adults must ensure the child’s best interests are prioritised.

Playworkers must actively reflect on whether their setting’s policies support these rights. For example, letting children make choices about their play aligns with Article 12, while providing a safe space protects them under Article 19.

Laws and Playwork Standards in the UK

In addition to the UNCRC, UK legislation such as the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Equality Act 2010 directly relate to children’s rights. Key points include:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004: Focuses on safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. It requires organisations to have strong child protection policies and to act in a child’s best interests.
• The Equality Act 2010: Protects against discrimination based on age, gender, disability, race, and other protected characteristics. It aims to offer equal opportunities to everyone, including children.

Playwork Principles and Frameworks

The Playwork Principles clearly state that play should be freely chosen and child-led. This philosophy supports Article 31 of the UNCRC by ensuring that children’s natural right to play is respected.

Playworkers can use these to evaluate whether their procedures align with children’s rights. For instance, limiting playtime or imposing rigid adult-led activities contradicts these principles.

Key Areas to Evaluate

1. Safeguarding Children

Safeguarding protects children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Policies and procedures must include clear guidelines to protect children’s physical and emotional well-being.

Consider:

• Are safety checks on equipment and spaces carried out regularly?
• Do staff know how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns?
• Are background checks (DBS) for staff up-to-date?

Ensuring these measures are in place demonstrates respect for children’s rights to protection under Article 19 of the UNCRC and the Children Acts. Weak safeguarding procedures risk children’s health and safety.

2. Health and Safety

Health and safety policies ensure children can play and explore without unnecessary hazards. While a degree of risk in play can be positive for growth and learning, excessive risks may jeopardise children’s rights to a safe, nurturing environment.

Ask questions like:

• Do risk assessments balance opportunities for free play with child safety?
• Are emergency procedures clear and regularly reviewed (e.g., fire evacuation drills)?
• Is first aid equipment available, and are staff trained to use it?

Good health and safety practices protect the child’s right to life and development (Article 6 of the UNCRC).

3. Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

Inclusive play settings cater to children’s diverse needs. Policies must prevent discrimination and enable every child to access play regardless of disability, gender, culture, or other characteristics.

Evaluate:

• Does the setting provide adaptions or equipment for children with disabilities?
• Are activities reflective of various cultural backgrounds?
• Are incidents of bullying or exclusion dealt with effectively?

These steps uphold children’s rights under the Equality Act 2010 and Articles 2 and 23 of the UNCRC, which focus on non-discrimination and supporting children with disabilities.

4. Participation and Voice

Effective policies should account for Article 12 of the UNCRC. This means children have a say in decisions that affect them, including how play opportunities are structured.

Consider:

• Are children involved in planning activities or improving the play environment?
• Is there a process for children to express concerns or complaints?
• Are staff trained to listen to and act on children’s feedback?

When children feel heard, they are more engaged and empowered, which strengthens their overall experience.

5. Behaviour Management

Behaviour policies must protect all children’s rights while promoting fairness. Negative behaviour can disrupt play, but the approach to managing it should maintain dignity and seek to resolve rather than punish.

Questions to ask:

• Are strategies in place to address challenging behaviour without humiliating or shaming the child?
• Are rules for behaviour developed collaboratively with the children?
• Do staff promote positive behaviour by modelling respect and kindness?

Effective behaviour policies ensure children feel safe, respected, and valued, in line with their rights.

6. Confidentiality

Protecting children’s private information relates to Article 16 of the UNCRC (right to privacy). Policies should outline how information is stored, shared, and protected legally under the Data Protection Act 2018.

Evaluate:

• Do staff follow secure procedures for handling sensitive details?
• Are children informed about how their data is used where appropriate?
• Are confidentiality rules consistently adhered to?

Strong confidentiality policies build trust between staff, children, and their families.

7. Play Environment Design

The physical play environment plays a crucial role in supporting Article 31 of the UNCRC. Children have the right to engage in free, creative, and recreational play.

Ask:

• Is the space flexible, with opportunities for imaginative and physical play?
• Does the environment allow children to take reasonable risks?
• Are children able to influence how the space is used?

A well-designed environment supports physical, social, and emotional development while acknowledging their right to play.

How to Evaluate Policies and Procedures

To evaluate policies effectively:

1. Gather Information: Collect relevant policies and procedures. This includes organisation handbooks, playwork guidelines, and safeguarding documents.
2. Compare: Examine how they align with frameworks like the UNCRC and UK laws. Identify gaps or contradictions.
3. Consult Stakeholders: Get feedback from children, families, and staff. Ask if policies are supporting or hindering rights.
4. Monitor Effectiveness: Observe practices over time. Assess whether policies deliver consistent benefits to children.
5. Review Regularly: Ensure policies are updated to reflect changes in law or emerging best practices.

Final Thoughts

The critical role of a playworker includes being aware of how policies and procedures affect rights. Regular reflection and open-mindedness will help create a play environment where children feel safe, valued, and free. Standards like the Playwork Principles can provide valuable benchmarks to support this process.

By prioritising children’s rights at every step, policies become more effective in creating spaces where children can grow, learn, and express themselves. This benefits not just the children, but the wider community.