to think that soft play areas should check to see if staff have a criminal record?

[fledtoscotland]

I have discovered today that soft play areas are classed as "unsupervised" so they don't have to be registered with the care commission and the staff don't have to have a disclosure Scotland

My local and lovely little soft play has changed so that adults are not allowed within the play area. to add insult to injury they are advertising for volunteers to help with the children The manager said they do have reference checks in place - and I imagine the head teacher at Soham said the same.

I was told that if there was a problem, my 2yr should approach a member of staff and ask for help - hmm - apart from the fact that he has a speech delay and can't ask for help.

Am I being unreasonable and precious?

Vote with your feet.

Is there another soft play you can go to?

I'd vote with my feet. Although I might be likely o send them a letter to explain why.

I have spoken to the manager and expressed my concerns. Also spoke to another couple of parents there and they are concerned.

interestingly, if they have a "special needs" session, parents are allowed into the play area since the staff aren't insured to observe special needs children so the parents have to be there - which is what I would prefer as I dont like leaving DS1 to it. I am quite happy to be with him but the manager said I'm not allowed in incase I fall and injure another child.

how bizarre, soon they will need the ISA registration (though in scotland not sure how that would work!)

find it strange that they don't get the voluntarily to cover themselves either

TBH I think we are nation that has gone CRB checking mad. Surely the parent/carer is the person responsible for children in a soft-play centre. Staff are there to clean up and encourage fun. I would have thought that if there is a problem your 2yo will come to you?

I think YABU.

thats the whole point Larks35 - I'm not allowed within the play area. I am quite happy for them to "clean up and encourage fun" but if they are saying that a parent cant go in with the children, then surely the staff are then in a position of trust?

Sorry posted that before I read that you're not allowed in the play area. OK, I can see your concern more now, but I still think we are going a bit mad with CRB checking. However, I wouldn't take my DS15m to a play centre where I couldn't be with him, and god help any play worker who tried to help him if in need cos he would HOWL!

thats ok larks35 - I said that I won't be going back there. TBH it was more convenience and DS1 did love being able to run off steam esp with our lovely Scottish weather when outside isn't always possible.

I agree about being a bit mad with the CRB check/disclosure Scotland but surely anyone with contact with children should have them now?

they should have them of course, that's why hopefully the isa register will make it easier to check who is safe to work with children. it's just not a chance worth taking