Forum
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General
An internet forum is an application for holding discussions via the internet. Discussions can either be public (where anyone can view the contents) or private (where only selected people can view the contents). Thames Valley Adventure Playground host there own forum for users and carers.
Registration
The use of this forum is open to all after registering on the forum. In order to make the forum as safe as possible and so that we know who is using it, we vet each registration separately. However any visitor may view all non-private forums (Forums that are not 'Members only' or 'Private Groups') without registering, but may not add there own entries.
Private forums
There are two types of private forum.
- Members only: These are visible only to registered members and not the general public. We will move threads to this forum that we regard ought not be visible to the general public but deserve not to be removed.
- Private groups: These are visible only to a select group of registered members and not other members or the general public. By request TVAP can create private group discussion forums.
Access
To access the forum press here.
Goals of the forums
The number one goal is to discuss issues related to children and adults with special needs.
The rules and decisions are made to protect this goal over all else. These rules govern the use of the forums. You are responsible for observing the 'Registration Agreement' which you agreed to when registering. Each member is responsible for only his or her own posts. If another member breaks the rules, you may ignore them or report them to the moderators, but you must not use it as an excuse to break the rules yourself.
Moderation
The forums are loosely moderated by staff at TVAP. The point of moderation is not to limit discussion or promote or suppress points of view. The moderators are human and understand that anyone can make a mistake now and then. The moderators and TVAP reserve the right to ban users that flout the rules.
Content
- Please remember that we are not responsible for any messages posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any post, and are not responsible for the contents of any post on the forum.
- All posts are the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of this forum.
- You should avoid identifying individuals, schools, organisations or professionals without having obtained the prior consent of the individuals concerned.
- To protect yourselves it is important that members understand the risks of using a Web based open forum. Please give serious consideration to the risks of giving out personal information, contact details. or meeting other members on this forum.
- We do not allow images to be posted.
Forum Rules
Instantly bannable offences
- Insults. Direct personal insult to another member.
- Spam and overposting. Not just a prolific poster, but posting the same exact post in many different threads.
- Harassment. Purposely intimidating a particular member or harassing them.
- Advertising/soliciting. Using the forums for advertising or for commercial business deals and offers.
- Registration rules. Violation of the registration rules.
- Multiple registration. You may register one account, and if you were banned, you may not re-register.
- Shared accounts. Accounts are to be used by one person, and not shared between family members, friends or other people. Registration is free so there is no reason not to create a unique account for each person.
- Advertising childcare. You are not allowed to advertise your services as a nanny, childminder or babysitter on the forum. If you spot anyone doing so, then please let the administrator know so we can remove the post.
- Posting copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by this forum.
Minor problems
- Profanity. Don't swear!
- Thread titles. Use thread titles that indicated the subject of the thread, not generic titles like 'Need Help'. Moderators may change the titles that have no specifics.
- Sequential posts. Combine your comments into one post rather than making many consecutive posts to a forum within a short time period.
- Corrections. There is no need to point out anothers spelling or gramar mistake, unless you think it is causing confusion. Remember that not all members are native English speakers.
- To prevent the possibility of Libel or defamation claim be made against the forum or individual members it is important to refrain from using brand names in posts. Any such posts will be removed without notice by the moderators.
Reporting posts
Posts that violate any of the forum rules should be reported to the forum moderators by clicking the Report Post icon '!'.