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Shiplake Village Nursery
Policy Documents
Updated 29 September 2008
Policy 1 - Admissions
It is our intention to make our nursery genuinely accessible to all children from all sections of the local community. In order to achieve this, we will:
Ensure that the existence of the nursery is widely known in the local community. We will place notices advertising the nursery in places where all sections of the community can see them, eg, library, clinic, parish magazine, etc. We will also encourage our local school, Shiplake CE Primary, to offer information about the nursery to parents.
Place children on the waiting list once a completed registration form has been returned. Places will be allocated in order of application, at the discretion of the staff and committee, keeping a balance between accepted age groups. New families moving into the area will be given equal priority and places will always be allocated to eligible children if spaces are available.
Emphasise in our literature and our practices that the nursery welcomes all children, parents and other carers, regardless of cultural, ethnic, religious and social background, with or without disabilities.
Make our equal opportunities policy known by displaying this and the full set of policies in the nursery. The full set of policies can be provided to any parent/carer on request.
Nursery Admission
Nursery sessions are open to children who are three years old, with attendance starting at the beginning of the term following their third birthday. Children aged two years and six months may be accepted if places are available on all mornings except Wednesday morning sessions. Acceptance of children under the age of three is strictly at the discretion of the staff and committee.
We ask that parents are always aware that we are a voluntary run nursery, and as such we are reliant on the time and financial commitments of parents to sustain the nursery facility. We may occasionally need to run a parent helper rota and request that at least one of the parents or each child attending the nursery, wherever possible, volunteers to help us for one morning per term when required.
Children can attend the nursery for as many sessions are appropriate for their age group, provided places are available.
A minimum notice of one term is required if a child is to be withdrawn from nursery. This includes a child leaving to start school.
Rising Fours Sessions
The rising fours group, run on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, is for children who are preparing for the move to primary school. Children will be admitted at the beginning of the term during which they will have their fourth birthday.
Places for rising fours sessions are allocated at the discretion of the nursery manager.
The rising fours sessions will be preferably taken as part of a full nursery day, the exception being if there are no places available on the corresponding morning session.
Preference for rising fours sessions will be given to children already attending the nursery.
Rising fours sessions are limited to a maximum of twelve children per session.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 2 - Settling In
At Shiplake Village Nursery, we want all our children to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents/carers; to recognise other adults as a source of authority, help and friendship; and to be able to share with their parents/carers the new learning experiences enjoyed at nursery. In order to achieve this, we will:
Ensure that parents/carers are given comprehensive information in the form of a welcome booklet on their initial enquiry;
Encourage parents/carers to visit the nursery with their children during the weeks before starting nursery wherever possible;
Ensure that parents/carers are sent an induction pack prior to joining the nursery so that they are fully aware of our routine and can discuss this with their child;
Make clear to families from the outset that they will be supported in the nursery for as long as it takes to settle their child;
Reassure parents/carers whose children seem to be taking a long time to settle into nursery and involve them in any strategies employed to achieve a successful outcome.
We recommend that parents/carers send their child for a minimum of two sessions per week in order to maintain familiarity and facilitate settling in. These sessions should usually be taken on different days of the week unless there is some good reason why this is not possible.
Children cannot play or learn successfully if they are anxious and unhappy. Our settling in procedures aim to help parents to help their children to feel comfortable and secure in the nursery and to benefit from what we have to offer them.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 3 - Parents as Partners
Our aim is to work in partnership with parents/carers in providing quality care for their children by fostering positive relationships. In doing this we recognise the vital role parents play in the care and development of their children. We will:
Make all new parents aware of how the nursery operates, its procedures and its curriculum;
Encourage parents to play an active part in the management of the group and to invite all parents to join the committee;
Encourage parents to assist the nursery in its fund-raising events and inform them as to how this money has been spent;
Ensure that parents are informed about their child’s progress through the keyperson system and parent meetings;
Ensure that time is allocated at the end of a session when parents are able to talk to staff in confidence;
Ensure that all parents have opportunities to contribute from their own skills, knowledge and interests to the activities of the group;
Involve parents in shared and confidential record-keeping about their own child, either formally or informally;
Ensure that all parents are informed about annual general meetings through notices on the lobby notice board and a regular newsletter;
Hold meetings in venues that are accessible and appropriate for all; and
Welcome the contribution of all parents, whatever form these may take.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 4 - Complaints Procedure
We aim to provide the highest quality education and care for all our children. We aim to offer a welcome to each individual child and family and to provide a warm and caring environment within which all children can learn and develop as they play.
We believe children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. Our intention is to work in partnership with parents and the community generally and we welcome suggestions on how to improve our setting at any time.
Making Concerns Known
A parent who has concerns about any aspect of the nursery’s provision should firstly talk over any worries with the nursery manager.
If this does not have a satisfactory conclusion within two weeks, or if the problem recurs, the parent should put the concerns or complaint in writing and request a meeting with the manager and the chair of the committee. Both the parent and the manager should have a partner/friend present if required and an agreed written record of the discussion should be made.
Most complaints should be resolved informally at this initial stage, however if the matter is still not resolved to the parents’ satisfaction, they should again contact the chair.
If the parent or group cannot reach agreement, an external mediator, who is acceptable to both parties, will be invited to listen to both sides and offer advice. The mediator will help define the problem, review the action so far and suggest further ways in which it may be resolved. The mediator will keep all discussions confidential, keeping an agreed written record of any meeting held and any advice given.
The manager will keep a record of any complaints made using the Complaints Book and will store this in the private and confidential Complaints File.
The nursery is regulated by OFSTED. Any parent who feels that their complaint has not been dealt with appropriately can contact OFSTED at the address below:
Early Years OFSTED
National Business Unit
Royal Exchange Building
St Anns Square
Manchester
M2 7LA
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 5 - Confidentiality
The nursery’s work with children and families will sometimes bring us into contact with confidential information. To ensure that all those using and working in the nursery can do so with confidence, we will respect confidentiality in the following way:
Parents will have ready access to the files and records of their own children but will not have access to information about any other child;
Staff will not discuss individual children, other than for the purposes of curriculum planning and keyperson meetings, with people other than the parent/carer of that child;
Information given by parents/carers to the nursery manager, keyperson or Committee Member will not be passed on to other adults without permission;
Issues concerning the employment of staff, whether paid or unpaid, will remain confidential to the people directly involved with making personnel decisions;
Any anxieties/evidence relating to the child’s personal safety will be kept in a confidential file and will not be shared within the group except with the child’s keyperson/manager and the chair of the committee;
Students on the PLA and other recognised course observing the nursery will be advised of our confidentiality policy and required to respect it;
Confidential files will be stored in the nursery in a locked cabinet;
Files relating to children who have left the nursery will be retained for the necessary amount of time, as stipulated by Ofsted, and then disposed of in the correct manner.
All the undertakings above are subject to the paramount commitment of the nursery, which is to the safety and the well-being of all our children.
Please also see our policy on Child Protection.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 6 - Equal Opportunities
At Shiplake Village Nursery, we work in accordance with all relevant legislation including:
The Children Act 1989
The Disabled Persons Act 1986
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Race Relations Act 1976
Equal Pay Act 1970
Race Equality Act 2000
Care Standards Act 2000
Human Rights act 1998
Education Act 2002
Revised Standard 9 – Equal Opportunities Act 2003
We believe that all children should:
Have the right to grow and learn in an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination;
Be valued and respected as individuals;
Have their needs recognised and met and be given the opportunity to develop their full potential.
At Shiplake Village Nursery we aim to treat each person as an individual regardless of, for example, their age, gender, marital status, sexuality, race, religion, culture, differing ability or health.
Employment
The nursery will appoint the best person for each job, and all applicants for jobs, and those appointed, will be treated fairly.
Commitment to implementing the nursery’s Equal Opportunities Policy will form part of the job description for all staff.
Families
Our aim is to show respectful awareness of all major events in the lives of the children and families in the nursery, and in our society as a whole, and we welcome and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds from which they come by:
Promoting positive role models;
Working with parents/carers to ensure that children’s individual needs are met;
Welcoming children and their families and treating everyone with courtesy and respect;
Encouraging children to recognise a range of different festivals, together with the stories, celebrations and traditions they involve, as part of the diversity of life;
Inviting families who celebrate at home festivals with which the nursery is not familiar, to share the festivals with the rest of the group, if they wish to do so;
Working within the local and wider community to develop everyone’s knowledge and understanding of the diverse society in which we live;
Providing an anti-biased curriculum;
Ensuring that, as far as possible, every child has full access to the curriculum;
Ensuring that children have access to a range of resources and images that offer a positive and non-stereotypical view of different religions, cultures, genders, family backgrounds, gender, etc;
Encouraging children to notice differences, ask questions and find out about people who are different from themselves;
Challenging and acting upon discriminatory remarks, behaviour and practice;
In the cases of bi-lingual children, making every effort to provide opportunities for them to talk to adults and other children speaking the same language.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 7 - Health and Safety
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes a duty on employers to protect and promote, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their employees whilst at work. This duty is also extended to others who may be affected by that work.
Employees have a statutory duty to take care of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Shiplake Village Nursery is committed to promoting the health and safety of all children, staff, parents and visitors to the nursery. It will therefore be the responsibility of ALL committee members, ALL staff and ALL parents of children attending the group to ensure that this Health and Safety Policy statement and attached Code of Practice is carried out.
The nursery will so far as is reasonably practicable ensure that:
Staff are provided with such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to secure their health and safety at work and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their actions.
One member of the committee and the member of staff specifically responsible for health and safety within the nursery will carry out health and safety inspections of the nursery and surrounding areas used by the nursery each alternate term (once between September and Christmas; once between Christmas and Easter; and once between Easter and summer). These inspections should be documented and available on request.
The committee member responsible for health and safety will attend monthly committee meetings and will be given the opportunity to raise concerns and monitor progress.
Between each inspection the staff and helping parents will monitor the nursery rooms and garden together with all facilities, equipment and activities relating to the nursery on a daily basis for any signs of hazards and associated risks of accidents occurring.
A copy of this policy statement and the attached Code of Practices will be kept in the Health and Safety File for all members of staff to read and sign. It is the manager’s responsibility to ensure that new staff are given this information at the point of induction.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 8 - Special Needs
Shiplake Village Nursery aims to have regard for the DfES Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, and to provide welcome and appropriate learning opportunities, for all children. In order to achieve this, we will:
Appoint a member of staff to be the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO
Ensure our keyperson system of observation and record-keeping, which operates in partnership with parents/carers, enables us to monitor all of our children’s needs and progression on an individual basis.
Ensure that all children have access to a broad-based curriculum, irrespective of their special educational need.
Explore all opportunities to provide extra resources to match the individual needs of children.
Work in liaison with staff outside the group including therapists, health visitors, psychologists, social workers, etc, in order to meet children’s specific needs. We will also help parents/carers in obtaining help and advice from these agencies.
Provide appropriate opportunities for the development of every child’s self-esteem and encourage full integration into the setting.
Ensure that staff are given appropriate training and support.
Regularly review the child’s needs in consultation with parents/carers and appropriate professionals in order to provide a planned and co-ordinated provision for the child.
The Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) will:
Consult with keypersons to establish which children are giving cause for concern;
Plan the observation and assessment of identified children to establish any SEN;
Take the lead in planning future support for children with SEN in conjunction with the parents/carers and keyperson;
Approach and liaise with outside agencies if required;
Offer support and advice to staff and parents/carers as follows;
- a) attend meetings between staff, parents/carers and outside agencies,
- b) write Individual Education Plans,
- Monitor and review any action taken;
Complete and maintain a current Register of Special Needs;
Gather, record and update any relevant background information for children with SEN;
Attend training and be up-to-date with any changes in legislation or procedures for SEN;
Keep staff up-to-date and provide training where necessary.
All children will be observed and assessed on a regular basis as part of the keyperson system. If the keyperson or parents/carers have any concerns about the child, the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) will work with both parties to observe the child, assess their needs and offer advice.
After consultation with the parents, the child will be placed on the Special Needs Register and then the parents, keyperson and SENCO will meet to draw up an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the child. This stage is known as Early Years Action.
The IEP will be reviewed at regular intervals by the SENCO, parents/carers and keyperson to ensure that it continues to meet the child’s needs.
If the IEP is reviewed and:
The parents/carers or keyperson still have concerns about the child;
The child does not make progress;
More advice is needed to help the child;
then, with parental consent, the SENCO will seek external support. The child will then be at the Early Years Action Plus Stage.
External support can help with new IEPs and targets for the child, give advice and help, and provide more specialist assessments. The action taken at this stage will also be subject to regular reviews and consultations by all concerned.
If the child needs further help, a multi-professional assessment will be made to establish whether a child needs a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 9 - Child Protection
We intend to create in our Nursery an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.
The child’s welfare and safety is paramount and we will always act in the best interests of the child. With this proviso, the nursery will do all in its power to support and work with the child’s family. In order to achieve this, we will:
- 1. Ensure that staff complete satisfactory employment checks as follows:
All applicants, whether paid or voluntary will be interviewed before any appointment is made and will be asked to provide at least two references, which will be followed up. In the case of applicants with unexplained gaps in their employment history, or who have moved rapidly from one job to another, explanations will be sought.
All staff, both paid and voluntary are subject to a statutory police check and in connection with this, all appointments will be subject to a probationary period and will not be confirmed unless the nursery is confident that the applicant can be safely entrusted with children.
Prevent abuse by means of good practice.
Ensure that anyone who has not undergone or completed the statutory checks will be supervised at all times and will not be left alone with the children under any circumstances.
Ensure that staff needing to take a child aside will leave the door ajar if leaving the room.
Ensure that only staff members are permitted to take children to the toilet.
Encourage children to develop a sense of self-worth and independence through adult support in making choices and in finding names for their own feelings and acceptable ways to express them. This will enable children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to articulate their feelings.
Ensure that the layout of the nursery and the garden will permit constant supervision of all children.
Ensure that adults do not put themselves in a position where their behaviour could be seen to be inappropriate.
Appoint a designated Child Protection Co-ordinator (currently the nursery manager)
The role of the Child Protection Co-ordinator is to:
Maintain up-to-date records on child protection guidelines and related topics;
Advise staff on child protection matters;
Arrange and co-ordinate staff training in child protection;
Ensure that staff are aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse;
Ensure that staff know the correct procedures to follow in suspected cases of abuse;
Support children, parents and staff members through any suspected cases of abuse;
Liaise with Social Services as appropriate;
Respond appropriately to suspicions of abuse.
The manager will normally discuss any concerns about individual children, in the first instance with the child’s parents, although well-founded suspicions will be referred to Social Services.
If a member of staff suspects a child is being abused they will discuss their concerns with the manager and Child Protection Co-ordinator (if this is not also the manager).
The nursery operates in accordance with the Oxfordshire Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Confidential records (see procedures below concerning record keeping guidelines) kept on children about whom the nursery is anxious, will be shared with the Social Services department if the nursery feels that adequate explanations for changes in the child’s condition have not been provided.
If a report on a child is made to the authorities, the child’s parents will be informed at the time the report is made unless, in the opinion of the Child Protection Co-ordinator, it would put that child at risk.
If a member of staff is suspected of abuse, the Child Protection Co-ordinator will inform Social Services and ask for advice. (The member of staff in question may be suspended whilst an investigation takes place.)
Where abuse at home is suspected, the nursery will continue to welcome the child and family whilst any investigations proceed.
Record Keeping
Any concerns, signs or symptoms of abuse will recorded as follows:
A specific and confidential record will be set up, quite separate from the usual on-going records of progress and development;
The appropriate forms will be used (these can be found in the Child Protection File stored in the nursery in the Private and Confidential File);
The record will include details of the child, timed and dated observations, describing objectively the child’s behaviour/appearance, without comment or interpretation; where possible, the exact words spoken by the child; the dated name and signature of the recorder;
All such records will be kept in a separate file and will only be accessible to the manager, Child Protection Co-ordinator, chair and keyperson.
The Nursery will take every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relationships between families, staff and volunteers in the group.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 10 - Behaviour Management
At Shiplake Village Nursery, we believe that it is important for all children to learn to behave in a caring and appropriate way in order to allow them to develop self-discipline and self-esteem. We aim to achieve this by:
Treating all children and adults with courtesy and respect;
Providing positive role models for the children at all times;
Promoting a sense and understanding of what is right and wrong;
Setting children clear and consistent goals and boundaries;
Ensuring that all staff are aware of these boundaries and that they are consistent in their strategies and actions in implementing them;
Working in partnership with parents;
Encouraging children to share and care for each other, staff and other visitors to the nursery;
Encouraging children to care for and respect their environment;
Taking positive steps to avoid a situation in which children receive adult attention only in return for undesirable behaviour;
Encouraging and praising desirable behaviour.
All children may at some time show unacceptable behaviour and, when this happens at the nursery, it will be managed in a developmentally appropriate way, respecting individual children’s levels of understanding and maturity. Positive strategies will be used such as:
Early intervention to avoid disagreements;
Distracting children if they become frustrated;
Encouraging appropriate behaviour by setting reasonable and attainable targets;
Encouraging children to settle disputes by compromise and negotiation;
Time out with adult support (parents will always be informed if a time out situation has been necessary);
Helping children to understand what is and what is not acceptable behaviour;
Encouraging children to think about how the other person feels.
Staff will maintain a calm and consistent approach at all times. They will not shout or raise their voices in a threatening way.
Physical punishment or humiliation will be neither threatened nor used in any circumstances.
Situations will be dealt with immediately to avoid escalation. If a child continues to show signs of unacceptable behaviour, the manager will discuss this with the child’s parents. They will then agree a plan of action for parents and staff to work on together to maintain a consistent approach. The manager will ensure that records are kept concerning this and that appropriate measures are taken to review a planned strategy.
When disputes occur between children, staff are to follow guidelines regarding the completion of the incident book. Completion of the confidential daily records will also serve to pinpoint any patterns of behaviour which cause concern.
Staff may need to enlist the help of the Childcare Development Team if unacceptable behaviour continues despite the above strategies but only with the written permission of the parents.
Staff will be aware that some kinds of behaviour may arise from a child’s special needs.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 11 - Anti-bullying
At Shiplake Village Nursery, we believe that it is important for all children to learn to behave in a caring and appropriate way in order to allow them to develop self-discipline and self-esteem. As a result we have a clear Behaviour Management Policy.
In addition to this, we have the following policy and procedures regarding bullying.
Bullying, in any form, is not tolerated at Shiplake Village Nursery. This applies to all children and adults in the setting.
Procedures for Staff
Staff will act upon any incidence of bullying between children and use the positive strategies outlined in the Behaviour Management Policy.
They will inform the parents of the children involved and follow guidelines regarding the completion of the incident book. Completion of the confidential daily records will also serve to pinpoint any patterns of behaviour, which cause concern.
Procedures for Parents
If a parent is concerned that their child is being bullied:
In the first instance, they should contact the nursery and talk to the manager
The manager will then record the concerns and act upon them immediately, giving feedback to the parents on the investigations and any strategies that will be employed
Staff must have regard to the Confidentiality Policy and not discuss individual children with people other than the parents/carers of that child
If parents still feel that the situation has not been resolved satisfactorily then the nursery Complaints Procedures would need to be implemented.
Procedures for All Adults in the Setting
If an adult in the nursery is concerned about bullying in any shape or form, eg:
if they are being bullied by another adult themselves;
if they are concerned that a child is being bullied by another child or adult;
if they are concerned that another adult is being bullied by someone else in the nursery;
they would first need to approach the manager of the nursery who would act upon this immediately following the Complaints Procedure.
However, if an adult feels that they cannot approach the manager in this situation for whatever reason, they would have recourse to address the chair of the committee who would also follow the Complaints Procedures.
In all cases the Confidentiality Policy must be adhered to.
Reference should also be made to the Behaviour Management Policy and the Child Protection Policy.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 12 - Food and Diet
The sharing of refreshments can play an important part in the social life of the nursery as well as reinforcing the children’s understanding of the importance of healthy eating. The nursery will ensure that:
Children will be given 1/3 pint pasteurised milk during morning snack time;
Drinks at other times in the day will be squash or water;
If any child does not drink milk, then water will be provided;
Children will not bring drinks from home for snack time;
Snacks will be appropriately and nutritiously chosen;
Children will be given a piece of fruit to eat before biscuits or other snacks;
Any allergies or dietary requirements should be brought to the attention of the manager prior to starting nursery and shall be posted on the notice board so all staff are aware;
Any changes in dietary requirements should be brought to the attention of the manager immediately;
Staff will ensure that children will wash their hands before eating or handling food;
Where children bring packed lunches, parents/carers are requested NOT to send in any food containing nuts to protect all children at the nursery;
Parents/carers are requested to send children to nursery with a suitably nutritious packed lunch - fizzy drinks are not to be included in lunch boxes;
If staff feel that children are continually coming to nursery with unsuitable lunches, they will discuss the matter with the child’s parents/carer;
Children’s lunch boxes will be stored in a fridge in the kitchen;
All biscuits and fruit will be stored in the allocated drawer in the nursery room or in the fridge/cupboard in the kitchen;
Children will be encouraged to help with the serving and clearing away at snack times;
Children will be provided with a drink bottle for water when they join the nursery and they should bring this, or a similar, spill-proof, bottle each day they attend the nursery.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 13 - Equipment
The toys and equipment in our nursery provide opportunities for children to develop new skills and concepts in the course of their play and exploration. The equipment we provide:
Is appropriate for the ages and developmental stages of the children;
Offers challenges for developing skills in the six areas of learning;
Features positive images of people, both male and female, from a range of ethnic and cultural groups, with and without disabilities;
Includes a range of raw materials, which can be used in a variety of ways and encourages an open-ended approach to creativity and problem solving;
Will enable children, with adult support where necessary, to develop individual potential and move toward achieving stepping stones in the early learning goals;
Conforms to all relevant safety regulations and is sound, clean and well-made;
Toys that encourage or promote violent behaviour will not be allowed on the premises.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 14 - Student Placement
We recognise that the quality and variety of work which goes on in a pre-school makes an ideal situation for students on placement from school and college childcare courses, those on the Diploma in Pre-school Practice, NVQ courses in childcare, etc. We will also consider students from local secondary schools on work experience programmes.
Students are welcome in the nursery on the following conditions:
The needs of the children are paramount;
Students will not be permitted in numbers that hinder the essential work of the nursery;
Students must be confirmed by their tutor as being engaged in a bona fide childcare course that provides necessary background understanding of children’s development and activities;
Students required to conduct child studies will obtain written permission from the parents of the child to be studied;
Any information gained by the students about the children, families or other adults in the nursery must remain confidential;
Students will be accompanied by a member of staff at all times and will not be left alone with the children;
Students will not be included in the adult:child ratio;
The manager of the nursery will be available to encourage and mentor students if requested to do so.
If students over the age of 18 will be coming into the nursery for a series of visits, they will be required to undergo a CRB check in the same way as permanent members are staff.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 15 - Staffing and Employment
A high adult:child ratio is an OFSTED requirement and is essential in providing good quality pre-school care.
At Shiplake Village Nursery we ensure that we strictly comply with OFSTED requirements and have a minimum adult to child ratio as follows:
Children under 3 – 1:4
Children aged 3 and over – 1:8
Our keyperson system ensures that each child and his/her family has a designated member of staff who takes a special interest in them’
Regular staff meetings provide opportunities for staff to undertake curriculum planning and to subsequently review the effectiveness of these plans for future development.
We work in accordance with our Equal Opportunities Policy and seek to offer job opportunities to all appropriate applicants, both women and men, with and without disabilities, from all religions, social, ethnic and cultural groups.
At least half of our staff will hold the Diploma in Pre-school Practice, or an equivalent qualification.
Regular in-service training is available to all staff, both paid and voluntary.
Our budget includes an allocation towards training costs.
We support the work of our staff by means of regular monitoring, staff appraisals and opportunities for continuing professional development
We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant and current legislation.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 16 - Medical
In order to safeguard the health and well-being of all children and adults in the setting, we will act within the following guidelines:
Children suffering from infectious diseases will be excluded from the nursery until the period of possible infection has expired. Staff will refer to the PLA guidelines and the nursery’s own medical information guidelines which are kept in the nursery in the PLA Accident Prevention and First Aid folder.
All new staff will be given a copy of our medical guidelines and any special protocol.
The staff reserve the right to send a child home if they are of the opinion that the child is not well enough to be at nursery.
If a child is seen to have live head lice in their hair, the parents will be asked to immediately remove that child from the nursery. In addition, all parents will be advised by letter that as a case of head lice has occurred at the nursery, they are requested to check their own child’s hair and act accordingly.
Parents will be given a medical details form and an emergency treatment form to complete when their child starts nursery. These details are kept with the children’s individual records in the private and confidential filing cabinet in the nursery.
The parents/carers are obliged to inform the nursery of any change to their child’s medical needs.
Where children or adults in the setting have special medical needs, these will be advised to staff with clear guidelines regarding emergency procedures. The protocol will also be displayed in the nursery by the telephone and in the child’s own records.
If a child of a member of the nursery staff is unwell in such a way as they may be infectious or may have a detrimental effect on the running of the nursery, they will not accompany their parent to work in the nursery.
Guidelines titled ‘Playroom and Shiplake Village Nursery Work/Play Areas’ incorporated in the Health and Safety Policy also need to be referred to regarding medical matters.
Staff will ensure that they keep complete and confidential records regarding any matter arising. If a child needs to go home, for whatever reason, staff will ensure that the parent/carer completes the signing in/out book, that an incident form is completed and signed by both a member of staff and the parent/carer, and that the confidential daily records are completed.
Staff will always consult the person in charge of the session before taking any action.
If a child has a head injury, staff will give the parent/carer a copy of our head injury guidelines on collecting the child, even if the injury appears to be very minor.
If staff have any doubts regarding any medical matter, they will always err on the side of caution. The safety of all children and adults in the setting is our primary concern.
This policy is to be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety policy and procedures.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
Policy 17 – Fees
Shiplake Village Nursery invoices are delivered during the first week of term to all caregivers, with a two-week period allowed for payment of the non-funded amount. Funding is assumed to be granted for all eligible children up to a limit of five sessions per week total (either wholly at Shiplake Nursery or spread across a number of pre-school education providers). Funding is applied for directly by the Nursery on the caregivers’ behalf and is therefore not required as payment by the caregiver unless there is an issue of funding not being received up to the full or pro-rated amount as expected due to a miscommunication of sessions attended at other providers. In this instance, it is expected that caregiver will refund the shortfall in funding to the nursery.
In the event that payment of the invoice is outstanding following the two week payment period, an automatic 5% interest charge will be added weekly to the total outstanding amount owing. Should the invoice remain unpaid, the nursery will assume a Breach of Contract position and reserves the right to take two forms of action:
Notify the caregiver of the withdrawal of services and the exclusion of the child from future pre-school sessions.
Commence legal action to reclaim owing fees, for example, via the small claims court.
Should the caregiver notify the nursery committee immediately upon receipt of the original invoice that they may have difficulty in paying the full invoice amount within the specified two-week period, the nursery committee will then work with them to arrange an acceptable schedule of payment which may, or may not, include the 5% interest charge depending on the individual circumstances. If, however, the schedule is not adhered to in any form, a Breach of Contract will again be assumed and subsequent action taken.
It is worth noting that the nursery employs a ‘one term’s cancellation’ policy, and any fees outstanding under this policy will be treated in a similar manner.
- To be reviewed in July 2009
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