Early Years Nursery Policies
Admissions Policy (non-funded children)
On applying to the Early Years Nursery, if a waiting list applies, selection is made according to date of application. Exceptions may be made on application supported by a report from the child’s health visitor or other recognised professional.
We welcome children with special needs and support with extra staff as necessary.
Children can start Early Years Nursery when they are two years old. Parents/carers will be asked to fill in a form to book a place for their child, enabling staff to plan ahead. The cost of each 2 ½ hour session is as laid down in our pricing structure, available upon request. Fees will be payable in advance at the beginning of each half term.
Help with fees may be available to families where applicable via The Pre-School Learning Alliance www.pre-school.org.uk.
If sessions cannot go ahead due to staff illness/adverse weather conditions i.e snow, sessions cannot be changed to compensate for the lost session. The cost of the session will automatically be refunded to the parent/carer.
Local Authority 2, 3 and 4 year old funding Admissions
Funding from the local authority becomes available the term after your child turns three (current legislation entitles 2, 3 and 4 year olds 15/30 hours free flexible early education at an early years
registered provider). The child will be offered up to 5 funded sessions which will be mutually agreed. If the child’s available funding is being used at a different childcare facility, fees will be payable to Colden Early Years Nursery at the non-funded rate as laid down in the playgroups fee structure. Fees will be payable in advance at the beginning of each half term. Colden Early Years Nursery admissions procedures are separate from those of Colden School and a nursery place in the Nursery does not guarantee a place at Colden school.
Mission Statement
Colden Early Years Nursery's mission statement is to provide an inclusive, friendly, homely environment for the children to experiment and explore safely, allowing them to develop to their full potential”
Our Pre-school is open to all members of the community
We advertise our services
We reflect the diversity of members of our society in our publicity and promotional materials
We provide information in clear, concise language, whether in spoken or written form
We will endeavour to provide information in different languages if and as required
We base our admissions policy on a fair system
We do not discriminate against a child with a disability or refuse a child entry to our preschool because of any disability
We ensure that all parents are made aware of our equal opportunities policy
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and the five outcomes for every child matters: Staying safe, enjoy and achieve, be healthy, achieve economic wellbeing and make a positive contribution.
Settling in Policy
We want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the nursery and to feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents/carers to have confidence in both their child’s well-being and their role as active partners with the nursery.
We aim to make the Early Years Nursery a welcome place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families.
Before a child starts to attend the Early Years Nursery, we use a variety of ways to provide his/her parents/carers with information. These include written information (including copies of our Parent Pack and policies), displays about nursery activities, information days and evenings and individual meetings with parents.
Any-time before a child is enrolled we provide opportunities for the child and his/her parents/carers to visit the Early Years Nursery.
When a child starts to attend we work with his/her parents/carers to decide on the best way to help the child settle into Early Years Nursery.
We allocate a Key Person to each child and his/her family before he/she starts to attend; the Key Person welcomes and looks after the child and his/her parents/carers at the child’s first session.
We offer a flexible settling in system where parents/carers are encouraged to leave for short periods gradually building up into the whole session. In our experience this works well; often a child will take longer to settle in the presence of a parent/carer.
Transition Policy
It is our aim at Colden Early Years Nursery to make the transition between Early Years Nursery and Colden School (as appropriate) an enjoyable one.
We share our garden and toilets with reception and year one. This helps the children become familiar with their surroundings.
We meet with the reception teacher once a month to discuss planning, any events we could join in etc.
The last term before the children move up into reception the children enjoy sessions in the reception class. This helps them get used to the teacher and support assistant.
If the child is going to another school we encourage parents to bring in pictures and names of the new teacher so we can talk about it with the child.
All records we keep are given to the parents who are asked to pass on to the reception teacher. We complete an overall report and parents can share this with the reception teacher.
Any records relating to SEN (special education needs) will be passed directly to the receiving teacher with the parent’s consent.
Parental Involvement
We believe that parents, play leaders and volunteers are partners in the development of good care and education practices. It is the policy of this group to support parental involvement in the group’s management structure, to ensure that parents have a part to play in the style of the provision, the play activities and the policies of the group.
Children benefit most from the nursery education and care when parents and nursery work together in partnership.
We will:
Support parents as their children’s first and most important educators.
Involve parents in the life of the nursery and their children’s education through access to written information and through regular informal communication.
Ensure ongoing dialogue with parents to improve our knowledge of the needs of their children and to support their families.
Inform all parents about how the group is run and its policies.
Inform all parents on a regular basis about their children’s progress.
Involve parents in the shared record keeping about their children-either formally or informally, and ensure parents have access to their children’s written records.
Provide opportunities for parents to contribute their own skills, knowledge and interests to the activities of the group.
Special Needs / Inclusion Policy
Special Needs
Colden Early Years Nursery welcomes all children regardless of need or disability, where we feel we can meet those needs within nursery or with help from outside agencies and in partnership with parents/carers. The Trustees/Management Committee of Colden Early Years Nursery has overall responsibility for making provision for nursery children with Special Educational Needs. The day-to-day management and provision is the responsibility of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), Lisa Kennaugh, supported by Miezyl Ransom, Early Years Practitioner. In the Early Years Education Foundation Stage, it is expected that children will develop at very different rates. However, if after careful observation and monitoring, a child has needs that can only be met by provision that is different from or additional to the normal differentiated Early Years Curriculum, then intervention through Early Years Action is triggered. Early Years Action is a mechanism by which specific interventions in the form of writing an Individual Learning Plan (IEP) with agreed targets is put into place after discussion with staff, parents and child. The IEP will be constantly reviewed. We focus on one or two short-term targets at a time. These will be reviewed termly with parents and over a period of 3-4 months with staff and will contain details of extra resources or staff input needed.
In the event of Early Years Action intervention resulting in limited progress being made or more information being needed, Early Years Action Plus is triggered. This involves a referral being made for help, support and information from outside agencies. These may include speech therapists, educational psychologists, health visitors etc. A multi-disciplinary approach may be needed to IEPs and parents’ consent will be sought when referrals are made. Occasionally, if the child’s progress is still giving cause for concern, parents or Early Years Settings can make a request to the Local Education Authority (LEA) for a statutory assessment. In the case of a request from Early Years Settings, this applies to children from the age of three years. The LEA is then responsible for deciding whether a statutory assessment is required or not; Colden Early Years Nursery will then follow the LEA guidelines. If a statutory Statement of Special Education Needs is made or is already in place, Colden Early Years Nursery will respond to the recommendations made in the statement by continuing to write and review IEPs and an annual review will also be held.
The Special Needs policy is evaluated by the staff, SENCO and Management Committee annually using termly reviews, pupil records, IEPs, informal parent/carer contact and group discussion.
This policy is drawn up with reference to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice, issued November 2001 and implemented January 2002 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005. Inclusion Policy
Colden Early Years Nursery welcomes all children and staff, whatever race, colour, ethnic or national origin. We endeavour to cater for all needs and disabilities and the setting is wheelchair friendly with access to the outdoor area and toilets. Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Lisa Kennaugh and she, along with other staff, identifies any difficulties a child may have. She then plans approaches and strategies and liases with parents, carers and other agencies. We work to provide an inclusive environment by ensuring that we have suitable resources for all the children.
We have a key person system in place so that we can assess and plan for individual children. Long, medium and short term planning is differentiated to include approaches and activities suitable for individual needs. Teaching styles are adapted and reviewed in order to cater for specific needs.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance (EYFS) which is a play based guidance that was introduced in 2008 and it promotes inclusive practice in meeting the needs of all children. The main aim is to help children achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes;
Staying safe
Being Healthy
Enjoying and achieving
Making a positive contribution
Achieving economic well-being
Equality and Diversity Policy
Our Pre-school nursery is committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory/ bias practice for all children and families.
We value and respect their diversity and welcome all children, supporting each child’s individual needs, without stereotype or discrimination.
We aim to;
Include and value the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality and diversity.
Provide positive non stereotyping information about different ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
Improve our knowledge and understanding of issues of equality and diversity and make inclusion a thread which runs throughout all activities of the nursery.
Avoid stereotypes or derogatory images in the selection of materials, celebrating a wide range of festivals.
Create an environment of mutual respect and tolerance.
Help children understand that discriminatory behaviour and remarks are unacceptable
Ensure that the curriculum offered is inclusive of children with special needs and children with disabilities.
Ensure that children whose first language is not English have full access to the curriculum and are supported in their learning.
Ensure that the nursery is accessible to disabled children and adults.
Provide a positive environment, which promotes a better knowledge and understanding of the world around us, include children being aware of people and their differences.
Promote play and learning experiences which will encourage interaction between children and adults of different gender, social, cultural, impairment abilities, linguistic and religious background, in ways which are likely to promote the development of mutual understanding and respect.
The legal framework for this policy is: Single Equality Act 2010
Employment of staff
Posts are advertised and all applications are judged against explicit and fair criteria. The applicant who best meets the criteria is offered the post subject to references and checks by the Criminal Bureau. This ensures fairness in the selection process. All job descriptions include a commitment to equality and diversity as part of their specifications. We also monitor our application process to ensure that it is fair and accessible. Induction process and staff suitability is done by the manager prior to starting.
Training for staff
We seek out training opportunities for staff and volunteers to enable them to develop practices which enable all children to flourish.
We review our practices to ensure that we are fully implementing our policy for equality and diversity.
The legal framework for this policy is: Single Equality Act 2010
Safeguarding Policy
The safety, welfare and protection of each child is paramount at Colden Early Years Nursery. Lisa Kennaugh, as named Manager, has responsibility for ensuring the nursery has adequate procedures in place for the management of allegations against persons who work with children within the setting.
Throughout it is the policy of the playgroup to follow Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance which recommends to use ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused‘, and to follow procedures as laid down by the Calderdale Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB), www.calderdale-scb.org.uk.
Signs and disclosures of abuse will be treated seriously and acted upon as necessary.
To safeguard the interests of both staff and children the nursery ensures:
Staff support and Training
All staff have their references verified
An up to date CRB form is obtained
All staff have a copy of the Nurserys Safeguarding policy shown to them and a signature is obtained
All staff are aware of the Calderdale Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB)
All staff follow the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance
All staff are aware of the Children Act 1989 as updated 2004 Childcare Act 2006
All staff are aware of the main indicators of child abuse and are aware of the correct procedures to follow
All staff are instructed to report their suspicions in the first instance to the Senior Manager
All allegations made by a child against a member of staff will be fully recorded in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Board - Calderdale Safeguarding Children Board, Safeguarding Unit,
Adult and Children’s Services
Multi-agency Screening Team (MAST)
Princess Building, Princess Street, Halifax, HX1 1TS
Tel- 01422 393336
Fax- 01422 392875
SECURE EMAIL: (from secure emails only): mastadmin@calderdale.gov.uk
The contact numbers for reporting safeguarding concerns are:
Multi Agency Screening Team (MAST): 01422 393336
Emergency Duty Team (for Out of Hours): 01422 288000
MAST@calderdale.gcsx.gov.uk
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 01422 394055 / 07769 886090
cpadmin@calderdale.gov.uk
Police Safeguarding Unit: 01422 337041
Prevent: 07702 656834
Sadia.hussain@calderdale.gov.uk
Every effort will be made to minimise time when members of staff are left alone with a child. Staff will never carry out a personal task for children that they can do themselves. In the event of there being a witness to an accident, they should sign the records to confirm this.
Dealing with Allegations
The Pre-school is committed to ensuring it meets its responsibilities in respect to child protection. On discovering an allegation of abuse, the designated Senior Manager will immediately refer the case to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) contactable on 01422 394055 / 07769 886090. OFSTED will be informed of any allegations of abuse against a member of staff that is alleged to have taken place on the premises or during a visit or outing
Staff are encouraged to trust their professional judgement and if they suspect abuse has or is taking place to report this .Full written records of all reported incidents will be produced and maintained. Full details of the alleged incident will be recorded along with details of all parties involved- dates, times and location and any supporting information or evidence from members of staff will be recorded
All records will be kept confidentially to include a clear and comprehensive record of any allegations made, details of how the allegation was followed up and resolved, and details of any action taken and decisions reached. Such information will be retained on file, including for people who leave the organisation, at least until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 10 years if that will be longer.
In circumstances where a child makes an allegation, the member of staff will:
Listen fully to all the child has to say
Make no observable judgement
Ensure that the child is safe, comfortable and not left alone
Make no promises that cannot be kept, such as promising not to tell anybody what they are been told
In the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff
Where a Senior Manager/employer believes information meets the criteria of an allegation, a referral should be made within 1 day to the LADO.
Wherever possible, the LADO referral form should be used and can be accessed by clicking here. The LADO is contactable also on 01422 394055 / 07769 886090. The advice of the LADO should be followed in all cases.
Behaviour Management Policy
"Children must be provided with experiences and support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others; respect for others; social skills and a positive disposition to learn". (Early Years Foundation Stage practice guidance p24)
In order for children to flourish, they require an ordered environment in which everyone knows what is expected of them. Children are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt or made unhappy by anyone else. At the playgroup we aim to provide an environment where children learn to respect themselves, other people and their environment.
To meet this aim:
Lisa Kennaugh has overall responsibility for issues concerning behaviour including:-
Keeping all staff members up-to-date with legislation and research
Ensuring staff have relevant in-service training on handling children's behaviour.
We require all staff to provide a positive model of behaviour by treating children, parents and one another, with friendliness, care and courtesy.
We require all staff to use positive strategies for handling any conflict by helping children find solutions in ways which are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development (for example, distraction, praise and reward).
We familiarise new staff with the nursery’s Behaviour Management Policy and its rules for behaviour.
We expect all members of the nursery - children, parents/ carers and staff to keep to the rules, requiring these to be applied consistently.
We praise and endorse desirable behaviour, such as kindness and a willingness to share.
We avoid creating situations in which children receive adult attention only in return for undesirable behaviour.
We recognise that codes for interacting with other people vary between cultures and require staff to be aware of and respect those used by members of the playgroup.
We help children who behave in unacceptable ways, to see what was wrong and how to cope more appropriately.
We never use physical punishment, such as smacking or shaking and children are never threatened with these.
We do not use techniques intended to single out and humiliate individual children.
We only use physical restraint, such as holding, to prevent physical injury to children or adults. Details of such an event (what happened, what action was taken and by whom) are brought to the attention of the playgroup manager and are recorded in our Behavioural Book. A parent is informed on the same day and signs the Behavioural Book to indicate that he/she has been informed.
We immediately make clear, in cases of serious misbehaviour, such as racial or other abuse, the unacceptability of the behaviour and attitudes, by means of explanations rather than personal blame.
We do not shout or raise our voices in a threatening way, to respond to children's behaviour.
We work in partnership with children's parents. Parents are regularly informed about their child's behaviour by their Key Person. We work with parents to address recurring, unacceptable behaviour, using objective observation records to help us to understand the cause and to decide jointly, how to respond appropriately.
Children must be given freedom to develop in an individual way without interference from adults. Children have a right to happiness and it is the policy of this playgroup to encourage the healthy development of the whole child.
Confidentiality Policy
Parents can be assured that any information given to Colden Early Years Nursery is confidential, unless it is a child protection issue.
Staff are aware that no information should be passed on to a third party without the parents consent.
It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their parents and carers whilst ensuring that they access high quality pre-school care and education.
We aim to ensure all parents and carers can share their information in the confidence that it will only be used to enhance the welfare of their children.
We respect confidentiality in the following ways;
Parents have ready access to the files and records of their own children only
Staff will not discuss personal information given by parents with other members of staff except where it effects planning for the child’s needs
Staff induction includes an awareness of the importance of confidentiality in the role of the key person
Any concerns/evidence relating to a child’s safety are kept in a secure, confidential file
Personal information about the children and their families are kept securely in a lockable file whilst remaining as accessible as possible
Issues to do with employed staff, whether paid or unpaid, remain confidential to the people directly involved with making personnel decisions
Students on pre-school learning alliance or other recognised qualifications and training, when they are observing in the pre-school, are advised of our confidentially policy and are required to respect it
Equipment and Resources Policy
Colden Early Years Nursery believes that high quality care and education is promoted by providing children with safe, clean, age and stage appropriate resources, toys and equipment.
Our aim is to provide children with resources and equipment which helps to consolidate and extend their knowledge, skills, interests and aptitudes.
In order to achieve this we
Provide play equipment and resources which are safe and where applicable conform with the BSEN safety standards of toys (safety regulation 1995)
Provide a sufficient quantity of equipment and resources for the number of children
Provide resources which promote all areas of children’s learning and development which may be child or adult led
Select books, equipment and resources which promote positive images of people of all races, cultures and abilities, are non discriminatory and avoid racial and gender stereotyping
Provide play equipment and resources which promote continuity and progression
Provide sufficient challenges and meet the needs and interests of the children
Provide made, natural recycled materials which are clean, in good condition and safe for the children to use
Provide furniture which is suitable for children and adults
Store and display resources and equipment where children can independently choose and select them
Check all resources and equipment regularly as they are set out at the beginning of session and put away at the end of the session
Repair, clean or replace any unsafe, worn out, dirty or damaged equipment and log it in the maintenance book
We keep an inventory of equipment and resources so we can review and balance resources and equipment to help support a range of activities across the areas of play, learning and development
We provide adequate insurance cover for the pre-schools resources and equipment
We use the local and toy library to introduce new books and a variety of resources to support the children’s interests and plan the provision of activities and appropriate resources so that a balance of familiar equipment and resources and new exiting challenges are offered.
Health and Safety Policy
Colden Early Years Nursery believes that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We aim to make children, parents and staff aware of the health and safety issues and to
minimise the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.
The member of staff responsible for health and safety is Lisa Kennaugh. She is competent to carry out these responsibilities and take regular training. We display the certificates on the kitchen wall.
Risk Assessment
Our risk assessment process includes:
Checking for hazards and risks indoors and outside, and in our activities and procedures
Deciding which areas need attention and developing an action plan which specifies the action required, the timescales for action, the person responsible for the action and any funding required
We maintain lists of health and safety issues which are checked:
Daily before the session begins
Weekly
Termly-when a full risk assessment is carried out
Insurance Cover
We have public liability insurance and employers liability insurance, the certificate is on the notice board in the foyer.
Raising Awareness of Health and Safety
Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues so that all adults are able to adhere to our policy and understand their shared responsibility for health and safety. The induction training covers matters of employee well-being, including safe lifting and the storage of potentially dangerous substances
Records are kept of these induction training sessions and new staff and volunteers are asked to sign the records to confirm that they have taken part
Health and safety issues are explained to the parents of new children so that they understand the part they play in the daily life of pre -school
As necessary, health and safety training is included in the annual training plans of staff and it is discussed regularly at staff meetings
We have a no smoking policy
Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines
Children’s Safety
Only persons who have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and are registered with OFSTED as a child carer have unsupervised access to the children, including helping them with toileting
Adults do not supervise children on their own
All children are supervised by two adults at all times
Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults are present
Security
Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children, the times of the childs arrivals and departure are recorded
The arrival and departure of all staff, visitors and volunteers is recorded
The personal belongings of staff and volunteers are stored in the office during sessions
Low level windows are made from materials which prevent accidental breakage
Windows above the ground floor are secured so that children cannot climb through them
Kitchen
All surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven or damaged
Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen
All surfaces are clean and non-porous
There is separate washing up and hand washing facilities
Coloured cloths are in place for cleaning
Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored out of children’s reach
When children take part in cooking activities they are supervised at all times, are kept away from hot water and hot surfaces
Electrical/Gas Equipment
All electric/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly
Our boiler/electrical switches are not accessible to the children
All sockets, wires and leads are covered and guarded from the children
There are sufficient sockets to prevent over loading
The temperature of hot water is controlled and tested each month
Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas including storage areas
Storage
All resources and materials which children select are stored safely
All equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing
Outdoor area
Our outdoor area is securely fenced
Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish before it is used
Adults and children are alerted to the dangers of poisonous plants, herbicides and pesticides
Our outdoor sandpit is covered when not in use
All outdoor activities are supervised at all times
Trips and Outings Policy
On any outings reference must be made to Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements with regard to ratio of adults to children and safety aspects and the guidelines must be followed.
Written permission for the child to participate must be collected from parent/carer. Written plans and risk assessment for the outings must be shown to at least two members of the management committee beforehand. Insurance details must be checked. Registers with contact numbers and sick/accident books must be taken with staff on outings as well as mobile numbers and permission forms. Our adult to child ratio is high, one adult to two children. The children are appropriately supervised to ensure no child gets lost and that there is no unauthorised access to children. Records are kept of the vehicles used to transport children with named drivers and appropriate insurance cover. Parents will also be invited to join us on any trips and outings.
Lost Child Policy
Children will be supervised at all times, but in the event of a child going missing while in our care, the following procedures will be followed:
Any staff member who realises there is a problem will inform the other staff members immediately
The grounds and buildings will be searched
The childs parents/carers emergency contacts will be informed as a matter of urgency
Staff will liaise with parents/carers about contacting the police
If parents/carers emergency contacts are un-contactable, staff will inform the police after building/ground searches have been made
Staff will contact the local care services department Tel:01422 393336
Staff will contact OFSTED Tel: 03001231231
A written record of the incident will be made and signed by staff and parents
Anti-Bullying Policy
Bullying
Bullying is action taken by one or more children with the deliberate intention of hurting another child, either physically or emotionally. Bullying is wrong and damages individual children. We therefore do all we can to prevent it by developing an ethos in which bullying is regarded as unacceptable. Staff support all children within the group, thus establishing a climate of trust and respect for all. By praising, rewarding and celebrating the success of all children, we aim to prevent incidents of bullying.
Aims
We aim, as a setting, to provide a safe and secure environment where all can learn and develop without anxiety. This policy aims to provide a consistent response to any incidents of bullying which may occur within our setting. All those connected with nursery are made aware of our opposition to bullying and each member of staff is reminded of our anti-bullying policy at the beginning of each term.
Strategies
Treat all concerns or reports of bullying seriously: ·
Deal with all issues promptly: ·
Reassure the victim of bullying: ·
Investigate the allegation and report to the manager: ·
Listen carefully to both the perpetrator and the victim, separately. ·
If bullying is found to have taken place, explain to the perpetrator that this behaviour is unacceptable, and why: ·
Report any incident to the parent/carer: ·
Monitor the situation
Use of Toilet / Clothes Changing Policy
Only nursery staff are permitted to take children to the toilet where necessary. We encourage children to use the toilet independently, always telling a member of staff where they are going. Children who need help are accompanied and help is given according to the level of need. We have a small amount of clean clothes for changing purposes but parents/carers are requested to send a change of clothes with their child. Latex gloves and wipes will be used unless parents/carers request and provide alternatives. A changing mat is used; this is cleaned before and after changing. A kneeing mat is provided for the staff and must be used.
Food and Drink Policy
The sharing of refreshments represents an important part in the social life of children, as well as reinforcing the children’s understanding of the importance of healthy eating choices. Information about special dietary needs and allergies is recorded on the registration document. This information is clearly displayed along with relevant photographs in the food preparation area and is accessible to all staff.
We include food from different cultural backgrounds and encourage children to try new/different foods. Drinking water is always available for children to access themselves. Snack time is used to help children socialise and develop independence through making choices and serving themselves.
Perishable food is stored in accordance with Health and Safety food hygiene regulations and the temperature is monitored daily in the fridge-freezer. Parents/carers are encouraged to put ice packs in their children’s packed lunches to ensure they remain fresh.
Severe Weather Policy
In the event that we have severe weather i.e. snow, blizzards or floods overnight or in the morning, could you please telephone nursery (01422 846734) to check whether we are open as normal or look on Calderdale website.
If it starts snowing during the day whilst your child is at nursery, we will contact you if we feel their is a need to close.
Please keep Colden Early Years Nursery up to date with all contact numbers including the emergency ones that are on your registration form. If you cannot be contacted we will contact them.
Sun Protection Policy
We want staff and children to enjoy the sun safely so when playing outside on sunny days children will be encouraged to wear a hat, rest in the shade if they wish and to drink plenty of cool fresh water from our machine.
Parents/carers are requested to apply sun cream when they arrive and staff can re-apply as needed with parents/ carers consent.
Parents/carers are encouraged to provide their child with a hat and sun cream which can be labelled and left at nursery. The Nursery will have a selection of spare hats and some sun cream for those who have forgotten to bring them. The children are provided with shade using a gazebo in the garden.
Collecting your child policy
Pre-school staff require you to inform them who is authorised to collect your child other than the main parent/carer, this information is then kept on your child’s registration form and any person under the age of 18 years is not authorised to collect your child. Nor is anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. If you need to make changes to the authorised person please let the staff know.
If parents need to put in place an alternative system on a certain day, this will be recorded in the register together with an agreed mode of identifying authorised persons if they are unknown to staff.
Uncollected children
If a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of the session, we aim to minimize distress by reassuring the child and carrying out an agreed procedure.
If parents are unavoidably detained, every effort will be made to ensure that known staff will continue to care for them until they can be picked up. If staff are unable to remain and emergency contacts are unavailable, parents are informed that Child Protection Procedures will be carried out.
If a child is uncollected, staff will check the register, staff will attempt to contact parents at home/work, then staff will attempt to contact emergency numbers
If all reasonable attempts fail 2 members of staff would remain at Pre-school with the child until 4.30 pm, If staff are unable to stay (due to exceptional circumstances), we will apply procedures in Child Protection Policy, and will contact the Social Care First Response Team out of hours service (Tel No. 01422 393336), inform Ofsted (Tel No. 0845 6014771)
A written report of the incident is made and signed by the staff and parents.
When a child/ren is collected 10 mins or more late after the session has finished, a charge of £20 will be made. It is the responsibility of the Manager/Acting Manager to ensure parents/carers are made aware of this policy, and if they incur any late charges, they must be informed on the day of late collection. The time that the parent/carer arrives will be logged in the Late collection book and signed by the parent/carer.
Staff Recruitment
Colden Early Years Nursery is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Recruitment is in accordance with the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976 and 2000, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and 1995, the Disabled Persons Act 1986 and now the Single Equality Act 2010.
Representatives from the Management Committee or other parents are involved in the recruitment of staff. All staff are appointed subject to Care Services approval as “fit”, and a Criminal Records Bureau check. All vacancies are advertised. Interviews are given subject to the satisfactory completion of an application form in accordance with the job description. Two references will be needed with photocopies maintained on file. Photocopy evidence of any relevant certificates will also be required and placed on file. For any staff member that has been at Pre-school for over three years and does not have any references we will apply to the Independent Safeguarding Authority for the suitable checks. Unsuccessful applicants have the right to discuss their interview and know the reason for non-appointment.
Staff Training
All staff and volunteers should have the chance and be encouraged to go on suitable training courses. Regular updates and in-service training is made available.
A staff member with a first-aid certificate should always be in attendance. The Committee should always consider the need for immediate training or advice for staff to deal with any special need.
Complaints Procedure
We hope to provide an atmosphere in which parents/carers can approach staff at any time and on any issue. Speaking to the playgroup leader about any problems or worries will be the first action. Any complaints will be attended to and replied to within 7 days. If the complaint needs to be taken further this will be replied to within 14 days. Complaints about provision should initially be made to the nursery Manager Lisa Kennaugh. If the matter is not resolved then the parent/carer should approach the registered person (Lorraine Riley). If after this procedure has been followed the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily then parents/carers can contact OFSTED at any time
Royal Exchange Buildings
St Ann’s Square
Manchester
M2 7LA
0300 123 1231
No Smoking Policy
Colden Early Years Nursery operates a no smoking policy; no one is allowed to smoke on the premises. This includes outside spaces. Nursery staff are not permitted to smoke whilst in charge of children.
Mobile phone policy
The use of mobile phones is forbidden at Nursery at any time and staff or students are not allowed to use their mobile phones in the setting, for emergency calls the nursery telephone will be used.