Policies and Practices in the EYFS 2015-16 We are the heart of a caring community, A place where children and families are nurt ured, And everyone experiences excellence.

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Contents Safe Practices: 1. Alcohol and substances 2. Care learning and play 3. Confidentiality 4. Internet and website use 5. Lost and damaged property 6. Mobile phones 7. Settling in procedures 8. Smoking Safeguarding Practices: 1. Accident and emergency 2. Arrival and collection from Nursery 3. Drinks and snacks 4. Mealtimes 5. Illness and infectious diseases 6. Lost child and Non-collection 7. Medicines in our setting 8. Nappy changing and toilet training 9. Outings 10. Physical contact 11. Physical play 12. Risk assessment 13. Safeguarding 14. Security Learning and Development 1. Behaviour 2. Biting 3. Increased support 4. Planning observation and assessment 5. Special educational needs

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Safer Practices

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1. Alcohol and other substances • •

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The nursery operates a strict no alcohol or drugs policy. Any persons, who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances including staff members or a designated person who wants to have contact with a child whilst in the care of the nursery will immediately be turned away and an incident report will be completed to record the incident either under a staff disciplinary or as a safeguarding issue with the child. Should a family try to collect a child whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or substance, of which is obvious and/or suspected to the staff team, the child will not be allowed into the care of the family member and the first point of contact (or next point of contact if needed) will be contacted to collect the child. When the situation is deemed necessary, the nursery reserves the right to contact the police authority is a person is witnessed driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

2. Care, Learning and Play

All practicing childcare settings have to practice the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) ensuring that all children’s welfare, learning and development needs are met. The nurseries practice is based on the following principles from the EYFS: • Every child is a competent learner from birth, who can be confident, capable and selfassured. •

Children learn to be strong and independent when parents and professionals work together providing a loving secure relationship base.

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The environment is used to facilitate and extend each child’s development

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Children learn at their own pace and in their own way through play and active experiences. They do best when supported by an adult who knows them well and has the skills to extend holistic learning across all areas of development.

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The emphasis is on children making their own choices and planning their own learning. We aim here to provide a broad range of opportunities, resources, model learning and give support to them.

We display the children’s work and use learning journeys to record how the children are using the broad range of experiences on offer to extend their learning and development. A learning journey will record all their personal successes and achievements and detail their own unique learning and development at every age and stage. This will be available to parents at all times but in particularly at our biannual Family conference meetings in order for them to see what their child has been doing and an opportunity will be planned for parents to feedback their opinions on their child’s learning and experiences. The learning journey will be kept through the use of observations in photographic and written observations. These observations will keep a note of their favourite activities, Page 4 of 29

interests and their own ways of learning by watching and listening to what your child says and does. We will then build on this information by providing toys, resources and experiences which will help expand ‘possible lines of development’ and encourage children’s development. To create a balance between child led and adult facilitated learning, we model learning and talk with children about what is happening, to help them think about the choices they can make and extend their learning. We believe parents and carers are their first teachers and that learning can happen at any time and anywhere, for example praise and encouragement, reading stories, playing games and singing nursery rhymes. We encourage parents to take part in the setting in a number of ways, amongst ongoing developments and ideas, of which include: • Adding comments and participation the nurseries planning of activities and resources. •

Contributing to ‘Wow’ moments from themed learning planning shared with families

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Having free and easy access to their child’s learning journeys, with this being shared at key meeting points within the term Joining in with Parents as educators courses Open events for parents to come into the nursery and do activities with the children.

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Up to date newsletters including activity ideas, which will detail ideas for activities that can be used at home (weekly)

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Activities and ideas to extend this learning in their home environment which is shared through the ‘topic maps’ and ‘Wow moment’ forms and parent learning journey entry pages.

We always try to plan for time with parents, at least once a term, where time is made for the parents to partake in activities which will help them to feel included in the learning and development of their child – these are related to whole school events. In addition a one-toone consultation is available with their child’s key person at our school PPT meetings.

3. Confidentiality

All information on children, families and anyone working with the nursery is kept securely and treated in confidence. Information will only be shared if the parents/carers/co-workers give their permission or there appears to be a child protection issue. All details will be kept confidential and records are kept secure. The details are easily accessible if any information is required for inspection by Ofsted in England. Observing confidentiality within the nursery is crucial to protect all children, their families and staff members from situations which may potentially cause physical or mental harm. Not only may a breach of confidentially cause harm to a person, it also undermines and serves distrust to the nursery itself. The nursery serves a strict confidentially clause on ALL staff members and ask parents to respect this policy too.

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All parents receive [or have access to] a copy of the policies and procedures, which detail how we run our setting. Our certificate of registration is displayed and available to all parents. We are aware of our responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We maintain a record of parents’ and/or emergency contact details, the contact details of the child’s GP and appropriate signed consent forms. If a child is identified as a child in need (section 17 of the Children Act 1989) we will, normally with the parent’s permission, give appropriate information to referring agencies. We expect parents to inform us of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce, new partner or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without the parents’ consent, except as required by law, for example, if there appears to be a child protection issue. Please see my Safeguarding Children policy. Ofsted may require to my see records at any time. Parents have the right to inspect all records about their child at any time. All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with parents so that together we can work to resolve any issues. As a registered provider we must notify Ofsted of any serious accidents, illnesses or injuries or the death of any child whilst in our care and any action we may have taken within 14 days of an incident occurring. If we are in need of support or advice regarding a serious illness or incident involving a child in our care we may contact National Day Nursery Association who will log information regarding the incident with regard to their safeguarding policy. If an accident or incident involving a child in our care may result in an insurance claim we will contact the public liability insurance provider to discuss our case and be allocated a claim number. This may involve discussing details of the child in our care with a third party. If we keep records relating to individual children on our computer we will ask for the parent’s permission. The information will be securely stored for example, in passwordprotected files, to prevent viewing of the information by others with access to the computer. Backup files will be stored on a memory stick and will be which will be locked away when not being used. It is against a staff member’s role and responsibility to break the rule of confidentiality outside of the nursery and should it be found that confidentiality has not been observed than this will result in the implementation of the staff disciplinary procedure. We ask families that when they sign their registration forms, they are also signing to agree that they will observe confidentiality of information that may be unintentionally disclosed to them about other children, their families and staff members within the nursery.

4. Internet and Website Use

The nursery relies on the use of the internet, email and its website to share information about the nursery.

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We feel it is a vital tool for enabling a greater audience and another efficient method of widening the communication the nursery can have in the community as a whole. Before any information is published to the general public through these sites, it is fully vetted to ensure it complies with our confidentiality policy as well as ensuring we have the correct permissions regarding photographs etc before publishing. We use our website www.hudsonprimary.co.uk to share essential information with the families who use the nursery and the wider community. We will ONLY publish photos of children with the families consent.

5. Lost and Damaged Property

The nursery cannot take full responsibility for any lost or damaged property that results on the nursery premises. Due to the nature of children’s play and creativity, we strongly request that all families dress their children in clothes they deem suitable for children to have fun, learn and explore. This will mean that we would prefer children to be dressed in older clothes which families do not mind if they get paint, mud or other safe substances which may stain clothes, but will not be harmful to their child. The staff team will always try their best to ensure that any comforters and personal possessions of the children are looked after however we cannot offer a guarantee that some of these possessions will not get lost or damaged whilst at the nursery. As much as the nursery wants a child to be happy and secure within the nursery, if they are confident enough to be at nursery without their comforters, this would be much preferred and we will try to encourage them to be apart from any personal possessions during their time at nursery. Buggies, pushchairs and car seats can be left at the nursery, in the event of an emergency, however there is a lack of space. We recommend that families label all personal clothes, possessions and shoes with their child’s name to avoid confusion between other children’s.

6. Mobile Phones

Mobile phones usage is strictly prohibited within the rooms of the nursery whilst children are present and we try to apply this to parents and staff. Staff members may keep their phones upon them, in case they are needed in an emergency, however it would be preferred that they should keep them locked in the staff kitchen areas and use the nursery phone line in an emergency. In an emergency event, phone calls will be allowed to be taken either in the staff room or office. If a staff member uses a phone, either by text, internet or a phone call whilst in the room with the children, they will be subject to a disciplinary under the staff disciplinary policy and procedure. If a parent/family member uses their phone whilst in the nursery with the children, a staff member will direct the parent/family member into the staff room or office. Under no circumstances at all is anyone allowed to take photos of the children, staff or nursery whilst using a mobile phone during nursery hours.

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7. Settling in Procedures

Once you have made your decision, we find that a “Settling In” period works best for children to be introduced to the childcare setting gradually. We begin the settling in period with a ‘Welcome Session’ where the family are requested to stay with their child and spend time with their key person to complete relevant permissions forms and welcome sheets whilst their child explores the nursery environment. We make it our priority to ensure that children feel happy and safe in our nursery. To help them settle in, we will: • Encourage parents to visit with and without their child. This allows you to spend time getting to know us and the staff team, and ask any questions about our setting and the services we offer. • Encourage parents to visit with their child one or two times prior to the child being placed in our care for a short period of time. During this time, activities will be available which parents and their child can do together with gradual input from the staff members. • Allow the child to stay for several short periods without a parent, steadily increasing the duration each time and getting to know the staff members in their room. During this time, observations will be made to see if the child naturally prefers the personality of one team member to another. During this time, the staff within this room will choose whom they think will be the best person to support the child and their family as their key person. • Allow parents to telephone or email during the day if they have any concerns. • Welcome any comfort toys which provide essential emotional support to those who need them. These toys or objects will be treated with respect and encouraged for as long as they are needed. • Ask parents to give us as much information as possible about their child's likes and dislikes; as well as any fears and areas of distress. • Encourage other children to be welcoming and supportive to any new child. This will be done through talking and activities that promote team work, and taking turns.

8. Smoking

It is nurseries policy to ensure that children are in a smoke-free environment whilst in our care AT ALL TIMES. Our nursery is STRICTLY a no smoking premises, this includes in the garden or to the front of the nursery. We ask that parents respect this at all times and should they need to smoke they do not do it within the vicinity of the nursery (inside or out).

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Safeguarding Practices

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1. Accident and emergency

It is of our upmost importance in the nursery to ensure that all children are safe when they are in our care. The premises have been thoroughly checked and it meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England. We also regularly review, update and practise our safety routines, including fire drills and daily risk assessments. It is a policy of the nursery to train all staff in first-aid and we can administer basic firstaid treatment, and first-aid ‘Grab bags’ are clearly labelled and easily accessible. We hold written permission from parents [Child Record Form] to seek emergency treatment for their child if it is needed. All accidents will be recorded on an accident form and parents then notified. Should a risk assessment be deemed appropriate and not already be in place after the accident has occurred, then a risk assessment will be carried out accordingly all of which is accessible to the parent whom it concerns. As a registered provider we must notify Ofsted of any serious accidents, illnesses or injuries or the death of any child whilst in our care and any action which we may have taken within 14 days of an incident occurring as outlined in our Ofsted Notification Procedure. If an accident or incident involving a child in our care results in an insurance claim we will contact our public liability insurance provider to discuss our case and be allocated a claim number. This may involve discussing details of the child in our care with a third party. If there is an accident: • First, we will reassure the injured child while making sure that the other children in our care are safe. • •

Then, if possible, we will deal with the accident. If not, we will ring 999 for help. If the accident is of a serious nature and immediate first aid treatment will be needed, the child’s parents will be contacted straight away.

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The member of staff who dealt with the accident will accompany the child to a medical facility where needed in which the parents will be given the information to meet us there, including a contact number of the staff member accompanying the child.

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Either after the accident and/or on return to the nursery, the staff member will be asked to fill out an accident form, incident form and record all information and communication that took part thereafter.

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Ofsted will be informed at this point with the above information.

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When time appropriate, a meeting with the family, staff member and member of the management team will be arranged to discuss the accident and the resulting actions taken thereafter.

2. Children arriving at nursery policy

When dropping off your child, all information regarding the child’s care needs and any incidents which may affect the child’s behaviour or mood should be communicated to us. Time is made for verbal communication to take place daily to parents/carers. Parents are directed to speak to their key person if there is any further urgent information which needs

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to be passed on. Parents are always able to engage with a staff member though to verbally enquire about their child’s day and a daily diary is presented to our under 3 nursery children. We understand that in the first few weeks it is quite common for some children to find it difficult to be separated from their parents and will of course cry when being dropped off, this can make it very upsetting for parents also, but we would ask that you make your drop off as brief as possible, as the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it can get. Children will have usually stopped crying within a few minutes of you leaving, if this is not the case and your child did continue to be distressed we will of course inform you in a manner of which the parent requests. It is our duty to ensure that we always communicate honestly with parents, so if your child does not settle, we will inform you of their condition and of the actions that we have taken and plan on taken. There is always the facility to use email and telephone to communicate any forgotten information during the day or to check on how your child is and what they are doing. However please be aware that we maybe in the middle of childcare duties which won’t allow your child’s key person to speak on the phone for prolonged periods of time , if this is the case we would call you back to reassure you of your child’s welfare when they are with you.

2b. Collection of Children

A child may only be collected by people who have been named by the person who has parental responsibility for the child. A child may only be collected by a known person who is over the age of 16 years. On registering for childcare there will be a form which must be completed to ensure that parental responsibility is stated and there will be a section on the child information form which will state all persons authorised to collect your child. If a person arrives to collect your child that is not on the list and we have not been informed that someone else is collecting them then they will not be allowed to leave the premises without first seeking the parents’ permission. If the parent’s permission cannot be received then the child will not be allowed to leave. In the event of an emergency, your address/child’s date of birth will be requested from the person picking up the child. The person collecting the child will need to know all of these details in order for them to collect your child.

3. Drinks and snack’s policy

We strongly believe in educating children about healthy and unhealthy food and eating within proportion. With this in mind, our drinks and snacks within the nursery, provide the children with choice and the opportunity to make healthy decisions for themselves. We ensure the children have access to water or milk and during breakfast and snack times the children can choose which they prefer. They are encouraged to pour their own drinks and use a cup from an early age to develop their independent skills. A drinks station with water is available for the children at all times within the big room and children are regularly asked if they would like a drink throughout the day. Snack time is done on a rolling snack from 10.00am and 2.00pm for ½ hour. Tables in the big room are specifically for dining during this time for children to choose if they would like to

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have snack. If there is not a space we ask children to wait for their turn and to come back in order to encourage patience and turn taking skills. Activities within the nursery carry on during this time so that if children are engaged, their learning does not need to be interrupted in order for them to have snack. The snack provided is a choice of foods from the food groups, so a fruit and/or vegetable, carbohydrate (plain biscuit or breadstick) and protein (cheese or yogurt). We try to build in new tastes and flavours and often add toasts, bread, cereals etc to our snack menu.

4. Mealtimes’ policy

We, at the nursery, recognise that it is essential that all children develop the social and emotional skills which are promoted through the social atmosphere of mealtimes. We recognise that mealtimes are an important aspect of the nursery routine and staff actively encourage social interaction through conversation and modelling of table manners. Where possible, staff members eat with the children, if they so choose to. We aim to ensure that all children can have a sit down meal together each day with a mix of age groups. We all eat lunch together. We promote a healthy variety of foods which the nursery, trying to minimise any processed foods and promote freshly prepared meals which demonstrate a healthy balanced diet. Our mealtime’s menus are available at the school office and on display in the porch. It follows a 2 week rotation and we aim to update and change it three times a year to encourage the children to enjoy a variety of foods from around the world. We actively promote good hygiene skills and encourage all children from walking age to wash their hands before meal times. Staff support this washing their own hands before snack and mealtimes.

5. Illness and infectious diseases

It is our policy to keep children safe when they are in our care, promoting good health and taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection within our childcare setting. We appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work. However, if your child is unwell then they will be better cared for in their own home, with a parent. We may be happy to care for children with minor coughs and colds but will not care for children who are very unwell, infectious or running a high temperature. We have to consider the welfare of ALL children in our care. We will discuss and keep a record of the arrangements for the exclusion of a child should they become ill whilst in our setting with the parents during the settling-in period. We have a policy on the exclusion of sick children who are ill or infectious and a procedure of contacting parents if the child becomes ill whilst in our care. We promote hand-washing with an anti-bacterial soap in warm soapy water before eating or handling food and after using the toilet. We will promote the use of tissues for children with coughs and minor colds. All spillages of bodily fluids will be cleaned up immediately and the cleaning of hands/washing of the cloths used to clean the mess will be the main priority to protect children.

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All children in our setting who are excluded due to having an illness or an infectious disease such as a severe cold or stomach upset will not be allowed to return until they have been free from illness for 48 hours. This is in order to minimise the risk of the transmission of an infection to other children or staff members. If a child arrives at our setting with a disease or illness we believe to be infectious or that poses a risk to the other children in the setting or ourselves, we will expect the child not to attend our setting until they have been well for the recommended period of time. In accordance with the contract agreed with parents, we expect to be paid for the child’s place even if they are excluded from the setting due to an illness or infectious disease. We will inform the parents of other children in our setting if there is a child we care for that has a diagnosed infectious disease. If there is a child in our setting who becomes ill during their visit at nursery, or whom we believe has an infectious illness or disease, for example a severe cold or stomach upset, we will do the following: • contact the parents as agreed to arrange for the immediate collection of the child • •

ensure the child is excluded from our setting until they have been well for 48 hours, or in accordance with Health Authority guidelines. NHS Direct will be the consulted source of information in regards to how long a child must be excluded for.

If we believe a child in our setting is suffering from a notifiable disease, identified as such in the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988, we will act on advice given by the Health Protection Agency and inform Ofsted of any action taken.

6. Lost child

In the unlikely event that a child should become lost the following procedure will be followed: • An extensive search of the premises •

The police will be immediately contacted

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The parents will be immediately contacted

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A full report on the incident will be written immediately after the event to take into account what happened, what went wrong etc.

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A risk assessment will be recorded to minimise the chances of it happening again.

Uncollected Child

In the event that a child is not collected at the end of their contracted session the following procedure will be followed: Within 20 minutes of not being collected: • First attempt to contact the parents

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Within 45 minutes of not being collected: • Second attempt to contact with parents Within 90 minutes of not being collected: • If not contact can be made with parents, social services will be contacted.

7. Medicines

As a childcare provider we will ensure that we implement an effective procedure to meet the individual needs of a child when administering medicines. In order to achieve this we will do the following: • Keep written records of all medicines administered to children in our care. •

Inform parents when a medicine has been administered including the time and dosage.

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All medicines will be stored in the kitchen out of reach from the children and kept strictly in accordance with the product instructions and in the original container in which it was dispensed.

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We will obtain prior written permission from parents for each and every medicine to be administered before any medication is given.

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We will work in partnership with parents to ensure the correct medication, dosage etc is given.

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If the administration of prescription medicine requires technical/medical knowledge then we will attend training from a qualified health professional. The training should be specific to the child in question.

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Prescription medication will only be administered to the child it is prescribed for by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist and the dose specified is on the pharmacy label.

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Medicine will only be administered by a senior member of the nursery team.

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A staff member and parent must sign to say that the medicine/dose/dosage time all correspond to what is written on the prescription label. The staff member, who signs for the medicine on receipt at the nursery, must get another senior member of staff to administer the medicine at the right time.

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Inhalers maybe kept on the nursery premises and a parent will be asked to fill out an inhaler consent form to specify the dosage and when it is needed to be administered.

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The nursery will not consent to giving non-prescription medicines.

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We will never administer medicines containing aspirin to a child under the age of 16 unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.

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If we have a child in our care with long-term medical needs then we will ensure that we and any co-workers have sufficient information about the child’s medical condition Page 14 of 29

and will work in partnership with parents to assist the administration of any prescribed medication.

8. Nappy Changing Procedure

To ensure that high levels of hygiene are observed in the interest of the health and safety of the children the following procedure must be adhered to: • Put on a clean disposable apron and gloves •

Spray down with anti-bacterial spray and wipe [with paper towels] the change area.

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Get wipes, nappy and a nappy bag in preparation

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Place the child on the nappy change mat

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Remove nappy, using the nappy to remove most of the mess from the child.

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Use the wipes to ensure that the child is thoroughly cleaned and dry.

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Put a clean, dry nappy onto the child.

If using a disposable nappy: • Put the wipes and nappy into the nappy bag, along with the disposable gloves and dispose in the nappy bin. •

Take the child back to the main room.

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Thorough clean the baby change area with anti-bacterial spray and disposable paper towel.

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Wash hands

If using a cloth nappy: • Place the cloth nappy insert into a nappy change bag. •

Place wipes and disposable gloves into the nappy bag for disposal.

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Take the child back to the room.

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Thorough clean the baby change area with anti-bacterial spray and disposable paper towel.

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Wash hands

Remember to record the nappy change and initial on the nappy change form.

Toilet Training Policy It is the policy of the nursery that at no time will a child be encouraged to begin toilet training unless it is with the full consent and consultation of the families. The nursery recommends that no child should begin toilet training until they are ready to developmentally, by showing such signs that they are ready, for example: • An interest and want to use the toilet and/or potty

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The ability to pull up/down their clothes

Once a child begins to toilet train at home, we recommend that you speak with your child’s key person so that we can ensure consistency with your child and encourage them to use the toilet and/or potty at nursery. This is very important for success. We ask that you make sure that there are sufficient spare clothes in your child’s bag to ensure that should there be accidents, they are able to be changed into their own clothes. Whilst at Nursery, your child will be encouraged to use the toilet regularly and any success’ will be recorded on your child’s toilet training chart with a star so that we can encourage positive reinforcement and you can see this on the display next to the toilets. They will be encouraged to use the children’s toilets at all times so that we can nurture the skills which will encourage them to become independent toilet users. If your child should have an accident whilst at nursery (which will be expected, especially in the early stages) at no time will we ever punish your child. They will be cleaned up and changed into spare clothes and reassured if they are upset. All dirty clothes will be put into a bag and placed in your child’s bag ready for washing. In order to make sure that your child does not feel punished for any accidents that they have, we may not tell you that they have been changed if we feel it cannot be done out of your child’s hearing, so please ensure that you check your child’s bag on returning home for clothes which will need washing.

9. Outings

It is our policy to keep children safe on outings whilst in our care. In order to do this we will ensure that: • The ratio of adults to children on any outing will never be less than 1 adult: 2 children our 2 year olds and 1 adult: 4 children in 3yr nursery. •

We will carry out a trial run and full risk assessment of the proposed outing

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We will provide an outings form for ALL outings, detailing vital information about the children and outcomes/purpose.

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We will obtain written parental permission for children to take part in regular, local outings whilst in our care and specific written permission for a longer or more involved outing.

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We take essential records and equipment for each child on outings as necessary, including: contact telephone numbers for parents, a first-aid kit and a mobile telephone, wrist straps/reins and pushchairs.

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We will ensure that any driver transporting children in their own vehicle has adequate insurance cover

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We adhere to the missing child procedure in the unlikely event that a child does go missing and make parents aware of the procedure.

10. Physical contact

At Hudson, we are very aware that each child has differing needs. Some children like to be affectionate and show it through hugs, kisses etc others are not so tactile. We are happy to

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hug, hold hands, cuddle or tickle etc your child providing both you and your child are happy with this, after all, we are here to not just care and look after your child, but to help them feel happy and secure. We would never force a child to do any of the above if it made them feel uncomfortable. We will restrain a child only if they are at risk of inflicting harm on themselves or others. We will separate children if they are fighting. We will restrain a child if they try and run into the road, or cause harm to themselves or others. If we do need to restrain your child it will be documented on an incident form and we will ask you to sign the record. This is to protect all parties. We will also need to have some physical contact with your child in order to ensure hygiene routines are carried out. For example the washing of hands, faces and teeth and the wiping of noses and where appropriate will assist with toileting according to the age and stage of ability of the child and change nappies when required. If necessary we will change a child’s clothes if they have had an accident. If there is any aspect of this you do not feel confident about us doing, you must speak to us immediately and offer a solution to ensure the best care for your child.

11. Physical play

We, at the nursery, recognise that it is essential that all children develop physical skills and benefit from physical activity in both inside and outdoor environments. The main play room has direct access to the outdoor garden which is well equipped to provide opportunities for active play and extend development at every stage. Many activities which can be conducted inside will be carried outside in order to encourage children to have plenty of fresh air and develop in a larger space. Challenging play equipment can be safely explored and children have the opportunity to partake in lots of physical play to encourage them to develop their physical skills such as coordination, balance and movements. Risk assessments have been conducted on all of the equipment available to encourage physical development and measures have been taken to make it as safe as possible. However children will be encouraged to explore and take calculated risks in order for their physical development to be challenged and developed.

12. Risk Assessment Policy

The health and safety of the children, their families and our staff team is paramount in the nurseries planning and operations and to do this, wherever possible a risk assessment has been carried out to ensure that we have assessed the building, our resources and planned activities to ensure that the health and safety of all those in our care has been considered and planned for. Should any persons involved with the nursery on nursery business have an accident resulting in an injury an accident form will be recorded and the risk assessment which covers the injury/accident will be assessed to ensure that that the correct safety measures were in place. If a risk assessment for the injury/accident does not exist than one will be carried out to try and limit the chances of it happening again.

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All risk assessments are formally documented and can be found in the staff filing system for reference. The risk assessments which are used within the nursery are all working documents which are edited along with the natural changes, such as maintenance work, that take place in the nursery. All risk assessments are regularly reviewed on a 6 monthly basis, but a daily outdoors assessment is made. We do try to ensure children are encouraged to take calculated risks in order to challenge their thinking and physical development; however these risks will always be supervised and the risks involved will be considered before hand to minimise the chances of injury. The responsible person i.e. the person in charge, checks all areas at the beginning and end of the day. The staff team, responsible for the specific area is responsible for ensuring that any risks occur throughout the day are dealt with appropriately, for example spillages, trip hazards etc. It is the responsibility of all staff members to report any hazards or risks within the nursery environment and report it the person in charge after ensuring no children are at risk of harm.

13. Safeguarding children

We view the act of safeguarding children as a wide issue which encompasses keeping children safe in respect of health and hygiene, safety and child protection. In all cases the nurseries first responsibility and priority is towards the children in our care. All the information regarding out policy and procedures in safeguarding children against harm is sourced from the Sefton Local Authority guidance. Our first responsibility is to the children and if we have any cause for concern we will report it, this includes, as well as parents/guardians, any other child-carers, including colleagues, play workers and adults that have contact with either/and ANY child we care for and ALL other children in which we have contact. We will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. We understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and neglectful, or a mixture of these. We must notify Ofsted of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place while the child is in our care. Under the Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children within my care is our main priority. This is done by considering safeguarding children to be an inclusive and holistic approach to a child’s care and education through our own practice. Our recruitment and selection process, as well as the procedure followed during each individual staff members induction upon starting with the nursery is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of the children by ensuring stringent questioning, checks and a thorough induction of the our safeguarding procedures are all followed through. The procedure followed can be seen in our Recruitment Procedure Policy. There will be steps taken to ensure the welfare of the children which will include encouraging and empowering children to be able to take responsibility for their own safety. Children will be encouraged to take part in activities and experiences such as home and road

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safety through personal, social and emotional development and knowledge and understanding of the world. Where applicable the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) will be used in accordance with other professionals to provide a continuous level of care for children and their families. The Common Assessment Framework is a tool which helps practitioners identify, assess and provide additional support needs for a child and their family. It is meant to prompt agencies to look at the wider picture of needs and not their specific interest. The form is meant to identify children with additional needs before things reach crisis point and should only be completed when there is an unmet need. Consent from parents/guardians has to be given and it will help the child meet one or more of the Every Child Matters priority outcomes. However under Section 47 of the Children’s Act 1989, should there be an issue which is identified and which will cause significant and immediate harm to a child then the parent/guardians permission does not have to be asked.

Safeguarding Procedure

We keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications. This helps us to be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if we have a concern. We have copies of, and all of us are familiar with, the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Every six months we check that we have the latest version of the relevant procedures (or any documents that may replace them in the future). We have a copy of the relevant booklets and guidance. We have all read them and understand them. If we are concerned about a child’s welfare, we will contact the local authority, the NSPCC or other relevant support services for advice, confidentially will be assured only when it is clear that there is no risk of harm to a child. Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information. Parents must notify the nursery of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded. We work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent – please refer to our Working with Parents policy. If we notice: • significant changes in children’s behaviour •

unexpected bruising or marks or signs of possible abuse

•

any comments made which give me cause for concern

•

deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern

•

signs of neglect

Then the staff team will notify the safeguarding co-ordinator, who are Ceri Williams and Jenny Chapman, with the designated person being headteacher Niki Craddock. The safeguarding co-ordinator will implement the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures without delay to minimise any risk to the child. We will call the local social services’ duty

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desk immediately; if it is known that a child is at risk of harm. We will follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. We will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk. The standards for registered settings in both England and Wales require us to let Ofsted know of any concerns that we have reported without delay. Local Area Safeguarding Children Board: Tel: 0151 934 4706/3366 Local Area Designated Officer: (Pauline Trubshaw) tel: 0151 934 3783. Social Care: 0151 934 4657 If a child tells us that they or another child is being abused, we will: • show that we have heard what they are saying, and that we take their allegations seriously •

Encourage the child to talk, but we will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. We will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account

•

explain what actions we must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child

•

write down what we have been told using exact words where possible

•

make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion

•

Then report our concerns immediately to the designated safeguarding officer who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation and consider if it needs to be taken to social care.

If an allegation is made against a staff member, we will report it to Ofsted and social services, following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures. We are also aware that we should report and seek advice from the Allegations Manager (LADO) at Sefton.

Whistle Blowing

In all instances, the nursery believes that should any member of staff have ANY concerns about a child or children in the care of any members of staff they must immediately report it. They can do this anonymously, but the senior nursery team will always ensure that it is thoroughly investigated, recorded and reported appropriately. If at any time a staff member does not feel the senior management team dealt with the concerns appropriately, they must ensure that they report it to the relevant persons at Social Services on the details provided at the end of this policy and which are on display in the staff room. In all instances we will record: • the child’s full name and address •

the date and time of the record

•

factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present

•

details of any previous concerns

•

details of any explanations from the parents

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•

Any action taken such as speaking to parents.

14. Security Policy

The health and safety of the children is paramount, and the security of the children is our number one priority. Therefore the children are unable to gain access to main roads and anybody not known to the nursery team is unable to gain access until they're identity has been made known. This must be adhered to at all times.

Parents and Carers upon pick up and drop off.

Known parents and carers to the nursery will be greeted at the door by a known member of staff. If a member of staff is not familiar with them, then parent/carers will be asked to wait until a member of staff whom is familiar with them authorises them to enter the main building. When a parent and carer to the nursery is picking a child up and is recognised to the staff member who welcomes them to the nursery they must not be left in a room with the children unsupervised at any time. Upon leaving the building, a staff member must ensure that they say goodbye to the parent/carer and child and see them leave the nursery building, ensuring that the doors have been properly closed behind them. We will always try our hardest to ensure that there is sufficient staff members to supervise this activity out of the child:adult ratio, particularly at the busiest times of the day to facilitate the high level of supervision required.

Unknown visitors to the nursery

At no time are staff allowed to allow anyone who is unknown to the nursery team at any time into the main building beyond the porch unsupervised. Even upon identification of a person, no persons who have not been security checked by the nursery via our recruitment and selection process must ever be left unsupervised with the children. A member of the staff team will ensure that visitors are always supervised and seen out of the building at the end of the visit to ensure that the doors to the nursery are properly closed.

Outside access For fire escapes there is access to the building through the side gate,

which goes around the back of the nursery and to the front garden gate which gives access to the front garden. See our Fire plan for more details. For security purposes, these gates have locks to prevent anyone access to the outdoor area from outside of the nursery building. These must be locked at all times whilst children are on the nursery premises. At no time are parent/carers or visitors allowed entry to the building through these entries to ensure that the security of the children is maintained. The staff team must ensure that all access to the nursery is thoroughly secure at the beginning and end of the nursery day.

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Learning and Development

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1. Behaviour

All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in our nursery. We aim to offer a quality childcare service for parents and children. We recognise the need to set out reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in our care in accordance with the age and development of the individual children. By providing a happy, safe environment, the children in our care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcomed in society as they grow up. We do not, and will not, administer physical or any other form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in our care. We endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting boundaries for children. We keep up to date with behaviour management issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications. All parents receive [or have access to] a copy of our Behaviour Policy. We agree methods to manage children’s behaviour with parents before the placement starts. These are discussed with parents during initial visits before the contract is signed to ensure appropriate care can be provided. Wherever possible we try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices. Records of these requirements are agreed and kept attached to the child record forms. These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents. We expect parents to inform us of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce, new partner or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue. We offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If we do not share the same first language as the child’s parent, we will find a way of communicating effectively with them. This may include seeking guidance from the local early year’s team. If we feel that a child needs increased support in learning to handle their behaviour in a positive manner we will refer to our Increased support policy and put an increased support plan into place. We work together with parents to make sure there is consistency in the way the children are cared for. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and helps ensure that the child is not confused. We will only physically intervene, and possibly restrain, a child to prevent an accident, such as a child running into the road, or to prevent an injury or damage.

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All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with the parents of the child concerned so that together we can work to resolve any behavioural issues. From time to time children will have difficulty learning to deal with their emotions and feelings and this is a normal part of child development. We will acknowledge these feelings and try to help children to find constructive solutions in liaison with their parents. Distracting and re-directing children’s activities are used as a way of discouraging unwanted behaviour. We encourage responsibility by talking to children about choices and their possible consequences. We aim to be firm and consistent so that children know and feel secure within the boundaries we set. These boundaries and expectations are continuously displayed within the children’s rooms as a constant reminder to both the children and their parents. We use discussion at appropriate times to talk about the rules and how to enforce them. We will respond positively to children who constantly seek attention or are disruptive. We will help children maintain their self-esteem by showing we disapprove of their bad behaviour not the child themselves. If we have concerns about a child’s behaviour which are not being resolved, then permission will be sought from the parents to talk it through with another childcare professional. We may contact the NSPCC, health visitor or the local early years team (or other relevant advice service) for confidential advice. The nurseries behaviour management co-ordinator is Kelly and she will support the nursery team and families to constructively approach behaviour management with children. Concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.

Meanings:

Positive discipline means: • Rewarding good behaviour. Because rewards are constructive, they encourage further effort. Punishment is destructive – it humiliates children and makes them feel powerless. •

Encouraging self-discipline and respect for others. Because children need to grow into people who behave well even when there’s no one to tell them what to do.

•

Setting realistic limits according to age and stage of development. Because as children grow and develop our expectations of them change.

•

Setting a good example. Because young children take more notice than we might think of how we behave and what we say.

•

Encouragement, not orders and instructions. Because “Do as you’re told” teaches nothing for next time. Positive discipline involves explaining why.

•

Being consistent – saying no and meaning no. Because children need to know where they stand and it helps if they know that we mean what we say.

•

Praise, appreciation and attention. Because when children are used to getting attention with good behaviour, they won't seek it by misbehaving.

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•

Building children's self-esteem. Shaming, scolding, hurting and humiliating children can lead to even worse behaviour. Attention, approval and praise can build self-esteem and a child who feels valued is more likely to behave well.

We encourage appropriate behaviour by: •

Setting a good example, we aim to be a positive role model as children copy what they see. Children learn values and behaviour from adults.

•

We readily praise, approve and reward wanted behaviour, such as sharing, to encourage it to be repeated. Using praise helps to show that we value the child and it helps to build their self-esteem.

•

We praise children to their parents and other people when they have behaved as expected.

•

We try to be consistent when saying “no” and explain reasons why it is not appropriate and considered unwanted behaviour. Our expectations are flexible and realistic and are adjusted to the age, level of understanding, maturity and stage of development of the child.

• •

We try to involve children in setting and agreeing nursery rules.

Nursery rules • • •

We do not swear, call each other names, fight or deliberately hurt anyone else. We eat and drink at the table to help keep the nursery clean and to avoid accidents. We keep the air free from smoke.

• •

We are kind to each other. We take care of the toys, furniture and other equipment.

These rules are constantly encouraged and discussed within our daily routines.

Children are guided away from doing things which:

2.

•

are dangerous or hurtful or offensive to someone else

•

are dangerous to the child

•

will make the child unwelcome or unacceptable to other people

•

damage other people’s property.

Biting Policy

In the nursery we acknowledge that biting is a common behaviour among young children and it evokes a strong emotion in adults, both parents and the staff team. Biting is often very painful and frightening for the child who is bitten. It can also be very frightening for the child who bites. We recognise that the majority of children will learn not to bite in time and are very clear, firm and calm when a child does bite and offer praise and warmth when they don’t. There are many reasons why young children bite and dealing appropriately with this behaviour is key to discouraging this behaviour. Biting happens for different reasons with different children under different circumstances. The first step in learning to control it is Page 25 of 29

to look at why it may be happening. Not all children bite out of anger or to hurt another child – young toddlers can’t really understand how much pain they’re causing. Although teething can be a big cause of biting, there are other reasons children including: • Curiosity - toddlers may bite to see what their friends arm may taste like or to see the reaction. It’s impulsive and they don’t mean to hurt. Often, a baby chomps on someone when they’re teething. Sometimes toddlers nip when they’re over-excited. • Emotions - This can be frustration, stress, and feelings of lack of power or as a way of showing love. • Defending - Young children learn to bite as a defence, especially if they can’t talk and will bite other children whenever they feel anxious or threatened. Sometimes changes or upsets at home can bring on this type of biting. • Seeking attention or control - Some children know biting is a way of getting others to do what they want or to gain attention. They don’t always do this consciously. It may happen when a group of children are jostling to be leader or gain power. Biting is a good way of getting others to take notice, even if the attention gained is negative. • Copying - children who see another child or adult biting may think that this is a good idea.

If a child bites:

We always deal with the child who has bitten first, ensuring they are comforted and first aide treatment applied if needed and calmly and firmly, remove the child who bites away from the person they have bitten. We show disapproval and very firmly and calmly say “No we do not bite!’ We use gesture and facial expression to reinforce the message and where appropriate and we may then ignore the child, focusing our attention on the person who is hurt. Where appropriate we do not reward the child who has bitten with any extra attention, either negative or positive as to not reward the child in any way for their actions.

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If the child who has bitten is not calm we will remove them to an area or room where they can start to calm down, ensuring that they do not try to bite the victim again and they can safely let out their frustrations without hurting others. If a child persists with biting the setting will make a plan to monitor and support the child, as detailed in the Increased support policy. Through monitoring and recording incidents we may identify particular triggers for the behaviour. Understanding why a child bites is key to beating the problem using this information will inform possible intervention strategies. The environment of the setting will also be evaluated in accordance with the increased support plan to establish any causes within the provision. Within this plan we will regularly meet with the parent/carer of the biter to discuss underlying reasons and common strategies to ensure consistency between the home and nursery. Where necessary, permission will be sought from the parent/carer of the child to refer concerns and involve outside agencies and professionals. After an incident of biting does occur, the parents of both children will be informed of the event. This will also be recorded in the accident book and on an incident record. If your child has bitten another child, there is no need for you to further address this outside of nursery as by this point it is likely that they will have forgotten and the nursery staff will have already spoken to the child about the incident. We ask that you make us aware of any incidents of biting that have occurred outside of the setting as this will enable staff to be more prepared and vigilant.

If a child is a victim of biting:

Staff are trained to deal with this situation, staff will follow first aid procedures to relieve pain and injury. Biting is always taken seriously and staff do their best to ensure that it is stopped as soon as possible. We will not disclose to parents the name of the child who has bitten. It is unnecessary to know their identity, however if a parent finds out who has bitten their child we strongly recommend that they do not complain directly to the other parents.

3. Increased support procedure

Once a child who is in need of increased support, whether this be as a special educational need (see identification process in Special educational needs policy) or due to behavioural or other background issues, a short term, individual support plan will be used to assess the needs of the child and the plan of action that will be followed through by the staff team. Circumstances such as the following examples may deem an increased support as necessary: • Observed and evidenced gaps in the child’s development •

Repeated biting episodes

•

A family break up/bereavement

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The child’s key person will be responsible for ensuring the plan of action is implemented effectively within the nursery environment with the support of the nurseries SENCO, and Nursery teacher. The individual support plan will be initially filled out between communications via the child’s key person, either the SENCO, Nursery teacher and the child’s family. Once all the child’s initial needs are identified and a plan of action is decided the key person then takes the plan to the next stage. Whilst the individual support plan is being implemented, the key person will take regular observations which cover the elements of the individual support plan, alongside any regular observations. Any success or failures in the plan will be noted and a monthly discussion regarding the plan will be scheduled for review. The individual support plan will only be brought to a conclusion when it is felt the individual needs of the child are being met on a consistent basis and increased support is no longer deemed necessary

4.

Planning, Observation and Assessment

It is the policy of the nursery to ensure that every child is individually catered for in the nursery. Our Key Person Policy sets out how we aim to ensure that each child’s needs are catered for and our planning and observation procedure aims to ensure that each individual child’s learning and development is also represented throughout the nursery. Our care, learning and play policy states how we use the nursery resources to ensure that practices within the nursery centre upon the children’s needs, interests and learning.

Procedure

Assessment – at key times The Children Observations Next Steps Planning

Observations and assessments

Upon registering and beginning settling in sessions, the staff team begin to conduct observations on individual children in the following time processes:

In the beginning: - A combination of approximately 2 weeks of observations documenting the child’s

general likes, development and how they have settled into the nursery. A general observation is written for parents giving them an overview of the settling period, using the ‘During my first weeks written for parents giving them an overview of the settling period, using the ‘During my first weeks forms’

And then ongoing throughout the child’s time at the nursery: -

Approximately 2-4 observations documenting the child’s ongoing progress and are then tracked on to the child’s individual ‘development trackers’. Every 2 weeks a key observation is picked and typed up to be placed in their individual Learning Journey book. This document will also include information relating to the child’s learning, next

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steps etc. Additional documents supporting themes in learning are sent home including advice on the theme for the term and how parents can be involved in finding ‘Wow’ moments.

5. Special Educational Needs

Each child is unique and has individual needs. They learn at different rates and reach milestones at different times and this process continues throughout lifelong learning. The nursery welcomes all children and we will do all we can to ensure that all barriers to learning and inclusion are broken down. We will work in partnership with families to monitor their child’s development and, where there are concerns, take steps to help him/her to learn more effectively to maximise inclusion and opportunity for the child. If you know your child will need some additional support, or you have any concerns about their development please do not hesitate to discuss this with us. We will discuss your child’s strengths and difficulties in confidence and draw up a plan, called an ‘Individual Educational Plan’ (IEP) to support both yourself and your child. Through the local education authority and local services we have access to a wide range of professionals who can give specialist advice and if we (parents and the nursery) feel your child would benefit from their expertise, with your permission we will involve them as appropriate. The following procedure will be followed for children with SEN: • The nursery SENCO, (Kerri McNally) , will be informed as asked to do the following: •

Observation on the child and discussion notes with the parent taken for reference and reflection. Consult with area SENCO (through the LEA) where appropriate.

•

IEP developed and put into practice with resources/practices modified for the child.

•

Continued and ongoing discussion with parents and child (where appropriate)

•

Consult ongoing with other professionals where appropriate

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