POLICIES

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ADMISSIONS

The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Admissions policy

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Statement of Intent

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Our setting is committed to being open to all members of the community.

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Aims

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We aim to:

• Advertise our services widely.

• Provide clear information for parents/carers.

• Base our admissions policy on a fair system.  In the event of oversubscription we will take children in date of birth order (whether for a 18 month old place, 2 year old place or 3 or 4 year old place).

• Ensure all parents/carers are made aware of our equality and diversity policy.

• Do not discriminate against any child or their family for any reason.

• Develop any action plans to ensure that people with disabilities can participate successfully in the services offered by the setting and in the curriculum offered.

Methods

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• Our opening hours and days are as follows-:

Monday              8.00am - 4.00pm

Tuesday              8.00am -  4.00pm

Wednesday       8.00am - 12.00pm

Thursday           8.00am -   4.00pm

Friday                 8.00am -   4.00pm

We are open term time only for 38 weeks.

15 Free Hours for 3 and 4 year olds (known as Universal hours)

• All our hours are available for free (funded) childcare sessions and can be up to 8 hours a day.  There is no minimum session length.  However, we ask that children attend for minimum of 8 hours per week for continuity of care. 

• Additional hours (beyond the free hours) are also available at £4.90 per hour. If any additional hours are required we will invoice the parent/carer at the beginning of each half term (6 times a year).  Payment is due within 10 working days of the issue of the invoice.

 15 Hours (Extended) known as 30 hours Free Childcare

• All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to the universal entitlement of 15 free hours.  Some parent/carers may be entitled to the extended entitlement of a further 15 free hours which are based on eligibility criteria.  Together they make the 30 hours free childcare.  Parents/carers can check their eligibility via www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. If a parent/carer is eligible, HMRC will issue a code which should be given to the Village Pre-school to be verified along with a completed EYR1 Parental Declaration form (which will be issued by the pre-school).

• There is a 3 month renewable cycle for extended hours.

• There is a grace period for the renewal of the extended hours.

Date child becomes ineligible

End of Grace Period and Funding

Extra Free Hours

1st September – 21st October

31st December

22nd October – 31st December

31st March

1st January – 10th February

31st March

11th February – 31st March

31st August

1st April – 26th May

31st August

27th May – 31st August

31st December

• If a parent/carer loses eligibility for the extended hours in the first half of a term, at the start of the next term the Village Pre-school will come to an agreement with the parent/carer that either-:

The child will remain in the setting and will pay the hourly rate (£4.90 and £5 from January 2021) for any hours that are not the universal entitlement hours

or

The child’s hours will be reduced to the universal entitlement hours (15 hours) and the extended hours may then be filled by another child.

15 funded hours for 2 year olds

• If you are the parent/carer of a 2 year old child and you receive certain benefits you may be eligible to apply for a free early education place.

• Please apply online at www.bristol.gov.uk/schools-learning-early-years-free-early-education-for-two-years-old

• All our hours are available for funded children.  There is no minimum length of a session.  However, we ask that children attend for a minimum of 6 hours per week for continuity of care.

Breakfast and snack fees

• We ask that parent/carers pay 20p per session for snacks when their children attend. Our breakfast is at a cost of 50p per breakfast and we ask that the children bring in a packed lunch if they stay for lunch.

Recording of names and initial contact

• Any name however received and contact details (e.g. by phone, verbally to a member of staff, or via e-mail) are recorded by The BrislingtonVillage Pre-school.

• The parent/carer is contacted by the admissions person of the Brislington Village Pre-school prior to the child’s second or third birthday, depending on when the parent/carer would like their child to start.

• A visit to the Brislington Village Pre-school setting is arranged for the child and their parent/carer before they are due to start at the pre-school and a date for a home visit is agreed nearer the time the child is starting.

• A Record of Information form for the child is to be completed and returned to the setting to secure a place for the child.

• An entry date and the number of sessions/days the child is to attend are agreed between the parent/carer and the Brislington Village Pre-school.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed October 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our-:

Equality and Diversity policy

Fee paying policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Anti-Bullying Policy

Statement of Intent

Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. Bullying can take many forms.

The Brislington Village Pre-school will not tolerate bullying in any form by an individual or a group of people, whether the children of the pre-school, their families/friends or staff.

The Brislington Village Pre-school has a zero tolerance attitude to bullying.

Aims

This procedure is to help and encourage everyone to report any instances of bullying by anybody, whether an individual or a group of people, in any form, whether physical, verbal or emotional.  Bullying is unacceptable in any form.     

Methods

Children and their families

• When behaviour is unacceptable and reoccurring the pre-school will work in partnership with the child and their parent/carer to work out together a suitable strategy for management.

• Any bullying behaviour will be recorded on an incident form and kept securely.

• The parent and the management will initially discuss the areas of concern and try to discover a possible cause.  The parent/carer will be reassured that it is the behaviour and not the child or the family that is inappropriate and unacceptable.

• A plan will be developed between the parent and the management to work together in the home and at pre-school, which will be reviewed on regular basis – timings to be mutually agreed.

• The Brislington Village Pre-school welcomes the active involvement of parents/carers (both victim and bully) to bring any problems under control.

• Outside agencies will be involved if necessary for advice and practical advice if needed

Staff

• If a member of staff feels they are being bullied, they must report it to the manager who will investigate.  The manager will interview the person who has had an allegation made against them, with a colleague present with a view to sort out the complaint before it escalates.   (If the manager is the adult against who the allegation is made, the interview will be conducted by the deputy manager).

• If the problem cannot be resolved then Early Years will be approached to step in and help.

This procedure was adopted at a meeting on 19th February 2018

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our:-

Behaviour Management policy

Staff Behaviour policy

Supporting Positive Behaviour policy

Whistleblowing policy

Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Sources of Information

Keeping Children safe in Education

Working together to safeguard children

Department for Education - Preventing and Tackling bullying

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES 

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Arrivals and Departures Policy

Statement of Intent

Our policy on arrivals and departures is in place to ensure safety and security for all children and staff at all times during each session.

Aims

All staff are aware of the procedures to be followed at the children’s arrivals and departures. New staff and students are shown these procedures as part of their induction.

Methods

Arrivals procedures

• A member of staff will record the arrival of each child in the daily register at the door immediately on arrival.

• Staff will collect the child from the parent/carer at the main entrance door and the member of staff will be responsible for recording who has brought the child.  

• Leaders on the day ensure security on the door is maintained and children stay in the hall/millennium room when their parents/carers leave.

• When the arrivals are complete the outside door is locked and the chain is put on the inner door of the hall and the millennium room door is closed and the outer door is locked.

All of the staff are informed of the total number of children in a session.

Departures procedures

• At the end of a session the children are signed out by a member of staff.

• The children are handed over by a member of staff with all their belongings to the person collecting them.

• When we have been notified of a late collection by a parent/carer 2 members of staff supervise that child until the collecting adult arrives.

• If staff do not recognise an adult that has come to collect a child, the staff will question the adult and endeavour to verify their identity. The child does not leave with the adult until the staff are entirely satisfied that the adult is authorised to collect the child. This can be confirmed by obtaining the child’s admissions form where adult’s names authorised for collections are entered. The parental contact book should also be consulted for information.

• Emergency contacts from the admissions form can be telephoned to verify information where necessary.

• If a parent/carer cannot collect their child and nominates a person the pre-school does not know, the parent/carer needs to telephone with information about that person (i.e. their name and give the person who is collecting the child their password, which is recorded in the parental contact book). The person must know the password for the child to be released by staff.

• Only with prior information supplied by the parent/carer will staff let any child go.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

ASTHMA

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Asthma Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school recognises that asthma is a widespread, serious but controllable condition that affects many children.

Aims

This setting encourages children with asthma to achieve their potential.

Methods

• Inhalers will be kept safely but readily available within the setting.

• Parents/carers are asked to ensure that a spare labelled inhaler is provided to the setting.

• Parents are asked to complete an administration of medication form and/or a medical care plan detailing how and when the medication should be taken.

• The Brislington Village Pre-school staff are not required to administer asthma medicine to children (except in an emergency), however staff may choose to volunteer to administer medication.

• Staff will receive the necessary training to enable them to administer medication.

• Children with asthma are encouraged to participate fully in any physical activities.

• When children with asthma go on a trip, the setting will make sure that there is at least one member of staff who has had relevant training.

• The Brislington Village Pre-school will ensure that the children have their asthma medication when they participate in a trip.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our:-

 Emergency and long term medication policy

 Health and safety policy

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Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

ATTENDANCE POLICY

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Attendance policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Preschool views good attendance and punctuality as vitally important for the learning and the well-being of the children.  Children who attend the setting regularly and arrive and are collected on time are more secure and better able to engage with the learning environment.

Aims

Our aim is to create an environment where good attendance is the normality and valued.

Positive relationships with the children and their families is key to achieving this and to provide support to everyone to establish routines which will continue throughout the child’s education.

Methods

Parents & Carers

• To ensure their child attends every session unless they are unwell or are on holiday.

• To try to avoid making appointments for their child that occurs during preschool time where practicable.

• To inform the preschool by telephone on the first day if a child is absent because of illness and again at regular intervals if the illness is prolonged.

• To inform the preschool if their child is going to be absent and to give the reason for the absence - this can be done by email, in person, telephone or text.

• To report to a member of staff to advise of holidays during term time.

• To bring and collect their children promptly - please remember it is very distressing for children to be left until last.

• Ensure that children are brought and collected by a responsible adult, over the age of 16.

• Ensure that the preschool is informed every time someone different will be collecting their child and that the person knows the child’s collection password.

• Bring children to the door of the preschool setting and ensure a member of staff is aware of their arrival.

• Fees for missed sessions are still applicable and  replacement/alternate sessions are  only provided if there is a space.

Staff/Key workers

• To ensure parents/carers understand the importance of punctuality and attendance.

• To monitor attendance and punctuality on a session basis.

• To inform Children’s Social Care if poor attendance or punctuality indicates that the child’s welfare could be in jeopardy.

• To ensure strategies for encouraging good attendance are implemented.

• To inform the Manager if they have concerns about a child’s attendance or punctuality.

• To be aware that poor attendance and/or punctuality could be a safeguarding issue and to respond in accordance with the Preschool’s Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures.

• To ensure that registers are accurately completed with late marks and reason codes for every absence.

• To mark a child as being late if they arrive 20 minutes after the session has started.

• To provide positive messages to parents/carers about the importance of punctuality and good attendance.

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This policy was adopted at a meeting on 11th November 2019

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our-:

Fee paying policy

Safeguarding Children policy

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

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Statement of intent

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We understand that children flourish best when their personal, social and emotional needs are met and where there are clear and developmentally appropriate expectations for their behavior.

Aims

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At the Brislington Village Pre-school we aim to work towards an environment in which children can develop self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.  We believe in promoting and nurturing positive behaviour and are committed to teaching our children how to behave in socially acceptable ways and to understand the needs and rights of others.

Method

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Personal, Social and Emotional Development is a core element of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).  The EYFS states that “children must be provided with support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others;  to form positive relationships and develop respect for others;  to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings;  to understand appropriate behaviour in groups and to have confidence in their own abilities”.

At the Brislington Village Pre-school, in line with the EYFS, we aim to provide appropriate opportunities for all children to develop taking into account children’s previous experiences and developmental stages.  In our setting we believe in order to behave in socially acceptable ways and to understand the needs and rights of others, children should-:

• Be encouraged to have respect for themselves and treat other people with respect, kindness and tolerance.

• Speak appropriately and politely and be encouraged to use good manners, such as “please” and “thank you”.

• Be good listeners and display a level of self-control during circle/small group and story time.

• Begin to understand how to be fair by sharing and taking turns.

• Look after the toys and resources available to them and take care of the Brislington Village Pre-school environment.

• Listen to and respect what children are telling us verbally and through their emotions, actions and body language.

• Encourage children to take responsibility for their own behavior by giving them time and support to think or talk things through and find their own solutions.

• Model behaviour and approaches to difficulties to children.

• Acknowledge, celebrate and share children’s effort and learning.

• When handling inconsiderate behaviour we will help children to find solutions in ways which are appropriate for the children’s ages and stages of development.  Such solutions might include for example, acknowledgement of feelings, an explanation as to what was not acceptable and what the child should have done or said when they got it wrong.  It will always be made clear to the child that it is the behavior and not the child that is unwelcome.

• Create a secure learning environment where all the children feel valued and welcome as part of the Brislington Village Pre-school.  Help them to develop their self-esteem by encouraging their attempts and interests and giving time to listen to each individual child.

• Ensure that the setting, equipment and resources are in good order.

• Communicate with parents what the children have achieved during the day either verbally, via email or Tapestry, but also involve parents when there is a cause for concern over a child’s behaviour.  We work with parents to address recurring unacceptable behaviour, using objective observations; this will help us to understand the cause and to decide jointly how to respond appropriately.

• Never use physical punishment, such as smacking or shaking. Children are never threatened with these.  We never send children out of the room by themselves.  We do not use techniques intended to single out and humiliate individual children.  We do not shout or raise our voices in a threatening way in response to children’s behaviour.  Physical intervention e.g. holding will only be used to prevent injury to the child, other children or an adult or serious damage to property.

• Details of such an event (what happened, what action was taken and by whom, and the names of witnesses) are brought to the attention of our pre-school leader and are recorded on an incident form.  A parent is informed on the same day and signs the incident form to indicate they have been informed - this is then filed with the child’s records.

• Be aware that there are different rules for playing indoors and outdoors, such as only walking inside and not shouting.

• Have self-confidence and high self-esteem.

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To support children’s development the staff at the Brislington Village Pre-school we will-:

·Familiarise new staff and volunteers with the pre-school’s behaviour policy and its rules for behavior.

·Expect all members of the pre-school (children, parents, staff, volunteers and students) to keep to the rules, requiring these to be applied consistently.

·Keep themselves up-to-date with legislation, research and thinking on handling children’s behaviour.

·Provide a positive model of behaviour by treating children, parents and one another with friendliness, care and courtesy.

·Use a firm but calm approach when dealing with behaviour and strive to ensure that all rules are applied consistently so that the children feel secure in knowing what is expected of them.

·Help children to be polite by encouraging exchanges such as “Good morning” or “Thank you”.

·Help children to be fair when playing games and sharing the toys making sure there are enough resources so that a child does not have to wait too long for their turn and using a sand timer as an aid to taking turns.

·Give clear expectations and display simple rules around the setting pictorially so the children are aware of the boundaries.

·Give lots of praise and attention for efforts and achievement and reward behaviour that we want such as kindness and a willingness to share. Rewards need to be immediate, meaningful to the child, small and varied from time to time.  They may include verbal praise such as “Thank you for picking up the toys”, a smile, a thumbs up, a sticker or the opportunity to perhaps choose a story or special activity.

·Express the positive and focus on the behavior we DO want (e.g. please walk, please listen, etc.).

·Offer appropriate comfort and contact to children who are distressed or angry and help them to acknowledge, understand, express and talk about their feelings.

Unacceptable Behaviour

At the Brislington Village Pre-school we will not accept the following behaviours from children

·Use of rude, inappropriate or unkind language.

·Hitting, kicking, biting, spitting or other such physical responses.

·Racist remarks.

·Any behaviour which is intended to cause hurt, offence or intimidation to another person.

In cases of serious misbehaviour we will make clear immediately to the child the unacceptability of the behaviour or attitudes by means of explanations rather than personal blame.   Brislington Village Pre-school staff will always attempt to use non-confrontational language e.g. “When sand is thrown …..” instead of “When YOU throw sand …..” and will be careful to label the behaviour not the child e.g. saying “I don’t like it when…………..” or “It’s not okay to…………..”.

Any behaviour deemed unacceptable will be recorded on an incident form.  This will highlight what triggered the child to behave in an inappropriate manner, the behaviour that they displayed and how the situation was dealt with.  A copy of the incident form will be sent to the parent/carer on the day of the incident.  The response of the parent(s) will be recorded.

If the unacceptable behaviour continues the child’s keyworker  and a member of the management team in partnership with the child’s parents will try to find out why the child is behaving this way and may decide on the best strategies for supporting the child.  In some cases this may involve an IEP (Individual Education Plan) with specific targets related to behaviour.

Sometimes, adults will intervene in situations to set reasonable limits and expectations and to support children in making choices.  This may be, for example, where there is an immediate risk of a child being hurt, where there are threatening or racist behaviour, or where a clear boundary is considered to be needed, perhaps as part of an individual development plan drawn up with parents/carers.

Our agreed approach for this is as follow:-

We believe simple and gradually stepped approach gives children the greatest opportunity to consider their actions and to learn to be assertive and use these strategies themselves.  Clearly, for the youngest children, only the gesture and clear, positive instruction, “Please stop” of the first step will be used when appropriate.  This is so that they become used to the action and the clear positive language that will be used as they grow older and increase their understanding.

Adults always ensure that a child understands the actions and words at each step, tells the child how they are feeling and gives the reason(s) why.

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STEP 1  

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Adult goes to where the child is and ensures that they are in the same level.  Ask child clearly to “Please Stop” using the agreed hand signal.  If there are other children involved the adult approaches calmly and points out or verbalises the difficulty.  Can the child or children provide a solution?

STEP 2

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If no solution if found or the child continues, the adults offers a clear choice in simple positive language, using gesture or actions with the words and repeat up to three times to ensure understanding.

E.g. “I am worried that you will fall and hurt yourself.  Please come down or I will need to bring you down.

Or if a child is continuing to throw sand-: “I am worried that sand may go in Joe’s eye.  You can choose – stay here but keep the sand in the tray or go to another area.  What are you going to do?”

If a child stops, thank them and give some positive attention.

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STEP 3

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If the child is unable to make a choice then the adult will make a decision and act on it.  E.g. “You have chosen to leave the sand and play somewhere else”.  The adult will help the child to do this for up to 3 minutes.  A choice will then be offered once again. E.g. “What do you want to do now?” or “Are you going to stay here or be with the other children?” If this begins to happen regularly, or if it is necessary to hold a child for his/her or other’s safety, this will be recorded and reported to the parents/carers at the end of the session.

STEP 4

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For children who reach Step 3 regularly or need further support, parents/carers and all adults concerned would meet to discuss and create an IEP with specific targets related to behaviour.

Our behaviour management co-ordinator is Chrissy Laing.

Our equal opportunities co-ordinator is Chrissy Laing.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015.

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with-:

Anti-Bullying policy

Equality and Diversity policy

Parent Partnership policy

Promoting British values policy

Race Equality policy

Supporting Positive Behaviour policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 20

The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Confidentiality policy

 CONFIDENTIALITY

Statement of Intent

It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their parents/carers, while ensuring that they access high quality pre-school care and education.

Aims

We aim to ensure that all parent/carers can share their information in the confidence that it will only be used to enhance the welfare of the children.

Methods

To ensure that all those using and working in the pre-school can do so with confidence, we respect confidentiality in the following ways:-

• The setting adheres to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations)

• All staff are made aware that they should not pass on information about children or parents/carers indiscriminately.

• Parents/carers have ready access to the files and records of their own children, but do not have access to information about any other child.

• Staff will not discuss personal information given by parents/carers with other members of staff, except where it affects 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 personal safety are kept in a secure, confidential cabinet and are shared with as few people as possible on a ‘need to know’ basis.

• Personal information about children, families and staff is kept securely in a lockable cabinet whilst remaining as accessible as possible.

• Issues to do with the employment of staff, whether paid or unpaid, remain confidential to the people directly involved with making management/administration decisions.

• Students on work experience are advised of our confidentiality policy and are required to respect it.

• Parents/carers permission will be sought before photographs are taken of children, either as individuals or in groups.  Permission is normally given in our record of information form.

• Staff will have considered the suitability of surroundings and the presence of other people when they have conversations with children or parents/carers or each other which may need to be kept confidential.

 All the undertakings above are subject to the paramount commitment of the Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd, which is the safety and well-being of the child.  Please also see our Safeguarding Children policy.  Confidentiality may only be breached when a child’s safety is at risk e.g. in an emergency or if abuse at home is suspected.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed November 2019

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

GDPR and Data Protection policy

Emergency and Long Term Medication policy

Equality and Diversity policy

Looked after Child policy

Photo, video, mobile phone and social network policy

Retention of records policy

Safer Recruitment policy  

Safeguarding children policy

Tapestry policy

Volunteer, Work Experience Placement and Agency staff policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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COMPLAINTS

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Complaints pol

Statement of intent

Our setting believes that children and parent/carers are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes.  We welcome suggestions on how to improve our setting and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns about the running of the setting. We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff.  If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns.

Aims

We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our setting to a satisfactory conclusion for all the parties involved.

Methods

To achieve this, we operate the following complaints procedure.  All settings are required to keep a ‘summary log’ of all complaints that reach stage 2 or beyond.  This is to be made available to parents as well as to Ofsted inspectors.

Making a complaint

Stage 1

• Any parent who has a concern about an aspect of the setting’s provision can discuss this with a member of staff.

• Most complaints should be resolved amicably and informally at this stage.

  Stage 2

• If this does not have a satisfactory outcome, or if the problem recurs, the parent moves to Stage 2 of the procedure by putting the concerns or complaint in writing to the manager.

• The setting stores written complaints from parents confidentially.

• When the investigation into the complaint is completed, the manager meets with the parent to discuss the outcome.

• When the complaint is resolved at this stage, the summative points are logged and recorded.

Stage 3

• If the parent is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation the next stage would be for them to contact Ofsted, details of which are on our parent’s notice board.

• Details of the outcome will be logged and recorded.

Parents may approach Ofsted directly at any stage of this complaints procedure.  In addition, where there seems to be a possible breach of the setting’s registration requirements, it is essential to involve Ofsted as the registering and inspection body with a duty to ensure the National Standards for Day Care are adhered to.

• The address and telephone number of Ofsted are:

Ofsted

    National Business Unit

    Piccadilly Gate

    Store Street

    Manchester

    M1 2WD

    Telephone number: 0300 123 1231.

Records

• A record of complaints against our setting and/or the children and/or the adults working in the setting is kept, including the date, the circumstances of the complaint and how the complaint was managed.

• The outcome of all complaints is recorded in the Complaints record, which is available for parents and Ofsted inspectors on request.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our-:

 Special Educational Needs and Disability policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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CONTIGENCY

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Contingency Policy

Statement of intent

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It is the intention of The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd to develop safe and usable procedures for dealing with incidents that can adversely affect the normal running of our setting

 Aims

During emergency situations or serious incidents we will endeavour to put the children and the staff of the setting at the heart of our planning and this will be our primary concern at all times

Methods

Parents and carers will be informed as soon as practicable possible of any incidents and the effects on the running of the setting.

Emergency staff cover

In the case of a member of staff’s absence if it is necessary to cover them to ensure EYFS ratio requirements are met, all bank and part time staff will be contacted to establish whether they can work longer hours or attend for duty.

In the unlikely incident of no staff being available the number of children attending on the day will be checked and parent/carers will be contacted to see if they can cope without their children coming to the setting to reduce the number of children attending or we will employ an agency staff to cover the absence.

If the number of staff drops below 2 all parent/carers will be contacted as soon as possible and advised that the setting will have to be closed temporarily and advised when the setting is likely to re-open.

Unexpected closures of setting

Adverse weather

In the event of adverse weather affecting staff getting to the setting, parent/carers will be contacted by text/Facebook advising that the setting will be closed and the re-opening date will also be communicated in a similar fashion.

In the event of no staff being able to get to the setting Nicola Aldridge will be responsible for sending out advisory notices.

Hall closure

If a decision is made by the landlord of the setting to close the premises, the manager of the setting will contact parent/carers of all children attending that day to arrange for them to be collected as soon as possible.

All parents/carers will be advised of likely re-opening date.

Emergency closure due to financial difficulties

If it is identified that the setting can no longer run viably the Director/Owner may have to take the decision to close the setting.

The parent/carers will be informed as soon as possible and the manager will advise them of alternative settings in the local area.

The staff will be informed of the reason for closure and will be given information of any outstanding payments.

Ofsted will be informed.

Emergency closure due to infectious diseases/pandemic

If the Local Authority’s Environmental team/Public Health England deem closure of the setting is necessary we will advise parent/carers as soon as possible. 

We will arrange a deep clean of the premises and equipment to remove the risk of further infection.

The Director/Owner will work with the Environmental team and the landlord to implement an action plan and reopening timeline and all parents/carers will be kept informed.

Ofsted will be informed of the temporary closure and why by telephone and letter.

Refund of fees

If the setting is closed then any fees already paid for the period of closure will be refunded.  

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 30th October 2017

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Fee paying policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.

Statement of Intent

This procedure is to help and encourage employees to achieve and maintain standards of conduct, attendance and job performance and applies to all employees.

Aims

The aim of this procedure is to ensure consistent and fair treatment for all at The Brislington Village Pre-school.

Methods

Discipline procedure

Informal action will be considered, where appropriate, to resolve problems

No disciplinary action will be taken against an employee until the case has been fully investigated.

For formal action the employee will be advised of the nature of the complaint against them and will be given the opportunity to state their case before any decision is made at a disciplinary meeting.  Employees will be provided, were appropriate, with written copies of evidence and relevant witness statements in advance of a disciplinary meeting.  At all stages the employee will have the right to be accompanied by a work colleague.

There will be 3 stages of a formal disciplinary procedure.

1. An improvement note for unsatisfactory performance (if performance of duty does not reach a satisfactory standard), or a first warning for misconduct (if conduct does not reach acceptable standards).  The problem will be set out, the improvement that is required and the timescale in which the improvement needs to be met will be recorded.  A copy will be kept by the manager, but will be disregarded for disciplinary procedures after 6 months, subject to achieving and sustaining satisfactory conduct or performance.

2.  A final written warning will be issued if the offence is sufficiently serious, or there is further misconduct or a failure to improve performance during the time of a prior warning.  This will give details of the complaint, the improvement required and the timescale.  It will also warn that failure to improve may lead to dismissal.  A copy of this written warning will be kept by the manager but will be disregarded for disciplinary purposes after 12 months, subject to achieving and sustaining satisfactory conduct or performance.

3. Dismissal will result if there is still further misconduct or failure to improve performance. Dismissal decisions can only be taken by the manager and the employee will be provided in writing with reasons for the dismissal and the date on which the employment will terminate.

An employee has right of appeal at any of the 3 stages of the disciplinary procedure. This must be made in writing within 5 working days to the manager.  The employer will hear the appeal and decide the case as impartially as possible.

Misconduct

Where, following a disciplinary meeting, an employee is found guilty of misconduct the usual first step would be to give them a written warning setting out the nature of the misconduct and the change in behaviour required. If deemed appropriate a further performance improvement plan will be actioned, again clearly stating the desired objectives and timeframe; if the objectives are not met within this agreed timescale then the employee will be committing Gross Misconduct. 

 The employee should be informed that the warning is part of the formal disciplinary process and what the consequences will be of a failure to change behaviour. The consequences could be a final written warning and, ultimately, dismissal. The employee should also be informed that they may appeal against the decision. A record of the warning should be kept, but it should be disregarded for disciplinary procedures after one year.

Grievance procedure

If you have a grievance or complaint to do with your work or the people you work with you should, wherever possible, start by talking it over with your manager.  You may be able to agree a solution informally between you.

If the matter is serious and/or you wish to raise the matter formally you should set out the grievance in writing to you manager.  You should stick to the facts and avoid language that is insulting or abusive.

Your manager will call you to a meeting, normally within 5 working days. You have the right to be accompanied by a colleague at this meeting.  After the meeting the manager will give you a decision in writing, normally within 48 hours.

The manger’s decision is final.

This procedure was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our:-

Smoking, Alcohol and Drug policy

Staff Behaviour policy

Whistleblowing policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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DUMMY

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The Brislington Village Ltd Pre-school Dummy policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school recognises that babies and young children spend lots of time making sounds and exploring their own mouths and voices before they begin to use words. In doing so they are not only practising and developing the skills needed for speech, but they are also encouraging other people in the world to notice them and communicate with them. Although dummies can be used as a source of comfort for lots of young children, some research has shown that children who suck dummies through the day make fewer sounds, gain less experience of using their voices, and hear less language from adults around them.

Aim

In view of the above information this pre-school aims to limit the amount of time that the children are using their dummy (or bottle).

Method

Before a child starts at the setting a record of information form will be completed by the parent/carer, which has space for setting out their child’s needs in relation to dummies (or bottles).  

Together the setting and the parent/carer will aim to phase out dummies (or bottles) sensitively.

Reviewed October 2020

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This policy was adopted on 1st June 2017

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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EMERGENCY AND LONG TERM MEDICATION

The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Emergency and Long term medication policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school believes that children with long-term medical needs have the same rights of admission to the setting as other children.  We will work with staff, parents/carers, child and relevant health care professionals to enable this to happen.

Aims

• To enable children with long-term medical needs to access the setting.

• To minimise the need to administer medicines for short-term medical needs.

• To be clear on the responsibilities of parents/carers and staff.

• To provide a safe procedure for staff to follow.

Methods

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Prescription medicines

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Medicines will only be administered when it is essential: that is where it would be detrimental to a child’s health if the medicine is not administered during the provision’s hours.  Medicines must be provided in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacist and include the prescriber’s instructions of administration. Staff will not accept medication that has been taken out of the container or make changes to dosage or times on parental instruction.

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Non-prescription medicines

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Staff would not normally administer non-prescription medicines to children.  Parents/carers will need to discuss individual circumstances with the manager of the setting.

We do not provide care for children, who are unwell, have a temperature, or sickness and diarrhoea, or who have an infectious disease.  If a children has been administered with a dose of Calpol on the day they are due at the setting they are unable to attend pre-school on this day.

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Short term medical needs

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Children may need to take medicines for a short period of time.  Staff will normally not administer medicines for short-term needs and parents/carers should do this outside the setting.  If this unable to happen parents/carers will need to discuss individual circumstances with the manager of the setting, in advance and the manager’s decision will be final.

Long term medical needs

Some children may have long term medical needs and may require medicines on a long term basis e.g. well controlled cystic fibrosis, epilepsy.  It is important that the setting has sufficient information about the medical condition of any child with long term medical needs.  Parents will need to meet with the manager and the child’s key worker in advance to discuss the issues involved.

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Emergency medical needs

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Some children may require medicines in particular circumstances, e.g. inhalers for asthma.  Parents will need to meet with manager and the child’s key worker to discuss the issues involved.  A medication care plan will be completed.

Registration

If a parent identifies on the registration form that the child has a medical need, the manager will obtain detailed information on the medication consent form.  Parents/carers are responsible for informing the setting of any changes in medication.

Staff training

Staff may need training before administering certain types of medication, and we seek advice from our insurers and registration body before agreeing we are able to administer certain types of medication. Training would normally involve accessing external training from a qualified health professional.

Storage

Medicines will be stored in our locked filing cabinet.  If medicines need to be re-fridgerated, they will be kept in a locked box in the fridge, in the settings kitchen, to which the children have no access.

Outings

Medication on an outing will be carried by a member of staff and the relevant medication forms will be taken.

Recording

The parent will complete a consent form detailing the medication or complete a medication care plan as appropriate.  The manager is responsible for checking these forms are completed prior to the child starting at the setting.  The manger will keep a full record of medicines administered using the medical consent and administration form.

Administration

There is no legal duty for staff to administer medication, however staff may volunteer.

When a child arrives with medication the manager will ensure that any medication supplied is in its original container as dispensed by a pharmacist, check the prescription label states:

• Child’s name

• Name of medication and strength

• Dose and time to be administered

• Check the expiry or dispensing date on the bottle or foil.

• Check consent form is completed and signed by parents/carers.

• If medication is for emergency care, check that the individual care plan is signed.

• Check with parents when medication was last administered.

Designated staff will recheck on administration that it is the:

• Right child

• Right medication

• Right strength

• Right dose and time

• In date

Designated staff will follow any care plans relating to the child and medication. They will arrange for a 2nd person to confirm the identity of the child and witness administration.  They will complete and sign an Administration of Medication record. The 2nd person will also sign.

Staff will inform dose and time taken on the departure of the child from the setting to the parents/carers, and inform them of any concerns, observed side effects or if the child declined to take the medication.  Staff will ensure parents sign the Administration of Medication record and hand medication/container back to the parents/carers.

Confidentiality

All records relating to the medical needs of a child and the administration of medication will be stored confidentially within the setting.

Law

The setting recognises that we do not have a legal responsibility to administer medication, but recognise that we have a responsibility not to treat a child less favourably because of their medical needs.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015   

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our

Asthma policy

Confidentiality policy          

Health and Safety policy

Nappy changing policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Equality and Diversity Po

Statement of intent

Our setting is committed to valuing diversity by providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families.

Aims

We aim to:

• provide a secure environment in which all our children can flourish and in which all contributions are valued;

• include and value the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality and diversity;

• provide positive non-stereotyping information about gender roles, diverse ethnic and cultural groups and people with disabilities;

• improve our knowledge and understanding of issues of anti-discriminatory practice, promoting equality and valuing diversity; and

• make inclusion a thread that runs through all of the activities of the setting.

This setting follows the guidelines of:

• Equality Act 2010

Methods

Admissions

Our setting is open to all members of the community.

• We advertise our service widely.

• We provide information in clear, concise language, whether in spoken or written form.

• We base our admissions policy on a fair system.

• We ensure that all parents are made aware of our equal opportunities policy.

• We do not discriminate against a child or their family, or prevent entry to our setting, on the basis of colour, ethnicity, religion or social background, such as being a member of a travelling community or an asylum seeker.

• We do not discriminate against a child with a disability or refuse a child entry to our setting because of any disability.

• We develop an action plan to ensure that people with disabilities can participate successfully in the services offered by the setting and in the curriculum offered.

• We take action against any discriminatory behaviour by staff or parents. Displaying of openly racist insignia, distribution of racist material, name calling, or threatening behaviour are unacceptable on or around the premises and will be dealt with in the strongest manner.

Employment

• Posts are advertised and all applicants are judged against explicit and fair criteria.

• Applicants are welcome from all backgrounds and posts are open to all.

• The applicant who best meets the criteria is offered the post, subject to references and checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This ensures fairness in the selection process.  

• All job descriptions include a commitment to equality and diversity as part of their specifications.

• We monitor our application process to ensure that it is fair and accessible.

Training

• We seek out training opportunities for staff and volunteers to enable them to develop anti-discriminatory and inclusive practices, which enable all children to flourish.

• We review our practices to ensure that we are fully implementing our policy for equality, diversity and inclusion.

Curriculum

The curriculum offered in the setting encourages children to develop positive attitudes about themselves as well as to people who are different from themselves. It encourages children to empathise with others and to begin to develop the skills of critical thinking.

We do this by:

• making children feel valued and good about themselves;

• ensuring that children have equality of access to learning;

• recognising the different learning styles of girls and boys, making appropriate provision within the curriculum to ensure each child receives the widest possible opportunity to develop their skills and abilities;

• positively reflecting the widest possible range of communities in the choice of resources;

• avoiding stereotypes or derogatory images in the selection of books or other visual materials;

• celebrating a wide range of festivals;

• creating an environment of mutual respect and tolerance;

• helping children to understand that discriminatory behaviour and remarks are hurtful and unacceptable;

• ensuring that the curriculum offered is inclusive of children with special educational needs and children with disabilities;

• ensuring that children learning English as an additional language have full access to the curriculum and are supported in their learning; and

Valuing diversity in families

• We welcome the diversity of family lifestyles and work with all families.

• We encourage children to contribute stories of their everyday life to the setting.

• We encourage parents/carers to take part in the life of the setting and to contribute fully.

Food

• We work in partnership with parents to ensure that the medical, cultural and dietary needs of children are met.

• We help children to learn about a range of food, and of cultural approaches to mealtimes and eating, and to respect the differences among them.

Meetings

• Meetings are arranged to ensure that all families who wish to may be involved in the running of the setting.

• Information about meetings is communicated in a variety of ways - written, verbal and in translation - to ensure that all parents have information about and access to the meetings.

Our Inclusion and Equal Opportunities is Chrissy Laing

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Admissions policy

Behaviour management policy

Confidentiality policy

Promoting British Values policy

Race Equality policy

Special Educational Needs and Disability policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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E-SAFETY

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd E-Safety policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school has a commitment to keeping staff and children safe and healthy at all times and the E-Safety policy operates at all times under the umbrella of our Safeguarding policy.

Aims

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Our aim is to begin the learning process for our children on how to be e-safe, to recognise when information or material is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable and how to ask for help.

Our aim for our staff is for them to be protected when using any form of ICT including the internet.

Methods

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Our named E-safety officer is April Blackmore.

Staff will:

• Ensure that all electronic communication is compatible with their professional role and in line with the policies of the setting.

• Ensure that any online activity, both in work and outside, will not bring our organisation or professional role into disrepute.

• Staff have a duty to report any E-Safety incident which may impact on them, their professionalism or our setting.

• ICT usage by the children will be carefully planned and targeted within a regulated and managed environment to show the children the benefits of accessing information from around the world to enhance their learning.    

 This policy was adopted at a meeting on 23 May 2016

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-  

Photography, video, mobile phone and social networking policy

Safeguarding children policy

Staff Behaviour policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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FEE PAYING

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Fee Paying Policy

Statement of Intent

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 The Brislington Village Pre-school will set and review fees annually, (usually in September at the start of a new school year, but may be increased at any time).

Aims

This setting is a not for profit organisation and all parents/carers have a responsibility to pay all their childcare fees as laid out in this policy. Failure to do so will result in the child being unable to attend the setting.

Methods

As stated in our prospectus and parent contract, all fees must still be paid, if children are absent for a short period of time - e.g. on holiday or sickness.  If your child has to be absent over a longer period of time i.e. more than 2 weeks, please talk to a member of staff.

If the pre-school is shut for any reason - (e.g. infectious diseases, building maintenance, inset days, etc.), fees are not payable.  

In the event of the setting being closed then any fees already paid will be refunded for the duration of the closure.

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The parent/carer will be notified at the start of each term of the amount of fees for the forthcoming term.

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Fees must be paid within 10 working days of the issue of an invoice.

If parent/carers need to pay fees on a monthly or weekly basis then this can be arranged but it must be agreed by the Director or Administrator of the setting.

All fees must be paid by the last day of the relevant term at the very latest.

Any additional hours for fees incurred after the termly invoice has been issued will result in an additional invoice being issued for the extra hours.  This invoice should also be paid within 10 working days of receipt.

Failure to pay the fees may result in the child’s hour’s being reduced or suspension of their place until the outstanding monies has been paid.

If parent/carers are experiencing difficulties paying they should in the first instance contact the Director or Administrator of the setting.

Payment can be made 5 ways either-:

          By cash given to the administrator

By cheque made payable to The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd and given to the administrator

By BACS – bank details of The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd will be provided by the administrator when requested,

By Tax Free Childcare –our unique reference is available upon request to the administrator

          or

By childcare vouchers – bank details of The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd will be provided by the administrator when requested.  If The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd does not already participate in any scheme, the administrator will liaise with the parent/carer to make appropriate arrangements.

On receipt of fees, a receipt (usually by email) will be issued by the administrator.

If a parent/carer paying fees wishes to remove their child from the setting, they must put this in writing to the administrator, giving one month’s notice.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

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This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Admissions policy

Attendance policy

Contingency policy

Finance policy

Reviewed September 2020

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021                                                                                                      

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FINANCE POLICY

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Finance Policy

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Statement of Intent

The Director and administrator of the The Brislington Village Pre-school will enable the organisation to meet the contractual obligation and requirements of its funders.

Aims

The Brislington Village Pre-school will ensure it meets its legal and statutory obligations and that the Director and administrator have proper financial control of the organisation.

Methods

Cheque Signatories

All cheques will require the Director’s or administrator’s signature

Cheques

Blank cheques will never be signed.

Cheque stubs will be properly completed prior to the cheque being signed.

No cheques will be signed without the original, authorised documentation being available and checked.

Payment documentation will be marked with the date, cheque number and amount paid

The administrator is responsible for holding the cheque book securely.

Banking

The Director will approve the opening of any bank accounts for the organisation.

No loan agreements or overdraft facilities will be set up without the prior agreement of the Director.

Records of Income and Expenditure

There will be documentary evidence of all income and expenditure.

The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd accounts will be balanced monthly and the bank statements will be reconciled monthly by the administrator and a report provided to the Director via Xero accounting.

All cash income from fundraising events will be counted and recorded by the Director and the administrator.

The administrator will provide a financial report showing monthly income and expenditure as requested by the Director, along with corresponding bank statements via Xero accounting system.

Annual Audit

The accounts will be independently audited at the end of each financial year.  

Payment of Wages

Staff wages are paid on the 21st of the month.

Salary payments will be authorised by the Director.     

Wages will be paid on a monthly basis.

Wages will be paid by BACS.

The administrator will keep appropriate records of all wages via Xero accounting system.

Financial Planning

The administrator will provide for the Director at the beginning of each academic year an income/expenditure forecast for the forthcoming year.  

This policy was adopted on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our

Fee paying policy

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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FIRE EVACUATION POLICY

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Fire evacuation policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school will follow the procedures for evacuating the building in the event of the fire alarm being sounded, in a way that ensures that all children are safely led away from the building and adults do not take any undue risks.

Aims

Our aims are:

• No child or adult will take unnecessary personal risks;

• Staff fully understand the required procedures and understand their role;

• Staff will follow day to day procedures to reduce the risk of fire;

• We will follow the advice that the fire brigade give;

• All visitors/volunteers will be made aware of the evacuation procedure and informed if there is a planned fire drill.

Methods

• We have a fire procedure on the wall;

• We will have a fire drill during the session at least each half term, (however, if we have new children starting this will be more frequent), and a record will be made;

• There will be a role for each member of staff ;

• We will ensure all staff receive information/training on fire procedures and are aware of all the fire exit escape routes;

• We will perform a formal risk management assessment at least once a year, and will monitor risks each day;

• We will keep registers of children, staff and visitors to the pre-school for each session;

• Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from inside;

• Smoke detectors/alarms and fire fighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.  (This is the responsibility of St Luke’s Church).

In the event of a fire occurring, the fire alarm will sound, which is 1 long blast of the whistle.  The fire warden for the day must alert everyone and gain their attention including alerting the Millennium room, Bukedi room, toilets and kitchen. The evacuation procedure to follow is:

• For safe evacuation, the children are asked to form a line, one staff member will be at the front of the line and lead them outside via the nearest exit and one staff member will be at the back of the line.

• The evacuation will start immediately and people should not try to collect bags and other personal possessions, however the staff member leading the line will collect the register and phone if it is safe to do so;

•  The assembly point is in the church grounds opposite the hall;

• Once outside a member of staff will telephone the fire brigade on 999 and give appropriate details;

• At the assembly point, the register will be called and checked for any unaccounted adults or children, and the fire brigade will be told of any missing people. Nobody will be permitted to return to the building until the all clear is given by the fire brigade.

The named fire wardens are:

April Blackmore (Monday and Tuesday)

Rebecca Smith (Wednesday and Thursday)

Sara Pearce (Friday)

For fire drills, the above procedure will be followed except that the session supervisor will give the all clear.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on the 1st September 2015

This policy should be read in conjunction with our

Lock Down policy

Reviewed September 2020

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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FOOD AND DRINK

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Food and drink policy

Statement of Intent

This setting regards snack and meal times as an important part of the setting's session. Eating represents a social time for children and adults and helps children to learn about healthy eating.

Aims

At snack times and meal times our aim is that the children are provided with nutritious food, which goes towards meeting the children's individual dietary needs.

Methods

• Before a child starts to attend the setting, we find out from parents their children's dietary needs and preferences, including any allergies. 

• We record information about each child's dietary needs in her/his registration record and parents sign the record to signify that it is correct.

• At admissions stage we consult with parents to ensure that our records of their children's dietary needs - including any allergies - are up to date. 

• We display current information about individual children's dietary needs so that all staff and volunteers are fully informed about them.

• We implement systems to ensure that children receive only food and drink that is consistent with their dietary needs and preferences as well as their parents' wishes.

• We provide healthy options’ at snack time.

• We take care not to provide food containing nuts or nut products and are especially vigilant where we have a child who has a known allergy to nuts.

• As part of the curriculum we look at food regularly and explore new tastes experiences and children’s dietary requirements including allergies are respected.

• We require staff to show sensitivity in providing for children's diets and allergies.  Staff do not use a child's diet or allergy as a label for the child or make a child feel singled out because of her/his diet or allergy.

• We organise snack and meal times, so that they are social occasions in which children and staff participate.

• We use snack and meal times to help children to develop independence through making choices, serving food and drinking and feeding themselves.

• We provide children with utensils that are appropriate for their ages and stages of development and that take account of the eating practices in their cultures.

• We have fresh drinking water constantly available for the children.  We inform children that they can ask for water at any time during the session.

• In order to protect children with food allergies, we have rules about children sharing and swapping their food with one another.

• For children who drink milk, we provide semi skimmed milk.

• We ask that parents only provide water in their child’s drinking bottle.

• We maintain the highest possible hygiene standards with regards to the purchase, storage, preparation and storing of food.

• This setting is registered with the local authority’s food safety team.

• Hands will be washed immediately prior to food preparation and dried with a paper towel rather than a tea towel.

• Children will wash their hands immediately prior to eating and will sit in an area that has been prepared and cleaned for food to be eaten from.

• All perishable foods will be kept in the refrigerator in the hall’s kitchen.

• We will ensure that surfaces and utensils are clean before use.

• We will wipe down work surfaces and tables with paper towels and anti-bacterial cleaner and immediately dried to maintain dry conditions.

• Any broken or faulty kitchen equipment will be reported to the Manager or Deputy Manager who will contact the caretaker of the hall.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Health and safety policy

Statement of intent

This setting believes that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance.  We make the setting a safe and healthy place for children, parents and staff.

Aims

We aim to make children and parents aware of health and safety issues and to minimise the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Methods

All staff are responsible for health and safety within the setting.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment process includes:

• Checking for hazards and risks indoors and outside regularly.

• Risk assessments are updated regularly.

Insurance cover

We hold public liability insurance.

Awareness raising

• 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.

• As necessary, health and safety issues are 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

• We ensure all staff employed have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

• All children are supervised by adults at all times.

• Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults must be present.

Security

• Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. Children’s arrivals are recorded and staff are positioned at the door to monitor entry and departures.

• All adults on the premises are recorded.

• Our systems prevent unauthorised access to our premises.

• Our systems prevent children from leaving our premises unnoticed.

• The personal possessions of staff and volunteers are securely stored during sessions.

Doors

• We take precautions to prevent children's fingers from being trapped in doors.

• Floors are kept clean and dry to avoid slipping hazards.

• All surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven or damaged.

Kitchen

• Children do not have access to the kitchen.

Electrical/gas equipment

• All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.

• Our meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.

• Fires, heaters, electric sockets, wires and leads are properly guarded and the children are taught not to touch them.

• Storage heaters are checked daily to make sure they are not covered.

• There are sufficient sockets to prevent overloading.

• Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas including storage areas.

Storage

• All resources and materials from 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.

• All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

Hygiene

• Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.

• We have a daily cleaning routine for the setting that includes the hall, kitchen and toilets.

• The toilets standard of hygiene is checked at the beginning and end of every session to maintain standards including hand washing and drying facilities.

• We implement good hygiene practices by:

• cleaning tables between activities;

• checking toilets regularly;

• wearing protective clothing - such as aprons and disposable gloves - as appropriate;

• providing sets of clean clothes;

• providing tissues and wipes; and

Activities

• Before purchase or loan, equipment and resources are checked to ensure that they are safe for the ages and stages of the children currently attending the setting.

• The layout of play equipment allows adults and children to move safely and freely between activities.

• All equipment is regularly checked for cleanliness and safety and any dangerous items are repaired or discarded.

• All materials - including paint and glue - are non-toxic.

• Sand is clean and suitable for children's play.

• Physical play is constantly supervised.

• Some activities present risk and challenge but they will be appropriate to the child’s abilities (climbing frame) and supervised.

• Children are taught to handle and store tools safely (scissors).

• Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activities we provide and the routines we follow.

Food and drink

• All food and drink is stored appropriately.

• Adults do not carry hot drinks through the play area(s) and do not place hot drinks within reach of children.

• Snack (fruit and drink) and meal times are appropriately supervised and children do not walk about with food and drinks.

• Fresh drinking water is available to the children at all times.

• We operate systems to ensure that children do not have access to food/drinks to which they are allergic.

Fire safety

• Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from inside.

• Smoke detectors/alarms and fire fighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.

• Our emergency evacuation procedures are

     - clearly displayed in the premises;

- explained to new members of staff, volunteers and parents/carers; and

- practised regularly at least once every term.

• Records are kept of fire drills and the servicing of fire safety equipment.

First aid and accident

At least one member of staff with current first aid training is on the premises at any one time. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children.

Our first aid kit:

• complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981;

• is regularly checked by a designated member of staff and re-stocked as necessary;

• is easily accessible to adults; and

• is kept out of the reach of children.

At the time of admission to the setting, parents' permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is sought. 

Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.

Our accident record:

• is kept safely and accessibly;

• all staff know where it is kept and how to complete it; and

• is reviewed at least half termly to identify any potential or actual hazards.

Ofsted is notified of any injury requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital doctor, or the death of a child or adult.

When there is any injury requiring general practitioner or hospital treatment to a child, parent, volunteer or visitor or where there is a death of a child or adult on the premises, we make a report to the Health and Safety Executive using the format for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences.

Dealing with incidents

We meet our legal requirements for the safety of our employees by complying with RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). We report to the Health and Safety Executive:

• any accident to a member of staff requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital

•  and

• any dangerous occurrences. This may be an event that causes injury or fatalities or an event that does not cause an accident but could have done, such as a gas leak.

• Any dangerous occurrence is recorded in our Incident Book. See below.

Our Incident Book

• We keep an incident book for recording incidents including those that that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive as above.

• These incidents include:

• break in, burglary, theft of personal or the setting's property;

• fire, flood, gas leak or electrical failure;

• attack on member of staff or parent on the premises or near by;

• any racist incident involving a staff or family on the centre's premises;

• death of a child, and

• a terrorist attack or threat of one.

• In the incident book we record the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it - or if it was reported to the police, and if so a crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded.

• In the unlikely even of a terrorist attack we follow the advice of the emergency services with regard to evacuation, medical aid and contacting children's families. Our standard Fire Safety Policy will be followed and staff will take charge of their key children. The incident is recorded when the threat is averted.

• In the unlikely event of a child dying on the premises, for example, through cot death in the case of a baby, or any other means involving an older child, the emergency services are called, and the advice of these services are followed.

• For all accidents whether involving children, staff or visitors an accident form will be filled in at the first possible opportunity by the member of staff who witnessed the injury or who was closest at the time it occurred. In the case of an injury involving a child the form must be signed by the parent/carer who collects the child.

• Accident forms are kept confidentially in date order.

• In the case of a serious accident or emergency our first priority must be to ensure the safety of all present and to give the necessary first aid attention.  Parent/carers will be contacted as soon as possible. An ambulance will be called for anyone requiring hospital treatment.  The child’s information form and any medication forms will be sent with a member of staff if they have to travel to the hospital with the child until the parent/carer arrives.  All serious accidents will be recorded in the accident and incident book.  We will notify OFSTED of any serious accidents/injuries as soon as possible and within 14 days of the incident.  We will immediately report any fatal or major injuries by telephone to OFSTED and the Health and Safety Executive; RIDDOR followed up by an accident report form and to the local child protection agency.

Administration of medication

• Only prescribed medication may be administered. It must be in-date and prescribed for the current condition.

• Children taking prescribed medication must be well enough to attend the setting.

• Children's prescribed drugs are stored in their original containers, are clearly labelled and are inaccessible to the children.

• Parents give prior written permission for the administration of medication.  This states the name of the child, name/s of parent(s), date the medication starts, the name of the medication and prescribing doctor, the dose and times, or how and when the medication is to be administered.

• The administration is recorded accurately each time it is given and is signed by staff. A second member of staff should witness the administration of medicine and sign as a witness.  Parents sign the record book to acknowledge the administration of a medicine.

• If the administration of prescribed medication requires medical knowledge, individual training is provided for the relevant member of staff by a health professional.

Sickness

Our policy for the exclusion of ill or infectious children is discussed with parents.  This includes procedures for contacting parents - or other authorised adults - if a child becomes ill while in the setting.

• We do not provide care for children, who are unwell, have a temperature, or sickness and diarrhoea, or who have an infectious disease.  If a child has been administered with a dose of any pain relief medication on the day they are due at the setting they are unable to attend pre-school on this day.

• If your child has been given antibiotics then they cannot attend pre-school for the first 24 hours of taking the antibiotics.

• In line with health department guidelines parents with children suffering from diarrhoea and or vomiting are advised to keep their children at home for a further 48 hours from when symptoms clear. This is to aid recovery and minimise the spread of infections.

• Children with head lice are not excluded, but must be treated to remedy the condition.

• Parents are notified if there is a case of head lice in the setting.

• Parents are notified if there is an infectious disease, such as chicken pox.

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) may affect children or families attending the setting. Staff may or may not be informed about it.

• Children or families are not excluded because of HIV.

• Good hygiene practice concerning the clearing of any spilled bodily fluids is carried out at all times.

• Ofsted is notified of any infectious diseases that a qualified medical person considers notifiable.

Safety of adults

• Adults are provided with guidance about the safe storage, movement, lifting and erection of large pieces of equipment.

• When adults need to reach up to store equipment or to change light bulbs they are provided with safe equipment to do so.

• All warning signs are clear and in appropriate languages.

Records

 The setting will keep records of:

Adults

• names and addresses of all staff on the premises, including temporary staff who work with the children or who have substantial access to them;

• all records relating to the staff's employment with the setting, including application forms, references, results of checks undertaken etc.

Children

• names, addresses and telephone numbers of parents and adults authorised to collect children from setting;

• the names, addresses and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in case of children's illness or accident;

• the allergies, dietary requirements and illnesses of individual children;

• the times of attendance of children, staff, volunteers and visitors;

• accidents and medicine administration records;

• consents for outings, administration of medication, emergency treatment; and

• incidents.

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our-:

Asthma policy

Emergency and long term medication policy  

Manual Handling policy

Risk Assessment policy

Special Educational Needs and Disability policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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GDPR AND DATA PROTECTION

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd GDPR and Data
Protection policy
 

Statement of Intent
 

Our setting is committed the promoting and protecting the welfare of young children.
 

Aims
 

To operate effectively, the pre-school needs to collect and use information about staff, children and parents who come into the pre-school. The pre-school is also obliged to collect and use personal information in order to satisfy its obligations to Ofsted and other regulatory bodies.
In the collection, storage and use of this information, The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd recognises its responsibility to comply with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which came into effect 25 May 2018, which regulates the use of personal data and focusses on consumers rights and put’s their needs first.  This responsibility is not restricted to sensitive data but applies to all data, including names, dates of birth and addresses.
GDPR (2018) The Act establishes very high standards for the handling of personal information, thereby protecting individual rights to privacy. The Act
regulates how personal information is collected, handled, stored and used and applies equally to personal information held both electronically and on paper.

Methods
 

The Brislington Village Pre-school has notified the Information Commission Office (ICO) that it holds personal data about individuals
(Reference Number ZA205826).
GDPR includes 7 rights for individuals-:
The right to be informed
 Parents and staff will be informed what data we collect, what we are going to do with it and who it is shared with.
The right of access
 Parents and staff can request access to their own data at any time.
This setting will reply to subject access requests within 7 days.
The right of rectification
 Personal data will be rectified if it is incorrect or incomplete.
The right to erasure
 Parents and staff can request deletion of their data where there is no compelling reason for its continued use. However some records have to be retained for specified periods of time.
The right to restrict processing
 Parents and staff can object to the processing of their data. This means that their records can be stored, but must not be used in anyway.
 If this is requested we will be unable to use any individual’s information in reports, or for communications.
 The right to data portability
 Data is able to be transferred from one IT system to another if necessary or requested.
The right to object

 Parents and staff can object to their data being used for certain activities i.e. marketing or research. The objection must relate to a specific situation.
The right not to be subject to automated decision-making Including profiling.
 This right is generally only applicable to marketing based organisations.

Access to Information
Access to information within the pre-school will only be to the extent required by the task being undertaken and will also be restricted to those persons recognised by the Director or Manager as requiring such access to information in the course of their duties and responsibilities.
In the event of any breach of information security, no matter how minor, it must immediately be reported to the manager to enable appropriate investigation and, if necessary a review of the adequacy of existing information security measures. It is understood and accepted that all staff and other individuals have the right to access any personal information which is being processed or stored and is directly relevant to them. Similarly, all parents, or where appropriate a person legally acting on a child’s behalf, have the right to access information held on computerised or manual records and which relates to themselves or their child.
This settings lead on GDPR is Gill Hutton.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 15 th May 2018

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our
Confidentiality policy
Retention of records policy
Special Educational Needs policy
Tapestry policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set
for September 2021

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HYGIENE POLICY

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Hygiene policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school staff will be vigilant to all potential threats to good hygiene within the setting.

Aims

The Brislington Village Pre-school will ensure that the environment within the setting will always be hygienic. We are committed to taking all practicable steps to prevent and control the spread of infection and to uphold high standards of personal hygiene.

Methods

Practitioners’ will maintain a high standard of personal hygiene when administering any first-aid treatment.

Toilets will be checked daily and cleaned as necessary.  There will always be an adequate supply of hand wash and drying facilities for both practitioner’s and children.

All staff will undergo food hygiene training.

Spillages of substances likely to result in the spread of infections will be dealt with rapidly and carefully.  Blood, vomit, urine and faeces will be cleaned up immediately and disposed of safely and hygienically.  Practitioners’ will wear disposable gloves while dealing with such incidents.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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LOCK DOWN 

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The Brislington Village Preschool Ltd Lock Down Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Preschool is committed to keeping all people who are attending or visiting our premises safe and secure.

Aim

In the event on an unauthorised person or persons trying to enter the church hall without permission then we will immediately instigate our Lock Down Procedures.

Procedure

1. The Manager, Deputy manager or most senior member of staff present, will immediately call 999 and collect the register, mobile phone and medications box to take to our ‘safe place’.

1. The Lead Practitioner and remaining members of staff will blow the whistle (continuous blasts) and gather all the children together into our ‘Safe Place’ which is the main hall.  

1. The blinds will be shut in the main hall.

4. One member of staff will count the children in the group whilst the Lead Practitioner quickly checks the premises for any other children.

1. Once we are sure that all of the children and staff members are accounted for we will lock ourselves into the main hall and await Police assistance.

After the danger has passed and it is safe for us to leave our safe place we will –

Gather the children onto the welcome mat where staff will reassure the children whilst the Lead Practitioner calls parents/carers to inform them what has happened.

Ofsted and Early Years will be informed of the incident within 24hrs of it happening.

Reviewed September 2020

This policy was adopted on 1st June 2017

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:

Fire Evacuation policy

Safeguarding policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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LOOKED AFTER CHILD

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Looked after child policy

Statement of Intent

Our setting is committed to providing quality provision based on equality of opportunity for all children and their families.  All staff are committed to do all they can to enable looked after children in their care to achieve and reach their full potential.

A child who has been in the care of the Local Authority for more than 24 hours is known as a looked after child (or sometimes referred to as a child in care).

Aim

We recognise that children who are being looked after have often experienced traumatic situations; physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect. However, we also recognise that not all looked after children have experienced abuse and that there are a range of reasons for children to be taken in to the care of the local authority. Whatever the reason, a child’s separation from their home and family signifies a disruption in their lives that has impact on their emotional well-being.

In our setting, we place emphasis on promoting children’s right to be strong, resilient and listened to. Our policy and practice guidelines for looked after children are based on these two important concepts, attachment and resilience. The basis of this is to promote secure attachments in children’s lives as the basis for resilience. These aspects of well-being underpin the child’s responsiveness to learning and are the basis in developing positive dispositions for learning. For young children to get the most out of educational opportunities they need to be settled enough with their carer to be able to cope with further separation, a new environment and new expectations made upon them.

Method

• The term ‘looked after child’ denotes a child’s current legal status; this term is never used to categorise a child as standing out from others. We do not refer to such a child using acronyms such as LAC.

• We offer places to two-year-old children who are in care. In such cases, the child should have been with the foster carer for at least two months and show signs of having formed a secure attachment to the carer and where the placement in the setting will last a minimum of two months.

• We offer places for funded three and four-year-olds that are in care to ensure they receive their entitlement to early education. We expect that a child will have been with a foster carer for a minimum of two months and has formed a secure attachment to the carer. We expect that the placement in the setting will last a minimum of two months.

• The designated person for looked after children is the designated safeguarding lead officer. The designated person for this setting is Nicola Aldridge.

•  Every child is allocated a key person before they start and this is no different for a looked after child. The designated person ensures the key person has the information, support and training necessary to meet the looked after child’s needs.

• The designated person and the key worker liaise with agencies, professionals and practitioners involved with the child and his or her family and ensure appropriate information is gained and shared.  

• The setting recognises the role of the local authority social care department as the child’s ‘corporate parent’ and the key agency in determining what takes place with the child. Nothing changes, especially with regard to the birth parent’s or foster carer’s role in relation to the setting without prior discussion and agreement with the child’s social worker.

•  At the start of a placement there is a professionals meeting (including social workers, key workers etc.) that will determine the objectives of the placement and draw up a care plan that incorporates the child’s learning needs. This plan will be reviewed regularly.

• The settling-in process for the child is agreed. It should be the same as for any other child, with the foster carer taking the place of the parent, unless otherwise agreed. It is even more important that the ‘proximity’ stage is followed until it is visible that the child has formed a relationship with his or her key person sufficient to act as a ‘secure base’ to allow the gradual separation from the foster carer. This process may take longer in some cases, so time needs to be allowed for it to take place without causing further distress or anxiety to the child.  

•  In the first two weeks after settling-in, the child’s well-being is the focus of observation, their sociability and their ability to manage their feelings with or without support.

•  Further observations about communication, interests and abilities will be noted to firm a picture of the whole child.

• Regular contact should be maintained with the social worker through planned meetings that will include the foster carer.

This policy was adopted on 1st September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Confidentiality policy

Safeguarding children policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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MISSING CHILD

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Missing Child Policy

Statement of Intent

As part of our high regard for the safety of children in our care, we will always be extremely aware of the potential for children to go missing during sessions.

Aims

We will ensure that all precautions are properly observed and will remain aware that emergencies can still arise. 

Methods

Staff will undertake periodic head counts during a session.

If a child is thought to be missing after arriving at the premises, the senior worker will be informed immediately.  They will make a careful check of all children present to confirm who is missing.  The senior worker will organise a check of all exit doors, outside areas and possible hiding places, quickly and without panicking the other children.  The other children should be kept together with an appropriate worker while the check is carried out.

If the search is unsuccessful and the child is still missing, after 5 minutes, the senior worker must contact the police on 999 and the parent/carer of the missing child.

The police will be given the following information:

• .The name of the worker

• The address of the setting

• What has happened

• Child’s name, age and address

• Time of incident

The search for the child will continue while the police are called.  The worker involved will complete an entry in the incident form as fully as possible.

For each type of outing away from the setting, providers must carry out a full risk assessment, which includes’ an assessment of adult/child ratio requirement.

This setting will have a ratio of 4 children with each adult.  Each adult will have details of which children they are responsible for, including name and what they are wearing.  The settings register will be taken on trips so that contact details for parent/carers are available at all times.  We will make sure that children know which adult they are with, including their name and that they know to stay with their adult at all times.

We will take a regular headcount of the group.  If on taking a headcount a child appears to be missing, the senior worker will be contacted immediately.  The rest of the children will remain together with their adults, while a 5 minute check for the missing child’s whereabouts is carried out.  If the child is still missing after 5 minutes, we will inform the staff of the site and contact the police on 999.

The police will be given the following information:

• The name of the worker and the phone number where they are

• What has happened

• Child’s name, age and address

• Time of incident

The search for the child will continue while the police are called and the staff of the site will be asked to assist.

We will contact the parent/carer of the missing child and inform them what has happened and the steps that are being taken to find their child.

The worker involved will complete an incident form as fully as possible.

Whenever a child goes missing, even for a few minutes, this will be recorded as an incident, the parent/carer will be informed when they collect the child and the incident will be reported to the registered person.

Ofsted will also be informed of all details of the incident as soon as possible.

This policy was agreed at a meeting on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our Off Site policy.

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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NON COLLECTION OF CHILD

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Non-collection of Children Policy

Statement of intent

In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of a session, the setting puts into practice agreed procedures.  These ensure the child is cared for safely by an experienced and qualified practitioner who is known to the child. 

Aim

In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult, we will ensure that the child receives a high standard of care in order to cause as little distress as possible.  We inform parents/carers of our procedures so that, if they are unavoidably delayed, they will be reassured that their children will be properly cared for.

Methods

• Parents of children starting at the setting are asked to provide specific information which is recorded on our Registration Form, including:

• home address and telephone number - if the parents do not have a telephone, an alternative number must be given, perhaps a neighbour or close relative;

• place of work, address and telephone number (if applicable);

• mobile telephone number (if applicable);

• names, addresses, telephone numbers of adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the setting and their relation to the child, for example a childminder or grandparent;

• information about any person who does not have legal access to the child; and

• who has parental responsibility for the child.

• On occasions when parents are aware that they will not be at home or in their usual place of work, we record how they can be contacted in our register for that day.

• On occasions when parents or the persons normally authorised to collect the child are not able to collect the child, parents inform a member of staff, the name of the person who will be collecting their child.  We agree with parents how to verify the identity of the person who is to collect their child. The child’s password from their Record of Information form must be known by the person collecting the child.  A child will only be released to go home with people that have been identified as being able to pick up.

• Parents are informed that if they are not able to collect the child as planned, they must inform us so that we can begin to take back-up procedures.  We provide parents with our contact telephone number.  

• Children are required to be signed in and out in the parental signing book, (which is kept by the main door/millennium room), when they arrive and when they leave a session.

• If a child is not collected at the end of the session, we follow the following procedures:

• The register is checked for any information about changes to the normal collection routines.

• If no information is available, parents/carers are contacted at home or at work.

• If this is unsuccessful, the adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the setting - and whose telephone numbers are recorded on the Registration Form - are contacted.

• All reasonable attempts are made to contact the parents or nominated carers.

• The child does not leave the premises with anyone other than those named on the Registration Form or recorded in the register.

• If no-one collects the child after one hour and there is no-one who can be contacted to collect the child, we apply the procedures for uncollected children.

• We contact our local authority social services department or the police.

• The child stays at setting in the care of two fully-vetted workers until the child is safely collected either by the parents or by a social worker;

• Social services will aim to find the parent or relative if they are unable to do so, the child will be admitted into the care of the local authority.

• Under no circumstances are staff to go to look for the parent, nor do they take the child home with them.

• A full written report of the incident is recorded and stored securely.

• Depending on circumstances, we reserve the right to charge parents for the additional hours worked by our staff.

• Ofsted may be informed    

This policy was adopted at a meeting on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

Appendix 1

Contact numbers

Police: 101

Social Services (South): 0117 3574700 (during office hours Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 5pm and Friday 8.30am- 4.30pm – outside of hours contact police).

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NAPPY CHANGING

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Nappy changing policy

Statement of Intent

No child will be excluded from participating in our setting who may, for any reason, not yet be toilet trained and who may still be wearing nappies or the equivalent. We will work with parents towards toilet training, unless there are medical or other developmental reasons why this may not be appropriate at the time.

Aim

We see toilet training as a self-care skill that children have the opportunity to learn with the full support and non-judgemental concern of adults.

Method

The Pre-school has a list of which children in their care who are wearing nappies or the equivalent.
 

The changing area we use offers privacy, is warm and has safe areas to lay young children on a changing mat for hygienic changing.

Each child has their own bag to hand with their nappies or ‘pull-ups’ and changing wipes, provided by their parents. Staff will only apply non-prescription ‘over the counter’ nappy cream to a child that has been provided by the family and Appendix A of this policy has been signed giving permission. If any prescription nappy rash creams are needed for the child an administration of medicine form must be completed.  (In the absence of their own belongings the pre-school has a small emergency supply).
 

Gloves and aprons are put on before changing commences, and the areas are prepared. The changing mat is cleaned with antibacterial wipes before and after the mat is used and a clean paper sheet is used for each child.

All staff are familiar with the hygiene procedures, and carry these out when changing nappies.
 

In addition, staff ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and at a time to promote independence in young children.

The children are encouraged to wash their hands after having their nappy changed to prepare them for the routine.

Staff are gentle when changing nappies/pull ups; they avoid pulling faces and making negative comments about ‘nappy contents’.

 Nappies and ‘pull-ups’ are disposed of hygienically, by bagging them and putting them into a nappy bin.

When the children have had their nappy or ‘pull-up’ changed a nappy changing record sheet will be completed and signed and dated.

 This policy was adopted on 4th February 2019

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Emergency and Long Term Medication policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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OFF SITE

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Off Site Policy

Statement of Intent

We recognise the value of trips in broadening children’s horizons and providing them with opportunities to express themselves in different environments.

Aims

We will ensure the safety of all the children at all times, while away from the setting.

Method

A risk assessment will be completed for each trip that is being undertaken before leaving.  This will include the nature of the venue and activities.  All staff will be aware of the contents of this risk assessment before leaving.

The adult ratio will be 1 adult for every 4 children.  Volunteers will never be left alone while on a trip.

The daily register will be taken on all trips, so that parent/carer contact information and any other relevant information for individual children is readily available.

The setting will take its own first aid kit and accident forms on all trips.  Any medication needed must be labelled and taken.

The senior worker will carry the setting’s phone at all times.

In the event of a child being inappropriately approached by a stranger the staff will inform all other staff immediately and move the children away from the situation at once making sure all the children are together. The staff will inform the site security at once, complete an incident form on the return to the setting and inform the parent/carers.

In the event of a child being lost, the missing child policy will be followed.

Staff will let the children know what will be happening on the trip in advance so that they know what to expect.  Full consideration will be given to ensuring trips are physically accessible, age appropriate to the setting, culturally appropriate and that activities are non-discriminatory.

The Brislington Village Pre-school will obtain prior parental permission before any trip.

This policy was agreed at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Missing Child policy.

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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MANUAL HANDLING

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Manual Handling Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school will avoid manual handling operations where reasonably practical and have a current policy of minimal lifting.  The Pre-school will consider whether the load must be moved at all.

Aims

If there is a load that needs to be moved consideration should be given to mechanically moving the load.

The main objective is to reduce the risk of injury and disablement caused by manual handling in the setting to the minimum.

Methods

The need for manual handing is avoided, or when it cannot be avoided, an assessment is made of the operation and where there is risk of injury, appropriate steps are taken to reduce or avoid that risk.

Staff

Staff will take responsible care of their health and that of others whose safety may be affected by their activities when involved in manual handling operations.  They must also observe safe systems of working and use of safety equipment.

Staff must report any pregnancy or any medical conditions which may affect their ability to handle loads safely.

When lifting children staff must consider whether it is necessary to have help.

If lifting/carrying is necessary follow the procedure below-:

Avoid

Whenever possible, avoiding a manual handling situation is always preferable.

Assess

If avoidance is not possible, make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the hazard and risks.

Reduce

By defining a safe system of work and implementing that strategy you are reducing the risks of injury to all the persons in the procedure.

Review

Your system must be reviewed regularly.

The setting

The setting will ensure that assessment of manual handling operations take into account factors which include characteristics of the load, the physical effort required, characteristics of the working environment, the requirements of the task and the individual’s capability.

The setting will monitor and review manual handling assessments where there is reason to suppose that they are no longer valid due to changes in working conditions, personnel involved or a significant change in the manual handling operations to which it relates.

The setting will also maintain records of accidents and ill health related to manual handing operations.

Correct lifting procedure

  There are some simple things to do before and during the lift/carry:

• Remove obstructions from the route.

• For a long lift, plan to rest the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

• Keep the load close to the waist. The load should be kept close to the body for as long as possible while lifting.

• Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body.

• Adopt a stable position and make sure your feet are apart, with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance.

•  

Think before lifting/handling. Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where is the load going to be placed? Will help be needed with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials. For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

Adopt a stable position. The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground). Be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain your stability. Avoid tight clothing or unsuitable footwear, which may make this difficult.

Get a good hold. Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

Start in a good posture. At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and knees (squatting).

Don’t flex the back any further while lifting. This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the load.

Keep the load close to the waist. Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.

Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially while the back is bent. Shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.

Keep the head up when handling. Look ahead, not down at the load, once it has been held securely.

Move smoothly. The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury.

Don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed. There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can safely lift. If in doubt, seek advice or get help.

Put down, then adjust. If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position.

This policy was adopted at a meeting on 2nd September 2019

Reviewed September 2020

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our:-

Health and safety policy

Risk Assessment policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

For more  information please see

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OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Outbreak Management policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village pre-school will endeavour to be open from 8.00 am to 4.00pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 8.00am to 12.00pm Wednesday during term times without disruption. 

Aim

Our aim is to promote the health of the children, take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection and take appropriate action when the children are ill.

Methods

• Children and staff must not return to the pre-school after an infectious illness until they have been 48 hours symptom free.

• Children and staff who have diarrhoea and vomiting on the premises will be sent home as soon as practicable.

• Both staff and children are actively encouraged to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection,   

especially after:-

• using or cleaning the toilet,

•  contact with all body substances,

• blowing/wiping the nose or covering a sneeze or cough.

At an outbreak of an illness (2 or more associated cases), the Brislington Village Pre-school will contact the Infectious Disease Team Technical Support Officer of Bristol City Council and provide them with the relevant information and also inform Ofsted.

This policy was agreed at a meeting on 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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PARENT PARTNERSHIP

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Parent Partnership Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school will welcome parent/carers and family members into the setting to contribute their skills, knowledge and interests with the children.

Aim

We will involve all parent/carers in shared record keeping either informally or formally to create a seamless, safe and secure environment for the children between their home and the setting.

Methods

Parents are invited to come into the setting at any pre-arranged time to discuss their child’s progress and welfare. Parents can share and exchange knowledge with the staff about their child’s needs, activities, interests and progress.  Parents are always welcome to come into the pre-school and help take part in the children’s activities.

The children’s learning journeys are readily available.

Parent/carers can record anything they wish to share with the child’s key worker.  This could be for example, an achievement, a special activity or family news.  Staff will record anything that has happened during a session that is exceptional and inform parent/carer at the end of the session.  

All parents will be informed of our complaints procedure and how to register queries, concerns and suggestions.

The Brislington Village Pre-school will raise parents/carers awareness of the Early Years curriculum and share ideas for supporting learning at home.

If the child has a childminder, the setting will obtain permission from the parents that will enable us to involve them in sharing and exchanging information.    

Role of the staff

• To make parent/carers and children to feel welcome.

• To liaise with parent/carers in helping the children to settle in and play with other children.

• To share information that will inform planning and extend what the children can do and to plan for their Early Learning goals.

• To make sure parents receive information about their child and the pre-school.

• To comfort the child of they are hurt or upset and phone or talk to the parent/carers if necessary if they have any concerns about the child.

• To work with the parents and outside agencies such as Speech Therapists, Health Visitors, when required to help the child.

• To welcome contributions from parents that help enrich the experience of the children in the pre-school and help the staff to view each other in a positive way.

• To provide information on parent workshops or training events on how parent/carers can support their child in their school life.

Staff will make all parents aware of our pre-school policies and systems.

Role of the parent

• To inform the pre-school of any change of address or contact number.

• To inform the pre-school of any injury their child has sustained or any causes for concern.

• To ask the staff if they are unsure of anything.

• To share ideas for playing and learning.

• To endeavour to reinforce learning at home.

• To talk to their child’s key worker if home life changes.

Communication with parents/carers throughout the pre-school is facilitated by the following means:-

• The Brislington Village Pre-school prospectus

• The Brislington Village Pre-school newsletter

• An ‘open door’ policy – parents and carers can talk to staff at any time within the settings hours.

• A meeting with the key worker or Manager can be arranged at short notice.

• Variety of information – flyers and leaflets.

• Daily Noticeboard.

• Our policy documents, available to read or copy on request.

• The Brislington Village Pre-school Facebook page.

• Our website:- brislingtonvillagepreschool.co.uk

• Child’s assessment on entry and when they are leaving pre-school.

• Three parent’s mornings to inform parents/carers of their child’s progress during the year.

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our

Behaviour Management policy

Special Educational Needs and Disability policy

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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PHOTO, VIDEO, MOBILE PHONE AND SOCIAL NETWORKING

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Photography, Video, Mobile Phone and Social Networking Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village pre-school intends to be clear on the responsibilities of management and staff when using mobile phones and laptops within the setting.

Aims

The Brislington Village Pre-school will safeguard the children’s welfare in relation to the above areas and minimize the risk of harm and to fulfil their legal duties in relation to personal data and other areas e.g. GDPR May 2018.

Methods

Digital and Video images

Written permission from parents/carers will be obtained before any images of children are recorded.

Parents must be made fully aware of how any images of their children may be used or must have the right to decide if they wish their child to be photographed.  Parents must be able to have a say in how these photos will be used.

The staff at the setting use the TAPESTRY early years application for the children’s learning journey.  Parents will only be able to access their own child’s learning journey file.

If digital images are taken by the setting’s camera these will be stored in a separate file on the setting’s computer which is accessed by setting practitioners only.   These images must be stored in accordance with data protection laws e.g. password protected files, cameras and memory sticks locked away.

While using digital images, practitioners should be aware of the risk associated with taking, using, sharing, publishing and distribution of images.

Setting practitioners must only use the setting equipment: personal equipment MUST NOT be used to record images of the children.

Images taken of the setting or its children should be downloaded onto the settings computer only.  Images must not be downloaded onto any personal computer.

Staff should be vigilant when taking digital/video images of the children to ensure that they are appropriately dressed.

Children’s full names will not be used anywhere on the settings literature.

Individual parent’s wishes must be considered.

After a photo is taken down it will be stored in the child’s file, returned to the family or shredded.

Mobile Phone Usage

The only mobile phone permitted to be used during a session is The Brislington Village Pre-school mobile phone.

Use of this phone is for business and emergency purposes and practitioners are not to be distracted from the care of the children.

Practitioners, volunteers or students will not have their personal mobile phones on their persons during working hours.

The settings contact number should be given as an emergency number in case practitioners need to be contacted.

Setting practitioners are not to use any mobile phone cameras to photograph the children.

Setting practitioners must never exchange mobile phone numbers with children in the setting

Laptop

Practitioners should not use the settings laptop for personal use.  The setting will ensure that all programs used and websites accessed are appropriate and that children are not able to access or download material which is unsuitable.

Social Networking Sites

The Brislington Village Pre-school as a setting has its own Facebook page.  Staff do not post images of the children on this page.  However, parents must be aware that they would be able to post pictures of their own children.  The setting strongly discourages this action.

Practitioners, volunteers and students should not put any details of their work on any form of social networking site.

Practitioners, volunteers and students should not engage in any on-line activity that may compromise their professional responsibilities.

The setting practitioners should not correspond with setting families through social networking sites or The Brislington Village Pre-school’s Facebook page.

Practitioners should be aware of possible implications when entering any personal details on any gaming or social networking site (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter etc.).

All communications in the setting will be transparent and open.

All staff should be made aware that failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action being taken.

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Confidentiality policy

E-Safety policy

Safeguarding policy

Staff Behaviour policy

Tapestry policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

RACE EQUALITY

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Race Equality policy

Statement of intent

Our setting is committed to making our pre-school a safe and welcoming place for all its members and to provide an environment, in which racist assumptions, attitudes and behaviour are continually challenged.

Aim

 We aim to:-

• Make all children, families and staff feel safe and welcome.

• Provide a curriculum and activities that embrace positive aspects of all cultures.

• For everyone to promote positive attitudes that ensures equality and removes discrimination.

• To work in partnership with children, families and staff to stop negative attitudes and behaviour.

• To have a consistent approach to tackle racism.

 The legal framework for this policy is:

• Race Relations Act 1976

• Race Relations Amendment Act 2000

• Equality Act 2010

Methods

Our setting is open to all members of our community.

• We ensure that everyone is aware that racist remarks will not be tolerated.

• We are vigilant with regard to racial incidents in the setting and are aware of attitudes in the wider community.

• We deal with racist incidents quickly, sensitively, fairly and appropriately. (This may involve speaking to others involved in the incident and involving others such as parents/carers in order to ensure that everyone understands the importance of removing racism and promoting positive attitudes.

• Treat all children equally as individuals and as members of ethnic and cultural groups.

• Increase children understandings of the groups to which they belong promoting awareness of differences and similarities, thus encouraging respect between individuals.

• Pronounce children’s names correctly and encourage children and other adults to do so.

• Ensure planning reflects the aims of this policy.

• Ensure books and resources are non-racist and reflect a positive attitude and image.

Chrissy Laing is the Inclusion co-ordinator.

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our:-

Behaviour Management policy

Equality and Diversity policy

 Promoting British Values policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Promoting British Values policy.

Statement of Intent

The DfE (Department of Education) have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.

At this setting we understand that the society we live in is diverse and therefore, our curriculum and life within the setting reflects this.

Aims

We aim to uphold and teach all our children about British Values which are defined as:

• Democracy

• Rule of Law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.  Children also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas and have their voices heard through small group and circle time.

The Rule of the Land

The importance of rules, whether they be those that govern the setting, or the country are consistently reinforced throughout regular pre-school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour.  The children are aware of the consequences of not following the rules in their pre-school.  The children learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of pre-school life and in the wider community throughout the sessions.

Individual liberty

At The Brislington Village Pre-school, our children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  We educate and provide boundaries for our children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.  Our children are encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values.  Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of our pre-school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.  Members of different faiths or religions (especially parents and other family members) are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the setting.  We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.

Prevent

The Brislington Village Pre-school staff  will be alert to harmful behaviour by influential people in the children’s life’s and will take action if they observe any behaviour of concern.

All staff will complete online training – Channel general awareness.

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with:-

Behaviour management policy

Equality and Diversity policy

Race Equality policy

Safeguarding children policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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RISK ASSESSMENT

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Risk Assessment Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school believes that the health and safety of the children is of paramount importance.

Aim

We will make our pre-school a safe and healthy place for children, parent/carers, staff and visitors by assessing and minimising the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Methods

We will follow a risk assessment procedure based on five steps.

Identification of the risk: Where is it and what is it?

Who is at risk: Staff, children, parent/carers or visitors.

Assessment of level of risk – high, medium, low.  Both the risk of the likelihood of it happening, as well as the possible impact if it does.

Control measures – introduced to reduce/eliminate risk – what will you need to do, or ensure others will do to reduce the risk.

Monitoring and review – How do we know if what was said is working or is through enough?  If it is not working, it will be amended or maybe there is a better solution.

Staff are required to assess the setting before each session and report any issues to the leader of the day.  All staff will be made aware of any concerns. 

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with our

Health and Safety policy

Manual Handling policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Safeguarding Children policy

Statement of intent

Our setting will work with children, parents and the community to ensure the rights and safety of our children and to give them the best possible start in life.

We will

·Provide a safe learning environment that builds their confidence and self-esteem;

·Provide a positive and preventative curriculum that teaches and supports young children;

·Work in partnership with mothers, fathers and carers;

·Work in an inclusive way that helps every child;

·Work in an integrated way with other agencies that maximises opportunities;

·Have up to date safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance;

·Have well trained staff and management.

·All staff and volunteers are aware of how to support children to understand and recognise risk.

Aims

Our setting considers that the welfare of the child is paramount and it is the duty of all staff and volunteers under HM Government Working together to Safeguard Children 2018 to implement this policy and to ensure that it has appropriate procedures in place to safeguard the wellbeing of children and protect them from all forms of abuse.

Our aims are to:

• create an environment in our pre-school which encourages children to develop a positive self-image, regardless of race, language, religion, culture or home background;

• help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers, and with other adults;

• encourage children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence;

• Protect children from maltreatment;

• Protect children from any harmful behaviour by influential people in their life’s  by taking action if they observe any concerns (Prevent);

• Prevent impairment of children’s health or development;

• Ensure that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and

• Undertake that role so as to enable those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully;

• Enable children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches;

• Work with parents to build their understanding of and commitment to the welfare of all our children;

• Provide each child with a named key worker which will be parents/carers first point of contact within the setting.

Liaison with other bodies:

• We work within the First Response guidelines.

• We have a copy of Child Protection and Safeguarding procedure and guidance.

• We notify the registration authority (Ofsted) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which affect the wellbeing of children.

• We have procedures for contacting the local authority on child protection issues, to ensure that it is easy, in an emergency, for the pre-school and social services to work well together.

• If a report is to be made to the authorities, we act within the guidance of First Response in deciding whether we must inform the child’s parents at the same time.

• All staff are aware of the Safer Working Practice and know they can get support from outside agencies such as BAND (Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare Ltd).

Categories of concern

Child abuse is the action of another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to another child.

Neglect.  The persistent or severe neglect of a child which results in significant impairment of the child’s health or development.  Examples include:

• Failure to provide adequate food, clothing or shelter, including abandonment or exclusion from home.

• Failure to protect from physical or emotional harm.

• Failure to meet a child’s basic emotional needs.

• Failure to ensure adequate supervision.

• Failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care.

Physical abuse.  Deliberate or intended injury to a child.  Examples include:

• Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

• Deliberate inducement of an illness.

Sexual abuse.  Actual or likely exploitation. Examples include:

• Use of force or enticement to take part in sexual activity, penetrative or non-penetrative.

• Involvement on non-contact activities such as looking at or making abusive images.

• Encouraging children to watch sexual activities.

• Encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

• Any sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 years (with or without agreement).

• Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males.  Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children (See peer on peer abuse).

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• Emotional abuse.  Persistent or severe emotional ill treatment or rejection which adversely affects the child’s emotional and behavioral development.  Examples include:

• Conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved or inadequate.

• Overprotection, limiting exploration and learning, preventing normal social interaction or imposing inappropriate expectations.

• Causing a child to feel frightened or in danger by the witnessing of violence towards another person whether domestic or not.

Historical Abuse

There may be times when children disclose details of abuse (of any description) which has occurred in the past.

This disclosure must be treated in exactly the same way as a current disclosure of child abuse.

The reason for this is that the child may still be exposed to the risk of abuse now.

Domestic Abuse

Practitioners may be working with children experiencing violence at home.

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or who are, or have been intimate family partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.  The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.

Exposure to domestic abuse and/or violence can have a serious, long lasting impact on children.  Children experiencing this may demonstrate a range of signs including becoming aggressive, display anti-social behaviour, show signs of anxiety or become clingy.

Staff will need to treat children sensitively, record their concerns and consider informing First Response.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female circumcision has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and it is an offence to take UK nationals abroad to aid, abet or carry out FGM. 

The Serious Crime Act 2015 amended the FGM Act to include FGM Protection orders (FGMPOs). A FGM protection order is a civil measure which can be applied for through a family court.  The FGM protection order offers the means of protection for actual or potential victims from FGM under civil law.

 All agencies have a statutory responsibility to safeguard children from being abused through FGM. If you are concerned that a girl is at risk of FGM this is a child protection issue and must be documented and reported to Social care and/or the police.

Some warning signs that MAY indicate a girl is at risk of FGM include:

• Parents requesting an extended leave from school on top of school holidays.

• If a girl comes from a country that has a high prevalence of FGM.

• Mother and other siblings have already undergone FGM.

• Child may indicate that they are going for a special event.

For more information on this topic, see the online South West Child Protection Procedures or contact the NSPCC.  Information is also available from the BAVA (Bristol against Violence and Abuse) website.

Missing Child/Unauthorised absence

Children who go missing from the setting (through not attending when expected), particularly if this happens frequently or if a child is unexpectedly removed from the setting, can act as a vital sign that there may be a child protection issue.  This may include abuse or neglect, sexual abuse or exploitation and criminal exploitation.  It may indicate mental health problems, risk of substance abuse, risk of travelling to conflict zones, risk of female genital mutilation, family crisis or other issues that could affect the health and well-being of a child.

Although the children are not in compulsory education we believe that we have a responsibility to follow up on unauthorised absences to check that the child and their family are safe and well which forms part of our safeguarding commitment.

Particular care will be taken when there are known vulnerabilities and also when a family might otherwise be isolated (e.g. term time breaks).

Other forms of abuse

In addition safeguarding action may be needed to protect child against: (Please note that some of these terms are used to describe the same/similar harms and there are often overlaps: e.g. a child might get groomed or coerced into a gang where there is the risk of being a victim of serious violence and that gang might be involved in county lines drug selling).

• Bullying, including online bullying (cyberbullying)and prejudice-based bullying

• Racist, disability and homophobic or transphobic abuse

• Gender-based violence/violence against women and girls

• Peer on Peer Abuse (bullying, physical abuse, sexual violence, sexual harassment, up skirting, sexting and  initiation/hazing)

• Child Sexual Exploitation and trafficking including

modern slavery/trafficking/children from abroad

• Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines (Serious violence)

• Risks linked to using technology and social media, including online bullying; the risks of being groomed online for exploitation

• or radicalisation; and risks of accessing and generating inappropriate content,  e.g.: “sexting” and accessing pornography

• Teenage relationship abuse

• Substance abuse

• Poor parenting

• Homelessness

• Forced marriage

• So-called “honour-based” violence HBV (this includes Forced Marriage, FGM and Breast Ironing)

Methods

Staffing, volunteering and training

Nicola Aldridge is Director of the company and Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer (DSL) within the setting.

The DSL attends advanced inter-agency child protection training run by KBSP (Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership) every two years.

Chrissy Laing is Manager and Deputy Child Protection Officer within the setting.

Sara Pearce is Deputy Manager.  

All staff and volunteers attend appropriate child protection training every 3 years.

• We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children.

• Applicants for posts within the pre-school are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out checks before posts can be confirmed. 

• We abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and DBS checks for staff to ensure that no disqualified person or unfit person works at the pre-school or has access to the children.

• Volunteers do not work unsupervised.

• We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the pre-school.

• We take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the pre-school so that no unauthorized person has unsupervised access to the children.

• Recruitment processes are fully compliant with CWFDC guidelines. All recruitment adverts carry a safeguarding statement.  All new staff are told of expectations regarding conduct with children.

 Training

We seek out training opportunities for all adults involved in the pre-school to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect and so that they are aware of First Response guidelines for making referrals. We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the pre-school.

Planning

The layout of the room allows for constant supervision.  Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, they are never left unsupervised.

Curriculum

• We introduce key elements of child protection into our foundation stage curriculum, so that children can develop understanding of why and how to keep safe.

• We create within the pre-school a culture of value and respect for the individual.

• We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is appropriate for the ages and stages of our children.

Recording existing injuries

If a child arrives at the setting with a significant visible injury or if one is discovered during the session, we will ask parents and carers for information about the injury and record the injury on a body map.  Parents or carers will be asked to sign the record, which will be kept in the child’s file.

 If a Staff Allegation is made, or you Suspect a Member of Staff or Volunteer of Abuse or Inappropriate Behaviour

Before any internal investigation is made about a member of staff the Local Area Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted.

We ensure that all parents and carers know how to complain about staff or volunteer action within the setting, which may include an allegation of abuse.

If it appears that a staff member or volunteer has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child, or,

• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child, or,

• behaved in an inappropriate way towards a child which may indicate that he or she is unsuitable to work with children,

then these procedures must be followed:

• Record your concerns and report them to the Designated Senior.

• The Designated Senior should take steps to ensure that during the remainder of the working day that particular member of staff is not left in sole charge of the children or any child. 

• At the earliest opportunity, contact the setting’s Child Protection Officer. 

• It may be clear in some cases, where a child has been injured and/or there is clear evidence of significant harm or risk of significant harm, which an immediate referral must be made to the police, First Response or emergency services. In addition:

• Either the Designated Senior or the Child Protection Officer must then contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) WITHIN 1 WORKING DAY of receiving the report of an allegation.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Telephone: 0117 903 7795 or Work Mobile: 07795              091020

• The setting should then follow the LADO’s advice on how to deal with allegations against staff.

• The setting should take advice from the LADO on how and when to inform the parents of the child.

• The setting is required to inform OFSTED of any allegations of abuse against a member of staff, student or volunteer, or any abuse that is alleged to have taken place on the premises or during a visit or outing within 14 days. 

• If the concern is regarding the Designated Senior, the above procedure will be followed but the report will be made to the Deputy worker/Child Protection Officer.  Otherwise the first contact for staff is the Designated Senior for the session.

• A report will be prepared by the manager of the pre-school (or the deputy worker if appropriate) and submitted to LADO.  The member of staff who has had the complaint made against them may make a statement to be sent with this report if they wish.

• If it is felt that after those initial investigations, that a further enquiry is needed, then the member if staff will be suspended.  Suspension is a neutral act, and in no way implies that the person is guilty of any wrongdoing.  However, it is acknowledged that this would be distressing for the person concerned, and the setting will do all it can to balance the interests of any individual with that of the need to keep children safe.

Recognising inappropriate behaviour in staff, volunteers and other adults

There is no guaranteed way to identify a person who will harm children.  There may be possible warning signs, which could include:-

• Paying excessive amount of attention to a child or group of children;

• Seeking out a vulnerable child e.g. a disabled child;

• Making in appropriate sexual comments or sharing inappropriate images;

• Being vague about past employment history;

• Encouraging secretiveness.

This list is not conclusive.  If you are concerned about another staff member or volunteer behaviour, the appropriate person needs to be informed.

 Support to Staff and Volunteers

The management will fully support all members of staff in following this procedure. Following an allegation or investigation;

• Staff and volunteers who work with issues of child protection may themselves need support in dealing with the emotional distress this can cause. They can talk to the setting’s Child Protection Officer and any other appropriate agencies.    

• Staff, volunteers or management members may also be subject to allegations of abusing children in relation to their work for the setting. While support will be offered to these individuals by the setting, we will ensure that the agency dealing with the matter is given all assistance in pursuing any investigation and the Bristol LADO will be informed. The disciplinary procedure may be implemented.

Responding to suspicions of abuse

• We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms — physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.

• When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, this may be demonstrated through changes in their behaviour, or in their play. Where such changes in behaviour occur, or where children’s play gives cause for concern, the pre-school investigates.

• We allow investigations to be carried out with sensitivity. Staff in the pre-school take care not to influence the outcome either through the way they speak to children or ask questions of children.

• Where a child shows signs and symptoms of ‘failure to thrive’ or neglect, we make appropriate referrals.

Disclosures

Where a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff:

• offers reassurance to the child;

• listens to the child; and;

• gives reassurance that she or he will take action.

The member of staff does not question the child.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Staff make a record of:

• The child’s name;

• The child’s address;

• The age of the child;

• The date and time of the observation or the disclosure;

• An objective record of the observation or disclosure;

• The exact words spoken by the child;

• The name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with date and time; and

• The names of any other person present at the time.

These records are signed and dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

All members of staff know the procedures for recording and reporting.

If First Response has been contacted (in cases of less serious allegations an online referral may be the quickest way of contact rather than phone, Families in Focus). First Response will assess your call and pass you onto the appropriate agency. This will be Social Care if it is a child protection issue or Families in Focus if the concerns are at a lower level but a multiagency response is needed.  

Informing Parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance from First Response does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of First Response.

Support to families

• The pre-school takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff and volunteers in the group.

• The pre-school continues to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation.

• Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child only if appropriate under the guidance of First Response.

• With the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount, we do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

Prevent

All staff will undertake Channel general awareness training, so that they can identify any behaviour of concern and take appropriate action.

It is essential that staff members are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, and know what to do when they are identified. Staff will be trained to recognise possible signs. In line with our e-safety policy appropriate controls for digital content will be in place.

There is no single way of identifying an individual who is likely to be susceptible to a terrorist ideology. As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection. It is important to take action if staff observe behaviour of concern.

Any concerns will be referred through First Response or the police. The concern may then be dealt with through usual safeguarding processes

Disqualification

All staff are informed that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands or warnings which may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment with the setting).

All staff will have an enhanced DBS check.

Support to staff

• All staff are aware that their colleagues will provide support to one another.

• Outside agencies such as BAND can be involved.

Transfer of a Child Protection Safeguarding file from one education setting to another (e.g. from an early years setting to another early years setting or to a school).

• The Designated Senior must inform the receiving setting that the child has a child protection file and must do so within 5 school days of being notified of the transfer.

• The Designated Senior should pass the original copy of the child protection/ safeguarding file to the receiving setting; this should be delivered separately to the child’s main file and be delivered either by hand or by recorded delivery. The parents/carers of the child must never be used to transfer the child protection file. The transfer must happen within five school days from notification and the setting should record that the transfer has been made.

• The setting should ensure that confidentiality is maintained and the transfer process is as safe as possible.

• If the setting receives a new child that has been attending a previous setting, then the setting should ask the previous setting if the child has a child protection/ safeguarding file.

• If so, once the transfer of the file has been made, the setting should record that the file has been received (receipt) and keep this record for 6 years.

• Settings should keep a copy of the transferred file themselves for a minimum of 6 years and/or until the child reaches their 25th birthday.

This policy was adopted on the 1st September 2015

Reviewed September 2020

Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Attendance policy

Confidentiality policy

E-Safety policy

Lock Down policy

Looked after Child policy

Photography, video, mobile phone and social networking policy

Promoting British Values policy

Safer Recruitment policy

Staff Behaviour policy

Tapestry policy

Volunteer, Work Experience and Agency staff policy

Whistleblowing policy

Appendix 1

Contact Details and websites for more information

First Response – 0117 9036444 (all Bristol)

·The place to call if you are concerned about a child either by phone or by an online form on their website. (Online referral may be quicker than a phone call for less serious referrals Families in Focus). Calls to First Response may result in direct referral to a Social Work Team or to Families in Focus and/or advice being given about services to help families.

Early Help:   South 0117 903 7770

First Response online Request for Help form- (Please note you cannot print off a copy of this form, so keep a record of the information sent). Do not send any child or family details by unsecured email.

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/make-a-referral-to-first-response

LADO - (Local Authority Designated Officer) - 0117 9037795 or work mobile 07795091020

South West Child Protection Procedures – provide detailed online information on all aspects of child protection, e.g. Staff allegations 

https://www.proceduresonline.com/swcpp/

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/722305/Working_Together_to_Safeguard_Children_-_Guide.pdf

Disabled Children Team (all Bristol) - 0117 9038250

Out of Office Hours – 01454 615165 (Emergency Duty Team)

Information sharing. Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers 2018

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/721581/Information_sharing_advice_practitioners_safeguarding_services.pdf

Ofsted (Compliance and Investigation Team) – 0300 123 1231

Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children and young people in education settings

https://www.saferrecruitmentconsortium.org/GSWP%20Sept%202019.pdf

Police Prevent Team 01278 647466 or ring 101 and ask for the Prevent team

Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/439598/prevent-duty-departmental-advice-v6.pdf

NSPCC – 0800 800 500

Keeping Children Safe Partnership (KCSP) – 0117 3576257

BSCB Threshold guidance – www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-safeguarding-children-board.  The KCSP has a guidance to help staff who work with children identify when additional support will help a child to achieve their potential and keep them free from harm.

BSCB “Guidance on the transfer of a child protection safeguarding file to another educational setting"

https://bristolsafeguarding.org/media/1162/guidance-on-transfer-info-in-education.pdf

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SLEEP

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Sleep/Rest Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school understands that sleep/rest is fundamental to the young children because sleep deprivation impacts negatively on the mental, physical and emotional health of the child and their whole family.

The pre-school will give the children the opportunity to rest/sleep appropriate to their age/stage of development and their individual needs.  The individual sleep/rest pattern of children will be discussed before they start at the pre-school and agreed with parents/carers and met as far as possible within the daily routine.

Aims

The pre-school will provide a comfortable area and appropriate environment to allow children to rest as and when they wish to throughout the day.

Methods

The pre-school will discuss the sleeping patterns of the child at the home visit before they begin at the pre-school.

The sleeping area in the setting will be calm and not over-stimulating and we will work in partnership with families to offer their child a sleep routine that is as consistent as possible.

Reviewed September 2020

This procedure was adopted at a meeting on 19th February 2018

 Although under constant review, an overall review date has been set for September 2021

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SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

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The Brislington Village Pre-school Ltd Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs Policy

Statement of Intent

The Brislington Village Pre-school aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, children and their parents/carers.

Aims

The pre-school will provide a smoke free environment with zero tolerance on alcohol and drugs.

Methods

Smoking (including vaping)

Smoking, including e-cigarettes/vaping is not permitted anywhere on the premises or directly outside the setting. This is especially pertinent when children are present or about to be present. This rule applies equally to staff, students, volunteers, children, parents/carers or any other visitors. Appropriate signage will be displayed. Although e-cigarettes are safer than smoking and can be a useful tool in quitting, they are not permitted in the setting due to role modelling from adults and mimicking behaviour of children. If a child is found in possession of cigarettes/vaporizers on the premises, they will be confiscated and their parent/carer informed at the end of the session.

Alcohol

Staff, students, volunteers or children who arrive at the setting and are clearly or suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, will be asked to leave immediately and disciplinary procedures will follow in the case of a staff member being suspected.  If a child is found in possession of alcohol on the premises, it will be confiscated and their parent/carer will be informed at the end of the session. Staff are strongly advised not to bring alcohol onto the setting’s premises.

Drugs

Staff, students, volunteers or children who arrive at the setting and are clearly or suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs, will be asked to leave immediately. If a child is found in possession of drugs on the premises, the drugs will be immediately confiscated and their parent/carer will be informed at the end of the session. If staff are found in possession of illegal drugs, disciplinary action will follow. In cases where staff are taking over the counter/prescribed drugs that may affect their ability to function effectively at work, the Senior Manager must be informed as early as possible and a risk assessment will be completed. Staff should also seek medical advice regarding their ability to work with children whilst taking medication. In addition, they need to ensure that any medication, they have, is stored securely out of the reach of children.

Parents and Carers

If a member of staff has good reason to suspect that a parent/carer is under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol when they drop off or collect their child, to the extent that the safety of the child is threatened, they have a duty to inform both the Senior Worker and the designated Child Protection Officer, according to the provisions of the Safeguarding children policy. In such circumstances, the Senior Worker and the Child Protection Officer will then be responsible for deciding upon the appropriate course of action, ensuring that the safety and protection of the child remains paramount at all times. Staff will make all possible efforts to ensure that children are not allowed to travel in a vehicle driven by someone who is clearly under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Where an illegal act is suspected to have taken place, the police will be contacted.

This policy was adopted at a meeting of The Village Pre-school on 7 November 2016

Reviewed September 2020

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Discipline and Grievance Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Staff Behaviour Policy

Staff Induction Policy

Volunteer, Work Experience and Agency Staff Policy

Although under constant review, an overall review date of September 2021 has been set

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SPECIAL NEEDS

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The Brislington Village Pre-School Ltd Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy

Statement of Intent

We will at the Brislington Village Pre-School provide full access to the foundation curriculum for children with special educational needs.

Aims

We aim to ensure all that any child with special educational needs has their needs met.  They will be offered full access to a broad, balanced and relevant education at the foundation stage.

The SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator) at The Brislington Village Pre-School is Megan Tucker.

The SENCO role

• The Senco has completed the relevant mandatory training.

•  Is responsible for monitoring the needs and progress of children with SEN.

• The Senco will ensure that liaison takes place with parents/carers and with appropriate professionals as well as ensuring that the setting is up to date with current legislation and practice.

• The Senco will ensure that staff are aware of the procedure if they have a concern about child.

• Attend appropriate training/meetings and sharing this with staff

• Co-ordinate the provision for children with SEN within the setting.

Methods

Admission Arrangements

For admission arrangements, parents and carers of children with special educational needs/disabilities are invited to the pre-school to meet the staff and view the setting and facilities. At this informal meeting parents/carers and staff can discuss planning provisions that will meet the child’s special educational needs. At the Brislington Village Pre-school staff aim to work closely in partnership with parents and carers and listen to their views.

Facilities, staffing and Training

At the Brislington Village Pre-School there is disabled access and there are disabled toilets in the setting.

Staffing at the Village Pre-School

• One Director/owner

• One Manager

• One Deputy Manager

• Nine part time Early Years Practitioners

• Two Administrator/Early Years Practitioners

• 1 Apprentice