Helter Skelter Nursery

Transcription

1 Helter Skelter Nursery Policies and Procedures Handbook This handbook is a collection of the policies and procedures implemented at The. These policies will be reviewed regularly and updated as is necessary to ensure that the nursery maintains the highest possible standards

2 Contents Mission Statement 4 Accidents and First Aid 6 Admissions 8 Allegations Against Staff 9 Behaviour Management 10 Collection of Children 13 Complaints 14 Confidentiality 15 Curriculum and Learning 16 Door Answering 18 Emergency Closure 19 Equality and Diversity 20 E-safety 22 Fire Safety and Evacuation 25 Food and Drink 26 Healthy Workplace 28 Immunisations 30 Key Person 31 Late Collection and Non-Collection 32 Lock Down 33 Looked After Children 34 Lost Child 36 Management of Unwell Children 37 Medication 38 Mobile Phones 41 Nappy Changing 42 No Smoking 44 Outside Agencies 45 Packed Lunch Policy 46 Peer on Peer Abuse 47 Photographs and Videos

3 Physical Interventions 49 Public Interest Disclosure 50 Risk Assessment 52 Safeguarding 53 Self Esteem of Children 66 Settling In 67 Sickness Exclusions 68 Special Needs 72 Staffing and Employment 73 Staff Induction and Development 75 Students and Volunteers 77 Sun Cream 79 Toys and Equipment 80 Visits and Outings 81 Our Partnership with Parents/Guardians

4 Mission Statement At we recognise the importance of a secure, safe and happy childhood and we aim to provide an environment that facilitates this. We are committed to providing suitably qualified, dedicated and experienced staff to care for children and develop each child s potential and self-confidence. We shall encourage the children s interests and allow them to build on their natural curiosity, to develop their language skills and mathematical thinking, use their imagination, be creative and enjoy physical play; to develop positive social relationships, and to begin to understand the world around them. will respect and value the diverse cultural and social backgrounds of all our children and their families. We will ensure that all children have equal access to all areas of education and play activities, and not be disadvantaged because of ethnicity, culture, gender, religion, learning difficulties or disabilities, family background, home language or lifestyle. We will promote positive attitudes to diversity and difference within all children and help them to learn to value different aspects of their own and other people s lives. Our daily activities, both indoor and outdoor, are determined with a strong mindfulness of the 4 overarching themes of the Early Years Framework; - every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured; - children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships; - children learn and develop well in enabling environments; - children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The planned activities have a strong focus upon the three prime areas of learning; communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development whilst allowing pupils to experience and extend their grasp of: - literacy - mathematics - understanding the world - expressive arts and design. By covering these we aim to give every child the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential as well as achieving the following outcomes: - Being healthy - Staying safe - Enjoying and achieving - Making positive contributions - Economic well-being - 4 -

5 This Mission Statement will guide our decision-making and form the core of our planning, which will be reviewed regularly and amended according to needs and demands

6 Accidents and First Aid Policy and Procedure At we follow this policy and procedure to ensure all parties are supported and cared for, and their health, safety and welfare is protected throughout their time in the nursery. The nursery treats its responsibilities in respect of health and safety as a priority and will provide ongoing training to all members of staff. Reporting of Accidents The person responsible for reporting accidents is the member of staff who witnesses the accident. They must record it on an accident report form in the accident folder and discuss it with the Nursery Manager. This should be done as soon as possible following the accident, whilst the details are still clearly remembered. Parents/Guardians must be shown the accident report form, informed of any first aid treatment given, and asked to sign it as soon as they collect their child. The Nursery Manager may contact the parents/guardians before this to notify them of the incident or to request them to be collected. Contact must be made with parents/guardians if a child receives any cuts or bumps to the head to notify them of this and give them the option to see and/or collect their child. Accident forms are checked every two terms for patterns e.g. one child having a repeated number of accidents, a particular area in the nursery or a particular time of the day when most accidents happen and any patterns will be investigated by the Nursery Manager. The Nursery Manager will report serious accidents to the Registered Person for investigation for further action to be taken (e.g. a full risk assessment and a report under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), as necessary). Further information on what counts as a serious accident can be found in the Safeguarding Information File or on the RIDDOR website. Medical Attention Where medical attention is required, a senior member of staff will notify the parent/guardian as soon as possible, whilst caring for the child appropriately. If the injury is severe and the child needs medical attention, an ambulance will be called for immediately or further advice sought from 111 help line. Whilst waiting for the ambulance, the Nursery Manager will contact the parent/guardian and arrange to meet them at the hospital. A senior member of staff must accompany the child and collect the Registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication etc. The staff will remain calm at all times remembering that children who witness an incident may well be affected by it and may need reassurance. First Aid The first aid boxes are located in the nursery room, Manager s office and Kitchen. These are accessible at all times with appropriate content for use with children. All staff are trained in paediatric first aid and this training will be updated as necessary to ensure it remains current. When children are taken on an outing away from our nursery, we will always ensure they are accompanied by at least one member of staff who is trained in first aid and who carries an appropriate first aid box at all times

7 The contents of the first aid boxes is monitored each term to ensure that there is an adequate supply of equipment

8 Admissions Policy At, places are allocated to children on a first come first served basis; there is no selection procedure. However, priority is given to: - - existing parents/guardians with a child at the nursery and who want extra sessions or a place for a sibling - those wanting a full time place - children who are currently undertaking or who have graduated from Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense classes - 8 -

9 Allegations Against Staff Policy If an allegation is made against an adult in a position of trust, whether they be members of staff or volunteers, this should be brought to the immediate attention of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The DSL will: - Suspend the member of staff involved with immediate affect pending further investigation - Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on to discuss the nature of the allegations made against the adult, in order for the appropriate action to be taken. - Contact the parents or carers of the child if advised to do so by the local authority. - Consider the rights of the staff member for a fair and equal process of investigation. - Advise Ofsted of the allegation within 14 days. - Act on any decision made in any strategy meeting. - Advise the Disclosure and Barring Service - 9 -

10 Behaviour Management Policy At we will provide a secure, loving and stimulating environment where good behaviour is promoted. Such an environment will encourage children to co-operate with each other, help to enhance their self-esteem and develop their ability to interact with others. Implementation Where a child consistently or frequently behaves in an unacceptable manner, such as bullying or biting another child, parents/guardians will be consulted and asked to work with the staff to ensure discipline techniques are consistent and clear. Limits to behaviour will be clearly expressed in positive terms and reinforced consistently in a developmentally appropriate way. Staff will demonstrate acceptable behaviour during the course of their interactions with children to encourage positive and responsible behaviour. Staff will use voice intonations, facial expressions and explanations as methods of discipline used to encourage desired behaviour. Positive behaviours will be encouraged by diverting children to more appropriate activities, showing appreciation for appropriate behaviour and building on each child s strengths and achievements. No child will receive any form of corporal punishment such as being shouted at, smacked, shaken, intimidated, shamed or humiliated. Parents/Guardians who wish to discipline their own children whilst in the nursery will not at any time use any form of corporal punishment or use unacceptable language. Where necessary, a few minutes sitting away from the group may be chosen to emphasise displeasure of the behaviour. "Sit and Watch" time will be no longer than 2 minutes and the child must sit in the "Sit and Watch" position and observe the children's correct and acceptable behaviour until the nursery staff tells them it is time to resume play. No further punishment will be given and the child will be reminded in positive terms of the expected behaviour. If children consistently display unacceptable behaviour the qualified staff member in the child's room will ensure: - - the expectations of the child's behaviour are realistic and appropriate to their developmental level - the child understands the limits - there is no conflict between nursery and home expectations - the child's needs are being met - the child has no impediments which may cause the unacceptable behaviour - the child isn't copying observed behaviour - events at the nursery have not encouraged the behaviour - consequences of the behaviour do not encourage the child to persist - strategies are consistently followed by all staff in contact with the child

11 Biting and hitting are normal behaviours in the development of most children, usually caused by a lack of verbal communication skills. If a child bites or hits another the following procedures will apply: - Staff will attend first to the victim to comfort the child and assess their injuries. - First aid will be applied in accordance with our Accident Policy. - While attending to the victim (or immediately afterwards) the staff member will talk about the incident with the biter/hitter, explaining the consequences of his/her action, in words they will understand. - The staff member will show their disapproval for the child s actions using tone of voice and facial expressions, and encourage the child to help make the victim feel better through positive and gentle touching. - The staff member will suggest an alternative action to biting or hitting i.e.tell the child to say My turn please, and will follow this up by encouraging the biter/hitter to ask for a turn and making sure he/she does have a turn. - An accident report will be written. Parents/Guardians of victims do not need to know who bit their child. - A record of what happened will be made including how the situation arose and why the child bit or hit. This information will help staff to prevent a repeat incident and will be recorded on an incident form - If biting or hitting is an ongoing concern with a particular child his/her parents/guardians should be informed and strategies developed that are consistent between home and the Nursery. The Manager is available to discuss and assist with any concern a parent/guardian may have in respect of their child's behaviour. If the unacceptable behaviour persists the Manager will, jointly with the parent, seek advice from an appropriate agency or professional. If, after the child has be given reasonable time to respond positively to new strategies, the behaviour still persists and, depending on the severity of the behaviour, the following steps will apply: 1. If there is insufficient improvement in the child s behaviour, in extreme cases, the Nursery Manager will write to the parent/guardian to advise them of this, and to explain that the child s attendance at the nursery is suspended for a period of time in order to give the child time to modify his/her behaviour away from the nursery. After this time the child may return to the nursery and will be given reasonable time to display a positive change in behaviour. 2. If the child does not demonstrate a positive change in behaviour on their return to the nursery, the Manager will write to the parent/guardian to explain that the child s attendance at the nursery will be suspended until such a time as they can reassure us that the behaviour has been corrected. 3. After the child has been given every chance to respond positively and if all methods fail to result in an improvement in behaviour, the Nursery Manager will discuss alternative care with the parent/guardian, in consideration of the health and safety of the other children in our care

12 4. For the safety of the child, any conflict will be kept in the nursery. Any naming of children on social media, or the like, in this respect will result in the termination of contract at the soonest possible time

13 Collection of Children Policy At, children are only allowed to leave the Nursery with their parent/guardian or a designated person, nominated by a parent/guardian. The designated person must be over the age of 18. Procedure: - Parents/Guardians must inform staff of any changes to normal, planned collection of a child. Staff must be notified verbally or in writing via a letter to the nursery manager. - Parents/Guardians must ensure that the instruction is written onto the signing in sheet, so that all staff are made aware of the person who is collecting the child. - Parents/Guardians must give the nursery manager a password, which the designated person must give to staff before the child is released to him/her. - If we have no written record of any alternative arrangements for collecting a child, the child will not be allowed to leave the premises until the arrangement has been confirmed with a parent/guardian. - In the event that a child is left uncollected from nursery at the end of the day or their session, with no contact from a parent or guardian, a member of staff will firstly attempt to contact a parent/guardian. If we are unable to make contact, the child will remain in our care. - In all cases where a child is not collected at the appropriate time, a surcharge of 20 will apply for each additional 15 minutes the child is left in our care. See the Late Collection Policy for further information

14 Complaints Procedure aims to foster positive relations between all parents/guardians and staff as this is paramount to a happy nursery experience. As part of this aim, every parent/guardian has the right to a positive and sympathetic response to any concerns they may have. Solutions are sought to resolve all disputes, issues or concerns that impact or affect the day-to-day well being of the nursery in a fair, prompt and positive manner. Implementation: - Every parent/guardian is provided with clear written guidelines detailing grievance procedures. - All confidential conversations/discussions with parents/guardians will take place in a quiet area away from children, other parents/guardians and staff who are not involved. - It is hoped that in the first instance the key matters will be resolved within the nursery setting. If a parent/guardian feels unable or unwilling to raise any issue involving the nursery with the nursery staff then he/she should arrange to see the nursery manager or owners. The nursery manager will listen to the concerns /complaint and make the appropriate investigations. The manager is there to assist any parent/carer in anyway that she can, so do not hesitate to discuss any issues/queries you may have by raising it in the first instance with a member of staff or the nursery manager. - A written record will be kept of all concerns/complaints that have been resolved within the nursery in the complaints book. - Parents/guardians are reminded that staff have a life away from nursery and any matter arising should be dealt with during working hours only. Complaints relating to the conduct of members of staff should be given in writing before any further action is taken. - Any complaint made under the complaints procedure will be fully investigated by the nursery manager. - Confirmation of receipt of complaint will be sent to the complainant within 3 working days. - The nursery manager will ensure, within 28 days of the date on which the complaint is made, to inform the person who made the complaint of the action (if any) that is to be taken. - The nursery manager will keep an accurate and detailed record of all complaints, which will include the following information: - name of complainant - nature of complaint - date and time of complaint - action taken in response to complaint - result of complaint investigation - information given to complainant

15 Confidentiality Policy s work with children and their families will, unavoidably, bring us into contact with confidential information. It is a legal requirement for the nursery to hold information about the children and families using the nursery and the staff working at the nursery. This information is used for registers, invoices and emergency contacts. However, all records will be stored in a locked cabinet in line with Data Protection Legislation. It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their families and we will do so by: - Storing confidential records in a locked filing cabinet. - Ensuring that all staff, volunteers and students are aware that this information is confidential and only for use within the nursery. - Ensuring that parents/guardians have access to files and records of their own children but not to those of any other child. - Gaining parental permission for any information to be used other than for the above reasons. - Ensuring the staff, through their close relationship with both the children and their parents/guardians, learn more about the families using the nursery. - Ensuring all staff are aware that this information is confidential and only for use within the nursery setting. If any of this information is requested for whatever reason, the parent s/guardian s permission will always be sought. - Ensuring staff do not discuss personal information given by parents with other members of staff, except where it affects planning for the child s needs. - Ensuring staff, student and volunteer inductions include an awareness of the importance of confidentiality in the role of the key person. If staff breaches any confidentiality provisions, this may result in disciplinary action, and in serious cases, dismissal. Students on placement in the nursery are advised of the Confidentiality Policy and required to respect it. - Ensuring issues concerning the employment of staff remains confidential to the people directly involved in making personnel decisions. - Ensuring any concerns relating to a child s personal safety are kept in a secure, confidential file and are shared with as few people as possible on a need-toknow basis. If, however, a child is considered at risk, our Child Protection Policy will override confidentiality. All of the above are as a result of the nurseries commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the child

16 Curriculum and Learning Policy At we aim to:- - Provide a warm and welcoming environment for your child. - Provide high quality care and education due to our high ratio of qualified adults to children. - Our key person approach ensures that we know children well and plan to meet their individual needs. - Enable children to become independent and develop self-confidence within a stimulating, secure and friendly environment. - Work in partnership with parents to provide a service, which promotes equality and values diversity. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (Revised March 2017). This curriculum follows children s development from birth to the end of their reception year. The EYFS follows the principles of: - A Unique Child: every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured - Positive Relationships: children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships. - Learning and development: children learn and develop at different rates and all areas are equally important and inter connected. - Enabling Environments: the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children s learning and development. The EYFS covers 3 prime areas; Personal, Social and Emotional development, Communication and Language and Physical development and 4 specific areas; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Procedures for Curriculum /Learning policy Supporting Learning: - We offer a range of learning opportunities working 1-1 with children, in small groups, in familiar key groups and as a large class group for activities such as music and circle time. - Adults are carefully deployed to ensure the safety and security of children and to ensure that all areas of learning are supported. - Adult s plan and resource areas both inside and outside on a rotating basis to offer children a wide range of experiences. - The key person approach ensures that children are supported by a significant person while developing the confidence and independence to explore new areas. - We offer a carefully planned environment divided into key learning areas. - We work from long term plans to cover all areas of the curriculum, short term plans focused on individual children s learning and needs and daily plans which add to the continuous provision and are fed by children s developing interests

17 Observation Assessment and Planning - Daily observations, tracking sheets and photographs provide detailed information to allow key persons to maintain Learning Journeys on each child. - Parents contribute to records formally and informally with photographs, information from home, current interests and Wow moments. This helps us to plan for individual needs and interests and to assess progress for each child. - We complete a statutory progress check between the ages of months. - We complete a summary of progress, My Unique Story, every other term and parents are invited to contribute to comments made on each of the areas of learning. - Children with additional needs are supported by our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators Parents as Partners - We aim to fully involve parents as partners and recognise them as experts on their child and their primary educators. - We invite contributions to the Learning Journeys and consult with parents at key person meetings. Outdoor Learning - We believe that children should be able to access all areas of the curriculum indoors and outdoors. - We offer access to the outside area which, although small, offers a range of learning experiences including planting, mud kitchen, sound wall, sand and water play. - We also plan for regular outings for the children to extend their outdoor experiences. We offer the unique opportunity for children to use the soft play frame as an extension to the outdoor learning environment and to enhance their physical development

18 Door Answering Procedure Access through the entrance gate will be permitted to authorised persons based on the observation of a video display viewed inside the premises. The person wanting access must be identified before being allowed entry to the nursery. If the person is not identifiable by sight, then relevant checks will need to be carried out. 1. Ask the name of the person/s 2. Ask for the password if they are wanting to collect a child. 3. Establish with the relevant staff member or nursery manager that the person has legitimate business at the nursery. If a person presents as a delegated individual to collect a child, then the proper procedure must be followed, including the use of the correct password. A parent/guardian MUST be contacted, if there is any doubt as to the identity of the individual, or if there is no evidence of consent having been given to the nursery for a delegated individual to collect the child. If the parent/guardian is unable to be contacted, then in the interests and safety of the child, they will remain in the care of the nursery. Visitors to the nursery must have a business or valid identification card that staff must check and they must sign in and out of the Visitors Book on arrival and departure. A visitors card must be read by all visitors on arrival to ensure the safety of the children and staff is maintained. Any concerns about persons seeking access must be referred to the nursery manager before allowing entry. The gate to access the nursery must be kept closed at all times unless authorised persons are entering or leaving the building. Parents are asked not to allow other people through the gate but to close it behind them to allow the nursery staff to decide who gains access to the building. Please note, staff will not take children out to meet their parents at the gate or in their car, parents/guardians must come into the nursery to collect their children

19 Emergency Closure Policy will only close in the most extreme of circumstances. These include: - Excessive snow - Flooding - An outbreak of a communicable disease when advised to do so by the health protection agency. The nursery will only close if the ratio of staff to children is not within legal requirements. In the case of closure, we will make every endeavour to contact every parent/guardian by telephone or and an announcement will be posted on our web site. In the case of an outbreak of a communicable disease, we will carry out a deep clean of the premises and equipment. We will liaise with the health protection authorities and the Early Years team in respect of action to be taken. OFSTED will be informed of any closure due to a communicable disease and kept informed of proposed reopening dates. In the event of an emergency, where access to the nursery is restricted, children will be taken to the Albion Hotel, Broadstairs to await collection from parents/guardians

20 Equality and Diversity believes in the unique value of every child and is therefore committed to meeting each child s individual needs. We will do our best to provide equal opportunities for all children and families who come to our setting, as well as promoting equal opportunities in our employment practices. Our nursery is committed to taking positive and proactive steps to ensure that we provide a safe and caring environment, free from discrimination, for everyone in our community. Aims The nursery s equal opportunities procedures aim to help everyone involved in the nursery to counteract and eliminate both direct and indirect discrimination in decision-making, employment practices and service provision and to ensure that our services strive to achieve equality of opportunity for all. The nursery aims to provide a welcoming and caring environment that promotes and reflects cultural and social diversity and is equally accessible to all. We invite parents to share their cultures and festivals with the nursery if they wish. The nursery will endeavour to facilitate regular opportunities for consultation with parents/carers about the service that the nursery provides, as a means of monitoring the effectiveness of its Equality and Diversity Policy. Procedures: Admission - We ensure that our services are open and available to all parents/carers and children in the local community. - We ensure that issues of race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, social background, religion, culture, gender, language, sexual orientation and disability do not inhibit a child from accessing the Nursery s services. - We treat all children and their parents/carers with equal concern and value. Activities - We have regard for promoting understanding, respect and awareness of diversity and equal opportunities issues in planning and implementing the nursery s programme of activities. - We help all children to celebrate and express their cultural and religious identity by providing a wide range of appropriate resources and activities. - The nursery aims to provide positive non-stereotyping information and role model behaviour about gender roles, diverse ethnic and cultural groups and people with disabilities

21 - We positively reflect the widest possible range of communities in the choice of resources and avoid stereotypes or derogatory images in the selection of books and other visual materials. - We will promote good relations with people of all cultures, in our play, stories, group times and behaviour. - We endeavour to create an environment of mutual respect and tolerance and help children to understand that discriminatory behaviour and remarks are hurtful and unacceptable. We are committed to delivering an education that promotes and fosters the positive use of language. We will not allow derogatory name-calling or abusive language of any kind. - The nursery will challenge and take action against any offensive or discriminatory behaviour, language or attitudes with regards to race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, social background, religion, culture, gender, language, sexual orientation, disability and age. - We ensure that the activities offered are inclusive of all children. - We work in partnership with parents/carers to ensure that the medical, cultural and dietary needs of children are met - We encourage and support staff to act as positive role models to children by displaying and promoting tolerant and respectful behaviour, language and attitudes and we challenge and take action against any discriminatory incident. - We are aware of, and deliver the key themes of British Values to the children to encourage them to have mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. Employment and staffing - As an Equal Opportunities provider, we ensure that the nursery s recruitment policies and procedures are open, fair and non-discriminatory and it is our policy to recruit the best person for the role and this will be the only criterion for appointment. - Each employee will be fairly treated, and encouraged to develop professionally as far as he/she is able. - We ensure that all members of staff are aware of, and understand, this Equality and Diversity policy. - 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 take action against any member of staff found to be acting, or have been acting, in a discriminatory way

22 E-Safety Policy Policy statement has a commitment to keeping children safe and healthy and the e-safety policy operates at all times under the umbrella of the Safeguarding Policy. The e-safety policy is the implementation of the Safeguarding policy in relation to electronic communications of all types. Introduction: The Internet is now regarded as an essential resource to support teaching and learning. Computer skills are vital to accessing life-long learning and employment. It is important for children to learn to be e-safe from an early age and the nursery can play a vital part in starting this process. In line with other nursery policies that protect pupils from other dangers, there is a requirement to provide pupils with as safe an internet environment as possible and a need to begin to teach them to be aware of and respond responsibly to possible risks. 1. Core Principles of Internet Safety The internet is becoming as commonplace as the telephone or TV and its effectiveness use is an essential life-skill. Unmediated internet access brings with it the possibility of placing children in embarrassing, inappropriate and even dangerous situations. 2. The E-Safety Policy is built on the following care principles: Guided educational use Significant educational benefits should result from internet use including access to information from around the world. Internet use should be carefully planned and targeted within a regulated and managed environment. Risk assessment We have a duty to ensure children in the nursery are not exposed to inappropriate information or materials. We also need to ensure that children know how to ask for help if they come across material that makes them feel uncomfortable. Responsibility Internet safety in the nursery depends on staff, parents, cares and visitors taking responsibility for the use of internet and other communication technologies such as mobile phones. It is the nursery s responsibility to use technical solutions to limit internet access and to monitor their effectiveness. 3. Why is it important for pre-school children to access the internet?

23 The internet is an essential element in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. The nursery has a duty to provide children with quality internet access as part of their learning experience. Pre-school internet access will be tailored expressly for educational use and will include appropriate filtering. Pupils will learn appropriate internet use. Staff will guide pupils in online activities that will support their learning journeys The internet is also used in the nursery to support the professional work of staff, to allow effective planning and to enhance the nursery s management information and business administration systems. 4. Managing Content Staff are responsible for ensuring that material accessed by children is appropriate and for ensuring that the use of any internet derived materials by staff or by children complies with copyright law. The point of contact on the website should be the nursery address, nursery and telephone number. Staff or children s home information will not be published. Website photographs that include children will be selected carefully and will not allow individual children to be clearly identified. Pupils full names will not be used anywhere on the website, particularly in association with photographs. Written permission from parents or carers for featuring their child on the website is requested when each child starts at the nursery and parents/carers wishes are followed at al times. 5. Communication Managing Children will not have access to . Staff using will use a nursery address. This address must not be used for personal . On-line communications and social networking On-line chat rooms and social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter will not be used in the nursery. Staff will not discuss individual children on facebook, twitter or any other social networking site. Staff should not discuss the nursery on social media unless to promote or share posts made by the nursery or unless granted prior permission from the director. Mobile technologies Mobile phones are not permitted in the nursery. Staff are permitted to use their mobile phones in the office and in the back room, but the taking of photographs on mobile phones is strictly prohibited anywhere on the nursery site

24 Any member of staff using their own laptop must adhere to the e-safety policy in all matters relating to the nursery. 6. Parents and e-safety Parents attention will be drawn to the nursery e-safety policy. 7. Handling Complaints Any complaints about the appropriate use of the internet or other technologies will be handled through the complaints procedure

25 Fire Safety and Evacuation Policy At we ensure our premises present low risk of fire by providing the highest possible standard of fire protection. The management and staff are familiar with current legal requirements. When necessary will we seek the advice of a competent person, such as our fire officer, or fire safety consultant. Fire Drills The Manager is responsible for arranging the Fire Drills, which they will delegate to a different staff member to perform. These will happen once every six-eight weeks or if we have a new member of staff, student or volunteer we will do one as part of their induction. Alarms will be checked once a week as part of the risk checks by staff. All information will be recorded signed and dated. The fire drill procedure will be clearly displayed in the Main Room for all parents, visitors and helpers to read. Visitors will be informed of exits. If the fire alarm fails to go off to warn of a fire, a backup plan of a verbal warning or whistle will be given to warn the setting of the fire. Records are kept of fire drills and the servicing of fire safety equipment. Emergency Evacuation Procedure - Fire exits are clearly marked and are kept clear at all times. - All children, students, visitors and staff will be led from the nursery via the nearest fire exit doors to the assembly point outside Broadstairs Carpet shop. - The managers will call the registers to make sure all children, staff and visitors are accounted for. - In the event of a real fire evacuation happening on a wet or cold day, children will be escorted by staff to The Albion Hotel, Broadstairs for collection by parents. - In the event of a real fire the manager will: o Picking up the Children s Register, Staff Register, mobile telephone, keys, Visitor Book and Fire Bag (containing emergency contacts list, nappies, wipes and blankets) o Telephoning the emergency services (999 and asking for Fire Service) o Checking the children against the Register when they have reached the Fire Assembly Point. o Checking the adults against the Staff Register and Visitors Book - Fire extinguishers are situated inside the main room, staff room and kitchen. In the kitchen there is also a fire blanket. These are checked annually by the fire officer and certificates are recorded - The fire drill log must be completed after every fire evacuation

26 Food and Drink Policy regards snack and meal times as an important part of the nursery day. Eating represents a social time for children and adults and helps children to learn about healthy eating. At snack and meal times, we aim to provide nutritious food, cooked on the nursery premises, which meets the children's individual dietary needs. Procedures: We follow these procedures to promote healthy eating in our nursery. - Before a child starts to attend the nursery, 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. - We regularly consult with parents to ensure that our records of their children's dietary needs, including any allergies, are up-to-date. - Parents are asked to put it in writing to the nursery if their child s dietary needs change either with foods they are now allowed or that are now restricted. - 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 display the daily menus of meals/snacks for the information of parents, which is located on entering the nursery. The full menus offered can be seen on the parents notice board. - We include a variety of foods from the four main food groups: o meat, fish and protein alternatives o dairy foods o grains, cereals and starch vegetables o fruit and vegetables. - 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. - 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 meal and snack times so that they are social occasions in which children and staff participate. - We use meal and snack times to help children to develop independence through making choices, serving food and drink 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

27 - We have fresh drinking water and cups constantly available for the children. We inform the children about how to obtain the water and that they can ask for water at any time during the day. - In order to protect children with food allergies, we discourage children from sharing and swapping their food with one another. - For children who drink milk, we provide whole or semi-skimmed milk. - The nursery provides all meals and snacks and although parents can opt to bring a packed lunch for their child provided it meets with the Packed Lunch Policy. - We ensure that staff sit with children to eat their lunch so that the mealtime is a social occasion

28 Healthy Workplace Policy is committed to providing a workplace which supports and encourages a healthy staff team. Dress Code Staff must follow our dress code at all times. This dress code provides staff with a sense of identity and belonging as well as ensuring they are both comfortable and safe to perform their daily work routines. Staff Breaks It is the responsibility of the nursery manager to ensure that, as set out in governments rules for rest breaks, all staff working six hours or more take an uninterrupted break of at least 20 minutes, whilst ensuring that ratios are maintained. Personal Hygiene Staff must follow the personal hygiene code at all times, and encourage children to adopt the same good personal hygiene code themselves. Hands must be washed before handling food, after using the toilet or toileting children, after playing outside, wiping noses and after contact with animals. Children must always be reminded to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Staff should always encourage good hygiene standards, for example, not eating food that has fallen on the floor. Children should learn about good hygiene routines and why they need to wash their hands, wipe their noses and cover their mouths when coughing. Cleaning is committed to providing a safe, happy and healthy environment for children to play, grow and learn. Cleanliness is a vital step to ensure this. The nursery will be cleaned every evening and regular checks will be made in the cloakrooms these will be cleaned at least daily (more if necessary). The nappy changing facilities will be cleaned after every use. Any mess caused throughout the day will be cleaned up as necessary to ensure that a hygienic environment is provided for the children in our care. Regular toy washing rotas are established in all rooms and recorded. Kitchen Staff need to be aware of the basic food hygiene standards through appropriate training and this will be reviewed as necessary to keep it current. As a checklist: - Fridges need to be cleaned out weekly - Microwaves need to be cleaned after each use

29 - Ovens need to be cleaned out regularly and recorded - Freezers need to be cleaned out every three months and recorded - All cupboards need to be cleaned out monthly - Fridge and freezer temperatures must be recorded first thing in the morning by the duty manager/cook and last thing at night. - All food needs to be covered at all times in and out of the fridge and dated to show when each product was opened. - Care must be taken to ensure that food is correctly stored in fridges. - When re-heating food it should be over 75 degree Celsius, checked with the probe thermometer and recorded, then cooled down before serving. Food prepared on the premises must be checked with the probe thermometer before serving. - Food served but not used immediately should be appropriately covered and placed in the fridge/freezer within 60 minutes. If this is not followed, food should be discarded immediately. - All opened packets to be dated when opened and placed in an airtight container e.g. baby food, raisins, cereal etc. - Surfaces to be cleaned with anti-bacterial spray. - Windows protected by fly guards to be opened as often as possible. - All electrical plugs must be pulled out of their sockets at the end of each day and switches switched off where practical. - Children must NOT enter the kitchen expect for supervised cooking activities. - Door to the kitchen must be kept closed at all times. Nursery Staff are trained to be aware of general hygiene in the nursery and ensure that high standards are kept at all times. All surfaces should be kept clean and clutter free. Spare sheets must be available in the rest area to ensure that each child who uses a mattress should have its own clean. These must be washed after each use. Staff Area It is the responsibility of each member of staff to ensure their staff area is kept clean and tidy. Surfaces need to be wiped down daily and any implements used for lunch or break must be washed and tidied away

30 Immunisations Policy At we hope that, where possible, children are vaccinated in accordance with their age. If children are not vaccinated, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to inform the nursery to ensure that children/staff/ parents/guardians are not exposed to any unnecessary risks of any sort. The nursery manager must be aware of any children who are not vaccinated within the nursery in accordance with their age. Parents/guardians need to be aware that some children may not be vaccinated in the nursery. This may be due to their age, medical reasons or parental choice. Our nursery does not discriminate against children who have not received their immunisations and will not disclose individual details to other parents/guardians. Information regarding immunisations will be recorded on children s registration documents and should be updated as and when necessary, including when the child reaches the age for the appropriate immunisations. Staff Vaccinations It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that they keep up to date with their vaccinations for: - Tetanus - Tuberculosis - Rubella - Hepatitis - Polio If a member of staff is unsure as to whether they are up to date, then we recommend that they visit their GP or Practise Nurse for their own good health. Emergency Information Emergency information must be kept for every child and should be updated every six months with regular reminders to parents/guardians at Parents Evenings, for example

31 Key Person Policy operates a Key Person System. The key person ensures that within the day-to-day demands of the setting, each child for whom they have special responsibility feels individual, cherished and thought about by someone in particular while they are away from home. Due to the part- time nature of many of our staff we also operate a buddy system whereby when a child s main Key Person is not present another staff member will be their Secondary Key Person or Buddy. Practitioners Responsibilities: Relationships with Children: - The key person and buddy provide a secure attachment for their key children in the nursery. - They help their key children settle in and become familiar with the setting. - The key person/buddy meets the needs of their key children responding sensitively to their feelings, ideas and behaviour. - The key person/buddy provides a secure base for the children by being there to support them and allowing them to explore at their own pace. - They are primarily responsible for their key child s care routines. Relationships with parents/carers: - Key persons/buddies should develop a good relationship with parents/carers, ensuring that the child is cared for appropriately at nursery and accommodating their individual needs within the daily routine. - The key person/buddy needs to develop a two way flow of information between themselves and the parent/carer to help them become aware of any significant aspects of family life that maybe important to the child. - The key person/buddy has responsibility for sharing their key children s development profiles with parents and other professionals as required Records: - The key person is responsible for observational records of their key children, using these to inform next steps for each of their key children. - Where a child is supported by a buddy, record keeping then becomes a joint responsibility. Welfare and Safeguarding: - Key persons and buddies are responsible for the welfare of the children in their care monitoring patterns of absence, injury and development referring them on where necessary. Managers Responsibilities: Managers must provide opportunities for staff to give regular feedback and to support staff in their role as key person, ensuring that all developmental needs are met

32 Late Collection and Non-Collection Policy Parents/guardians agree an arrival time for collection of their child and we must be informed if collection is to be more than a few minutes later than agreed. A parent/guardian must telephone the nursery as soon as possible to advise us of their expected arrival time, if this is to be different from the agreed time, or of an arrangement for a designated person to collect their child. You should tell us the designated person s identity immediately so we can talk to the child to help to reduce any distress that may be caused to the child by this situation. If the designated person is not known to the nursery staff, the parent/guardian must provide a detailed description of this person, including their date of birth if known. The designated person must also give the child s safety password in order for us to release the child into their care. Where a child has not been collected from nursery after 20 minutes of the expected time, the following procedure will be initiated by staff: - The nursery manager will be told that a child has not been collected. - The manager will firstly contact the parents/guardians on the telephone numbers on our records. - If this fails the emergency contacts will then be contacted. The manager will telephone all contact numbers available, every 10 minutes until contact is made. These calls need to be logged on a full incident record. - In the event of contact not being made within one hour, the nursery manager will telephone the Social Services Emergency Duty Team (Kent County Council Children s Social Services telephone number: ) - The manager and one other member of staff will stay behind with the child (if it falls outside normal operating hours) until suitable arrangements have been made for the collection of the child. During normal operating times, staff ratios must be met and planned for accordingly. - The child s welfare and needs will be our focus at all times, to minimise distress, staff will distract, comfort and reassure the child during the process. - A fee will be applied in accordance with our terms and conditions to pay for any additional operational costs that caring for a child outside their normal nursery hours will incur. This fee is 20 for every 15 minutes

33 Lock Down Policy recognises the potentially serious risks to children, staff and visitors in emergency or harmful situations. A lockdown may take place where there is a perceived risk of threat to the nursery, children, staff, visitors or property. Where possible, the nursery will act to ensure the safety of everybody in the setting if the following type of situations arise: - unauthorised person/persons are on the nursery premises - estranged parties in a domestic breakdown are attempting to abduct children - personnel, students, volunteers or staff from within the setting become a threat to the well being of others. A lockdown will be initiated by using the password Code Black Procedure: Nursery staff will adhere to the following steps upon hearing the Lockdown signal, provided that it does not put anyone in danger: - Secure all the windows and doors - Grab the outings bag which contains contact details and mobile phone - Move all the children to the safe area between the sleep room and craft room accessed via the door in the craft room. This area is windowless and provides access to the church above. - Do a head count immediately and take a register - Nursery manager to call 999 for assistance - Stay out of sight and minimise movement - Stay silent and avoid drawing any attention - No one should be allowed out of the safe area during a lockdown procedure. - Remain in lockdown until an all clear has been given and normal situation resumes. At no time will staff attempt to physically remove an unwanted visitor

34 Looked After Children Policy is committed to providing quality provision based on equality of opportunity for all children and their families. All staff are committed to doing all they can to enable looked after children in their care to achieve and reach their full potential. In the nursery, an emphasis is placed upon promoting children s right to be strong, resilient and listened to. The 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 wellbeing 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. Principles: - 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. - Nursery places for two-year-old children who are in care will be considered provided that the child has been with their foster carer for at least two months and shows signs of having formed a secure attachment to the carer and where the placement in the nursery will last a minimum of three months. - Funded places for three and four-year-olds who are in care are offered to ensure they receive their entitlement to Free Early Education (FEE). It is expected that a child will have been with a foster carer for a minimum of one month and formed a secure attachment to the carer. The placement in the nursery should be expected to last a minimum of six weeks. - Where a child who normally attends the nursery is taken into care and is cared for by a local foster carer the placement will continue to be offered for the child. These procedures are written in line with current guidance Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The nursery manager is responsible for ensuring all staff understand and follow these procedures. Procedures: - The designated person for looked after children is the safeguarding officer. - Every child is allocated a key person. This is no different for a looked after child. The safeguarding officer ensures they have the information, support and training necessary to meet the looked after child s needs. - The designated person and the key person liaise with agencies, professionals and practitioners involved with the child and his or her family and ensures appropriate information is gained and shared

35 - The nursery 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 parents or foster carer s role in relation to the nursery without prior discussion and agreement with the child s social worker. - Observations about communication, interests and abilities will be noted to form a picture of the whole child in relation to the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning. - Concerns about the child will be noted in the child s file and discussed with the foster carer. - Transition to school will be handled sensitively and the designated person and/or the child s key person will liaise with the school, passing on relevant information and documentation with the agreement of the looked after child s birth parents

36 Lost Child Policy Children in the care of are secured by a closed door policy, ensuring no unauthorised persons can enter the building. The grounds are bordered on all sides by a fence and locked gates and a video display ensures staff only allow access to authorised persons. Implementation In the highly unlikely event that a child/children goes missing from Helter Skelter Nursery, the following procedure will be followed: - The manager in charge will be informed immediately - The manager will first check if the child has been signed out of the nursery, and if so by whom. - In the event that the child has not been signed out; 1. A search of the nursery and the immediate area will take place, ensuring at the same time that the building and grounds are secure. 2. If the child/children have still not been found, then police, the child s parents/guardians and a director of will be informed immediately. 3. The manager will ensure that staff are available for questioning. 4. No staff will be allowed to leave until given authority to do so by the police officer in charge. 5. Ofsted will also be informed

37 Policy on the Management of Unwell Children Children should not be left at nursery if they are unwell. If a child is unwell then they will prefer to be at home with their parent(s) rather than at nursery with their peers. Implementation: We will follow these procedures to ensure the welfare of all children within the nursery: - If a child becomes unwell whilst under the care of, a parent/guardian will be notified and asked to take the child home. The child will be made comfortable and separated from the other children, accompanied by a nursery nurse, until the parent/guardian arrives. - If the child s parent/guardian is unable to be contacted then the emergency contact person provided on the child s registration form will be called. - If staff are concerned that a child has a high temperature, the parent/ guardian/emergency contact will be told and asked for permission to administer the child an appropriate dose of paracetamol. Staff will take action to reduce the child s temperature through physical treatments i.e. removing the child s clothing, quietly laying them in a cool place, and encouraging him/her to take cool drinks of water, until the parent/guardian arrives to take their child home. If the child s temperature reaches a critical level the parent will be contacted again and an ambulance will be called (see procedure in the Accident policy regarding calling an ambulance). - The nursery manager always has the prerogative to call an ambulance or doctor if, in their opinion, urgent medical attention is required. In that instance, every effort will be made to contact the parent or their nominated emergency contact people as soon as possible. - All illness at the nursery is recorded in the incident record book. - The parent/guardian will be informed of our Exclusion Policy where appropriate. Meningitis procedure If a parent informs the nursery that their child has meningitis, the nursery manager should contact the Public Health Team for their area, and Ofsted. The Public Health Team will give guidance and support in each individual case. If parent/carer(s) do not inform the nursery, we will be contacted directly by the Public Health Team and the appropriate support will be given. Infection control Viruses and infections can be easily passed from person to person by breathing in air containing the virus which is produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through hand/face contact after touching a person or surface contaminated with viruses. The best way to prevent a virus or infection from moving around the nursery environment is to maintain high hygiene standards in the nursery as outlined in our Healthy Workplace Policy

38 Medication Policy We promote the good health of children attending nursery and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection. If a child requires medicine whilst at Helter Skelter Nursery we will obtain information about the child s needs for this, and will ensure this information is kept up-to-date. When dealing with medication of any kind in the nursery, strict guidelines will be followed. Prescription Medication - Prescription medicine will only be given to the person named on the bottle for the dosage stated. - Medicines must be in their original containers - Those with parental responsibility of any child requiring prescription medication should allow a senior member of staff to have sight of the bottle. The staff member should note the details of the administration in the medicine book and another member of staff should check these details. - Children must have been taking the prescribed medicine for at least 24 hours before attending nursery to ensure that there is no serious reaction or side affects as a result of taking the medicine - Those with parental responsibility must give prior written permission for the administration of each and every medication. However we will accept written permission once for a whole course of medication or for the ongoing use of a particular medication under the following circumstances: 1. The written permission is only acceptable for that brand name of medication and cannot be used for similar types of medication, e.g. if the course of antibiotics changes, a new form will need to be completed 2. The dosage on the written permission is the only dosage that will be administered. We will not give a different dose unless a new form is completed 3. Parents/guardians should notify us IMMEDIATELY if the child s circumstances change, e.g. a dose has been given at home, or a change in strength/dose needs to be given. - The nursery will not administer a dosage that exceeds the recommended dose on the instructions unless accompanied by a doctor s letter - The parent/guardian must be asked when the child had last been given the medication before coming to nursery; this information will be recorded in the medicine book. Similarly when the child is picked up, the parent or guardian must be given precise details of the times and dosage given throughout the day. The parent s/guardian s signature must be obtained at both times - At the time of administering the medicine, a senior member of staff will ask the child to take the medicine, or offer it in a manner acceptable to the child at the prescribed time and in the prescribed form. (It is important to note that staff working with children are not legally obliged to administer medication) - If the child refuses to take the appropriate medication then a note will be made in the medicine book

39 - Where medication is essential or may have side effects, discussion with the parent will take place to establish the appropriate response - Wherever possible ask parents to request that GPs prescribe the least number of doses per day, i.e. three x daily, rather than four x daily. - If nursery staff need training in order to administer a particular medicine, e.g. epipens, then this training must be sought out by the parents, with the support of the nursery. The child s GP practice should arrange for this to happen or should be able to give further information on how to obtain the necessary training. Please note, in such cases, children cannot be allowed to begin attending the nursery until the training of staff has been completed for the safety of the children. Non-Prescription Medication - The nursery will administer non-prescription medication for a short initial period, dependant on the medication or the condition of the child. After this time medical attention should be sought - If the nursery feels the child would benefit from medical attention rather than non-prescription medication, we reserve the right to refuse nursery care until the child is seen by a medical practitioner - If a child needs liquid paracetamol during their time at nursery, such medication will be treated as prescription medication with the nursery providing one specific type of medication should parents wish to use this (medicines containing aspirin will only be given if prescribed by a doctor) - In the parent/guardian Contract, all parents/guardians will be asked to give their written permission for Calpol to be administered in the case of high temperature. However, additional verbal permission will also be requested usually by telephone before this can occur to ensure all details are correct and that the parents/guardians agree with the dosage being given - If a child does require liquid paracetamol during the day and the parents cannot be contacted then the nursery manager will assess as to whether the child is safe to have this medication based on the time the child has been in the nursery, the circumstances surrounding the need for this medication and the medical history of the child on their registration form. Giving liquid paracetamol without verbal permission from a parent/guardian will be a last resort and only if it is thought that the child s health is in danger. Nursery staff will use other methods first to try and reduce a child s temperature, e.g. remove clothing, fanning, tepid cooling with a wet flannel. The child will be closely monitored until the parent/guardian collects the child - For any non-prescription cream for skin conditions, prior written permission must be obtained from the parent/guardian and the onus is on the parent/guardian to provide the cream which should be clearly labelled with the child s name - If any child is brought to the nursery in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the nursery. If the child is staying, the parent/guardian must be asked if any kind of medication has already been given, at what time and in what dosage and this must be stated on the medication form

40 - As with any kind of medication, staff will ensure that the parent/guardian is informed of any non-prescription medicines given to the child whilst at the nursery, together with the times and dosage given - The nursery DOES NOT administer any medication unless prior written consent is given for each and every medicine Staff Medication The first aid box for staff should be kept in a readily accessible position, but out of reach of the children. First aid boxes should only contain items permitted by the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations Act 1981, such as sterile dressing, bandages, and eye pads. No other medical items, such as paracetamol should be kept in the first aid box. The contents of the first aid box are monitored termly to ensure that there are adequate supplies. Storage All medication for children must have the child s name clearly written on the original container and kept in a closed box, which is out of reach of all children and under supervision at all times. Emergency medication, such as inhalers and epipens, will be within easy reach of staff in case of an immediate need, but will remain out of children s reach and under supervision at all times. Any antibiotics requiring refrigeration must be kept in an area inaccessible to children. All medications must be in their original containers, legible and not tampered with or they will not be given. All prescription medications should have the pharmacist s details and notes attached to show the dosage needed and the date the prescription was issued. This will all be checked, along with expiry dates, before staff agree to administer medication

41 Mobile Phones Policy At, the welfare, protection and safety of every child in our care is of paramount importance, and we take our responsibility to safeguard children seriously. We have procedures in place which we ask everyone to respect, to help promote the safety of the children in our care. We believe our staff should be completely attentive during their hours of work to ensure all children in the nursery receive good quality care and education. Mobile phones must not be used during working hours. - Mobiles must be kept on silent or switched off during working hours and locked with staff belongings in the staff area - Mobiles may only be used on a designated break and only in the staff area or off of the premises - Ideally a nursery mobile should be used on outings however in the event that this is not available staff may use mobiles on outings for nursery/emergency use only - Mobiles must never be used to take photographs of any of the children or any area of the nursery or the work or any member of staff. It is the responsibility of all members of staff to be vigilant and report any concerns to the Nursery Manager. Concerns will be taken seriously, logged and investigated appropriately. The Manager, or Deputy Manager in their absence, reserves the right to check the image contents of a member of staffs mobile phone should there be any cause for concern over the appropriate use of it. Should inappropriate material be found then our Local Authority Designated Officer will be contacted immediately. We will follow their guidance as to the appropriate measures for the staff member s dismissal. Parents are politely requested to put away or turn off their mobile phones before entering s front gate. The use of mobile phones inside the nursery is strictly prohibited and parents must ensure they are off of the nursery grounds before using their phones. This is inline with our safeguarding policy

42 Nappy Changing Policy aims to support children s care and welfare on a daily basis in line with their individual needs. All children need contact with familiar, consistent carers to ensure they can grow confidently and feel self-assured. cares for children from 2 years of age and, as such, there will be no babies in our care. However, the younger children may still be in nappies and will have their nappies changed according to their individual needs and requirements by the Key Worker wherever possible. Information will be shared between parents/guardians and key workers about nappy changing and toilet training in a way that suits the parents/guardians. We wish to ensure the safety and welfare of the children whilst being changed and safeguard against any potential harm as well as ensuring the staff member involved is fully supported and able to perform their duties safely and confidently. Through the following actions we will endeavour to support all parties: - Promote consistent and caring relationships through the key person system in the nursery and ensure all parents/guardians understand how this works. - Ensure all staff undertaking nappy changing has suitable enhanced DBS checks. - Train all staff in the appropriate methods for nappy changing. - Staff should not change nappies whilst pregnant until a Risk Assessment has been discussed and conducted. - Students will only change nappies with the support and close supervision of a qualified member of staff. - Conduct thorough inductions for all new staff to ensure they are fully aware of the nursery procedures relating to nappy changing. - Ensure hygiene procedures are followed appropriately. E.g. hands washed before and after nappies are changed and changing mats cleaned before and after each use. - Follow up on these procedures through supervision meetings and appraisals to identify any areas of development or further training. - Working closely with parents is essential for intimate care routines which may require specialist training or support. If a child requires specific support, the nursery will arrange a meeting with the parent/guardian to collect the relevant information to enable staff to care for the child fully and meet their individual needs. - Ensure all staff has an up-to-date understanding of child protection and how to protect children from harm. This will include identifying signs and symptoms of abuse and how to raise these concerns in the most appropriate and speedy manner. - The management team regularly conducts working practice observations on all aspects of nursery operations to ensure that procedures are working in

43 practice and all children are supported fully by the staff. This includes all intimate care routines. - The nursery conducts regular Risk Assessments on all aspects of the nursery operation and nappy changing is no exception. The nursery has assessed all the risks relating to intimate care routines and has placed appropriate safeguards in place to ensure the safety of all involved. If any parent/guardian or member of staff has concerns or questions about nappy changing procedures or individual routines please talk to the Nursery Manager at the earliest opportunity

44 No Smoking Policy You are respectfully required to abstain from smoking whilst on the premises of. This rule also applies to staff, students, parents, carers, visitors, contractors etc. Children s health and well-being is of the utmost importance at Helter Skelter Nursery. Smoking has proved to be a health risk and therefore in accordance with legislation, the nursery operates a strict no smoking policy within its buildings, but neither do we allow smoking anywhere within the perimeter of the nursery, including the entrance/exit. Staff accompanying the children outside the nursery, are not permitted to smoke. We also request that parents accompanying nursery children on outings refrain from smoking whilst caring for the children. Staff must not smoke whilst wearing nursery uniform as it is essential that staff are positive role models to children and promote a healthy lifestyle. If any staff chooses to smoke during breaks they are asked to smoke away from the nursery grounds. We respect that it is a personal choice to smoke, although as an organisation we support healthy lifestyles and can therefore help staff and parents to stop smoking by: - Providing factsheets and leaflets - Providing details of the NHS quit smoking helpline

45 Outside Agencies Policy recognises that in certain medical and social matters, specialised help must be sought. We try to establish working relationships with the relevant experts in promoting the health and welfare of each child. Outside Agencies with which we liaise when required include; - Speech and Language Therapist: - Health Visitor - Social Worker - Local Area Designated Officer for Safeguarding - Educational Psychologist - Dental Nurse/Dentist - School Nurse

46 Packed Lunch Policy This policy applies to all children and parents who choose to provide a packed lunch to be consumed within nursery, including those entitled to Free Early Education (FEE). Aims of the policy: - To ensure that all packed lunches brought from home and consumed in nursery provide the child with healthy and nutritious food that is similar to food served in nursery. - To make a positive contribution to children s health - To encourage happy and calm children. Procedures: - The nursery will ensure that free, fresh drinking water is readily available at all times. - The nursery will provide dining space alongside the other children who are consuming nursery-cooked food. - As fridge space is not available within the nursery, children are advised to bring packed lunches in insulated bags with freezer blocks where possible to stop the food going off. No food can be reheated. Packed lunches should include: - at least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables every day e.g. apple, banana, orange, sliced cucumber, tomato, carrot, lettuce, - One serving of meat, fish or other source of non-dairy protein (e.g. lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas) every day. Oily fish, such as salmon, should be given at least once every three weeks. - One serving of starchy food such as any type of bread, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles or potatoes every day. - One serving of dairy food such as full-fat milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or custard everyday - Drinks of only water or milk. Packed lunches should not include: - Snacks such as crisps. Instead, include seeds, vegetables and fruit (with no added salt, sugar or fat). Savoury crackers or breadsticks served with fruit, vegetables or dairy food are also a good choice. - Confectionery such as chocolate bars, chocolate-coated biscuits and sweets. - Meat products such as sausage rolls, individual pies, corned meat and sausages / chipolatas

47 Peer on Peer Abuse Policy In some rare cases, our nursery may be the only stable, secure and safe element in the lives of children at risk of, or who have suffered harm and, whilst at nursery, their behaviour may be challenging and defiant, or they may instead be withdrawn, or display abusive behaviours towards other children. recognises that some children may abuse their peers and any incidents of peer on peer abuse will be managed in the same way as any other child protection concern and will follow the same procedures. Any incidents of peer on peer abuse will be carefully monitored in case it is an indicator of child protection issues in the home. Peer on peer abuse can manifest itself in many ways including bullying (including cyber bullying), on-line abuse, gender-based abuse, sexting or sexually harmful behaviour. However, the majority on these are very unlikely for our nursery age children. We do not tolerate any harmful behaviour in our nursery and will take swift action to intervene where this occurs. We use circle time to outline our nursery rules and help children understand, in an age-appropriate way, about being kind to our friends and the things that may make our friends feel uncomfortable. also has, as part of our behaviour management policy, the use of positive behaviour to model what is acceptable to others

48 Policy on Photographs and Videos At we are keen to be able to capture and share with parents/guardians the key moments in their child s development. The best and most efficient way in which we can capture a moment in time is by a photograph or video. At we ensure that any photographs or recordings taken of your children in our nursery are only done with prior written permission from each child s parent/guardian. This is gained when each child starts with us. We ask for individual permissions for photographs and video recordings for each different use including, use in the child s learning journey, for display purposes, for promotion materials including our nursery website and brochure and to use in the local press. At we ensure that parents/guardians understand that their child may also be on another photograph, but not as the primary person, that may be used in another child s learning journey. If a parent is not happy about one or more of these uses then the nursery will respect their wishes and find alternative ways of recording their child s play or learning. Staff are not permitted to take photographs or recordings of a child on their own cameras, mobiles or other devices and only use those provided by the nursery. The nursery manager will monitor all photographs and recordings to ensure that the parent s wishes are adhered to. Parents/guardians are not permitted to use any recording device, camera or mobile phone on the nursery premises without the prior consent of the manager

49 Physical Interventions Policy Legal Position: Teachers and nursery workers are required to maintain good order among the children and to safeguard their health and safety both when they are in the setting and when they are engaged in Nursery activities elsewhere. When is Physical Intervention appropriate? Physical intervention is very rarely used in the nursery, most incidents of challenging behaviour can be managed by talking to the children, calming them down and diffusing the situation. However on exceptional occasions it may be necessary for adult physical intervention for the following reasons: - When there is immediate danger of personal injury to the child - When there is immediate danger of injury to another person - To avoid damage to property - When a child is behaving in a way to cause serious disruption to other children What do we mean by physical intervention? Physical intervention by staff can take several forms. It could include: - Physically interposing oneself between children - Blocking a child s path - Leading a child by the hand - Holding - Pulling - Removing shoes if child has kicked or attempted to kick person or equipment - Place child in a time out room or other restricted space with an adult supervising How is Physical Intervention recorded? All incidents of Physical Intervention are recorded on the Physical Intervention Record Form. The form must be filled in within 24 hours of the incident. Parents/carers will be informed on the day if their child is involved in an incident and they will have the opportunity to talk to their key worker and if necessary be shown what physical intervention was used on their child

50 Public Interest Disclosure Policy Introduction We will, at all times, carry out our activities with the highest standards of integrity and honesty and we expect all employees to maintain the same standards in everything they do. Employees are therefore encouraged to report any wrongdoing by this Organisation, or its employees, that falls short of these principles. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects employees who report wrongdoing within the workplace and it is the aim of this policy to ensure that as far as possible our employees are able to tell us about any wrongdoing at work which they believe has occurred or is likely to occur, without fear of jeopardising their position. We recognise that employees may not always feel comfortable about discussing their concerns internally, especially if they believe that this Organisation is itself responsible for the wrongdoing. The aim of this policy is to ensure that employees are confident that they can raise any matter with us that concerns them in the knowledge that it will be taken seriously, treated as confidential, and that no action will be taken against them. Procedure 1. If appropriate, discuss the matter with a line manager or an assisting employee in the first instance. An informal approach to a line manager or assisting employee will be treated as completely confidential and will not result in any report to anyone within this organisation unless you agree. Any report will immediately be reported to the Director, who will oversee any investigation, and intervene, if required. 2. If the matter requires further investigation, such an investigation will be carried out and you will be informed of the outcome of the investigations and what, if any, action has been taken. 3. If you are unhappy with the speed or conduct of the investigation or the way in which the matter has been resolved, you should refer the matter to another member of management or a director. When they have investigated your complaint they will tell you the result of the investigation and what, if any, action has been taken. 4. This Organisation undertakes that nobody who makes a bona fide report under this procedure will be subject to any detriment a result, in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996, 5. If it should become clear that the procedure has not been invoked in good faith, for example for malicious reasons or by a person holding a grudge against another employee, this will constitute misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the terms of our disciplinary procedure. Employees who are concerned about any wrongdoing within this organisation are encouraged to follow the above procedure

51 We recognise that there may be matters that cannot be dealt with internally and external authorities will need to become involved. Where this is necessary we reserve the right to make such a referral without your consent

52 Risk Assessment Policy A risk assessment is a tool for conducting a formal examination of the harm or hazard to people or an organisation that could result from a particular activity or situation. - A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm e.g. fire. - A risk is an evaluation of the probability or likelihood of the hazard occurring - A risk assessment is the resulting assessment of the severity of the outcome e.g. loss of life or destruction of property - Risk control measures are the measures and procedures that are put in place in order to minimise the consequences of risk e.g. fire evacuations Procedure: undertakes a variety of risk assessments that cover safeguarding children, Health & Safety, activities and play equipment and visitors. - A daily walk through assessments on building grounds and equipment - Regular assessments of office equipment, electrical appliances and equipment - Full and detailed risk assessment of premises - New assessments for a hazard not previously identified i.e. a new event or activity - Risk assessments for any outings or visits The Nursery Manager or a member of the senior team will identify a potential hazard and discuss the need to carry out a risk assessment. The nursery manager or director will then complete this risk assessment. Risk assessments are kept in the Safeguarding Information file at the nursery desk area. Risk assessment reviews are undertaken when changes to risk occur. Staff Responsibility: Stringent risk assessments and Health & Safety reviews are evidence of good practice in a busy nursery environment. However it is never possible to eliminate every hazard, indeed within the Early Years Foundation Stage children are expected to develop risk taking within a secure environment. Adults working as a team within the nursery are best placed to identify and act upon any hazards or concerns that become apparent during the working day. All staff are expected to be vigilant when working in the nursery building or grounds, and to report any potential hazards to their supervisor or manager

53 Safeguarding Policy Introduction: The Safeguarding Children policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and related guidance. This includes; The Early Years Foundation Stage (2014) DfE guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000) Kent and Medway Online Safeguarding Children Procedures (2014) What is Safeguarding? Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) defines safeguarding children as; the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm, including; protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children's health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. It also reminds us that safeguarding is everyone s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play. (WTSC 2015 page 9) Ethos: Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. (EYFS 2014 p5) consider all those directly involved with our setting have an essential role to play in making it safe and secure. Our setting aims to create the safest environment within which every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and we take seriously our responsibility to promote the welfare and safeguard all the children and young people entrusted to our care. As part of the ethos of the setting we are committed to: Maintaining children s welfare as our paramount concern; Providing an environment in which children feel safe, secure, valued and respected, confident to talk openly and sure of being listened to; Providing suitable support and guidance so that children have a range of appropriate adults who they feel confident to approach if they are in difficulties;

54 Using learning at the setting to provide opportunities for increasing self awareness, self esteem assertiveness and decision making. This is so that young children have a range of contacts and strategies to ensure their own protection and understand the importance of protecting others; Working with parents to build an understanding of the setting s responsibility to ensure the welfare of all children including the need for referral to other agencies in some situations; Ensuring all staff have regular training and are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and are aware of the setting s procedures and lines of communication; Monitoring children who have been identified as in need including the need for protection, keeping confidential records which are stored securely and shared appropriately with other professionals. Developing effective and supportive liaison with other agencies. adheres to the KSCB Safeguarding Children Procedures (2014). The full KSCB procedures document and additional guidance relating to specific safeguarding issues can be found on the KSCB website Responsibilities: All staff The EYFS 2014 requires providers to take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well and accordingly, everyone involved in the care of young children has a role to play in their protection. Any member of staff at is part of the wider safeguarding system for children and is in a unique position to observe any changes in a child s behaviour or appearance. All staff have a responsibility to identify children who may be in need of extra help or who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. All staff then have a duty of care to take appropriate action, working with other services as needed. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) The EYFS 2014 states; a practitioner must be designated to take lead responsibility for safeguarding children in every setting. The Director of, whose responsibility it is to ensure all legal requirements are met, has appointed two appropriately qualified and experienced Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) to fulfil this role in our setting. Additionally, they are committed to ensuring the DSLs are properly supported in being able to carry out this role fully, including providing them with appropriate time and resources away from other job commitments. The DSL has overall responsibility for the day to day oversight of safeguarding and child protection systems in the setting. These responsibilities include; Liaising with other professionals in all agencies, including social services, police and health colleagues; Keeping appraised of any updates in policy and practice as agreed by Kent Safeguarding Children Board (via the Education Safeguarding Team);

55 Being a source of support, advice and guidance to any other setting staff, both paid and voluntary. This is on an ongoing basis and on any specific safeguarding issue as required; Co-ordinating child protection action within the setting, including making referrals as necessary and maintaining a confidential recording system; Ensuring all staff, visitors and volunteers are aware of the setting policies and procedures and their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children; Ensuring all staff, both paid and voluntary, have received appropriate and up to date child protection training at least every 3 years (as stipulated by the KSCB) Ensuring their training is kept up to date by attending appropriate designated person training every 2 years (as stipulated by the KSCB) Representing or ensuring the setting is represented, by an appropriate senior member of staff, at inter-agency meetings in particular Strategy Discussions, Child Protection Conferences and core groups; Managing and monitoring the setting s part in child in need and child protection plans The welfare and safety of children, however, are the responsibility of all staff in the setting and ANY concern for a child s welfare MUST be reported to the DSL. At Helter Skelter Nursery the DSLs are Kelly Ralf and Gemma Langridge. In their absence Rhona Crawford will deputise. Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures: adheres to the KSCB Safeguarding Children Procedures (2014). The full KSCB procedures document and additional guidance relating to specific safeguarding issues can be found on the KSCB website Additional guidance including What to do if you are Worried About a Child Being Abused (DfES 2015) Information Sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners (2015) Kent and Medway Inter-Agency Threshold Criteria for Children in Need can be found in the Safeguarding Information Folder To access the following document online please click on it: The Assessment Framework for Children in Need and Their Families (2000) These provide guidance for professionals including when to make a referral to Specialist Children s Services and can be found in the Safeguarding Information Folder It is the responsibility of the DSLs to receive and collate information regarding individual children, to make immediate and on-going assessments of potential risk and to decide actions necessary (with parents / carers in most cases). This includes the need to make referrals to partner agencies and services. To help with this decision they may choose to consult with the Area Education Safeguarding Adviser. Advice may also be sought from the Early Help Coordination Team or Specialist Children s Services (SCS) Duty Social Workers who offer opportunities for consultation as part of the Child in Need / Child Protection process

56 Issues discussed during consultations may include the urgency and gravity of the concerns for a child or young person and the extent to which parents/carers are made aware of these. New referrals to Services will be made using the agreed process i.e. the Early Help Notification form or inter-agency referral form for referrals to SCS. These will be made with reference to the Kent Interagency Threshold Criteria for Children in Need. In situations where there are felt to be urgent or grave concerns, a telephone referral will be made prior to the form being completed and sent to the County Duty Team. Concerns for children who are already known to Services will be passed to the allocated worker / Team. In all but the most exceptional circumstances, parents /carers will be made aware of the concerns felt for a child or young person at the earliest possible stage. In the event of a referral to Specialist Children s Services being necessary, parents/carers will be informed and consent to this will be sought unless there is a valid reason not to do so. In the absence of the availability of the DSL to discuss an immediate and urgent concern, staff can seek advice from the Education Safeguarding Team (Catherine Holmberg (Area Safeguarding Adviser) ) The role of the school in situations where there are child protection concerns is NOT to investigate but to recognise and refer. On occasion, staff may pass information about a child to the DSL, but remain anxious about action subsequently taken. Staff should feel able to clarify with the DSL further progress, so that they can reassure themselves the child is safe and their welfare is being considered. If following this process, the staff member remains concerned that appropriate action is not being taken, it is the responsibility of that staff member to seek further direct consultation from either a member of the Education Safeguards Team or the local Specialist Children s Services Team who will be able to discuss the concern and advise on appropriate action to be taken. Recognition and Categories of Abuse Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 defines abuse as a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children. It should be noted that abuse can be carried out by both men, women and children. All staff should be aware of the definitions and signs and symptoms of abuse. There are four categories of abuse: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse

57 Neglect Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is defined as a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. Signs that MAY INDICATE physical abuse include: Bruises and abrasions around the face Damage or injury around the mouth Bi-lateral injuries such as two bruised eyes Bruising to soft area of the face such as the cheeks Fingertip bruising to the front or back of torso Bite marks Burns or scalds (unusual patterns and spread of injuries) Deep contact burns such as cigarette burns Injuries suggesting beatings (strap marks, welts) Covering arms and legs even when hot Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts. Injuries need to be accounted for. Inadequate, inconsistent or excessively plausible explanations, or a delay in seeking treatment should signal concern. Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. Signs that MAY INDICATE Sexual Abuse include: Sudden changes in behaviour and school performance Displays of affection which are sexual and age inappropriate Self harm, self mutilation or attempts at suicide Alluding to secrets which they cannot reveal Tendency to cling or need constant reassurance Regression to younger behaviour for example thumb sucking, playing with discarded toys, acting like a baby Distrust of familiar adults. Anxiety of being left with relatives, a child minder or lodger Unexplained gifts or money Depression and withdrawal Fear of undressing for PE Sexually transmitted disease

58 Fire setting Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or making fun of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the illtreatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone. Signs that MAY INDICATE emotional abuse include: Over reaction to mistakes Lack of self confidence/esteem Sudden speech disorders Self harming Extremes of passivity and/or aggression Compulsive stealing Drug, alcohol, solvent abuse Fear of parents being contacted Unwillingness or inability to play Excessive need for approval, attention and affection Neglect: Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child s basic emotional needs. Signs that MAY INDICATE neglect include: Constant hunger Poor personal hygiene Constant tiredness Inadequate clothing Frequent lateness Untreated medical problems Poor relationship with peers Compulsive stealing and scavenging Rocking, hair twisting and thumb sucking

59 Running away Loss of weight or being constantly underweight Low self esteem Staff should refer to What to do if you are worried a child is being abused which says: Staff need to remember that child welfare concerns may arise in many different contexts, and can vary greatly in terms of their nature and seriousness. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or by a stranger, including, via the internet. In the case of female genital mutilation, children may be taken out of the country to be abused. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. An abused child will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties in their lives. Abuse and neglect can happen over a period of time, but can also be a one-off event. Child abuse and neglect can have major long-term impacts on all aspects of a child's health, development and well-being. The warning signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect can vary from child to child. Disabled children may be especially vulnerable to abuse, including because they may have an impaired capacity to resist or avoid abuse. They may have speech, language and communication needs which may make it difficult to tell others what is happening. Children also develop and mature at different rates so what appears to be worrying for a younger child might be normal behaviour for an older child. Parental behaviours may also indicate child abuse or neglect, so staff should also be alert to parent-child interactions which are concerning and other parental behaviours. This could include parents who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if there is a sudden change in their mental health. By understanding the warning signs, we can respond to problems as early as possible and provide the right support and services for the child and their family. It is important to recognise that a warning sign doesn t automatically mean a child is being abused. What to do? If a member of staff believes a child may be being abused, they will implement the following strategies - Stay calm. Don t Overreact. It is extremely unlikely that the child is in immediate danger. - If a child wants to talk to you, give them time and space. Try to do this in private. - Don t put words into the child s mouth - Do not make negative comments about the alleged abuser - Never promise to keep secrets - Reassure the child, tell them they have done the right thing by telling you, and tell them it is not their fault - Don t try to deal with the matter yourself - Write down everything that you have seen or heard. Use the child s own words and write down what you said to the child

60 - Don t discuss with colleagues, or anyone else, what has been said - Don t make a child repeat a story unnecessarily - Report everything to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the Nursery managers (Gemma Langridge and Kelly Ralf) - It is the responsibility of ALL staff to be aware of the possibilities of child abuse. - It is not for staff to decide whether or not the allegation is true or not - We are legally bound to report any concerns - All suspicions and allegations must be taken seriously and dealt with according to this procedure disciplinary action may be taken against staff if these procedures are not followed - Once the initial report has been made, the DSL will report the concerns to Social Services or other relevant authorities. If we believe those concerns are not acted upon by the authority to which we initially make our report, we will not hesitate to escalate our concerns to a higher or alternative body. For further advice and information, where needed, a copy of What to do if you re worried a child is being abused, Advice for Practitioners 3 can be accessed at This sets out the guidelines on dealing with incidents, disclosures and the procedures that must be followed. Induction and Training All setting staff, both paid and voluntary, will be expected to undertake an appropriate level of safeguarding training. Advice on appropriate training courses will be sought from the KSCB, but any training should ensure staff have an up to date knowledge of safeguarding issues. This will enable staff to identify signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity and to respond in a timely and appropriate way. It should also include an understanding of the setting s own safeguarding policy and procedures including the action to be taken in the event of inappropriate behaviour displayed by other members of staff, or any other person working with the children. The Director will ensure the DSL(s) attend the required DSL safeguarding training when they first take up the role and that they continue to update their knowledge on an on-going basis and at least every 2 years as required by KSCB guidance. The DSL will ensure that all new staff and volunteers are appropriately inducted in the setting s internal safeguarding procedures and communication lines. A summary information sheet is available to be given to staff and volunteers to support this process. Record Keeping Staff must record any welfare concern that they have about a child on the Setting s safeguarding form (with a body map where injuries have been observed) and pass this without delay to the DSL. Records must be completed as soon as possible after the incident/event and must be signed and dated

61 Incident/concern forms are kept in the Safeguarding Information Folder. Safeguarding records are kept separate from all other records relating to the child in the setting. They are retained centrally and securely by the DSL and are shared on a need to know basis only. Detailed guidance on Record Keeping is found in a separate document Early Years Record Keeping Guidelines Staff MUST familiarise themselves with the responsibilities outlined in this document. All safeguarding records will be forwarded to a child s subsequent setting or when they move to school at transition. The records should be sent under confidential and separate cover to the new DSL or person with responsibility for child protection in the receiving school. Confidentiality and Information Sharing We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential. The DSL will disclose any information about a child to other members of staff on a need to know basis. All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children. All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child s safety or wellbeing. Further advice is available in the document Information Sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners (2015). Child Protection - Dealing with Disclosures in Early Years Settings provides advice on dealing with disclosures. E-Safety E-Safety (online safety) relates to the specific challenges and risks presented by new technologies, including the internet, mobile phones and other devices, for children and young people as well as adults, both within and outside of the setting. will seek to create an appropriate balance between controlling access to the internet and technology, setting rules and boundaries and educating children, parents/carers and staff about safe and responsible use. This will include a range of practices including undertaking appropriate risk assessments of technology, ensuring there is appropriate supervision of children, providing safe and suitable equipment/tools for staff and children and ensuring that there is up-to-date training/education in place for all members of the community regarding online risks and responsibilities. is aware that children and staff cannot always be prevented from being exposed to online risks and will therefore seek to empower and educate all members of the community so that they are equipped with the skills to make safe and responsible decisions as well as to feel able to report any concerns

62 All members of staff will be made aware of the importance of good e-safety practice in order to educate and protect the children in their care. Members of staff will be made aware of the professional risks associated with the use of electronic communication ( ; mobile phones; texting; social network sites) and will be informed about how to manage their own professional reputation online and demonstrate appropriate online behaviours compatible with their role. Staff should familiarise themselves with advice and professional expectations outlined in Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People, the setting s e-safety Policy and Acceptable Use Policy and the KSCB document : Safer Practice with Technology Guidance for Adults who Work with Children and Young People. More detailed information can be found in the setting s e-safety policy which can be found in the Policy Handbook. Supervision and Support The Director of recognises regular, planned and accountable supervision, which is a two-way process, offers support and develops the knowledge, skills and values of an individual, group or team. We see its purpose is to monitor the progress of professional practice and to help staff to improve the quality of the work they do, thus improving outcomes for children as well as achieving agreed objectives. Supervision also provides an opportunity to discuss sensitive issues including the safeguarding of children and any concerns raised about an individual or colleague s practice. All of our staff and volunteers are expected to have regular and planned supervision sessions. Uninterrupted time will be set aside to ensure any supervision sessions effective for both practitioner and management. Further guidance on supervision can be found in the Early Years Supervision booklet. Suitable People is committed to ensuring all steps are taken to recruit staff and volunteers who are safe to work with our children and have their welfare and protection as the highest priority. It is the responsibility of the Director to ensure that effective systems are in place so that all staff and volunteers are properly checked to make sure they are safe to work with the children who attend our setting. We do not allow people, whose suitability has not been checked, including through a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) check, to have unsupervised contact with children being cared for. We advise all staff that they are expected to disclose any reason that may affect their suitability to work with children including convictions, cautions and warnings. Additionally, we make all staff aware that they may also be disqualified because they live in the same household as another person who is disqualified. Further information regarding disqualification of staff can be found in the guidance entitled Barred by Debbie Alcock

63 Allegations Against Members of Staff and Volunteers recognises that it is possible for staff and volunteers to behave in a way that might cause harm to children and takes seriously any allegation received. Such allegations should be referred immediately to the DSL who will first contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to agree further action to be taken in respect of the child and staff member. In the event the allegation concerns the DSL, Fiona Crawford, Director, should be contacted. The Director also ensures we meet our responsibilities under Section 35 of Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act This includes the duty to make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service where a member of staff is dismissed (or would have been, had the person not left the setting first) because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm. All staff need to be aware of the setting s Whistle-blowing procedure and that it is a disciplinary offence not to report concerns about the conduct of a colleague that could place a child at risk. When in doubt consult. For specific guidance on how to respond to allegations against staff, please refer to the Allegations Against Staff Policy which can be found in the Policy Handbook. Monitoring and Review All setting staff and volunteers will have access to a copy of this policy and will have the opportunity to consider and discuss the contents. The policy will also be available to parents. This policy has been written in April 2017 to reflect the new guidance and legislation issued in relation to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The policy will be reviewed annually. All staff should have access to this policy and sign to the effect that they have read and understood its contents. Setting Policies on Related Safeguarding Issues (to be read and followed alongside this document) e-safety Policy Mobile Phone Policy Photograph and Video Policy Behaviour Management Policy Allegations Against Staff Policy Guidelines for Safeguarding Record Keeping in Settings

64 Safeguarding Children and Child Protection - Induction Leaflet Guidelines for Early Years Staff Best Practice guidance; Young People Visiting Settings Advice notes: Dealing with Disclosures in Early Years Settings Healthy Workplace Policy Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People / Code of Conduct for Staff KSCB document: Safer Practice with Technology Guidance for Adults who Work with Children and Young People Guidance on the Use of Photographic Images Safer Recruitment Guidelines Whistle-Blowing Policy Nappy Changing policy Accident Policy Current Safeguarding Priorities 1. Further information on Child Sexual Exploitation Child sexual exploitation (CSE) involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people receive something (for example food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, gifts, money or in some cases simply affection) as a result of engaging in sexual activities. Sexual exploitation can take many forms ranging from the seemingly consensual relationship where sex is exchanged for affection or gifts, to serious organised crime by gangs and groups. What marks out exploitation is an imbalance of power in the relationship. The perpetrator always holds some kind of power over the victim which increases as the exploitative relationship develops. Sexual exploitation involves varying degrees of coercion, intimidation or enticement, including unwanted pressure from peers to have sex, sexual bullying including cyberbullying and grooming. However, it also important to recognise that some young people who are being sexually exploited do not exhibit any external signs of this abuse. 2. Further information on Female Genital Mutilation Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): professionals in all agencies, and individuals and groups in relevant communities, need to be alert to the possibility of a girl being at risk of FGM, or already having suffered FGM. There is a range of potential indicators that a child or young person may be at risk of FGM, which individually may not indicate risk but if there are two or more indicators present this could signal a risk to the child or young person. Victims of FGM are likely to come from a community that is known to practise FGM. Professionals should note that girls at risk of FGM may not yet be aware of the practice or that it may be conducted on them, so sensitivity should always be shown when approaching the subject. Warning signs that FGM may be about to take place, or may have already taken place, can be found on pages of the Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines referred to above. Staff should activate local safeguarding procedures, using existing national and local protocols for multi-agency liaison with police and children s social care

65 3. Further information on Preventing Radicalisation under The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act: Identifying cases of pupils at risk of involvement in extremist behaviour Exposure of children to extremist ideology can hinder their social development and educational attainment alongside posing a very real risk that they could support or partake in an act of violence. Radicalisation of young people can be compared to grooming for sexual exploitation. Every member of staff at recognises that children exposed to radicalisation and extremism is no different to safeguarding against any other vulnerability and should be approached in the same way as protecting children from other risks. Key contact personnel in the setting Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Kelly Ralf and Gemma Langridge Contact person in their absence: Rhona Crawford Contact details for Education Safeguarding Team and LADO: Catherine Holmberg (Area Safeguarding Adviser) Office: Mobile: catherine.holmberg@kent.gov.uk The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) deals with allegations against staff who work with children either in education or the wider workforce. To contact the LADO Team please call or kentchildrenslado@kent.gov.uk

66 Policy on Children s Self-Esteem recognises that staff can play a major role in the maintaining of, or raising of, self esteem in the children in our care. Our aim is to make all children feel valued for themselves. Implementation: We will: - ensure that all children are included in group activities at all times. - encourage the children to share their experiences with each other and with staff. - display positive images of people in non-stereotypical roles. - celebrate diversity within the nursery and use resources that reflect diversitysuch as books, dolls and role play. - help children to appreciate and value themselves and each other

67 Settling-in Policy When we accept a child into our care we have the responsibility to help both parents/guardians and children feel secure, happy and comfortable with their carers in their new environment. will promote warm relationships, self-esteem and confidence for children in a nurturing atmosphere. To aid transition into the nursery setting we will arrange up to a maximum of 3 x 1 hour pre-start sessions where children will be integrated gradually into the nursery setting. Parents/guardians will not be charged for these sessions. The first of these sessions will generally see the parent staying in the nursery setting with their child. The second session will involve the parent/guardian leaving the child for a short period and the third session will involve the child being left at the nursery for the full hour without their parents. The nursery staff work in partnership with the parents/guardians to settle the children into the nursery environment and if a child is confident and happy to go to nursery from the start then fewer settling in sessions may be needed. These are suggestions only as it is recognised that each child will be very different when being settled into the nursery environment. Each child will be allocated a key worker on entry to the nursery to support this process based upon the sessions that they will attend

68 Sickness Exclusion Periods At we take the health of children in our care very seriously and do therefore apply exclusion periods to certain illnesses. This information is taken from the government publication Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and Childcare. This guidance will help us to ensure that any ill children are able to recover appropriately and that the illness is not passed onto other staff, children or parent/carer(s). The list is not exhaustive and if parents/guardians are in any doubt, they should contact the nursery manager before returning the child to the nursery. The nursery reserves the right to allow children access to the nursery if it is deemed that they pose a health or hygiene risk to the other children in our care

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