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        All you need to know about joining Our Nursery.

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We have produced this " Welcome " page that has been designed to give prospective parents and our current parents information about joining our setting and how we will care for your child. We gain information about your child and family through the Admission form, All about me pack and informal discussion with your key person. If you feel that you have information that we haven’t asked for and would like to share please speak to your child’s key person.

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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 five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in their own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.

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If you wish to proceed in booking your child's place at Wyeside day nursery, please complete the contact form on our "lets talk" page.

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Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.    

 

Click on the button below to view the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. We support this fully and make sure that Every Child Matters. We understand that children are both being and becoming and that parents are the most important support for children’s development. Click on the tab below for more information about the Statutory framework.

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Frequently asked Questions

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What are your opening times?

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We are open Monday to Friday 7.00am - 6.00pm; we are also open bank holidays 8.00 to 3.00pm. We are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday. As we are open throughout all school holidays, children must attend all year, only those children attending only for their NEF may attend term time.

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How much do we need to pay and when?

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For current fees please contact us for our current fee list. You will be invoiced for the month ahead and fees are due by the date stated on the invoice. You can pay via cash, vouchers or bacs. Full fees are still payable when your child is absent from nursery for any reason. All children are given one weeks free holiday which must be taken during Herefordshire Council’s school summer holiday period. This holiday must be booked with us 4 weeks in advance.

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Can we pay using childcare vouchers?

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Childcare vouchers can be obtained through your employer and can help you towards your fees through salary sacrifice. We are happy to accept all vouchers and are already registered with most. If your employer does not currently offer a childcare voucher scheme we are happy to forward them information.

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What is NEF and am I eligible?

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All three and four year olds are entitled to 15/30 hours (criteria accepted) universal free childcare and education each week over each school year (38 weeks) . You can choose to just attend these hours or to have these hours deducted from your child’s usual attendance for example if they attend 30 hours per week you would only pay for 15 hours. You can choose to stretch these free hours over a 51 week period to help you to budget for childcare throughout the holidays. Only children using just their free 15 hours may attend term time only. Some 2 year olds may be eligible for 15 hours free childcare and education. Please speak to the manager to confirm details of eligibility.

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What is a key person?

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A key person has special responsibilities for working with a small number of children, giving them reassurance to feel safe and cared for and building relationships with their parents. Taking this approach we have found that practitioners tune in to their children and can develop a special and personal history with the child. This helps practitioners to instinctively know when something is deviating from the norm with the child and can then act upon this with immediate effect ensuring that the child’s needs are being fully met. We hope that practitioners can build up a good relationship with the whole family including them in the child’s learning journey. Our key persons are proud to be there not just for the child but for the whole family.

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Why do you keep records and how are they shared?

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We keep many records on your child such as admission forms, accident/incident forms, developmental records including observations, records of concern, safeguarding records, financial records etc. We are obliged by law to maintain these records and to store them in the correct manner, all confidential and sensitive records are locked away securely. We are also legally obliged to share information with other agencies such as HMRC tax credits, Social care, Police, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Social workers, and other Local Authority officers. Information will only be shared where we agree that it is necessary and relevant and you will always be informed as to what has been or needs to be shared, unless by informing you we are deemed to be putting a child or another person at serious risk from harm. Developmental records are maintained and kept by the practitioner directly involved in your child’s care these can be shared amongst other practitioners for advise and celebration of achievement but will never be shared with other parents. If we believe that we may need additional support to ensure we are meeting your child’s needs correctly we may share them with our early years consultant.

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What will my child do all day?

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During the earliest years at nursery babies routines are followed as they are at home, incorporated in this are activities such as painting, sensory, food play, sharing books, local walks, visits to children’s centres for soft play and sensory sessions, outside exploring, music and of course lots and lots of cuddles.

Once the child progresses through the nursery they start to adapt a nursery routine which remains flexible to the children’s needs and opportunities of the day. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance which ensures children have the best care and education. We plan across 7 areas of learning according to children’s interests and by using this method we engage them in deep and meaningful play and this is where we find they learn the most. Practitioners are skilled at focusing on the child and promote a mix of child and adult led learning.

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Will my child play outdoors?

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At Wyeside we have adopted a free flow environment which means that children can flow from indoors to outdoors independently when they choose. Practitioners position themselves so that all children’s safety is maintained at all times. We still have organised outdoor play when practitioners take the lead and encourage all children outside to join in with games and activities.

The children venture out in all weathers. We do have a supply of waterproof suits and wellingtons but it can be helpful if you provide a pair of NAMED wellingtons during winter months so that your child can participate in activities of their choosing. Sun hats and sun cream are a MUST in warmer weather. The youngest of our children have their own Cottage Garden that they play which keeps them safe from the older children dashing around and riding bikes. No matter how young all children are they get lots of outdoor time. Activities that are provided outside are equal to those inside in the way that they provide opportunities for the 7 areas of learning to be explored.

 Children go on many outings to local areas, older children may walk and younger children use our six seater pushchair ‘turtle bus’ and they absolutely adore this experience.

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What and when will my child eat and drink?

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Packed lunch

If providing a packed lunch for your child please ensure that it does not contain sweets, fizzy pop or products containing nuts (due to allergies) It should be balanced and healthy and there are lots of websites offering ideas and advice on lunchboxes which should help you make the right choices for your child.

Practitioners will place all items needing refrigeration in our fridge and these are labelled first to ensure children are served the correct food.

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Hot lunch

Hot lunches are cooked by our chef daily and the menu changes weekly  (our menu is available on the notice board in our entrance hall). Children are encouraged to eat their main meal before being served with dessert. Practitioners always communicate to parents what has been eaten during the day.Please see our nutrition tab for more details and menu samples.

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Tea

For those children attending after 4.00pm we suggest either bringing a light snack or the child’s tea. Some parents bring a packed lunch others prefer to supply something that can be warmed up. If your child does not bring any food with them they will be given the option of having a serving of fruit provided by us.

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Snacks

We provide all children with a morning and afternoon snack; this varies but can be fruit, crumpets, bagels, pancakes, crackers and cheese etc. We serve children’s snacks with milk; each child is allocated a third of a pint of milk each day, and children may choose water instead.

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Drink

Children under the age of five are allocated a third of a pint of milk each day and they may alternatively choose water, and this is given at snack times. Throughout the day and at mealtimes all children have free access to a drinks bottle full of fresh water. We ask parents to supply a named drinks container for this purpose.

 

Babies

Young babies follow their own routines so are fed and watered according to the routine parents provide us with. If you wish to continue to breast feed we will support this in every way we can. We insist that all babies feeding items are labelled. If you are not able to do this please speak to the room supervisor who can help you. We fully support baby led weaning.

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How do you keep my child safe?

Security & Safety

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We take everyone’s safety at Wyeside very seriously and it is our highest priority in order to assist practitioners in maintaining the children’s safety. We have CCTV cameras located in every room and at all entrances, exits and outdoor play areas. This is not connected to any outside source or to the internet but is recorded and can be viewed and monitored by management from the office. We often use the CCTV footage to help us ascertain what has happened when a child appears with a small bump that no one has witnessed or when there has been an incident between two children. All external doors and gates are kept locked and closed so parents/ visitors can only gain access through ringing a bell and being let in via video phone. Once a parent has reached the main reception area they can access the nursery main doors by using a finger print system to allow the door to unlock.

All health and safety laws are strictly abided by and many risk assessments are in place and reviewed annually or sooner when necessary. Children who can comprehend danger then help in making class rules and risk assessments which encourage them to take care of themselves and others.

Practitioners are recruited using safer recruitment procedures and all are in receipt of a clear DBS (disclosure and barring services) check before commencing employment. Practitioners receives annual appraisals and supervisions every three months which helps us appraise their work and ensures that both parties are happy with how things are progressing. Practitioners are also asked to complete suitable persons declarations every six months which gives practitioners a chance to self disclose anything that we should be aware of.

 

How will you communicate with us?

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Key persons speak to families everyday explaining what the child has done throughout the day and what they are achieving. We have a secure online system called "Tapestry"  which is completely interactive. Parents and practitioners can record information about the children from what they have eaten to how they are progressing throughout the EYFS. Every term your child will have a developmental review (tracker) which will be discussed and shared with you. We do this instead of annual formal parent’s evenings as we find this approach much more flexible and informal. If at any time during this period you have any concerns then please speak to your child’s key person.

We send emails out regularly with news and information for parents and paper newsletters are available if you have no internet access. When communicating with the nursery you may either telephone us on 01432 358070 or email us on wyesidenursery@gmail.com which usually gets an immediate response.

Parents are welcome to ring at anytime to find out how their child is throughout the day and if your child becomes unwell we will contact you via the telephone numbers you gave on your admission form.

Various notices and information are on display throughout the nursery and we ask that you spend a few minutes reading these.

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Can my child sleep/rest during the day?

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All babies and children have the opportunity to sleep/rest during the day within our cosy sleep room that is constantly monitored. We have a range of cots and individual sleep beds to ensure everyone’s comfort. Some children need rocking, patting etc to sleep and we are made aware of this by their routine and where possible we try and recreate what is done at home to ensure your child has a restful period during their day.

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How will I settle my child into nursery?

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All children receive free settle in sessions before their start date.We believe that every child and parent is different , therefore we take your lead on how you think is best to settle your child when they begin at nursery. We can help suggest ways and methods that have previously worked, such as attending with them for an hour and then next time staying half an hour and then popping out and leaving them for a short time.  Whichever way you choose you would like to do things the practitioner will fully support you. Most parents wait in our reception area with a cup of tea. For a peace of mind parents can view their child on our CCTV whilst they are settling in.

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For some children starting nursery is easy, others find it a little more difficult, but you can be assured that practitioners have had lots of experience at helping children settle and they will do all they can to make this process as easy as possible. You are welcome to ring as many times as you like to put your mind at rest. If a child does not settle and we feel that they are too distressed to continue we will contact you straight away to collect the child and will discuss other strategies that could be used.

 

 

 

How will I be informed about my child’s progress?

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Children receive a development review every term  whereby practitioners collate evidence from observations on the areas of learning and collate them into a form which helps them establish where the child is in their development. This is discussed with the parents and with any other professionals involved in that child’s care. If we suspect that there may be a concern with your child’s development you will be informed immediately so that we can arrange a meeting to discuss ‘what next’. Practitioners will regularly feedback to you from day to day informing you of what your child has achieved and what next steps have been put into place to enable them to move forward.

If you are a parent of a young baby and do not want to be informed of big milestones such as crawling, walking, first words then please inform the practitioner of this as it is quite common for parents to want to find this out for themselves and not to be told. However we can replay CCTV footage if you would like to see those important first steps.

 

What if my child is unwell?

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If your child is unwell at home please do not send them into nursery as we do not have the facilities to care for sick children and it is important that we protect our youngest babies from illness as they will not have received all the vaccinations needed to protect them.

If your child has vomited or had diarrhoea then they must stay away from nursery for 48 hours after the last episode to ensure that it has cleared. Infections and illnesses spread very quickly in large groups of children.

If your child needs antibiotics they must stay at home for the first 48 hours whilst receiving them as this is to ensure that they do not have any adverse reactions to them.

If your child will not be attending nursery for any reason you must ring and inform us before 10.00 am on 01432 358070. If you do not ring in then your child’s key person will contact you to ascertain what is wrong. This is due to safeguarding and we must account for all children’s whereabouts whilst registered with us.

If your child becomes unwell at nursery we will call you immediately and will expect for the child to be collected as soon as possible. We only give prescribed medication and will only give one dose of paracetamol (Calpol) to prevent febrile convulsions or to relieve teething pain. We WILL NOT give children paracetamol (Calpol) for colds. Paracetamol (Calpol) is pain relief and if a child is in pain other than teething pain then they should not be present at nursery.

(Please see infection control guidelines for further information on incubation periods etc.)

 

 

What should I do if I’m worried or concerned about something?

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We aim to ensure the best quality care and education at all times. If we fail to meet your expectations we really want to know so that we can act upon this immediately. You can bring concerns to your child’s key person in the first instance or directly to the manager. If you are overly concerned or your concern is not dealt with how you would like then you are able to ring OFSTED directly.

Suggestions can be made via our suggestion box, child’s key person or through email to the manager.

If you have any concerns about your child or anybody else’s then you should report this to the Manager immediately to ensure that the correct help or advice can be arranged quickly.

 

 

What shall we bring to nursery?

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During your child’s time they will need to bring the following items below. Some parents find it more convenient to leave these items at nursery in a non plastic bag rather than carry them to and from nursery every day. All items must be named and  if you would like a practitioner to name your belongings either with permanent pen, vinyl sticky labels or temporary tie on labels then please ask your child’s key person and they will be happy to help.

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0-2 year olds

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Nappies (these can be provided for a small charge per session)

Wipes (these can be charged for a small charge per session)

Cream/lotion

Sun cream

Sun hat

Wellingtons

Slippers or soft shoes (for crawling babies outdoors)

Comforter/soother

Drinks cup for water throughout the day

Coat (we go out every day!!)

Spare set of clothing (remember to change frequently if not used as your child will grow!!)

Food, milk feeds and drinks on a daily basis

 

2-5 years old

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Nappies (these can be provided for a small charge per session)

Wipes (these can be charged for a small charge per session)

Lots of spare pants and clothes for potty training when necessary

Sun cream

Wellingtons

Suitable outdoor shoes (no flip flops please)

Drinks bottle for water

Coat (we go out every day!!)

Spare clothes in case of accidents

Food on a daily basis if required

 

 

Your child’s key person will inform you of anything else that may be required and will inform you if you are running low on items such as nappies.

 

 

 

 

Policies and procedures

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We have many policies and procedures at Wyeside day Nursery and you can find these in the office or can ask a practitioner for copies when you require them. We have included a few extracts below that we feel are very important:

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Allegations against a member of staff

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At Wyeside Day Nursery we have a very stringent recruitment procedure, but also understand that until a person is caught they are not a known abuser. Keeping our children safe is our priority and we carry out regular checks on our practitioners including appraisals and supervision. The Designated Senior Member of Staff for Safeguarding (DSMS) is trained in recognising and responding to adult behaviours. We take all allegations seriously and they will be dealt with immediately. You are able to report allegations against a member of staff by speaking to the Manager or Deputy Manager. You are able to put your concerns in writing and if you feel unable to do either of these then you can make an anonymous concern known to any local authority.

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Late/failed collection of child

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Wyeside Day Nursery is open from 7.00am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday. We aim to be flexible to ensure we provide a service that fits parental needs however we believe that a child’s need takes priority so unless it is a complete emergency we will not open before or after the stated times and request that you are on time dropping off and collecting for your child’s booked sessions. If you are late without prior warning collecting your child you can put us at risk of breaking statutory requirements by putting us out of ratio.

If you are going to be late bringing or collecting your child from the setting you MUST ring as soon as possible so that we can make the arrangements needed to care for your child safely. Practitioners are not permitted to stay in the nursery after 6.00 pm without the consent of the nursery manager. You will be charged as per your terms and conditions for late collections. If someone other than the named people on the admission form is collecting your child we will need a password and proof of identification as well as written or verbal consent from the parent.

If a child is not collected at the end of their session and we have received no advanced notification we will apply the following procedure:

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• We will contact the parents as per the contact details held on the administration form; if we have no answer we will contact the additional emergency contact numbers.

• If we cannot contact a parent or emergency contact after one hour we will contact the MASH team 01432 261628 for advice.

• The child will remain in the care of at least two qualified practitioners whom shall care for the child as per normal.

• The MASH team or the out of hours duty officer 01432 261626/01905768020 will contact the setting and advise on the next action to be taken.

• If the manager is not present then she will be informed of the situation.

• Under no circumstances should practitioners go looking for a parent or take a child home with them.

• Practitioners will complete an incident report.

• Practitioners will not discuss the matter with anyone outside of the nursery except on a safe to share basis with other agencies such as the MASH, police etc.

• Depending on the circumstance the parent will be charged for all additional time the child has received.

 

Managing accidents

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Whilst every effort is made to prevent accidents within the nursery, we understand that they do happen and when this occurs we will follow the following procedure:

 

• All Practitioners are first aid trained and can deal with minor accidents appropriately.

• When a child has a minor accident that can be treated safely, practitioners do so and record the information on an accident form via Tapestry. This is then signed by the child’s parents.

• If a practitioner feels that the child should be seen by a medical professional then an ambulance will be called. The practitioner will take the child’s records and accompany them to hospital, remaining practitioners will telephone parents and inform them to meet the ambulance at hospital.

• If practitioners feel that it would be best if a child sees a medical professional but it is not a matter of urgency then they will telephone parents and advise that they take the child to see a G.P or to Out of hours service. 

• All accident and incident forms are reviewed monthly and risk assessments carried out to ensure that accidents do not become repetitive.

• If a parent or carer is concerned about any accident that their child has had then they should bring their concerns to the attention of the Manager.

• The manager will then carry out an investigation informing the parents of the outcomes.

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Managing existing medical conditions in children

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Wyeside Day Nursery prides itself on endeavouring to provide quality care for all children regardless of any medical conditions they may have. We will consult with our SENDCO to support each family as necessary.

We have a dedicated team who are more than willing to carry out any additional training to enable them to provide fully inclusive opportunities for each and every child.

We have close links with health professionals who are always on hand to offer advice on whether we have the knowledge and the correct environment to accept a child based on their individual needs therefore parents can be assured that the care we offer is at the correct level for their child. If we cannot provide the correct level of care for the child due to staffing, environment etc then we will assist parents in finding an alternative setting/or seek inclusion assistance.

 

 

Mobile phone and recording devices

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It is our policy that Wyeside Day Nursery does NOT allow mobile phones to be used on the premises either by practitioners, visitors or parents. If parents are found to be using a mobile phone or recording device they are immediately challenged by a practitioner.

All practitioner’s mobile phones must be stored either in their locker or in the box in the office. Visitors are asked to sign in their phones on arrival, these are then kept in a box in the office.

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Safe arrival and departure

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At Wyeside Day Nursery we take the safety of our children very seriously and have implemented this policy to enable us to work with parents to safeguard all of the children, practitioners and parents whom attend the nursery.

• When dropping your child at nursery please ensure that you enter via the main entrance via the willow arch walkway.

• Please ensure that your child has been handed to a practitioner, ideally their key person. Do not drop children in the entrance hall, your child’s key person will inform you of the signing in procedure for their room.

• Practitioners will sign children into the register when they arrive.

• If a parent wishes to stay for anytime other than for dropping off or collecting then they must sign into our visitor’s book.

• Parents must inform us if they intend for anyone other than themselves to collect their children, these persons must be stated on the admin form or must be able to provide us with identification and a password.

• Children should be collected promptly at the end of their session.

• When leaving the building and gardens parents must ensure that other children have not tagged along and must ensure that they have closed the doors and gates securely.

• Could all parents ensure that they have seen and spoken to a practitioner before taking their child home. This is not only a security requirement but we may a need to inform you of an accident or important occurrence.

• Throughout the day external doors are kept locked as are gates; children are not encouraged to open doors or gates.

• During very busy periods you may have to wait for a practitioner to answer the doorbell, please be patient.

• Please do not be offended if you are ever made to wait whilst identification checks are carried out. It may be that the practitioner answering the bell does not know or recognise you.

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Safeguarding

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• Our Manager is the settings Designated Senior Member of Staff for Safeguarding (DSMS) and takes the lead responsibility for safeguarding children within the setting and for liaising with other statutory children’s services/agencies. Our Manager receives regular training which she will access through Herefordshire CPD online.

 

• This policy will be available for all parents to read in the entrance hall it will also be available within your child’s room. All practitioners will be expected to read all policies and procedures prior to commencing employment as part of their induction process.

 

• All practitioners employed at Wyeside will have gained their position by passing a strict safer recruitment procedure and will have in place a clear DBS before commencing employment. Practitioners will be constantly monitored throughout their employment via appraisal and supervision and for any unusual/suspicious or inappropriate behaviours. Practitioners sign an annual review stating they have received no convictions or cautions since their last DBS. We are exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974.

 

• We abide by the protection of vulnerable groups act requirements in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employment or who resigns in circumstances that would have otherwise led to dismissal for reasons of child protection concerns.

 

• At no time will practitioners or other employees be alone on the premise whilst children are present and practitioners that are still undergoing checks will be supervised at all times. They will not be involved in any part of the child’s personal care and will never be left alone with children.

 

• All practitioners will be informed who is and isn’t yet DBS checked and there will be notices put up regarding those who should not be left alone or be involved in children’s personal care.

 

• If a child is due to attend a session and we are not informed of their non attendance the child’s key person will ring the parents to ascertain what is preventing the child from attending the nursery. If we cannot contact the parents we will ring other contact numbers on the child’s admission form until we get a response. if we do not get a response and have cause for concern we will contact any social workers involved with the family or the MASH team.

 

• Rooms and outdoor areas are planned carefully to allow full view of children and practitioners. Risk assessments are carried out as and when needed to ensure the safety of both children and practitioners. Activities are used to promote children’s awareness of keeping safe.

 

• All rooms, outdoor areas and the entrance hall are covered by CCTV that is recording and storing images, management are able to monitor the CCTV from the office.

 

• Registers are used to record the time of children’s arrival and departure and can be used to determine patterns of non attendance.

 

• Practitioners and visitors arrival and departure times are recorded and contact details, proof of identification are requested.

 

• No child shall leave with an unknown adult; we have a photo and password security system in place for children collected by people whom do not hold parental responsibility for that child. Registration forms contain details of all children’s and parents details and it is necessary for you to provide all the information requested including whom has parental and legal responsibility for the child. This information will be updated every term via a change of details form. If you have a change of contact details you need to inform the office immediately.

 

• The Manager our DSMS will review the accident/incident forms each month and monitor any recorded concerns to identify any possible safeguarding children issues.

 

• All gates and doors remain locked throughout the day and handles are not accessible to children. Parents, practitioners and visitors are required to use the willow arch walkway and ring the bell for attention. Visitors and contractors are never left alone and must be escorted by a senior practitioner at all times.

 

• All practitioner belongings are stored in lockers in a separate area of the building. Mobile phones are not allowed within the nursery rooms or hallways. Other recording instruments such as cameras and I pads must not be used. There are several cameras belonging to the nursery that must not be removed without agreement of the manager; these are for the use of taking evidence for learning journeys/displays only.

 

• Practitioner must not use social websites for anything related to the setting for example a status must not read “had bad day at work” and photos of practitioners, children or the work environment must not be used.

 

• All practitioners are trained in safeguarding children and have awareness on how to identify and report suspicions. Practitioners recognise that abuse comes in many forms and that it can be obscured by other concerns or problems. All practitioners have attended local authority safeguarding training courses to at least group 2. Practitioners are given information regarding safeguarding on a regular basis and this is reinforced through practitioner meetings and supervision with their management team. All practitioners receive a comprehensive induction which includes safeguarding.

 

• All practitioners have read and are familiar with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) and are given serious case reviews to read to enable them to review their own personal practice to ensure they are providing the best safeguarding possible.

 

• We have a procedure in place of how to listen and respond to children’s disclosures of abuse.

 

• Any parent who displays threatening, abusive or unwanted behaviour will be banned from entering the nursery. This is to ensure the safety of practitioners and users of the nursery.

 

• We have a procedure in place for handling allegations of abuse against a practitioner.

 

• Records of safeguarding are stored securely within the office and are kept confidential. Parents are always informed of how we intend to share records unless we feel that it will affect the course of any investigation and by sharing we would put the child at greater risk.

 

• Information will be passed onto Childs new school/setting with prior written permission of the parents.

 

• We will not confirm to anybody/organisation via the telephone or in writing that a child attends the setting without first checking the legitimacy of the person/organisation.

 

It is our statutory responsibility under the Children’s Act 2004 section 11 and the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 to take action on behalf of the child. We may contact an agency that has a ‘duty’ to make enquiries. This agency is the MASH HUB formerly the fast TEAM.

 

If a practitioner has concerns for a child these should always be shared with the Manager, the DSMS who can support the practitioner and has the experience and knowledge to follow up all concerns. Concerns will be recorded confidentially in the first incidence on a detailed incident report including where necessary, a body map. If there is an ongoing concern and there is uncertainty, the Manger and  DSMS will ask for all incidents to be recorded and she will review them regularly building up a more informative picture. All concerns will be recorded and monitored and if needed referred to the MASH team. Previous records of concern will be kept and referenced to establish any patterns that have formed.

If the concern is an immediate threat to the child, our Manager, the DSMS will inform the MASH team directly and immediately.

Parents will be informed of any concerns that we have unless we think that by sharing information we will cause further harm to the child. All parents will sign a statement on the admission documents to say that they understand why, when and with whom we will share information.

When making a referral, the Manager and the DSMS will ensure that the information given is correct and up to date. All practitioners involved in the referral will be given supervision and support particularly if attending emergency meetings etc. Any outcome of the referral will be on a ‘need to know basis. The child’s care at the provision will continue as it was prior to the concern being raised.

   The contact details of the MASH team are 01432 261628.

 

• If a practitioner has concerns regarding a colleague then they should report immediately to our Manger, the DSMS or Deputy Manger if the DSMS is the focus of the concerns. The concerns will be dealt with following the allegation against a member of staff. For further guidance and information read the Whistle Blowing Policy.

 

 

 

Parents Responsibility

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• You must not attend the setting whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

• You must not use your mobile phone whilst in the nursery.

 

• Do not allow anyone to follow you into nursery and do not open doors for anyone even if you recognise them.

 

• Do not allow lots of different friends and relatives into nursery with you, only persons that are nominated on child’s registration forms are allowed on the premises. If you would like to be accompanied by relatives or friends please ask a practitioner.

 

• We cannot prevent people with parental responsibility from removing a child from the setting unless we have been provided with the relevant court order that prevents them from doing so. It is important that if you are experiencing family issues that you inform us so we can work with all parties to ensure conflict is kept to the minimum.

 

• Report any concerns you have regarding parents, practitioners or children immediately to the Manger or Deputy Manger.

 

• Informing us of any changes within your child’s life can help us understand any behavioural changes for your child

 

• Do not attempt to help a child with personal care please call for a practitioner.

 

• Do not enter our toilets, practitioners will be aware of which children are in the toilets and will be checking on them constantly.

 

• If during your time at the setting you witness an incident or accident please inform a practitioner.

 

• When bringing your child to the setting with an existing injury that occurred whilst the child was in your care, please inform your child's key person and fill in an incident form.

 

• If your child is not going to attend a booked session please inform us as soon as possible. If we are not notified by 10.00 am we will ring to ascertain where your child is and what is preventing them from coming to nursery.

 

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

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At Wyeside Day Nursery we aim to provide an environment in which, all children including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported to reach their full potential. The nursery practitioner recognises special education needs as detailed in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice (2015). The provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is the responsibility of all practitioners, with the support of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-Coordinator (SENDCO).

Every child is observed regularly and has an Early Years Foundation Stage Profile and this can often highlight some areas of concern. Needs of any child experiencing difficulties are noted on their individual records. The key person concerned will raise the issue with the nursery SENDCO and other practitioners working closely with the child. Either the SENDCO or the key person will raise the concerns with the parent/carer to discuss our findings and possible next steps.

We ensure that parents are kept informed at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision and review of their children’s education. Parental consent must be given before an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) can be drawn up.

Sometimes it may just be a matter of adjusting the nursery environment, resources or teaching methods in order to overcome the area of concern. For example having a smaller group to do activities or using visual aids when having a discussion. Small changes like these may alleviate the need for further action. Parents should be informed of any changes made.

Once it is established a child has SEND either pre determined before starting at the nursery or whilst at the nursery, an IEP needs to be written up setting out small obtainable goals either set by the practitioner or an outside professional e.g. Speech and Language Therapist (if involved). The IEP, observations and any further information is kept in a pack in the child’s individual file in the office. IEP record only activities or tasks that are in addition to, or different from the differentiated curriculum in place as part of normal provisions.

It is up to the child’s key person to ensure activities set out in the IEP are carried out and are filtered into the rooms planning where necessary, with the help of the SENDCO if required.

IEP should regularly be reviewed (at least once a term) with the SENDCO, key person and parents. Progress made and next steps should be discussed as to whether another IEP is required or if outside agencies need to be contacted. This form of intervention is called early help assessment (EHA)

We work in partnership and support parents and other agencies in meeting individual children’s needs. Where appropriate we provide parents with information, resources and sources of independent advice and support.

Wyeside named SEN: Pre-school Supervisor

 

Useful things to know

 

 

• If your child is staying for lunch then a lunch is available at £3.00 per day for a two course hot meal, you will be able to choose from the menu what your child will require.

 

• If providing a lunch box for your child please ensure that it is age appropriate and has good nutritional value. We will not give children sweets, and anything deemed inappropriate will be replaced by a healthy alternative and sent home with a note.

 

• If your child stays after 4.00pm, please provide a lunchbox or similar for tea or just a snack if you prefer your child to eat later at home.

 

• Full fat cow’s milk will be provided free of charge for children under 2, semi skimmed is provided for children over 2, we do not give children juice or make it up for you throughout the day. We encourage children to drink water regularly and they have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day.

 

• It is not uncommon for your child to have lots of colds and bugs after starting nursery, it is a sign that their immune system is working. If you are at all worried you can seek advice from your health visitor.

 

• All practitioners are trained in first aid and are experienced in childhood illnesses and are extremely responsive to notice any change in your child’s behaviour and appearance.  You can rest assured that appropriate action will be promptly taken should your child become unwell.