Childcare Policies

Policy on Play

I understand that play is something that a child enjoys best. A child's play has a purpose and can be a step towards the learning and understanding of valuable skills. It can help the child fit into the world physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially, and grow to be a healthy and competent individual.

I will endeavour to provide the children with a stimulating environment, where playing and learning go hand in hand. A varied selection of activities will be provided throughout the day, using both indoor and outdoor activities.

Consideration will be taken to ensure that provision is made for children with special needs and abilities.

Messy Play

A large variety of different mediums, such as corn-flour, jelly, spaghetti and dough will be made available. These will provide both different tactile and imaginative experiences and will encourage expressive language.

Sand and Water

These will be made available on a regular basis. They provide opportunities to experience scientific and mathematical concepts as well as encouraging social and language development.

Creative Activities

Activities such as painting, sticking, chalking and box modelling will be made available regularly. Additionally games such as ring games, lotto and snap will encourage conversation and learning of social skills, taking turns, sharing, winning and losing.

Imaginative Play

I recognise the importance of imaginative play to children and will aim to provide rich opportunities to widen their imagination. These will include dolls and accessories, road maps and cars, trains, dressing up clothes and a home corner. Various different play settings will be made available. There is also a selection of construction toys, which additionally encourage good hand/eye co-ordination, counting, sorting etc.

Physical Play

Tunnels, tricycles, balls, hoops, climing apparatus etc. are provided.

Books

A variety of books are available for the children to look at and read, under supervision and alone. In any event children will be read to as a group each day.

Medicine Consent Forms

Parents are required to sign a medicine consent form before any medication can be given to a child. I cannot adminiser medication brought over the counter, other than calpol or teething gel. Calpol will only be administered for a maximum of 3 days unless a doctor's note is produced.

Accident Procedure

I will require a signed form for me to be allowed to administer basic First Aid Treatment where necessary. Parents will be informed of all accidents and will be required to sin their child's accident form.

For accidents of a more serious nature involving hospital treatment, all attempts will be made to contact parents, but failing this, I require consent to act on behalf of the parents and authorize any necessary treatment. This will also include travelling to the hospital with the child and remaining there until a parent or guardian can attend. Please remember to notify me if your child changes G.P. develops an allergy or has immunisation vaccinations, as knowing this will help me in an emergency.

Parental Complaints Procedure

I always aim to meet the needs of the children. Nevertheless, if a parent should have a complaint this should normally be raised in the first instance with myself, and then with the regulator: Ofsted, NBU, 3rd Floor, Royal Exchange Buildings, St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7LA. Tel: 08456 404040

Access to Information

All information concerning each child is kept on a personal file. This information is confidential but is open to inspection by parents of the child concerned.

Property and Belongings

I recommend that your child wears practical and inexpensive clothing. Each child will need their own bag containing at least one complete change of clothes. During bad weather, additional foodwear should be provided for use inside the house. I will provide an extensive range of toys for children of all ages, it is therefore not necessary or advisable for children to bring toys from home. For younger children, comfort toys of special interest are acceptable. I cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to children's property, although every effort is made by myself to ensure that the children's belongings are not lost or damanged.

Behaviour Policy

My aim is to encourage the children to respect themselves, each other and their belongings.
My aim is to show childen that is it his/her behaviour that is unacceptable not the child personally.

Discipline invoves early intervention to prevent disagreements children cannot handle, discouraging unacceptable behaviour and being positive about good behaviour.

This involves:

Encouraging the childen to realise that what he/she has done is not acceptable behaviour and why, and to say "sorry".

If the unacceptable behaviour continues:

Warning of removal from activity, play
Removing the child from the activity, play for a short period
Welcoming back the child into the activity, play

Behaviours Considered to be Unacceptable

Physical abuse - biting, hitting, punching, pinching, scratching, kicking and pushing.
Verbal abuse - racist or sexist remarks and name calling.
Bullying - defined as persistent name calling, minor harassment (such as taking things, toys etc away from someone), major incidents involving physical violence or a group of children picking on one child.
Spitting, screaming, shouting, running in the house.
Destructive - improper use of toys, equipment or materials.

A behaviour/sanction form will be filled in and signed by myself when a child requires time out after being told several times that their behaviour is unacceptable. The form will also be signed by a parent when they have been made aware of the incident. Parents are also encouraged to discuss with me any concerns they have with regard to unacceptable behaviour.

Terms and Conditions

Fees are payable monthly in advance, based on the number of sessions booked within this period.

Occasional absences and holidays other than when I am on holiday are payable at the full rate if the place is to be held open.

Changes to Sessions

Two weeks notice is required if you wish to decrease your child's sessions and one months notice if you no longer require your child's place. If insufficient notice is given, a full charge will be made for cancelled sessions. If an increase to your child's sessions or chance of days is required this will be arranged as soon as there is a vacancy.

Security

Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave my house with anyone unknown to myself unless previously arranged by the parent or guardian, when a password will be used.

Health Records

I require parents to complete health records for their child. I will require emergency contact names and medical information regarding allergies, dietary or special requirements.

Childhood Illnesses

Any child suffering from sickness and/or diarrhoea, conjunctivitis or any discharge from the eyes, sore throat, heavy cold, dubious rash or who is not well enough to cope with the normal routine, should be kept at home. I should be notified of the nature of the illness and consulted about the child's return. Parents must inform me of any illness, which may prove dangerous to other children.