Weston Voluntary Nursery
Policies and procedures
Contents
ADMISSIONS POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 3
The Waiting List................................................................................................................................... 3
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT - POLICY AND PROCEDURE ....................................................................... 4
Biting................................................................................................................................................... 5
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE ...................................................................................................................... 8
Making Complaints known…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
The Role of the registering authority - Ofsted .................................................................................... 9
WHISTLE-BLOWING POLICY…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY ..................................................................................................................... 12
EQUALITIES POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 13
HEALTH AND HYGIENE - POLICY AND PRACTICE ................................................................................... 15
Health ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Prescribed Medication……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17
Hygiene…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...18
ANIMALS IN THE SETTING POLICY…………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY ..................................................................................................................... 22
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................................................... 25
PLANNING POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 26
SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN - POLICY AND PROCEDURE ............ 28
SAFETY - POLICY AND PRACTICE ........................................................................................................... 31
Lost children;..................................................................................................................................... 31
Accidents; .......................................................................................................................................... 32
Routine Checks;................................................................................................................................. 32
Risk Assessment; ............................................................................................................................... 32
Emergency Closure Policy ..................................................................................................................... 36
Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 36
Implementation Plan for Emergency Closure ................................................................................... 37
BAD WEATHER POLICY…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….38
UNCOLLECTED CHILD POLICY ................................................................................................................ 39
Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 39
SETTLING IN PRE-SCHOOL - POLICY AND PRACTICE.............................................................................. 41
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES POLICY ........................................................................ 42
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
Special Education Needs/Inclusion Policy…………………………………………………………………………………….42
Aims ...................................................................... …………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.
Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 42
Support of children with special educational needs at nursery ....................................................... 44
STAFFING POLICY .................................................................................................................................. 47
STAFF TRAINING ................................................................................................................................ 47
DISQUALIFICATION POLICY………………………….………………………………………………………………………………47
STUDENT PLACEMENT POLICY .............................................................................................................. 49
Abuse of trust Policy – The Sexual Offences Act 2003.......................................................................... 50
POLICY FOR PROGRESS CHECK AT AGE 2 .............................................................................................. 51
The aims of the progress check are to: ......................................................................................... 51
The progress check will: ................................................................................................................ 51
Timings ......................................................................................................................................... 52
How to do the check ..................................................................................................................... 52
E-SAFETY POLICY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………54
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
ADMISSIONS POLICY
WVN admit children age 2y.6m to rising 5’s.
We operate a waiting list and children are listed in order of birth date. We try to keep a place vacant,
if financially viable, for emergency admissions. In case of dispute, priority is given to families living in
Weston.
We welcome and encourage children from any background, irrespective of their gender, ethnic
background and disabilities (see our Equalities Policy).
Parents will be expected to inform the nursery in writing of their child's specific needs or medical
conditions when a child is put on the waiting list. We can then ensure we can meet their child's
needs, check that our insurance cover is adequate, and, if necessary, seek help and guidance from
relevant professionals. The nursery may have to ask parent’s permission to contact a child's GP or
other involved professionals (see our Special Educational Needs Policy).
If your child is not toilet trained, please inform your child’s key person or the leader/deputy at your
initial visit to pre-school, we will be happy to accommodate your wishes for toilet training.
Once a child's name is on the waiting list, parents will be contacted in the term before their child is
due to start at pre-school to confirm that the place is still required. Following this, parents will receive
a Welcome Pack, which will contain:
1) A letter from our Chairperson
2) An Induction date where parent stays with their child, and a start date for the child
3) EYFS parent guide, including information on the 2 year check
4) 4 forms to complete;
a. Medical
b. Child collection/password/emergency contacts
c. Permission for outings/photographs
d. Child profile
The Waiting List
If you would like to put your child’s name on the waiting list for WVN please contact us on
01462 790546 between the hours of 12:30-16:00
Admissions policy reviewed annually by Chairperson
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT - POLICY AND PROCEDURE
We believe children and adults flourish best in an environment in which everyone knows what is
expected of them and children are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt
or hindered by anyone else. We aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop
self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.
We neither encourage nor discourage gun and weapon play. We will empower children to tell others
if they do not like the behaviour displayed towards them, and to seek adult support if they need this
to be reinforced.
In order to achieve this;
Rules governing the conduct of the nursery and the behaviour of the children will be discussed and
agreed within the nursery and explained to all newcomers, both children and adults.
All adults in the setting will ensure the rules are applied consistently, so children have the security of
knowing what to expect and can build up useful habits of behaviour.
All adults will aim to provide a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care and
courtesy, and to offer strategies for handling any conflict.
Adults in the nursery will praise and encourage desirable behaviour such as kindness and willingness
to share. We will take positive steps to avoid situations in which children receive adult attention only
in return for undesirable behaviour.
When children behave in unacceptable ways;
They will be given one-to-one adult support in seeing what was wrong and how to cope more
appropriately. Routine strategies include redirection, giving and using consequences. Occasionally
children may have "time away" with an adult.
Physical punishment, such as smacking or shaking, will be neither used nor threatened.
Children will never be sent out of the room alone.
Techniques intended to humiliate individual children such as the "naughty chair" will not be used.
Physical restraint, such as holding, will be used only to prevent physical injury to children or adults
and/or serious damage to property. Any significant event of this sort will be recorded, and the parent
informed the same day.
In cases of serious misbehaviour, such as bullying, racial or other abuse, the unacceptability of the
behaviour and attitudes will be made clear, by means of explanations rather than personal blame.
In any case of misbehaviour, it will always be made clear to the child or children in question that it is
the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome.
Adults will not shout, or raise their voices in a threatening way.
Adults in the nursery will make themselves aware of, and respect, a range of cultural expectations
regarding interactions between people.
Any behaviour problems will be handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, respecting
children's individual level of understanding and maturity.
Adults will be aware that some kinds of behaviour may arise from a child's special educational needs.
Recurring problems will be tackled by the whole pre-school, in partnership with the child's parents,
and area Senco using objective observation records to establish an understanding of the cause. A
Behaviour plan may be written in conjunction with parents to outline strategies to be used when
certain behaviour is displayed.
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Biting
In the setting we acknowledge that biting is a common behaviour among young children and it
evokes a strong emotion in adults, both parents and educators. Biting is often very painful and
frightening for the child who is bitten. It can also be very frightening for the child who bites. We
recognise that the majority of children will learn not to bite in time and are very clear, firm
and calm when a child does bite and offer praise and warmth when they don’t.
If an incident of biting does occur, the parents of both children will be informed of the event. This will
also be recorded in the accident book and behaviour record. If your child has bitten another child,
you should not bite them as a punishment. It sends a very confused message to your child.
We ask that you make us aware of any incidents of biting that have occurred outside of the setting as
this will enable staff to be more prepared and vigilant.
Reasons why children might bite

Biting happens for different reasons with different children under different circumstances. The
first step in learning to control it is to look at why it may be happening. Not all children bite
out of anger or to hurt another child – young toddlers can’t really understand how much pain
they’re causing. Teething aside, children may bite for a number of reasons including:

Curiosity – toddlers may bite to see what their friends arm may taste like or to see the
reaction. It’s impulsive and they don’t mean to hurt. Often, a baby chomps on someone when
they’re teething. Sometimes toddlers nip when they’re over-excited.

Emotions – This can be frustration, stress, feelings of lack of power or as a way of showing
love. “Toddlers have really intense feelings but don’t know how to show them,” says Dirk
Flower, chartered psychologist. “Biting can be a way of expressing their feelings.”

Defending - Young children learn to bite as a defence, especially if they can’t talk and will bite
other children whenever they feel anxious or threatened. Sometimes changes or upsets at
home can bring on this type of biting.

Seeking attention or control - Some children know biting is a way of getting others to do
what they want or to gain attention. They don’t always do this consciously. It may happen
when a group of children are jostling to be leader or gain power. Biting is a good way of
getting others to take notice, even if the attention gained is negative.

Copying – children who see another child or adult biting may think that this is a good idea.
When a child bites we show disapproval and very firmly and calmly say something like “No we
do not bite! It hurts and it’s not nice!” We use gesture and facial expression to reinforce the
message.
We will remain calm and firmly remove the child who bites away from the person (whether child or
adult) whom he is biting. We might decide to walk away from the child for a short period to
emphasise our disapproval. Depending on the child’s stage of development, we will implement a
period of “time out” in accordance with our behaviour policy.
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If the child who has bitten is not calm we will remove them until they have started to calm down,
ensuring that they do not try to bite the victim again.
We make it clear that it is the biting behaviour that we disapprove of - not the child and to reinforce
this, positive behaviour will be encouraged and praised.
If a child persists with biting the setting will make a plan to monitor and support the child. Through
monitoring and recording incidents we may identify particular triggers for the behaviour.
Understanding why a child bites is key to beating the problem using this information will inform
possible intervention strategies.
The environment of the setting will also be evaluated in accordance with the Framework for
Intervention to establish any causes within the provision.
Within this plan we will regularly meet with the parent/carer of the biter to discuss underlying reasons
and common strategies to ensure consistency between the home and nursery. Where necessary,
permission will be sought from the parent/carer of the child to refer concerns and involve
outside agencies and professionals.
If a child is a victim of biting, staff are trained to deal with this situation, and staff will follow first aid
procedures to relieve pain and injury. Biting is always taken seriously and staff do their best to ensure
that it is stopped as soon as possible.
We will not disclose to parents the name of the child who has bitten. It is unnecessary to know their
identity, however if a parent finds out who has bitten their child we strongly recommend that they do
not complain directly to the other parents.
Try to remember that all young children are all potential biters.
Related policies: Behaviour Policy, Special Educational Needs & Inclusion Policy
Staff Member responsible for Behaviour Management is Marian Potter. In her absence,
please contact Melanie Wickens
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
Behaviour Management policy and procedures reviewed annually by Chairperson
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
WVN aim to provide the highest quality education and care for all children. We aim to offer a
welcome to each individual child and family and to provide a warm and caring environment within
which all children can learn and develop as they play.
We believe children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their
needs and wishes. Our intention is to work in partnership with parents and the community generally
and we welcome suggestions on how to improve our pre-school at any time – there is a suggestion
box in the cloakroom to encourage you to make comments and suggestions, anonymously if you
wish, and we ask you to complete an annual questionnaire.
Making Complaints Known
Stage 1
A parent who is uneasy about any aspect of the pre-school’s provision should first of all talk over their
concerns with the leader, deputy, or chairperson. Most complaints should be resolved amicably and
informally at this stage.
Stage 2
If an initial complaint does not have a satisfactory outcome within an agreed time period, or if the
problem recurs, the parent should put the concerns or complaint in writing to the chairperson and or
leader/deputy. Trusted staff member can assist you in completing a Complaints Record if you prefer.
The leader/deputy or Chair will reply in writing within a maximum of 28 days. All information relating
to the complaint and investigation of the complaint will be stored alongside the Complaints Record.
Stage 3
If this does not resolve the matter, the parent should request a meeting with the leader/deputy and
or Chairperson of the committee. The parent can have a friend or partner present, if desired, and an
agreed written record of the discussion will be made as well as any decision or action. All parties will
sign the record and receive a copy of it.
Stage 4
If the parent and pre-school cannot reach agreement, it is necessary to invite an external mediator,
one that is acceptable to both parties to listen to both sides and offer advice. A mediator has no legal
powers but can help to define the problem, review the actions so far and suggest further ways in
which it might be resolved. Staff within the Early Years and Childcare Service or Pre-School Learning
Alliance will be available to act as mediator if both parties wish.
The mediator will keep all discussions confidential. S/he will keep an agreed written record of any
meeting(s) that are held. These should be signed by all parties at the meeting and all parties should
have a copy.
Stage 5
When the mediator has concluded any investigations a final meeting between the parent, the preschool leader/deputy and Chairperson is held. The purpose of this meeting is to reach a decision and
the mediator’s advice is used to reach a conclusion. Everybody present at this meeting signs the
record of the meeting and is given a copy.
Parents can contact Ofsted at any time during the complaint process. The pre-school
keeps a log of any complaints received.
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The Role of the registering authority - Ofsted
In some circumstances it will be necessary to bring in Ofsted, which has a duty to ensure laid down
requirements are adhered to. Ofsted would be involved if there seemed to be a possible breach of
registration requirements or Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory requirements. In these cases
both parent and pre-school would be informed and the pre-school would work with the registering
body to ensure a proper investigation of the complaint is followed by appropriate action.
The registering authority is: OFSTED
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD Tel: 0300 123 1231
We believe that most complaints are made constructively and can be resolved at an early stage. We
also believe that it is in the best interests of the pre-school and parents that complaints should be
taken seriously and dealt with fairly and in a way that respect confidentiality.
Complaints procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
WHISTLE BLOWING POLICY
Our nursery is committed to quality, openness and accountability.
As part of that commitment we encourage staff and others with serious concerns about any aspects
of the group to come forward and express those concerns. It is recognised that staff and others will
need to come forward on a confidential basis and that this can be done without fear of reprisal or
victimisation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The nursery will ensure employees understand the following problems and the effects they could
have on the group.
Fraud, Theft, Malpractice
Abuse, Neglect
Failure to provide a good standard of work
Damaging personal conflicts
Bullying, Harassment or Victimisation in the workplace
If the Nursery finds a problem it will always be dealt with seriously. Fraud and abuse if necessary will
be reported to the Police and taken through the courts.
WHISTLE BLOWING
We understand it is never easy to report a concern. We will encourage staff to come forward with any
concerns at an early stage before problems can develop into something more serious. If preferred a
member of staff can come forward with a colleague or representative. The group will support
concerned employees and protect them from reprisals or victimisation and know that their
employment will not be affected, even if their concerns turn out not to be justified.
The nursery will respect the employee’s confidentiality. If a member of staff is prevented from coming
forward to express a concern or victimises a staff member, this will be treated as a disciplinary
offence.
WHO TO CONTACT
In most cases staff should approach the lead Practitioner or Chair of the Management Committee.
An employee could also approach OFSTED. Tel: Whistle-blower hotline 0300 123 3155 (Monday to
Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm).
DEALING WITH CONCERNS
All concerns will be investigated thoroughly
Any concerns an employee has expressed about potential repercussions will be respected
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The employee will be informed of the results of the investigation and any actions to be taken,
however respect of confidentiality to other employees will be shown If an employee deliberately
raised unfounded allegations or contacts an external agency without raising the issue with
appropriate senior staff/committee, this will be treated as a disciplinary matter but no one who comes
forward in good faith within the terms of the policy has anything to fear.
Whistle Blowing Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
WVN work with children and families will sometimes bring us into contact with confidential
information. We aim to ensure that all parents can share their information in the confidence that it
will only be used to enhance the welfare of their children. Our record keeping systems meet legal
requirements and we store and share information within the framework of the Data Protection Act
(DPA) 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Human Rights Act 1998.
To ensure that all those using and working in the pre-school can do so with confidence, we will
respect confidentiality in the following ways:
Parents will have access to the records of their own children but will not have access to the records of
any other child.
Staff will not discuss individual children other than for purposes of curriculum planning/group
management with people other than the parents of that child.
Information given by parents to the pre-school staff will not be passed on to other adults, apart from
the Chairperson/leader/deputy, without permission. In the absence of the Chairperson/leader/deputy
information may need to be shared with another named committee officer, on a need-to-know basis.
Issues to do with the employment of staff, whether paid or unpaid, will remain confidential to the
people directly involved with making personnel decisions.
Any anxieties and evidence relating to a child's personal safety will be kept in a confidential file and
will only be available to staff trained as Child Protection Co-ordinators.
Adults who volunteer on the rota will be advised to keep confidential anything they learn about both
the children and staff.
Students on recognised courses observing in the pre-school will be advised of our Confidentiality
policy and be required to respect it.
All the undertakings above are subject to the paramount commitment of the pre-school, which is to
the safety and well-being of the child. Please see also our Child Protection policy and procedures.
The person on the Committee who is responsible for Confidentiality is Kristy Whitten (Vice-Chair)
The people in the setting who are responsible for e-Safety are Melanie Wickens and Marian Potter
(see also E-Safety Policy)
Confidentiality policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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WVN POLICIES 2014/15
EQUALITIES POLICY
WVN is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all children and families. We aim to work in
accordance with all relevant legislation, including:
Equality Act 2010
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, 2005
Race Relations Act 1976 and the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000
Sex Discrimination Acts 1976, 1986
Children Act 1989, 2004
Childcare Act 2006
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001
We believe that nursery activities should be open to all children and families and to all adults
committed to their education and care. We aim to ensure that all who wish to work in, or volunteer to
help with, our nursery have an equal chance to do so.
Our Equalities Named Co-ordinator is Marian Potter. In her absence please contact Melanie
Wickens.
Admissions
The nursery is open to every family in the community. A waiting list is operated in order of birth date.
Families joining the nursery are made aware of its Equalities Policy.
Employment
The nursery will advertise all job vacancies and will appoint the best person for each role using
explicit and fair criteria. We will treat fairly all applicants and all those appointed. Commitment to
implementing the pre-school's Equalities Policy will form part of the job description for all staff.
Families
The nursery recognises that many different types of family groups successfully love and care for
children.
The nursery offers a flexible payment system for families with differing means.
The nursery is accessible to all. The building has a side access and a separate gate into the nursery
garden with secure fire doors into the nursery. This may be used as an alternative entrance for those
using a wheelchair until a ramp has been supplied. Toilet facilities with disabled access are available
in the school building. We have a volunteer rota open to all who wish to volunteer within WVN
Festivals
Our aim is to show respectful awareness of all the major events in the lives of the children and
families in the pre-school, and in our society as a whole, and to welcome the diversity of backgrounds
from which they come.
In order to achieve this, we aim to acknowledge festivals that are celebrated in our area and/or by
the families involved in the nursery
Without indoctrination in any specific faith, children will be made aware of the festivals which are
being celebrated by their own families or others, and will be introduced, where appropriate, to the
stories behind the festivals.
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Before introducing a festival with which the staff are not themselves familiar, information will be
sought from a variety of sources, i.e. people to whom that festival is a familiar one, books, or the
Internet.
Children and families who celebrate festivals with which the rest of the nursery is not familiar will be
invited to share their festival with the rest of the group, if they wish to do so.
Children will be encouraged to welcome a range of different festivals, together with the stories,
celebrations and special food and clothing they involve, as part of the diversity of life.
The Curriculum
All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured.
Activities and the use of play equipment offer children opportunities to develop in an environment
free from prejudice and discrimination.
Management of resources within the pre-school will ensure that both girls and boys have full access
to all kinds of activities and equipment and are equally encouraged to enjoy and learn from them.
Appropriate opportunities will be given to children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and
differences between themselves and others.
Resources
These will be chosen to give children a balanced view of the world and an appreciation of the rich
diversity of our multi-racial society.
Materials will be selected to help children to develop their self-respect and to respect other people by
avoiding stereotypes and by using images and words that reflect positively the contribution of all
members of society.
Special educational needs
The nursery recognises the wide range of special educational needs of children and families in the
community, and will aim to meet these needs (see our Special Educational Needs policy).
Planning for meetings and events will take into account the needs of people with differing needs.
English as an Additional Language
All staff will support children with English as an additional language. We will seek advice from health
professionals to support and implement recording assessment for continuity and progression for
bilingual children at pre-school.
Discriminatory behaviour/remarks
Any discriminatory language, behaviour or remarks by children, parents or any other adults are
unacceptable in nursery.
Our response will be to demonstrate support for the victim(s), to help those responsible to
understand and overcome their prejudices and to make it clear that such behaviour or remarks will
not be tolerated.
Food
Working in partnership with parents, children's medical, cultural and dietary needs will be met.
Meetings
The time, place and conduct of meetings will ensure that all families have an equal opportunity to be
involved in the running of the nursery.
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Equalities policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
HEALTH AND HYGIENE - POLICY AND PRACTICE
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HEALTH
Food
A healthy eating snack is provided to which parents are asked to contribute a specified amount each
term. Attention will be paid to children's particular dietary requirements.
When cooking with children as an activity, staff will aim to provide healthy, wholesome food,
promoting and extending the children's understanding of a healthy diet.
We have risk assessments to ensure food is stored at the correct temperature, is not out of date or
spoiled.
All staff members handling food will adhere to health and safety precautions e.g. washing hands
before preparing a snack and ensuring surfaces are clean. If a member of staff has a contagious
cough or an infection they will not be permitted to enter the kitchen area.
Ofsted will be informed if we have an instance of food poisoning affecting two or more children at the
earliest opportunity, but at least within 14 days of the first instance.
N.B Refer to Food and Drink Policy
At least 2 members of our staff have basic Food Hygiene training
Drink
Children are offered semi-skimmed, pasteurised milk or water with their snack.
We have a risk assessment to ensure milk is stored at the correct temperature.
Drinking water is available at all times. N.B Refer to Food and Drink Policy
Environment
Children will have the opportunity to play in the fresh air throughout the year. We aim to have free
flow between inside and outside spaces.
Children are able to relax and play quietly in the book corner if they choose to.
Children are able to sleep if they need to. A sleeping child will be checked periodically by a member of
staff, and the other children will be kept at bay.
Illness
Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have any infection, and to inform staff as to
the nature of the infection so that the nursery can alert other parents, if applicable, and make careful
observations of any child who seems unwell. Our exclusion from school list is on our notice board in
the cloakroom.
Parents are asked not to bring any child (including siblings and minded children) into the setting if
they have been vomiting or had diarrhoea until at least 48 hours has elapsed since the last attack.
If the children of staff are unwell, the children will not accompany their parent to work in the setting.
Parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child immediately if they are unwell.
Cuts or open sores, whether on adults or children will be covered with sticking plaster or other
dressing if written permission has previously been given by the parent.
In case of contagious diseases such as chickenpox, guidance is taken from the Department of
Health’s recommendations, a copy of which is displayed on the parents' notice board.
We will inform Ofsted of a serious illness within our pre-school as soon as reasonably practicable but
at least within 14 days of the onset of the illness.
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Head lice and threadworms
If a child has head lice or threadworms, his/her parent should inform a member of staff. A notice
alerting parents to the presence of these in the nursery will be put up in the cloakroom. It is the
responsibility of the adult collecting a child from nursery to inform parents who do not come to the
setting.
Further advice on head lice and threadworms can be obtained from your GP or health advisor.
Allergies
Any allergies are recorded in a child’s Welcome Pack and discussed with their Key Worker on the
Induction Day.
First Aid
WVN will ensure that the first aid equipment is kept clean, replenished and replaced as necessary by
staff and or designated Health and Safety person.
Sterile items will be kept sealed in their packages until needed.
There will always be at least one qualified first aider on the premises, trained to administer first aid to
children. Staff will maintain their First Aid training by attending relevant courses every three years.
Nappy Changing
Children will be changed on a padded changing mat on the floor of the children’s toilet area, taking
care to respect the child’s privacy. Soiled nappies/pull-ups will be double-wrapped and given to
parents on collection for disposal as we are not permitted to dispose of nappies-/pull-ups in the
school waste bins.
Staff will support parents in toilet training their child. Please inform your child’s Key Worker if you
would like our support with this.
Children on prescribed medication
Administration of medication will only be done where it is detrimental to the child’s
health if not given at nursery. If a child has not had a medication before it is advised that the
parent keeps a child at home for the first 48 hours to ensure there is no adverse effect. We follow
guidelines from “Managing medicines in Schools and Early Years settings”. The child’s key person will
be responsible for administering medication, ensuring parent consent forms have been completed,
storing medication correctly and completing appropriate records of medicine administered. In the
absence of a child’s key person the leader/deputy will oversee the administering of medication.
If a child requires emergency administration of medication (apart from asthma inhalers), staff must
have appropriate training before a child starts attending pre-school. This is also subject to clearance
by our insurers.
Medicines must be supplied in their original container, be clearly labelled, be in date and prescribed
for the current condition.
Medicines will not be administered unless a doctor has prescribed them for that child.
Parents are responsible for ensuring medication held at pre-school is in date and for supplying
replacements.
WVN holds an A4 paper record of medication in our registration file, and this should be signed when
medication has been administered prior to nursery session. In the event of a medical emergency it is
vital health professionals are aware of amount and type of medicine the child has had in order to be
treated effectively; parents will be asked to sign the entry. Parents will be asked to sign our record of
medication file to give staff written permission to administer any medication.
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Health Care plans
It may be necessary for a child to have a specific health care plan detailing how to manage their care
at pre-school.
This will be devised alongside parents, sometimes with advice from a health professional.
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted within the pre-school or anywhere on the school premises.
HYGIENE
To prevent infection, adults in the pre-school ensure that the following good practices are observed:
Personal hygiene
Hands of all adults and children are washed after using the toilet and before handling food.
Children with pierced ears are not allowed to try on or share each other's earrings.
Children are encouraged to blow and wipe their noses when necessary. Soiled tissues are disposed of
hygienically.
Children are encouraged to shield their mouths when coughing.
Paper towels are used and disposed of appropriately.
Hygiene rules related to bodily fluids are followed with particular care and all staff are aware of how
infections, including HIV infection, can be transmitted.
Adult’s hands are washed after changing nappies, pull-ups or soiled clothes.
Cleaning and clearing
Any spills of blood, vomit or excrement are wiped up promptly and disposed of appropriately.
Disposable gloves are always used when cleaning up spills of body fluids. Floors and other affected
surfaces are disinfected. Fabrics contaminated with body fluids are thoroughly washed in hot water,
apart from children's clothing.
Spare laundered pants, and other clothing, are available in case of accidents, and polythene bags are
available in which to double wrap soiled garments for parents to take home and launder.
All surfaces are cleaned daily with an appropriate cleaner.
Food
WVN staff will always wash hands under running water before handling food and after using the
toilet. They may not be involved with the preparation of food if suffering from any
infectious/contagious illness or skin trouble.
Never cough or sneeze over food.
Use different paper towels for cleaning kitchen, messy play and toilet areas.
Committee member(s) responsible for Health and Safety is Claire Mason (Chair)
Health and Hygiene policy and practice reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
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Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
ANIMALS IN THE SETTING POLICY
Statement
Children learn about the natural world, its animals and other living creatures, as part of the Learning
and Development Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This may include contact with
animals, or other living creatures, either in the setting or on visits. We aim to ensure that this is in
accordance with sensible hygiene and safety controls.
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Procedures
Nursery pets; we take account of the views of parents and children when selecting an animal or
creature to keep as a pet in the setting.
We carry out a risk assessment with a knowledgeable person accounting for any hygiene or safety
risks posed by the animal or creature.
We provide suitable housing for the animal or creature and ensure this is cleaned out regularly and is
kept safely.
We ensure the correct food is offered, at the right times.
We make arrangements for weekend and holiday care for the animal or creature.
We register with the local vet and take out appropriate pet care health insurance.
We make sure all vaccinations and other regular health measures, such as de-worming, are up-todate and recorded.
Children are taught correct handling and care of the animal or creature and are supervised.
Children wash their hands after handling the animal or creature and do not have contact with animal
soil or soiled bedding.
Staff wear disposable gloves when cleaning housing or handling soiled bedding.
If animals or creatures are brought in by visitors to show the children, they are the responsibility of
their owner.
The owner carries out a risk assessment, detailing how the animal or creature is to be handled and
how any safety or hygiene issues will be addressed.
Before a visits to a farm a risk assessment is carried out
This may take account of safety factors listed in the farm’s own risk assessment, which should be
viewed.
The outings procedure is followed.
Children wash their hands after contact with animals.
Outdoor footwear worn to visit farms is cleaned of mud and debris and should not be worn indoors.
Legal framework
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
Further guidance
Health and Safety Regulation…A Short Guide (HSE 2003)
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Animals in the Setting Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY
Children and their specific dietary requirements
Before a child starts to attend the setting, we find out from parents their children's dietary needs
and preferences, including any allergies.
We record information about each child's dietary needs in their Welcome Pack and parents sign the
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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.
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 as well as their parents' wishes. To assist us with this the child in question will
have a card stating their name and their food allergies. Each card has a photo of said child and is
placed in the First Aid cupboard. This enables staff to see at a glance any dietary requirements for
each child.
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.
In order to protect children with food allergies, we discourage children from sharing and swapping
their food with one another.
We plan menus in advance and we have a weekly snack board displayed in the foyer which shows
parents what snack their child will have each day.
We provide nutritious food for all meals and snacks, avoiding large quantities of saturated fat, sugar
and salt and artificial additives, preservatives and colourings.
We include a variety of foods from two of the main food groups:
dairy foods; fruit and vegetables.
We include foods from the diet of each of the children's cultural backgrounds, providing children
with familiar foods and introducing them to new ones.
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. However we cannot always guarantee a nut free
environment.
Through discussion with parents and research reading by staff, we obtain information about the
dietary rules of the religious groups to which children and their parents belong, and of vegetarians
and vegans, and about food allergies. We take account of this information in the provision of food
and drinks.
We organise meal and snack times so that they are social occasions in which children and staff
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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.
We have fresh drinking water constantly available for the children. We inform the children about
how to obtain the water so that they know they can access it any time during the day.
We inform parents who provide food for their children about the storage facilities available in the
setting.
We give parents who provide food for their children information about suitable containers for food.
For children who drink milk, we provide semi skimmed and/or pasteurised milk.
Legal Framework
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of
foodstuffs
Further guidance
Safer Food, Better Business - www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/regulation/hygleg/hyglegresources/sfbb/
Other useful Pre-school Learning Alliance publications:
Nutritional Guidance for the Under Fives (2005)
Food and Drink Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
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Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN WVN
We believe that children will benefit most from nursery when we work in partnership with parents.
Parents are the first and most important educators of their young children. The aim of WVN is to
support parents in their essential role. We will:
Involve parents in shared record keeping about their own child, both formally and informally,
ensuring that parents have access to their child’s developmental records.
Ensure that parents are given information on a regular basis about their child's progress and have an
opportunity to discuss it with their child’s key person.
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Ensure that parents are given information about the pre-school and the pre-school curriculum.
Ensure that all parents have opportunities to contribute their own skills, knowledge and interests to
the activities of the pre-school.
Ensure that all new parents are aware of and can contribute to the pre-school's systems and policies.
Encourage parents on an individual basis to play and take an active part in the management of the
pre-school.
Ensure that all parents are fully informed about appropriate meetings, conferences, workshops and
training.
Arrange meetings so that no-one is regularly excluded.
Arrange meetings in venues that are accessible and appropriate for all.
Welcome the contributions of parents, whatever form these may take.
Make known to all parents the systems for registering queries, complaints or suggestions.
Provide opportunities for parents to learn about the pre-school curriculum.
Seek the views and suggestions of parents.
Parental involvement reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
PLANNING POLICY
WVN staff use the Early Years Outcomes tool kit to track all children progress. This information is
then used in weekly planning to develop the children in all areas of learning.
Our planning is based upon the principle that children learn most effectively when they are interested
and motivated by our activities. Therefore, all staff make observations of children to record each
child’s interests, their progress, how they are learning and their current learning needs. Staff use
children’s interests to extend their ideas, learning and development.
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In addition, the child’s Key Person produce a Learning Journal. A Learning Journal contains
observations about what the child is doing, how staff members supported their learning and
development, and record their next steps. Parents are welcome into nursery any time and are also
invited in every term to discuss their child’s progression with their Key Person.
Observations are often holistic and will cover more than one area of learning and development when
linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A child’s Key Person is responsible for monitoring their learning and development, identifying their
needs and interests, monitoring how they are learning, and using this information to inform future
planning.
Staff aim to encourage parents to contribute to their child’s records by sharing information about their
child’s experiences, interests and progress at home. Parents are invited into nursery for an informal
discussion with their child’s Key Person in their first half term of starting to discuss how their child has
settled in. Email will be used for those parents who have provided an email address to update on
your child’s progress. This information will again come from your child’s Key Person.
Using information gathered by staff, information from parents and ideas from the children, the staff
team plan a balance of adult-led focused activities alongside self-selected child-initiated activities to
offer each child appropriate challenge, progress and development. Although some adult-led focused
activities are planned with particular children in mind, all children are able to choose to participate.
Evaluations of the adult-led focused activities indicate if the activities are meeting planned learning
objectives.
We aim to ensure through our planning that all children reach their potential. This includes children
who are gifted and talented and children who have special educational needs.
Weekly plans ensure staff provide activities in each area of learning, both indoors and outdoors, that
will help every child make good progress towards the Early Learning Goals. It outlines aspects such as
resources needed and organisation of staff.
The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (Department for Education, 2012)
states "assessment should not entail prolonged breaks from interaction with children, nor require
excessive paperwork. Paperwork should be limited to that which is absolutely necessary to promote
children's successful learning and development".
Planning policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
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Signature
Date
Name
Signature
SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF
CHILDREN - POLICY AND PROCEDURE
WVN intend to create an environment in which children’s rights are respected, children are safe from
abuse and harm, and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.
We work within the Safeguarding Children board guidelines and follow procedures set down in “What
to do if you’re worried a child is being abused” (HMG, 2006).
We aim to meet our responsibilities under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
We adhere to the Professional Responsibilities for Early Years Staff when using any form of ICT (see
relevant section below)
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In order to achieve this we will;
Exclude known abusers
It will be made clear to applicants for posts within the pre-school that the position is exempt from the
provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
All applicants who work within the nursery, whether paid or voluntary, will be interviewed before an
appointment is made and will be asked to provide two references. All such references will be followed
up. In the case of applicants with unexplained gaps in their employment history, or who have moved
rapidly from one job to another, explanations will be sought.
All appointments, both paid and voluntary, will be subject to a supervised probationary period. An
enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check will be obtained for each new appointment by the preschool. Staff have a contractual responsibility to inform the pre-school of any subsequent offence that
may affect their suitability to work with children.
Seek and supply training
We will seek out training opportunities for all adults involved in the pre-school to ensure that they
recognise the signs and signals of possible physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse and sexual
abuse. Staff will maintain their Child protection training by attending relevant courses every three
years.
All staff are aware of the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns.
Prevent abuse by means of good practice
Visiting adults will not be out of view of other adults with individual children or with small groups.
Volunteers and students will be supervised.
Mobile telephones, cameras and bags belonging to staff, volunteers, visitors and students will be
placed securely in the kitchen away from children.
Photographs of the children taken on the pre-school camera, once downloaded and printed will be
deleted from the computer/camera equipment. The pre-school camera is not used in toilet or
changing areas and is accessible to any staff member.
A staff member who needs to take a child aside will remain on view to all staff. Only adults with a
pre-school enhanced criminal records bureau check will be allowed into the children’s toilet area.
We will promote children’s rights to be strong, resilient and listened to by encouraging them to
develop a sense of autonomy and independence through adult support in making choices, in finding
names for their own feelings and acceptable ways to express them, and helping children to establish
and sustain satisfying relationships with their peers and adults. This will enable the children to have
the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches.
The layout of the pre-school and deployment of staff will permit constant supervision of all children
We have control over who comes into the pre-school and record details of all visitors.
In the event of internet access all computer applications will be controlled with relevant restrictions in
place.
Respond appropriately to suspicions of abuse
We follow the guidelines for the reporting of suspected abuse as given by the Safeguarding Children
Board.
The first concern will be the child. Children whose condition or behaviour has given cause for concern
will be listened to, reassured and helped to understand that they themselves are valued and
respected and have not been at fault.
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Parents will normally be the first point of reference. But if they are not in a position to allay any
legitimate anxieties, the matter will also be taken up with Hertfordshire Social Care.
Staff will complete a Child Protection log in the first instance and give this to the pre-school Child
Protection Co-ordinator.
The Child Protection Co-ordinator will decide the next step to take and seek advice from Hertfordshire
Social Care, if appropriate.
Changes in children's behaviour, appearance or play will be investigated.
In exceptional circumstances, Ofsted may be the first point of reference.
All such suspicions and investigations will be kept confidential, & shared only with those who need to
know. The people most commonly involved will be the Child Protection Co-ordinator and staff working
directly with the child.
Allegations of abuse against staff members or volunteers
If Parents need to complain about the behaviour or actions of a staff member or volunteer please
inform the nursery leader/deputy or chairperson immediately as appropriate to the action. Staff
members will inform the leader/deputy or chairperson if they have any concerns about unacceptable
practice or behaviour towards a child by another staff member or volunteer.
If a staff member or volunteer is accused of any form of child abuse by a parent, child or other staff
member, s/he will be interviewed by the leader/deputy or chairperson. The person accused may
choose to attend the interview accompanied by a friend or colleague and to seek advice from a union
representative. However, if the allegation is against the leader/deputy, the Chairperson will conduct
the interview. The person against whom the allegation is made will be informed of the allegation and
will immediately be suspended on full pay while investigations take place.
We will refer any such complaint immediately to the Early Years Named Senior Officer in the Local
Authority Designated Officer (LADO) unit in line with Hertfordshire Local Safeguarding Children Board
procedures. We will fully co-operate with any investigation carried out including any police
investigations into a possible criminal offence.
Ofsted will be informed of any allegations made against staff or volunteers within the pre-school at
the earliest opportunity but at least within 14 days of the initial allegation.
Confidential records will be kept of the allegation and of all subsequent proceedings.
Ofsted will also be informed at the earliest opportunity but at least within 14 days if a staff member,
volunteer or committee member is disqualified or may be disqualified following the pre-school
becoming aware of relevant information. The staff member, volunteer or committee member's
association with WVN will be suspended during any investigations and will be terminated if s/he is
disqualified.
We will keep records called a Child Protection Log
whenever worrying changes are observed in a child's behaviour, physical condition, play or
appearance, a specific and confidential record will be set up – a Child Protection log. This is quite
separate from the usual on-going records of children's progress and development.
In addition to the name, address and date of birth of the child, the record will include: timed and
dated observations, describing objectively the child's behaviour/appearance, without comment or
interpretation; whenever possible, the exact words spoken by the child will be recorded; the name
and signature of the staff member recording the details will be present on every log.
Such records will be kept in a separate file and will not be accessible to people other than those
trained as pre-school Child Protection Co-ordinators.
Child Protection logs will be transferred onto your child's school or other early years setting.
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Liaising with professional bodies
WVN operates in accordance with guidelines laid down by Safeguarding Children Board.
Confidential records kept on children about whom the nursery is anxious will be shared with Ofsted,
for the nursery and for Social Care to work well together.
Contact details of sources of advice, help and support will also be kept, for example the Police Child
Abuse Investigation Unit, the NSPCC.
Support families
WVN will take every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relationships between
families, staff and volunteers in the group.
Where abuse at home is suspected, the nursery will continue to welcome the child and family while
investigations proceed.
Confidential records kept on a child will be shared with parents only if appropriate under the guidance
of Hertfordshire Social Care.
With the proviso that the care and safety of the child must always be paramount, the pre-school will
do all in its power to support and work with the child's family.
Named Child Protection Co-ordinator is Melanie Wickens. In her absence Marian Potter will act
as child protection co-ordinator. Both members of staff are trained for this role.
Named people for e-Safety are Melanie Wickens and Marian Potter (see also E-Safety Policy)
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children policy and procedures reviewed procedure reviewed
annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
SAFETY - POLICY AND PRACTICE
The safety of young children in our care is of paramount importance.
In order to ensure the safety of both children and adults, the pre-school will ensure that:
All children are supervised by adults at all times:
Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults are present.
All staff are aware of the system in operation for children's arrivals and departures and a staff
member will be by the nursery door and a staff member will be monitoring children during these
periods.
A register of children is completed soon after their arrival so that a complete record of children
present is available in an emergency.
The attendance of staff is recorded on the register. The attendance of rota volunteers and visitors is
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recorded in the visitor’s book and the register. Any regular volunteers must have a DBS in place.
If a small group goes out, there will be sufficient adults to maintain appropriate ratios for staff and
children remaining on the premises.
Activities such as cooking, and energetic play receive close supervision.
Staff are unable to accept responsibility for children before opening, and after a child has been
collected.
Children will leave the nursery only with authorised adults. If your child is to be collected by another
adult please sign to give authorisation for collection giving name of said nominee.
In the event a child becomes lost, the emergency procedure will come into
operation:
1) Designated staff members will check the pre-school room and pre-school garden including all exits,
toilets and cupboards.
2) If the child is not found, the search will then be widened to cover the school grounds whilst a
designated staff member telephones the child’s parents and the police.
3) If the child is still not found, the search will again be widened to include Weston village
concentrating in the first instance on known routes, i.e. to home address.
4) The nursery will gather as much of the following information as possible in order to assist the
police on their arrival:
Child’s name and date of birth;
Description of child;
Description of child’s clothing;
Photograph of child;
Details of child’s medical conditions (if applicable);
Child’s emotional state;
Home address and address of any relatives/carers living locally;
Time and location of last sighting;
Areas searched.
5) In the event of a child being lost, the leader/deputy/ chairperson and Ofsted will be contacted at
the earliest convenience, but at least within 14 days of the incident. A significant incidence form will
be completed by the nursery leader/deputy or chairperson. N.B refer to uncollected child policy
Accidents;
The nearest staff member trained in First Aid will deal with any accidents following current first aid
procedures.
Accidents will be recorded in the accident book by the staff member who dealt with the accident and
authorised adults will be asked to sign the accident record when collecting their child.
Accident forms include information on bumps to the head for parents who are not collecting their
child. These will be presented to the carer on collection of the child.
Any bump to the head will be assessed and the child observed. If the child appears unwell then their
emergency contact will be notified.
A parent may be telephoned to collect their child if it is felt non-emergency medical treatment is
required.
With parents permission, in a medical emergency an ambulance will be called.
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The General Safety of our Environment;
The main entrance is secured after children’s arrivals and departures.
Outdoor space is secured and enclosed.
There are adequate systems and equipment for the detection and control of fire.
Fire doors are never to be obstructed by the nursery and fire exits are easily identifiable.
Heaters, electric points, wires and leads are adequately guarded and are subject to a daily risk
assessment.
All dangerous materials, including medicines and cleaning materials, are stored out of reach of
children.
Children do not have access to kitchens, cookers or any cupboards storing hazardous materials.
Adults do not walk about with hot drinks or place hot drinks within reach of children.
Smoking is not permitted within the pre-school or anywhere on the school premises.
In the event of internet access all computer applications will be controlled with relevant restrictions in
place.
Routine Nursery Checks;
The identity of visitors is checked and visitors do not have unsupervised access to children. The staff
member signing the visitor into pre-school is responsible for checking the identity of unknown visitors.
First aid kits are checked regularly and contents are replenished as necessary.
Equipment is checked informally every time it is used to ensure it is safe, and is subject to a periodic
risk assessment.
Children have no access to stored equipment. All equipment is selected and provided by adults to
ensure the children’s safety at all times.
The layout and space ratios allow children and adults to move safely and freely between activities.
The premises are checked before locking up at the end of the day.
Large equipment is erected with care and checked before and after use.
Fire extinguishers are checked annually by Weston Primary School.
Fire drills are held at least twice a term. Records of these are kept in the nursery register file.
We complete a daily Risk Assessment prior to every session:
These are kept in the risk assessment folder in the kitchen.
Additionally we carry out an annual risk assessment checks which are given to the chairperson for
insurance purposes; a copy is kept in the locked filing cabinet.
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Outings
In order to offer a varied and stimulating curriculum for the children in our care we aim to
undertaking a variety of outings throughout the academic year. These will vary from informal local
walks to full scale trips out to zoos/farms, etc. In all instances the children will not be taken out of the
nursery environment without prior consent from parents.
Informal Walks
As part of our registration documents parents are asked to confirm their consent to ad hoc local walks
so that good weather can be enjoyed when it occurs and walks for autumnal finds or visits to the
village church can be undertaken when appropriate. In these instances adult:child ratios are always
maintained accordingly. The Nursery Leader will assess the children’s development and ability in
order to establish whether existing staffing levels are sufficient or whether additional parent helpers
are necessary. No walk will be undertaken without due diligence being paid and risk fully assessed.
Before an outing is undertaken a responsible adult (staff or committee member) will make a site
visit in order to assess the destination’s suitability. If the site is already known to the group this may
not be necessary. Where appropriate, contact will be made with the venue to advise of the intended
visit and the nursery needs will be discussed, e.g. toilet facilities. A risk assessment form will be
completed by the Leader and necessary arrangements made, e.g. checking vehicle/transport
arrangements.
See Risk Assessment forms and the information contained on them. (Kept in register file)
Adult:child ratios will be established in accordance with the level of risk of the environment and steps
taken in order to ensure adequate adult help is secured. Where parents are helping with
transportation, relevant vehicular documentation will be sought, e.g. insurance documents, MOT
certificates. Children will only be transported with appropriate child seats installed.
Wherever possible parental help on outings will be sought by parents who have been DBS checked in
order that parent helpers can be used to either take children to the toilet and/or be held responsible
for small groups of children whilst staff take the children to the toilet.
Parental permission is sort via Welcome Packs, and if required in advance of any trip, and is kept for
reference by the child’s Key Person.
An accompanying trip letter will inform parents of the nature of the outing, together with any specific
clothing requirements, e.g. wellies, and any changes to the normal nursery session times, e.g. if
children will arrive back later than normal finishing time.
The Leader will take the following items on the outing:
• the mobile phone (fully charged)
• register and contact details
• first aid pouch
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• accident forms
• specific medicines e.g. inhaler, epi-pen
• relevant refreshments for the outing
• nappies, wipes, spare clothes, etc. for any children who may require changing,
Children will be allocated to adults where appropriate. Regular head counts will be made throughout
the trip.
Safety issues will be explained to the children before they embark on the outing.
Washing/wiping of hands will be undertaken before any food/snacks are eaten whilst on the outing.
Regular toilet stops will be made for the children’s convenience – appropriate to the length of the
trip/outing.
We hold Public Liability Insurance and display the certificate on the notice board in the Cloakroom.
Committee member(s) responsible for Health and Safety is Claire Mason
Safety policy and practice reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
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Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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Emergency Closure Policy
We endeavour to be open as stated in our admissions policy without disruption. Where disruption is
unavoidable, all involved in the nursery are kept informed and we reopen at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Methods
An emergency closure may be implemented in the following circumstances:

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
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When the building is unusable through accidental or malicious damage
When the building is unusable due to required maintenance work. Where possible we will
endeavour to negotiate scheduled work to be carried out during times of closure.
When an outbreak of illness within the nursery requires closure in line with Health Protection
Agency (HPA) and Ofsted guidelines.
When illness levels within the staff body mean it is impossible to maintain the correct ratios
of suitable adults to children.
When severe weather conditions prevent staff from reaching the nursery safely and it is
impossible to maintain the correct ratios of suitable adults to children.
When staff bereavement means it is impossible to maintain the correct ratios of suitable
adults to children.
If Weston Primary School is closed
In the event of any of the above incidents occurring which requires the nursery to not open on a
given afternoon, the nursery Leader/Deputy/Chairperson will make contact with the families affected
for that session in advance of the day where practical. Where this is not practical, a member of the
management is asked to remain at the building until such time as it can be determined that all the
affected families have been made aware of the situation. The nursery Leader is responsible for
informing the relevant authorities of the unexpected closure. Initially this means informing the Early
Years Childcare and Extended Services team. Other parties who may need to be informed are Ofsted,
Health Protection Agency, and local health authority, Health and Safety Executive and RIDDOR,
depending on the circumstances of the closure. Parents are informed about how they can find out
when the nursery will re-open and other pertinent information according to the circumstances of the
closure. This may include asking them to nominate a preferred contact number/email address, or
holding a special meeting to keep parents informed.
Emergency closure after a session has started
In the event of an emergency closure after the session has started you will be informed by telephone
that you are required to collect your child as soon as possible. If the closure is due to sickness, the
children and all staff who are unaffected remain on the premises until all children can be collected.
If the closure is due to an emergency which requires the building to be evacuated, the children are
safely evacuated according to the current Fire Drill procedures. Contact information for all the
children is taken out of the building alongside the daily register. Once the building is evacuated, the
nursery Leader ensures the relevant authorities/emergency services are called. The children are then
taken to a place of safety until such time as they can all be collected by parents and carers. The
nursery Leader/Deputy/chairperson will contact the parents and carers of the children present. All
staff remain with the children during this time.
Where the nursery has to close in an emergency, the management arrange for any funding from the
local authority to be repaid if required, and for refunds to be made to any families who pay fees. This
is usually made by way of a reduction from the next half-term’s fees, but may be in the form of a
direct payment if circumstances require.
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When the temporary nursery closure is expected to continue, the Leader and/or Chairperson should
direct staff to report for duty at an alternative workplace
Implementation Plan for Emergency Closure
The teacher will take an Emergency Bag where ever feasible to do so. This will contain the Register,
home contact details, a mobile phone, and necessary medications and the First Aid Kit.
One staff member will be named a spokesperson, one staff member will call for help and one staff
member will gather the emergency equipment. Additional tasks will be assigned as needed. The
remaining staff members will be responsible for gathering the children in a safe location within the
building to wait until it is a safe time to evacuate or until help arrives.
The implementation of the plan will be as follows:
1. Follow instructions of the first responder to see if evacuation is advisable and, if so, designated
location. From the first responder we hope to obtain knowledge of the safety issues involved.
2. Gather equipment near the emergency exit.
3. Call parents and inform them that the children are in a secure location. Request that parents pick
up children as soon as it is safe to do so. Use mobile phone if necessary. The nursery leader will
remain with the children at all times. A sign will be put on the nursery doors for parents who could
not be reached.
4. Before returning to the facility and/or reopening, check with appropriate authorities to determine if
conditions are safe, check operation of all utilities and call parents.
5. In the case of an extended period of power outage, loss of heat or water, WVN will close. Parents
will be contacted by mobile/land phone if we are in school at the time of the loss. Afternoon sessions
will be cancelled if the problem arises in the morning and has not been fixed by 10:30 AM.
Emergency closure policy and practice reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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BAD WEATHER POLICY
STATEMENT OF INTENT
In the event that the nursery has to close due to circumstances beyond its control e.g. bad weather,
this decision will be taken by the Chairperson and Lead Practitioner.
AIM
To confirm that in the event of bad weather that the setting is safe to travel to and remain open for
the day. To close the setting if it is not safe to travel due to snow and ice, or if the temperature in the
building is below 65F .
To inform parents/carers/staff as soon as possible of the decision to close.
STATEMENT
If Weston Primary School is closed, Weston Voluntary Nursery will also be closed. The Chairperson
and Lead Practitioner will make the final decision on closure.
If the nursery remains open, there must be adequate heating and sufficient staff to meet ratios
Staff must be able to travel safely to nursery e.g. roads and pavements must be safe for travel
The Chairperson and Lead Practitioner will notify staff due to work that day of the decision to close as
soon as possible
Bad Weather Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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Uncollected child Policy
In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of a session/day, the
setting puts into practice agreed procedures. These ensure the child is cared for safely by an
experienced and qualified practitioner who is known to the child. We will ensure that the child
receives a high standard of care in order to cause as little distress as possible.
We inform parents/carers of our procedures so that, if they are unavoidably delayed, they will be
reassured that their children will be properly cared for.
Information collected on our Registration Form:
Parents of children starting at the setting are asked to provide the following specific information
which is recorded on our Registration Form:
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Home address and telephone number - if the parents do not have a telephone, an alternative
number must be given, perhaps a neighbour or close relative.
Place of work, address and telephone number (if applicable).
Mobile telephone number (if applicable).
Names, addresses, telephone numbers and signatures of adults who are authorised by the
parents to collect their child from the setting, for example a child-minder or grandparent.
Who has parental responsibility for the child?
Information about any person who does not have legal access to the child.
On occasions when parents are aware that they will not be at home or in their usual place of
work, they inform us in writing of how they can be contacted.
On occasions when parents or the persons normally authorised to collect the child are not
able to collect the child, they provide a password for their child and give this to designated
person collecting child.
Parents are informed that if they are not able to collect the child as planned, they must
inform us so that we can begin to take back-up measures. We provide parents with our
contact telephone number.
If a child is not collected at the end of the session/day, we follow the following
procedures:
The child’s file is checked for any information about changes to the normal collection routines.
If no information is available, parents/carers are contacted at home or at work.
If this is unsuccessful, the adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the
setting – and whose telephone numbers are recorded on the Registration Form – are contacted.
All reasonable attempts are made to contact the parents or nominated carers. If no-one collects the
child after one hour and there is no-one who can be contacted to collect the child, we apply the
procedures for uncollected children.
We contact our local authority children’s social care team: Tel: 01438 737 555
The child stays at setting in the care of two fully-vetted workers until the child is safely collected
either by the parents or by a social care worker.
Social Care will aim to find the parent or relative if they are unable to do so, the child will become
looked after by the local authority.
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Under no circumstances should staff go to look for the parent, nor do they take the child home with
them.
A full written report of the incident is recorded in the child’s file.
Depending on circumstances, we reserve the right to charge parents for the additional hours worked
by our staff.
Ofsted may be informed: Tel: 0300 123 1231
Our local Early Years Advisor may also be informed. Tracey Dawson on 07770 637089
Herts for Learning Ltd, Postal Point SROB215, Robertson House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage. SG1 2FQ
Uncollected child policy and practice reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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SETTLING IN PRE-SCHOOL - POLICY AND PRACTICE
WVN want children to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents, to recognise other adults
as a source of help, friendship and authority and to be able to share with their parents afterwards the
new learning experiences enjoyed in pre-school.
In order to accomplish this, we aim to create a partnership with parents in the following ways:
Arranging a visit to pre-school for parent(s) and child before the child is due to start.
By assigning a Key Person to your child and family, and an additional staff member if necessary.
Creating opportunities for sharing information.
Finding out information about your child before they start.
Ensuring opportunities for parents to add to and comment on their children's progress by making preschool records readily available and by offering parent meetings.
Having flexible settling procedures, if appropriate, to meet the needs of individual families and
children.
Making clear to families from the outset that they will be supported by the pre-school for as long as it
takes to settle their child.
Reassuring parents whose children seem to be taking a long time settling into the pre-school.
Introducing new families into the pre-school on a staggered basis where possible.
Children cannot play or learn successfully if they are anxious and unhappy. Our settling procedures
aim to help parents and children to feel comfortable in the pre-school, to ensure that children can
benefit from what pre-school has to offer, and to be confident that their parent will return.
Settling in pre-school policy and practice reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES POLICY
Special Education Needs/Inclusion Policy
At WVN we provide an environment in which all children are supported to reach their full potential.
We have regard for the DfES Special Educational needs Code of Practice 2001. We include all
children in our provision.
Aims
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We provide practitioners to help support parents and children with additional and special
educational needs (SEN)/disabilities.
We identify the specific needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
and meet those needs through a range of strategies.
We work in partnership with parents and other agencies in meeting individual children’s
needs.
We monitor and review our practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments.
We support all children attending our setting through inclusive practice
Methods
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The needs and progress of children of children with Special Educational Needs are
monitored by our Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (SENCO)
Melanie Wickens and Marian Potter
We ensure that the provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is
the responsibility of all members of the setting.
We ensure that our inclusive admissions practice provides equality of access and
opportunity.
We ensure that our physical environment is as far as possible suitable for children with
disabilities.
We work closely with parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to
create and maintain a positive partnership.
We ensure that parents are informed at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision and
review of their children’s education. Children’s progress and achievements are shared with
parents on a regular basis.
We liaise with the Inclusion Development Officer employed by Herts County Council, who
may visit our setting to offer support. We also liaise with other agencies such as Health
Professionals including – Health Visitors and Community Nursery Nurses.
We use the graduated response system from the SEN Code of Practice for identifying,
assessing and responding to children’s special educational needs. At Early Years Action the
setting initially makes adjustments to activities using different strategies to support the
child. If the child continues to need support we use an Individual Education Plan to help the
child move forward in liaison with parents.
If a child needs more support than within the setting they may then move on to Early Years
Action Plus, when other agencies may be involved in supporting the child in the setting such
as SEN Advisory Teachers, Speech Therapists, Educational Psychology Service.
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We work closely with any other agencies using an integrated approach through Team
around the Child, using tools such as Early Support and the Common Assessment
Framework (CAF)
We provide parents with information on sources of independent advice and support.
We provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all children with Special Educational Needs
and Disabilities.
We provide a differentiated inclusive curriculum to meet individual needs and abilities.
We use a system of planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reviewing individual
educational plans (IEPs) for children with Special Educational Needs ad Disabilities.
We ensure that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are appropriately
involved at all stages of the graduated response, taking into account their levels of ability.
We liaise with other professionals involved with children with SEND and their families,
including transfer arrangements to other settings and schools.
We use a system for keeping records of the assessment, planning, provision and review for
children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
We ensure the privacy of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities when
intimate care is being provided.
We raise awareness of any specialism the setting has to offer, e.g. Makaton trained staff.
We ensure the effectiveness of our SEN/disability provision by collecting information from a
range of sources e.g. IEP reviews, staff and management meetings, parental and external
agencies views, inspections and complaints. This information is collated, evaluated and
reviewed annually.
We provide a complaints procedure.
We monitor and review our policy annually.
Our staff whenever possible attend in service training on special educational needs through
Herts County Council.
WVN aims to:
Have regard to the DfES "Code of Practice" on the identification and assessment of special
educational needs;
Provide a welcome, appropriate learning opportunities, and equality of opportunity for all children,
valuing them as individuals;
Identify those children at an early age who have special educational needs, be they educational,
behavioural, emotional or physical in nature, to enable that child to reach his/her potential;
Work in partnership with parents in the assessment of and provision for children with special
educational needs.
Admission of children with special educational needs
Please also refer to our Admissions and Equalities policies.
WVN does not discriminate children with special educational needs. To ensure individual needs are
met consultation between parents, leader/deputy and Chairperson will be conducted prior to
admittance.
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Parents will be expected, if possible, to inform the nursery in writing of details of their child's special
educational needs as soon as possible. We can then ensure we can meet their child's needs, check
our insurance cover is adequate and, if necessary, seek help and advice from relevant professionals.
The pre-school may seek parents' permission to contact their child's GP or other involved
professionals.
If it is felt that a child's needs cannot be met in the nursery without the support of a one-to-one child
support assistant or other professional involvement, then we will liaise with the appropriate
authorities and parents in an effort to provide this help. We must have the support of parents in this.
The nursery is accessible to all children. The building has a side access and a separate gate into the
nursery garden with secure fire doors into the nursery. This may be used as an alternative entrance
for those using a wheelchair until a ramp has been built. Toilet facilities with disabled access are
available in the school building.
Identification and assessment of special educational needs at pre-school
WVN believe that early identification of special educational needs is of the utmost importance.
Guidance is taken from the DfES "Code of Practice" on the identification and assessment of special
educational needs.
We utilise the practitioners learning journal and SEN Descriptors.
Our system of observations, which operate in conjunction with parents, enables us to monitor
children's needs and progress on an individual basis.
If it is felt a child has special educational needs the nursery SENCo and child’s key person will discuss
findings with the child's parents. With parents' permission, together they will initiate "Early Years
Action" which involves the formation of an Individual Child Plan (see below).
If more help seems to be needed, the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) designated person will
complete a CAF together with the SENCo, child’s key person and parents. The CAF will initiate input
and involvement from an outside professional, for example an early years support teacher or
educational psychologist. The SENCo, child's key person and parents will initiate "Early Years Action
Plus" using targets and strategies from the outside professional.
If the child needs more formal input then a request for a statement of special educational needs can
be made, which puts the matter onto a statutory footing
Support of children with special educational needs at nursery
Named Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo): Melanie Wickens is the recognised
SENCo, and has attended training for this role. In her absence, Marian Potter has also attended
training for this role.
Role of the SENCo
The SENCo will liaise with parents and other professionals; advise and support other staff; ensure
appropriate records are in place; ensure relevant information is collected and updated; take the lead
in assessing, monitoring and reviewing actions to support a child; and guide future planning to meet
a child's needs.
Observation, curriculum planning and record keeping
We will ensure that the needs of the child are observed. As for all children at pre-school we keep
records of the progress of children with special educational needs, and use these to formulate plans
tailored to the individual needs of a child.
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be drawn up which details additional activities and resources
that are needed over and above the usual curriculum. This will take into consideration the individual
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child’s likes and dislikes. Input from and collaboration with parents, the child and other involved
professionals is essential.
Resources
Personal care
The provision of specific personal care will usually be the responsibility of your child’s one-to-one child
support assistant or key person. Please refer to the Health and Hygiene - policy and practice
Medication
Please refer to the Health and Hygiene – policy and practice.
Health Care plan
Please refer to the Health and Hygiene - policy and practice.
Liaison with other professionals
With the permission of parents we will make and maintain contact with therapists, education and
social care staff or any other specialised professionals as appropriate. By working together we aim to
meet individual children’s needs and provide the most appropriate care and education.
Information and parent support
WVN will take every opportunity to ensure the parents of a child with special educational needs are
welcomed, involved and supported in the same manner as all other parents. We will support the
parents in any possible way and develop our network to acquire the necessary information about
specific situations. We value the information parents provide about their child and the views parents
have.
Parents have ready access to their child’s developmental records.
Staff training and support
Staff incorporate the use of Makaton sign language each session and attend; whenever possible,
training on special educational needs arranged by the Hertfordshire Early Years and Childcare Service
or other professional bodies.
Confidentiality
Any information relating to children with special educational needs is subject to our Confidentiality
Policy. In particular, any information given to pre-school staff by parents will not be passed on to
anyone, apart from the leader/deputy or Chairperson, without the parents' permission.
School links
Special educational needs records will be transferred to a child’s school or other early years setting
unless we have written instructions from parents not to do this
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Special Educational needs policy and practice reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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STAFFING POLICY
We have an adult-to-child ratio of at least 1 to 8 depending on the ages of the children attending the
session. This ensures that every child receives a high level of individual attention.
We have contingency plans for staff absences.
We aim for the leader to hold a minimum of a recognised Level 3 childcare qualification and two
years experience in a childcare setting, and for at least half of other staff to hold a minimum of a
recognised Level 2 childcare qualification. Where this is not the case training will be sought at the first
opportunity.
Staff hold regular meetings at which they plan the implementation of the curriculum.
Each child's individual progress is monitored by their Key Person.
Staff on medication seek medical advice to ensure they are able to work with children.
STAFF TRAINING
Our staff are continually undertaking a programme of training, such as training provided by the Early
Years and Childcare Service or CACHE NVQ training, ensuring they are up-to-date with current
thinking on pre-school education and care.
New staff will have induction training. If you would like to see a copy of our Staff Training Induction
Pack please let the Nursery Leader know.
The leader provides support and mentoring to all staff, and carries out regular staff appraisals.
Our budget includes an allocation towards training costs.
A list of qualifications held by our staff and courses they have attended is in our Staff Records file at
nursery and can be seen on request.
DISQUALIFICATION POLICY
Reasons for Disqualification
Some people are automatically disqualified from working with children due for example to certain
offences they have committed.
The law disqualifies some people from registering as a child-minder or childcare provider, and
prevents such people from being employed or involved in the provision of other childcare.
You cannot register to provide childcare if you have been:
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Disqualified;
Convicted or charged with an offence against a child;
Convicted or charged with certain offences against an adult (for example, murder,
kidnapping, rape, indecent assault, assault causing actual bodily harm);
Listed on the Protection of Children Act 1999 (PoCA) list of persons considered unsuitable to
work with children;
Made the subject of a direction made under section 142 of the Education Act 2002, known as
List 99, that you are considered not a fit and proper person to work with children;
Made the subject of a disqualifying order;
Made the subject of an order where a child has been removed from your care or prevented
from living with you;
Refused registration as a childcare provider previously or have had your registration
cancelled;
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Refused registration or had registration cancelled - this does not apply to a person whose
registration as a child-minder or childcare provider is cancelled in England for non-payment of
the fee.
Additionally, you cannot register to provide childcare if:
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A person who is part of the organisation applying to provide registered childcare, such as a
partner, director or committee member, is disqualified.
You, or any other member of the organisation lives with someone who is disqualified.
A person living on the premises where childcare is provided has been disqualified.
You cannot employ a person to work with children if they have been disqualified, or live with
disqualified person. It is an offence if you knowingly do so.
If you would like to know about disqualification you can talk to Ofsted on 08456 404040.
The above information must be provided to OFSTED as soon as reasonably practical, but at the latest
within 14 days of the date the provider become aware of the information or ought to have reasonably
become aware had they made reasonable enquiries.
To ensure our policies and procedures remain effective we will monitor and review them annually.
Ref: Statutory Requirements, EYFS
Disqualification in accordance with regulations made under Section 75 of the Childcare Act 2006 –
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. Department
of Education. 27 March 2012.
Staffing Policy, Training Policy & Disqualification Policy are reviewed procedure reviewed annually by
Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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STUDENT PLACEMENT POLICY
We recognise that the quality and variety of work which goes on in our nursery makes it an ideal
place for students on placement from school (for example, year 10 students from Knights Templar
and Hitchin Girls school).
Students are welcomed into the nursery on the following conditions:
Students will not be counted in the staffing ratios.
Students will be under the supervision of senior staff members.
The needs of the children are paramount. Students will not be admitted in numbers which hinder the
essential work of the pre-school.
Students must be confirmed by their tutor as being engaged in a bona fide childcare course which
provides necessary background understanding of children's development and activities (apart from
year 10 students).
Students required to conduct child studies will obtain written permission from the parents of the
children to be studied.
Any information gained by the students about the children, families or other adults in the pre-school
must remain confidential.
Unless students have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check they will not have unrestricted
access to children.
Student Placement Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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Abuse of trust Policy – The Sexual Offences Act 2003
In accordance with the act, we will consider it an offence for a person over eighteen to have a sexual
relationship with a young person under eighteen where that person is in the position of trust in
respect of that young person even if the relationship is consensual.
This applies where the young person is in full time education and the responsible adult works in the
same establishment as the young person, even if he/she does not teach the young person.
In nursery context this would be applicable for students carrying out work experience at the setting.
Abuse of trust – The Sexual Offences Act 2003 Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by
Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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POLICY FOR PROGRESS CHECK AT AGE 2
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requires that parents and carers must be advised of their
child’s development in the three prime learning and development areas of the EYFS: Personal, Social
and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Communication and Language. This should
be completed when the child is aged between 24-36 months.
The aims of the progress check are to:
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Review a child’s development in the three prime areas of the EYFS.
Share this information with parents at an agreed time to ensure they have a clear picture of
their child’s development.
Enable the setting to understand the child’s needs and plan activities and experiences to
meet them in the setting.
Enable parents to understand the child’s needs and enhance development at home, with
support from the setting.
Note areas where the child is progressing well and identify any areas where progress is less
than expected.
Describe actions the setting intends to take to address any developmental concerns (including
working with other professionals where appropriate).
The progress check will:
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Be completed by the child’s Key Person who knows the child well and works directly with
them in the setting.
Arise from the on-going observational assessments carried out as part of everyday practice in
the setting. This will include sticker observations, learning journeys and general day to day
observations and interactions with the child.
Be based on skills, knowledge, understanding and behaviour that the child demonstrates
consistently and independently.
Take account of the views and contributions of parents and the child if appropriate and will
include the development record the parents complete on the child’s first day.
Take into account the views of other practitioners and, where relevant, other professionals
working with the child.
Parental permission
WVN’s Welcome Pack includes a paragraph explaining the progress check. The Key Person will
discuss how the progress check works. Once the check has been completed parents will sign the 2
year check form. If a parent does not wish to be involved in the 2 year progress check then a note
should be made indicating it has been discussed and their refusal to participate. The key person will
agree a date with the parents for the check to take place. The progress check is a statutory
requirement of the EYFS. WVN will seek the consent of parents to share information from the check
directly with relevant professionals; this consent will be included within the Welcome Pack.
Settling in period
A period of settling in for the child is necessary to enable the Key Person and other staff to build up a
good knowledge of the child’s development, abilities and interests before the progress check is
completed. Nursery will aim to do the progress check by the time the children are 2 years and 11
months. The following factors may determine the timing of the progress check:
Individual needs and circumstances.
If the child has a period of ill health or a significant event in their family (e.g. family breakdown,
bereavement or the arrival of a sibling) the check can be postponed, with the agreement of the
parent.
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Pattern of attendance.
If the child has a period of non-attendance or irregular attendance then that may affect the timing of
the review.
Children not settling.
Children are all different and some settle into new settings better than others. If a child remains
unsettled at pre-school as the date for the progress check approaches then it can be delayed by up to
4 weeks with the agreement of the parents. If they still remain unsettled after this period of time the
progress check should take place but a note should be placed on the form explaining the
circumstances. Regular updates should be given to the parents as to how well the child is settling
and a note made on our copy of the progress check file to confirm when the child has settled at preschool.
Timings
The EYFS requires that the progress check is carried out when a child is age two; this includes any
child that starts at the setting between the ages of 24-36 months.
Children do not start at nursery until they are 2 ½ years of age. The timings of the progress checks
will differ for each child and will take into account a number of factors including; number of sessions
they attend per week, parental preferences, pattern of attendance, individual needs and
circumstances. We will aim to do the progress check by the time each child is 2 years and 11 months
but the factors mentioned above may affect this. The Key Person should agree with the parent(s) a
convenient date and time for the summary to be discussed. If the progress check needs to be
postponed the Key Person will speak to the parent(s) explaining the reason and will arrange an
alternative date.
If a child starts at pre-school 4 weeks prior to their 3rd birthday pre-school will not carry out the
progress check as we will have insufficient time to build up a good knowledge of the child. We will
inform the parents of this and document it on the registration form.
How we do the check
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The progress check will be in the format of the template. It will be clear and easy to read,
avoid unfamiliar jargon, acronyms or terminology (with interpretation and translation
available where appropriate).
Present a truthful yet sensitive reflection of what the child can do and their achievements to
date along with areas where the child is progressing at a slower pace than expected.
Recognise parents’ in-depth knowledge of their child by incorporating their observations and
comments, and explain how their child’s learning and development will be supported and
taken forward in the setting.
The key person will use sticker observations, learning journals and general day to day
observations and interactions with the child to record the information.
The notes on the template below will be used as a guide to record the information.
The key person will note their comments on the form relating to the 3 prime areas, prior to
the meeting.
The key person and parent(s) will meet and use the key person’s comments as a basis to
discuss the child’s progress and what next.
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Progress check at age 2 Policy reviewed procedure reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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E-SAFETY POLICY
It is a legal requirement of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) welfare requirements
(2012) that each setting holds an E-Safety Policy as from September 2012.
Statement of Intent
WVN recognise the immense value information and communication technology (ICT) plays in the
learning and development of children, and we acknowledge that it must be used safely and that all
the potential risks involved should not be ignored.
This Policy endeavours to ensure E-safety is assured to all users of the preschool, including our
children, parents, staff members or visitors.
Internet Use
In the event of internet access all computer applications will be controlled with relevant restrictions in
place.
Staff using personal computers at home, are made aware that they should be protected by secure
passwords, and they should have recognised spyware software installed.
Emails
WVN has a designated website and email address for professional correspondence which is password
protected. Parents are given this information when expressing an interest in the preschool, and again
on registration.
The password is known only to the manager and management committee. To divulge this to outside
persons is considered a breach of confidentiality and will be treated as such.
Personal Emails
The preschool recognises that the Manger and Management Committee will communicate via email
outside working hours. The preschool advises that personal computers are locked with a security
password, and have spyware downloaded as a matter of course.
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The names of children should be kept to a minimum.
Correspondence will be written in a polite, respectful and non-abusive manner, with an
appropriate use of emoticons.
Any abuse or breaches of confidentiality by any adults/ students associated with the
preschool is strictly forbidden, and will not be tolerated.
All suspected cases must be reported, the preschool will record all incidents and act on them
immediately.
Storage of Documentation
Personal computers may be used to create working documents for the preschool, in terms of
registers, invoicing, and planning for instance.
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All home computers must be password protected
Work documents placed in locked folders
Only acceptable use is permitted
Personal details are kept to a minimum
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All confidentiality is assured, with breaches considered serious misconduct, and dealt with
accordingly
Social Networks
WVN is not a member of any social network site, but recognises that staff, students and parents may
hold personal social networking accounts, and that situations may arise when staff and/or children
may be discussed. Any abuse or breaches of confidentiality by any adults/ students associated with
the preschool is strictly forbidden, and will not be tolerated. All suspected cases must be reported, the
preschool will record all incidents and act on them immediately.
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Confidentiality by staff is ensured within their terms and conditions of employment, any
reported breech of confidence is considered gross misconduct and will result in instant
dismissal.
Use of Cameras
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Personal cameras belonging to staff are not permitted in the preschool
The preschool provides an authorised digital camera for use by staff.
Parental permission is sought before any photographs are taken of children, this informed
consent includes information on how photographs are stored, and retrieved and may be
used.
All staff are made aware of any parental photographic objections or restrictions.
Staff are permitted to take children’s photographs to capture spontaneous moments to
support the Early Years Foundation Stage or to share with parents, once consent is granted.
Parents are not permitted to take any photographs of any children at social events held at the
preschool, or on visits without prior agreement of all parents present.
Professional Photographers
No photographs of children will be taken without parental consent.
Staff Mobiles
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Mobile phones may be used appropriately in the preschool, but their use will not detract from
the quality of supervision and care of children.
Staff using personal mobile phones, do so at the discretion of the Preschool Safeguarding
Officer, Manager and Management Committee.
When authorised preschool trips take place whilst the preschool is in session, the senior staff
member on duty (on the trip) is authorised to carry their personal mobile for preschool use,
and is duly recorded.
Contact lists are taken on all trips; no preschool numbers will be stored on personal mobiles.
All personal mobile phone use is open to scrutiny by the Safeguarding Officer, Preschool
Management and Ofsted, and as such is recorded.
Staff mobiles are stored safely within the setting.
Parent/ Visitor Mobiles
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Parents/visitors are requested not to use their mobiles within the preschool. Safe storage of
their phones is sought.
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E-Safety Policy reviewed annually by Chairperson
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
Date
Name
Signature
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