Question 1

Data Protection & Confidentiality

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we recognise that we hold sensitive/confidential information about children and their families and the staff we employ. This information is used to meet children’s needs, for registers, invoices and emergency contacts. We store all records in a locked cabinet or on the office computer with files that are password protected in line with data protection principles. Any information shared with the staff team is done on a ‘need to know’ basis and treated in confidence. This policy will work alongside the Privacy Notice to ensure compliance under General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

Legal requirements

We follow the legal requirements set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2017 and accompanying regulations about the information we must hold about registered children and their families and the staff working at the nursery

We follow the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 with regard to the storage of data and access to it.

Procedures

It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their families and we do so by:

Storing confidential records in a locked filing cabinet or on the office computer with files that are password protected

Ensuring staff, student and volunteer inductions include an awareness of the importance of confidentiality and that information about the child and family is not shared outside of the nursery other than with relevant professionals who need to know that information. It is not shared with friends and family, discussions on the bus or at the local bar. If staff breach any confidentiality provisions, this may result in disciplinary action and, in serious cases, dismissal. Students on placement in the nursery are advised of our confidentiality policy and required to respect it

Ensuring that all staff, volunteers and students are aware that this information is confidential and only for use within the nursery and to support the child’s best interests with parental permission

Ensuring that parents have access to files and records of their own children but not to those of any other child, other than where relevant professionals such as the police or local authority children’s social care team decide this is not in the child’s best interest

Ensuring all staff are aware that this information is confidential and only for use within the nursery setting. If any of this information is requested for whatever reason, the parent’s permission will always be sought other than in the circumstances above

Ensuring staff do not discuss personal information given by parents with other members of staff, except where it affects planning for the child’s needs

Ensuring staff, students and volunteers are aware of and follow our social networking policy in relation to confidentiality

Ensuring issues concerning the employment of staff remain confidential to the people directly involved with making personnel decisions

Ensuring any concerns/evidence relating to a child’s personal safety are kept in a secure, confidential file and are shared with as few people as possible on a ‘need-to-know’ basis. If, however, a child is considered at risk, our safeguarding/child protection policy will override confidentiality.

Ensuring staff do not discuss any issues concerning a child with other parents or carers, nor outside of the nursery setting.

Ensuring that works relating to a child’s individual learning journey are kept within their own individual file which is available to be viewed by that child’s parents or carers on request.

All the undertakings above are subject to the paramount commitment of the nursery, which is to the safety and well-being of the child.

General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) compliance

In order to meet our requirements under GDPR we will also undertake the following:

We will ensure our terms & conditions, privacy and consent notices are easily accessed/made available in accurate and easy to understand language

We will use your data only for communicating, contacting yourself, sharing with outside authorities providing prior consent has been given and only contact you where necessary. We will not share or use your data for other purposes.

In exceptional circumstances, when nursery staff have serious concerns about a chilld’s safety and/or well-being we are obliged to inform the relevant agencies without prior parental consent and will therefore share your information.

Everyone in our nursery understands that people have the right to access their records or have their records amended or deleted (subject to other laws and regulations).

Staff and volunteer information

All information and records relating to staff will be kept confidentially in a locked cabinet

Individual staff may request to see their own personal file at any time.

Question 2

Caring for Babies & Toddlers

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we care for children between the ages of 0 and 4.

The numbers and ages of children admitted to the nursery comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When considering admissions we are mindful of staff: child ratios and the facilities available at the nursery.

We operate an inclusion and equality policy and ensure that all children have access to nursery places and services irrespective of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation of parents.

Prior to a child attending nursery, parents must complete and sign a contract and registration form. These forms provide the nursery with personal details relating to the child. For example, name, date of birth, address, emergency contact details, parental responsibilities, dietary requirements, collection arrangements, fees and sessions, contact details for parents, doctor’s contact details, health visitor contact details, allergies, parental consent and vaccinations etc.

Upon enquiry, a prospectus is sent out to the prospective parents alongside an invitation to visit the setting. During the visit, prospective parents, children and families will be shown around the premises and introduced to. Staff. Time will be taken to explain information such as the daily routine, menus, ratio’s, key person system, The Early Years Foundation Stage and it’s application within the setting amongst other things.

Before a child is to start at the setting, induction visits should be arranged. Visits are valuable in gaining information in a relaxed and informal environment ensuring a strong foundation is built to provide good parental partnership links. Information about the child will be shared to help with transition and settling in, ensuring staff are in the best possible position to ensure smooth transition into the setting. The number and length of visits will depend entirely on the individual needs of the child decided between both parents and practitioners.

Providers eligible to provide government funde

At Small Wonders Nurseries we care for children under the age of two and ensure their health, safety and well-being through the following:

Children under the age of two have a separate base room and are cared for in small intimate groups. We ensure that younger children have opportunities to have contact with older children whilst at nursery

At least half of the staff team caring for children under the age of two will have undertaken specific training for working with babies

Care is taken to ensure that babies and toddlers do not have access to activities containing small pieces, which may be swallowed or otherwise injure the child

The environment and equipment are checked daily before the children access the area. This includes checking the stability of cots and areas around, low/highchairs and ensuring restraints on these, pushchairs and prams are intact and working

All doors are fitted with finger-guards to ensure the safety of children

Outdoor shoes are removed or covered when entering the baby and toddler area(s). Staff remind parents and visitors to adhere to this procedure

Babies and toddlers have their nappies changed according to their individual needs and requirements by their key person wherever possible

Information will be shared between parents and the key person about nappy changing and toilet training in a way that suits the child

Potties are washed and disinfected after every use. Changing mats are wiped with anti-bacterial cleanser before and after every nappy change

Each baby must have his/her own bedding which is washed at least weekly and when necessary

Cot mattresses meet safety standards

Children under two years are not be given pillows, cot bumpers or any soft furnishings in order to prevent risk of suffocation

We follow all cot death prevention/safety guidelines and advise parents of this information. Babies are always laid to sleep on their back, with their feet touching the foot of the cot

Sheets or thin blankets will come no higher than the baby’s shoulders, to prevent them wriggling under the covers. We make sure the covers are securely tucked in so they cannot slip over the baby’s head

Children’s individual sleeping bags may be used in consultation with parents. These are washed at least weekly and when necessary

Cots are checked before use to ensure no items are within reach i.e. hanging over or beside the cot (e.g. fly nets, cables, cord blinds)

All low/highchairs used for feeding are fitted with restraints and these are used at all times. Children are never left unattended in high chairs. Restraints are removed and washed weekly or as needed

No child is ever left unattended during nappy changing time

Babies are never left propped up with bottles as it is both dangerous and inappropriate

Babies sleeping outside have cat/fly nets over their prams and prams must lie flat so children are supported

Sleeping children are within either eye shot or ear shot.

Checks on sleeping babies are completed every 10 minutes. This may increase to five minutes for younger babies and or new babies. Checks are documented with the time and staff initials on the sleep check form

Staff do not change nappies whilst pregnant until a risk assessment has been discussed and conducted. Students only change nappies with the support and close supervision of a qualified member of staff

Where food/milk is prepared for babies there is a separate area within the kitchen which is specifically designated for this preparation

Bottles of formula milk are only made up as and when the child needs them. These should be cooled to body temperature, which means they should feel warm or cool, but not hot, and should be tested with a sterilised thermometer to ensure they are an appropriate temperature for the child to drink safely

Following the Department of Health guidelines, we only use recently boiled water to make formula bottles (left for no longer than 30 minutes to cool). We do not use cooled boiled water that is reheated

Bottles and teats are thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water and sterilised after use (they will not be washed in the dishwasher)

Contents of bottles are disposed of after two hours

Areas are available for mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies or express milk

Labelled mothers’ breast milk is stored in the fridge

If dummies are used they will be cleaned and sterilised. This also applies to dummies which have been dropped (see separate dummy policy)

All dummies are stored in separate labelled containers to ensure no cross-contamination occurs

Sterilisers are washed out and cleaned daily

Children transfer to the older age group when assessed as appropriate for their age/stage following our agreed transition and settling procedures

At Small Wonders we currently provide funded places available for children subject to availability. These places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

When you register your child for their funded place we will discuss your needs and, as far as possible with availability and staffing arrangements, we will accommodate your wishes.

Question 3

Admissions

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we care for children between the ages of 0 and 4.

The numbers and ages of children admitted to the nursery comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When considering admissions we are mindful of staff: child ratios and the facilities available at the nursery.

We operate an inclusion and equality policy and ensure that all children have access to nursery places and services irrespective of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation of parents.

Prior to a child attending nursery, parents must complete and sign a contract and registration form. These forms provide the nursery with personal details relating to the child. For example, name, date of birth, address, emergency contact details, parental responsibilities, dietary requirements, collection arrangements, fees and sessions, contact details for parents, doctor’s contact details, health visitor contact details, allergies, parental consent and vaccinations etc.

Upon enquiry, a prospectus is sent out to the prospective parents alongside an invitation to visit the setting. During the visit, prospective parents, children and families will be shown around the premises and introduced to. Staff. Time will be taken to explain information such as the daily routine, menus, ratio’s, key person system, The Early Years Foundation Stage and it’s application within the setting amongst other things.

Before a child is to start at the setting, induction visits should be arranged. Visits are valuable in gaining information in a relaxed and informal environment ensuring a strong foundation is built to provide good parental partnership links. Information about the child will be shared to help with transition and settling in, ensuring staff are in the best possible position to ensure smooth transition into the setting. The number and length of visits will depend entirely on the individual needs of the child decided between both parents and practitioners.

Providers eligible to provide government funded places for early education

At Small Wonders we currently provide funded places available for children subject to availability. These places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

When you register your child for their funded place we will discuss your needs and, as far as possible with availability and staffing arrangements, we will accommodate your wishes.

Question 4

Accidents & First Aid

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we aim to protect children at all times. We recognise that accidents or incidents may sometimes occur. We follow this policy and procedure to ensure all parties are supported and cared for when accidents or incidents happen; and that the circumstances of the accident or incident are reviewed with a view to minimising any future risks.

Accidents

The person responsible for reporting accidents, incidents or near misses is the member of staff who saw the incident or was first to find the child where there are no witnesses. They must record it on an Accident Form and report it to the nursery manager. Other staff who have witnessed the accident may also countersign the form and, in more serious cases, provide a statement. This should be done as soon as the accident is dealt with, whilst the details are still clearly remembered. Parents must be shown the Accident Report, informed of any first aid treatment given and asked to sign it on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable after

The nursery manager reviews the accident forms at least monthly/ for patterns, e.g. one child having a repeated number of accidents, a particular area in the nursery or a particular time of the day when most accidents happen. Any patterns will be investigated by the nursery manager and all necessary steps to reduce risks are put in place

The nursery manager will report serious accidents to the registered person for investigation for further action to be taken (i.e. a full risk assessment or report under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR))

The Accident File will be kept for at least 21 years and three months

Where medical attention is required, a senior member of staff will notify the parent(s) as soon as possible whilst caring for the child appropriately

Where medical treatment is required the nursery manager will follow the insurance company procedures, which may involve informing them in writing of the accident

The nursery manager/registered provider will report any accidents of a serious nature to Ofsted and the local authority children’s social care team (as the local child protection agency), where necessary. Where relevant such accidents will also be reported to the local authority environmental health department or the Health and Safety Executive and their advice followed. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practical, but in any event within 14 days of the incident occurring.

Head injuries

If a child has a head injury in the setting then we will follow the following procedure:

Calm the child

Assess the child’s condition to ascertain if a hospital or ambulance is required. We will follow our procedure for this if this is required (see below)

If the skin is not broken we will administer a cold compress for short periods of time.

If the skin is broken then we will follow our first aid training and stem the bleeding

Call the parent and make them aware of the injury

Complete the accident form

Keep the child in a calm and quiet area.

We will follow the advice on the NHS website as per all head injuries https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/minor-head-injury/

For major head injuries we will follow our first aid training.

Transporting children to hospital procedure

The nursery manager/staff member must:

Call for an ambulance immediately if the injury is severe. DO NOT attempt to transport the sick child in your own vehicle

Whilst waiting for the ambulance, contact the parent(s) and arrange to meet them at the hospital

Arrange for the most appropriate member of staff to accompany the child taking with them any relevant information such as registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and the child’s comforter

Redeploy staff if necessary to ensure there is adequate staff deployment to care for the remaining children. This may mean temporarily grouping the children together

Inform a member of the management team immediately

Remain calm at all times. Children who witness an incident may well be affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance. Staff may also require additional support following the accident.

First aid

The first aid boxes are located in the changing room and the catering first aid box can be found on top of the fridge in the kitchen. These are accessible at all times with appropriate content for use with children.

The appointed person responsible for first aid checks the contents of the boxes regularly and replaces items that have been used or are out of date.

First aid boxes should only contain items permitted by the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations Act 1981, such as sterile dressings, bandages and eye pads. No other medical items, such as paracetamol should be kept in them.

The appointed person(s) responsible for first aid is named in the roles of responsibility appendix.

Most of the staff are trained in paediatric first aid and this training is updated every three years. Certificates are displayed within the setting.

All first aid trained staff are listed in every room. When children are taken on an outing away from our nursery, we will always ensure they are accompanied by at least one member of staff who is trained in first aid. A first aid box is taken on all outings.

Food Safety and play

Children are supervised during meal times and food is adequately cut up to reduce choking. The use of food as a play material is discouraged. However, as we understand that learning experiences are provided through exploring different malleable materials the following may be used. These are risk assessed and presented differently to the way it would be presented for eating e.g. in trays,

Playdough

Cornflour

Dried pasta, rice and pulses.

Food items may also be incorporated into the role play area to enrich the learning experiences for children, e.g. Fruits and Vegetables. Children will be supervised during these activities.

Dealing with blood

We may not be aware that any child attending the nursery has a condition that may be transmitted via blood. Any staff member dealing with blood must:

Always take precautions when cleaning wounds as some conditions such as hepatitis or the HIV virus can be transmitted via blood.

Wear disposable gloves and wipe up any blood spillage with disposable cloths, neat sterilising fluid or freshly diluted bleach (one part diluted with 10 parts water). Such solutions must be carefully disposed of immediately after use.

Needle punctures and sharps injury

We recognise that injuries from needles, broken glass and so on may result in blood-borne infections and that staff must take great care in the collection and disposal of this type of material. For the safety and well-being of the employees, any staff member dealing with needles, broken glass etc. must treat them as contaminated waste. If a needle is found the local authority must be contacted to deal with its disposal.

At Small Wonders we treat our responsibilities and obligations in respect of health and safety as a priority and we provide ongoing training to all members of staff which reflects best practice and is in line with current health and safety legislation.

Question 5

Access & Storage of Information

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Day Nurseries we have an open access policy in relation to accessing information about the nursery and parents’ own children. This policy is subject to the laws relating to data protection and document retention.

Parents are welcome to view the policies and procedures of the nursery which govern the way in which the nursery operates. These may be viewed at any time when the nursery is open, simply by asking the nursery manager or by accessing the file in entrance. The nursery manager or any other relevant staff member will also explain any policies and procedures to parents or use any other methods to make sure that parents understand these in line with the nursery’s communications policy.

Parents are also welcome to see and contribute to all the records that are kept on their child. However, we must adhere to data protection laws and, where relevant, any guidance from the relevant agencies for child protection.

As we hold personal information about staff and families, we are registered under data protection law with the Information Commissioner’s Office. A copy of the certificate can be viewed on request. All parent, child and staff information is stored securely according to the requirements of data protection registration, including details, permissions, certificates and photographic images. We will ensure that staff understand the need to protect the privacy of the children in their care as well as the legal requirements that exist to ensure that information relating to the child is handled in a way that ensures confidentiality.

The nursery’s records and documentation that are required to be kept and stored by current legislation are performed in accordance with minimum legal archiving requirements. We currently archive these records for at least 24 years to ensure we are covered for any child protection concerns.

Nursery records and documentation that are not required to be kept are deleted or destroyed in line with the current data protection laws and our Privacy Notice which can be found [Insert details of where a parent can find the nursery’s Privacy Notice].

If Parents have a specific deletion or retention request regarding any data that we hold, please raise a query in writing and we will respond formally to your request.

This policy will be reviewed annually and amended according to any change in law/legislation.

Question 6

Gifted & Talented

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we plan our teaching and learning so that each child can aspire to achieve their full potential.

The purpose of this policy is to help to ensure that we recognise and support the needs of those children in our nursery who have been identified as ‘gifted’ and/or ‘talented’ and extend their learning to challenge them further.

‘Gifted’ refers to a child who has a broad range of achievement at a level well above average, typically in the more academic subjects;

‘Talented’ refers to a child who excels in one or more specific fields, typically those that call for performance skills, such as sport or music, but who does not necessarily perform at a high level across all areas of learning.

With this in mind we will ensure all children are fully supported and challenged by:

Working together with parents and carers to establish starting points on entry to nursery

Observing, assessing and planning activities in line with the individual child’s needs and interests

Providing challenging next steps to enhance the learning opportunities

Working with the child’s school to provide activities that will stretch the child further in line with the child’s future curriculum

Support transitions by providing key information to the next provision

Gifted children in language and literacy:

Are able to read and respond to a range of texts at a more advanced level

Use a wide vocabulary and variety of words in conversations and play

Are able to write fluently and with little support

Gifted children in mathematics:

Explore a broader range of strategies for solving a problem

Establish their own strategies for problem solving

Are able to manipulate numbers in a wide range of ways, e.g. adding, subtracting.

The management monitors all outcomes for children by tracking cohorts and individual children across the whole setting. This will include the gifted and talented children. Management will ensure that all children are progressing at an appropriate rate from their starting points through challenging and supportive activities and opportunities.

Question 7

Health & Safety

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees and a safe early learning environment in which children learn and are cared for. To develop and promote a strong health and safety culture within the nursery for the benefit of all staff, children and parents, we provide information, training and supervision. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which we will make to implement our health and safety procedures are set out within this policy and we make sufficient resources available to provide a safe environment.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this policy statement is to ensure that all reasonably practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the premises.

To achieve this we will actively work towards the following objectives:

Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the nursery including outdoor spaces

Establish and maintain safe working practices amongst staff and children

Make arrangements for ensuring safety and the minimising of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of hazardous articles and substances

Ensure the provision of sufficient information, instruction and supervision to enable all people working in or using the nursery to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own health and safety and to ensure that staff have access to regular health and safety training

Maintain a healthy and safe nursery with safe entry and exit routes

Formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and other emergencies and for evacuating the nursery premises. Practice this procedure on a regular basis to enable the safe and speedy evacuation of the nursery

Maintain a safe working environment for pregnant workers or for workers who have recently given birth, including undertaking appropriate risk assessments

Maintain a safe environment for those with special educational needs and disabilities and ensure all areas of the nursery are accessible (wherever practicable)

Provide a safe environment for students or trainees to learn in

Encourage all staff, visitors and parents to report any unsafe working practices or areas to ensure immediate response by the management.

We believe the risks in the nursery environment are low and we will maintain the maximum protection for children, staff and parents. The nursery will:

Ensure all entrances and exits from the building, including fire exits are clearly identifiable and remain clear at all times

Regularly check the premises room by room for structural defects, worn fixtures and fittings or electrical equipment and take the necessary remedial action

Ensure that all staff, visitors, parents and children are aware of the fire procedures and regular fire drills are carried out

Have the appropriate fire detection and control equipment which is checked regularly to make sure it is in working order

Ensure that all members of staff are aware of the procedure to follow in case of accidents for staff, visitors and children

Ensure that all members of staff take all reasonable action to control the spread of infectious diseases and wear protective gloves and clothing where appropriate

Ensure there are suitable hygienic changing facilities (see infection control policy)

Prohibit smoking on the nursery premises

Prohibit any contractor from working on the premises without prior discussion with the officer in charge

Encourage children to manage risks safely and prohibit running inside the premises unless in designated areas

Risk assess all electrical sockets and take appropriate measures to reduce risks where necessary and ensure no trailing wires are left around the nursery

Ensure all cleaning materials are placed out of the reach of children and kept in their original containers

Wear protective clothing when cooking or serving food

Prohibit certain foods that may relate to children’s allergies, e.g. peanuts are not allowed in the nursery

We follow the EU Food Information for Food Consumers Regulations (EU FIC). These rules are enforced in the UK by the Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR). We identify the 14 allergens listed by EU Law that we use as ingredients in any of the dishes we provide to children and ensure that all parents are informed

Follow the allergies and allergic reactions policy for children who have allergies

Ensure risk assessments are undertaken on the storage and preparation of food produce within the nursery

Familiarise all staff and visitors with the position of the first aid boxes and ensure all know who the appointed first aiders are

Provide appropriately stocked first aid boxes and check their contents regularly

Ensure children are supervised at all times

Ensure no student or volunteer is left unsupervised at any time

Ensure staff paediatric first aid certificates are on display (or made available to parents).

Responsibilities

The designated Health and Safety Officer in the nursery is named in the roles of responsibility appendix.

The employer has overall and final responsibility for this policy being carried out at:

Small Wonders Day Nurseries Preston.

The nursery manager/deputy nursery manager will be responsible in his/her absence.

All employees have the responsibility to cooperate with senior staff and the manager to achieve a healthy and safe nursery and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. Neglect of health and safety regulations/duties will be regarded as a disciplinary matter (see separate policy on disciplinary procedures).

Whenever a member of staff notices a health or safety problem which they are not able to rectify, they must immediately report it to the appropriate person named above. Parents and visitors are requested to report any concerns they may have to the *senior member of staff in the area/*deputy manager/*manager.

Daily contact, monthly staff meetings and health and safety meetings provide consultation between management and employees. This will include health and safety matters.

Health and safety training

Person responsible for monitoring staff training is named in the roles of responsibility appendix.

Health and safety is covered in all induction training for new staff.

At present at least one member of staff on duty MUST hold a full paediatric First Aid certificate in the nursery and when on outings.

Health and safety arrangements

All staff are responsible for general health and safety in the nursery

Risk assessments will be conducted on all areas of the nursery, including rooms, activities, outdoor areas, resources and cleaning equipment

These are reviewed at regular intervals and when arrangements change

All outings away from the nursery (however short) will include a prior risk assessment – more details are included in our outings policy

All equipment, rooms and outdoor areas will be checked thoroughly by staff before children access them or the area. These checks will be recorded and initialled by the staff responsible. Unsafe areas will be made safe/removed from the area by this member of staff to promote the safety of children. If this cannot be achieved the manager will be notified immediately

We provide appropriate facilities for all children, staff, parents and visitors to receive a warm welcome and provide for their basic care needs, e.g. easy to access toilet area and fresh drinking water

The nursery will adhere to the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (COSHH) to ensure all children, staff, parents and visitors are safe in relation to any chemicals we may use on the premises

All staff and students will receive appropriate training in all areas of health and safety which will include risk assessments, manual handling and fire safety. We may also use benefit risk assessments for particular activities and resources for children

We have a clear accident and first aid policy to follow in the case of any person in the nursery suffering injury from an accident or incident

We have a clear fire safety policy and procedure which supports the prevention of fire and the safe evacuation of all persons in the nursery. This is to be shared with all staff, students, parents and visitors to the nursery

We review accident and incident records to identify any patterns/hazardous areas

All health and safety matters are reviewed informally on an ongoing basis and formally every six months or when something changes. Staff and parents will receive these updates, as with all policy changes, as and when they happen

Staff and parents are able to contribute to any policy through the suggestion scheme and during the regular meetings held at nursery.

The policy is kept up to date and reviewed especially when the nursery changes in nature and size. It is revised annually, or as and when required. We therefore welcome any useful comments from members of staff, parents and visitors regarding this policy

Question 8

Inclusion & Equality

Accepted Answer

Statement of intent

At Small Wonders we take great care to treat each individual as a person in their own right, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within our nursery.

A commitment to implementing our inclusion and equality policy will form part of each employee’s job description. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of the nursery manager at the earliest opportunity. Appropriate steps will then be taken to investigate the matter and if such concerns are well-founded, disciplinary action will be invoked under the nursery’s disciplinary policy.

The legal framework for this policy is based on:

Special Education Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice 2015

Children and Families Act 2014

Equality Act 2010

Childcare Act 2006

Children Act 2004

Care Standards Act 2002

Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.

The nursery and staff are committed to:

Recruiting, selecting, training and promoting individuals on the basis of occupational skills requirements. In this respect, the nursery will ensure that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity/paternity

Providing a childcare place, wherever possible, for children who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities or are deemed disadvantaged according to their individual circumstances, and the nursery’s ability to provide the necessary standard of care

Making reasonable adjustments for children with special educational needs and disabilities

Striving to promote equal access to services and projects by taking practical steps (wherever possible and reasonable), such as ensuring access to people with additional needs and by producing materials in relevant languages and media for all children and their families

Providing a secure environment in which all our children can flourish and all contributions are valued

Including and valuing the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality, inclusion and diversity

Providing positive non-stereotypical information

Continually improving our knowledge and understanding of issues of equality, inclusion and diversity

Regularly reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of inclusive practices to ensure they promote and value diversity and difference and that the policy is effective and practices are non-discriminatory

Making inclusion a thread which runs through the entirety of the nursery, for example, by encouraging positive role models through the use of toys, imaginary play and activities, promoting non-stereotypical images and language and challenging all discriminatory behaviour (see dealing with discriminatory behaviour policy).

Admissions/service provision

The nursery is accessible to all children and families in the local community and further afield through a comprehensive and inclusive admissions policy.

The nursery will strive to ensure that all services and projects are accessible and relevant to all groups and individuals in the community within targeted age groups.

Recruitment

Recruitment, promotion and other selection exercises such as redundancy selection will be conducted on the basis of merit, against objective criteria that avoid discrimination. Shortlisting should be done by more than one person if possible.

All members of the selection group will be committed to the inclusive practice set out in this policy and will have received appropriate training in this regard.

Application forms will be sent out along with a copy of the equal opportunities monitoring form. Application forms will not include questions that potentially discriminate on the grounds specified in the statement of intent.

Vacancies should generally be advertised to a diverse section of the labour market. Advertisements should avoid stereotyping or using wording that may discourage particular groups from applying.

At interview, no questions will be posed which potentially discriminate on the grounds specified in the statement of intent. All candidates will be asked the same questions and members of the selection group will not introduce nor use any personal knowledge of candidates acquired outside the selection process. Candidates will be given the opportunity to receive feedback on the reasons why they were not successful.

Staff

It is the policy of Small Wonders not to discriminate in the treatment of individuals. All staff are expected to co-operate with the implementation, monitoring and improvement of this and other policies. All staff are expected to challenge language, actions, behaviours and attitudes which are oppressive or discriminatory on the grounds specified in this policy and recognise and celebrate other cultures and traditions. All staff are expected to participate in equality and inclusion training.

Staff will follow the ‘Dealing with Discriminatory Behaviour’ policy where applicable to report any discriminatory behaviours observed.

Training

The nursery recognises the importance of training as a key factor in the implementation of an effective inclusion and equality policy. All new staff receive induction training including specific reference to the inclusion and equality policy. The nursery will strive towards the provision of inclusion, equality and diversity training for all staff on a annual basis.

Early learning framework

Early learning opportunities offered in the nursery encourage children to develop positive attitudes to people who are different from them. It encourages children to empathise with others and to begin to develop the skills of critical thinking.

We do this by:

Making children feel valued and good about themselves

Ensuring that all children have equal access to early learning and play opportunities

Reflecting the widest possible range of communities in the choice of resources

Avoiding stereotypical or derogatory images in the selection of materials

Acknowledging and celebrating a wide range of religions, beliefs and festivals

Creating an environment of mutual respect and empathy

Helping children to understand that discriminatory behaviour and remarks are unacceptable

Ensuring that all early learning opportunities offered are inclusive of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds

Ensuring that children whose first language is not English have full access to early learning opportunities and are supported in their learning

Working in partnership with all families to ensure they understand the policy and challenge any discriminatory comments made

Ensuring the medical, cultural and dietary needs of children are met

Identifying a key person to each child who will continuously observe, assess and plan for children’s learning and development

Helping children to learn about a range of food and cultural approaches to meal times and to respect the differences among them.

Information and meetings

Information about the nursery, its activities and their children’s development will be given in a variety of ways according to individual needs (written, verbal and translated), to ensure that all parents can access the information they need.

Wherever possible, meetings will be arranged to give all families options to attend and contribute their ideas about the running of the nursery.

Question 9

Late Collection & Non Collection

Accepted Answer

We give parents information about the procedures to follow if they expect to be late. These include:

Agreeing a safety password with the nursery in advance to be used by anyone collecting a child who is not the parent (designated adult)

Calling the nursery as soon as possible to advise of their situation

Asking a designated adult to collect their child wherever possible

Informing the nursery of this person’s identity so the nursery can talk to the child if appropriate. This will help to reduce or eliminate any distress caused by this situation

If the designated person is not known to the nursery staff, the parent must provide a detailed description of this person, including their date of birth where known. This designated person must know the individual child’s safety password in order for the nursery to release the child into their care. This is the responsibility of the parent.

If a child has not been collected from the nursery after a reasonable amount of time has been allowed for lateness, we initiate the following procedure:

The nursery manager will be informed that a child has not been collected

The manager will check for any information regarding changes to normal routines, parents’ work patterns or general information. If there is no information recorded, the manager will try to contact the parents on the telephone numbers provided for their mobile, home or work. If this fails the manager will try the emergency contacts shown on the child’s records

The manager/staff member in charge and one other member of staff must stay behind with the child (if outside normal operating hours). During normal operating times, the nursery will plan to meet required staff ratios. If the parents have still not collected the child, the manager will telephone all contact numbers available every 10 minutes until contact is made. These calls will be logged on a full incident record

In the event of no contact being made after one hour has lapsed, the person in charge will ring the local authority children’s social services emergency duty team

The nursery will inform Ofsted as soon as convenient

The two members of staff will remain in the building until suitable arrangements have been made for the collection of the child

The child’s welfare and needs will be met at all times and to minimise distress staff will distract, comfort and reassure the child during the process

In order to provide this additional care a late fee of £15.00 per 15 minutes, (For example, 10 minutes late falls within the first 15 minutes – £15, 20 minutes late falls within the second 15 minutes- £30.00) will be charged to parents. This will pay for any additional operational costs that caring for a child outside their normal nursery hours may incur.

Where a significant amount of time has passed, in excess of an hour past collection time, and no contact has been made the child’s welfare is of paramount importance. Staff reserve the right where it is apparent that the situation will not be resolved to contact the Children’s Integrated Services and the police to ensure that the safety and security of the child.

Contact numbers:

Question 10

Medication

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we promote the good health of children attending nursery and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection (see sickness and illness policy). If a child requires medicine we will obtain information about the child’s needs for this, and will ensure this information is kept up to date.

We follow strict guidelines when dealing with medication of any kind in the nursery and these are set out below.

The nursery WILL NOT administer any prescribed medication unless prior written consent is given for each and every medicine.

Illness

If any child is brought to the nursery in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the Nursery Manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the nursery.

For information on infection control and infectious diseases visit the Public Health England website and view their document titled ‘Health protection in schools and other childcare facilities’.

If the child is deemed well enough to stay at the setting, the parent/ carer must be asked if any kind of medication has already been given, at what time and in what dosage and this will be recorded.

Medication in the Nursery Setting – General Guidance

Before administering medication to any child we will require written agreement from the parents

This agreement (usually a Medication Form) should include;

the child’s name

the name of the medication

the required dose and agreed time of administration

Clearly stated whether the medication is on-going or to be taken up until a particular date

Possible side effects, and/or the information leaflet that is normally supplied by the manufacturer made available

Medication is only accepted in its original labelled container

Where the medication is an adrenaline pen or inhaler (where there may be only occasional emergency use), it will have the expiry date of the medication recorded on the appropriate form

For non-prescription medication the nursery reserve the right to determine the number of days the medication will be given before requesting parents/ carers further input or the advice of a healthcare professional. This will be based upon the individual child and condition

If at any time there is any doubt regarding the administration of medication to a child, practitioners will stop and check with the Nursery Manager before continuing.

Storage

All medication will;

Be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on the container (e.g. cool dark place, refrigerated)

Be stored in either the fridge or medication basket

Be kept out of the reach of children

Be in their original containers

Have labels which are legible and in English

Be clearly marked with child’s name and date of birth

Emergency medication, such as inhalers and Adrenaline (EpiPens), will be within easy reach of staff in case of an immediate need, but will remain out of children’s reach

Any ‘stored’ medication such as Nursery stock of Paracetamol or a child’s inhaler, will be regularly checked to ensure the product is still within its expiry and therefore suitable for use.

Medication Prescribed by a Doctor, Dentist, Nurse or Pharmacist

(Medicines containing aspirin will only be given if prescribed by a doctor)

Prescription only medicine will be given when prescribed by the above and only for the person named on the dispensing label on the bottle/container for the dosage stated

Medicines must be in their original containers

For all medication the parent/carer must give prior written permission for the administration of each and every medication. Written permission will be accepted once for a whole course of medication or for the ongoing use of a particular medication required for long term use

The parent/ carer will complete the relevant form to enable the nursery to administer the medication(s) required. The form will include;

Child’s name, date of birth

Name and strength of medication

Dose

Any additional requirements (such as to be taken with food)

Expiry date whenever possible

Dispensing date

The written permission is only acceptable for the medication listed and cannot be used for similar types of medication, e.g. if the course of antibiotics changes

Parents must notify the nursery IMMEDIATELY if the child’s circumstances change, e.g. a dose has been given at home, or a change in strength/dose needs to be given

Any change in the details listed above must be recorded on a new form with counter signature from parent / carer

The nursery will only administer as per the information listed on the form

At each visit the child’s parent/ carer will be asked if there have been any changes to the requirements stated on the form. If there have been changes, a new form must be completed and counter signed by parent/ carer

When the child is picked up from the setting, the parent/ carer must be given an update as to the times and dosage given throughout the day. The parent’s signature must be obtained confirming this information has been given

At the time of administering the medicine, a senior member of staff will ask the child to take the medicine, or offer it in a manner acceptable to the child at the prescribed time and in the prescribed form

N.B. It is important to note that staff working with children are not legally obliged to administer medication

If the child refuses to take the appropriate medication a note will be made on the form. Where medication is “essential” or may have side effects, discussion with the parent will take place to establish the appropriate response. This will be documented on the form accordingly.

Non-prescription Medication (also known as over the counter medicine)

If any child is brought to the nursery in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the nursery

The nursery will not administer any non-prescription medication containing aspirin

The nursery will only administer non-prescribed medication for a short initial period and only if necessary. After this time parents / carers will be advised to seek medical advice

The nursery reserve their right to refuse to administer medication if they feel that the child does not need the medication or deem further medical attention is required

For all medication the parent/carer must give prior written permission for the administration of each and every medication as well as consent via telephone on the day.

Medicines must be in their original containers

This also applies to non-prescription creams or ointments for skin conditions

The parent / carer will complete the relevant form to enable the nursery to administer the medication(s) required. The form will include:

Child’s name and date of birth

Name and strength of medication

Dose

Any additional requirements (such as to be taken with food)

Expiry date whenever possible

Length of treatment (will not be exceeded)

The written permission is only acceptable for the medication listed and cannot be used for similar types of medication

Parents must notify the nursery IMMEDIATELY if the child’s circumstances change, e.g. a dose has been given at home, or a change in strength/dose needs to be given

Any significant changes in the details listed above must be recorded on a new form and countersigned by the parent/ carer

The nursery will only administer as per the information listed on the form

At each visit the child’s parent/carer will be asked if there have been any changes to the requirements stated on the form. If there have been changes, a new form must be completed and counter-signed by the parent/carer

When the child is picked up from the setting, the parent / carer must be given an update as to the times and dosage given throughout the day. The parent’s signature must be obtained confirming this information has been given

At the time of administering the medicine, a senior member of staff will ask the child to take the medicine, or offer it in a manner acceptable to the child at the prescribed time and in the prescribed form.

Emergency Medication

At new registration of a child to the setting, parents will be asked if they are happy to give consent to ‘emergency’ treatment being given. This would be only deemed necessary for specific circumstances. Parents/ carers will be asked to complete a form to give consent. This form will include:

The circumstances in which ‘emergency’ medication will be given e.g. High temperature (above 37.8˚c)

The specific medication (drug name) e.g. Paracetamol

Dose to be administered will follow the guidance on the original container e.g. following age / dosage instructions

Statement that medication will only be given if the nursery is unable to contact the parent

An ‘emergency’ nursery stock of medication may be kept on site

Stock medication will be kept in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions on the container (e.g. cool dark place, out of the reach of children)

Stock will be checked at regular intervals by the designated trained first aider to ensure there is ample supply and is still within its expiry date

If a child experiences symptoms of illness, attempts will be made to contact the child’s parents before administering ‘emergency’ medication

Where parents cannot be contacted the Nursery Manager will take the decision as to whether the child is suitable to receive the ‘emergency’ medication based on the symptoms and medical history of the child given at registration

Administering ‘emergency’ non-prescription medication will be a last resort and the nursery staff will use other methods first to try and alleviate the symptoms. The child will be closely monitored until the parents collect the child.

Injections, Pessaries, Suppositories

As the administration of injections, pessaries and suppositories represents intrusive nursing, we will not administer these without appropriate medical training for every member of staff caring for this child. This training is specific for every child and not generic. The nursery will do all it can to make any reasonable adjustments including working with parents and other professionals to arrange for appropriate health officials to train staff in administering the medication.

Administration

As a general guideline before administering medication to a child the staff member should:

Wash their hands

Ensure a drink is available if appropriate (some medication can irritate and damage the throat and oesophagus if administered without a drink)

Check the label on the medication: name of child, dose, route of administration (e.g. by mouth, into ear/eye, rubbed on the skin), any special instructions and expiry date and ensure this is the same information on the Medication Form

If there is any doubt about any procedure staff should not administer, but seek advice from parent/ carer or health professional

If a child refuses the medication, they must not be forced. Staff can try to encourage them or perhaps get someone else to try. Under no circumstances should staff attempt to hide the medicine in food or drink, unless there in express written permission from parents to do so

It is normally considered poor practice to give medicines covertly, although in rare cases where the health professionals judge that it is in the child’s interests to do so, this is acceptable. Some children do find tablets difficult to swallow so may be given them, with their full knowledge, in, for example, a spoonful of jam. Even in these circumstances parents must give written instructions as some medicines can react with certain foods it is advisable they have sought advice from their pharmacist before doing this.

Staff Fitness to Work & Staff Medication

All nursery staff have a responsibility to work with children only where they are fit to do so

Staff must not work with children if they are infectious or too unwell to meet children’s needs. This includes circumstances where medication taken by staff affects their ability to care for children, for example, where it makes a person drowsy

If staff members believe their condition, including any condition caused by taking medication, is affecting their ability to care for children they must inform their line manager immediately

The nursery manager will decide if a staff member is fit to work, including circumstances where other staff members notice changes in behaviour suggesting a person may be under the influence of medication. This decision will include any medical advice obtained by the individual or from an occupational health assessment

Where staff may occasionally or regularly need medication, any such medication must be kept in the person’s locker/separate locked container in the staff room or nursery room. If the medication is required to be accessed in an emergency, such as an asthma inhaler, this should be easily accessible but safe from children

In all cases medication must be stored out of reach of children. It must not be kept in the first aid box. It will be clearly labelled with the name of the member of staff.

Medication Errors

Occasionally mistakes may happen. In most cases, whether it is a missed dose or a medicine given in error there will be no harm done. It is important to be open and honest if errors occur

Parents should be contacted, and the mistake explained to them:

In the case of a missed dose, the dose may be able to given at a later time. The parent may be able to advise

Where a dose has been given in error, it is important the child is monitored for any reactions and medical advice sought if there are concerns. It is important to inform the parent/ carer as this may happen after the child leaves the setting

The Nursery Manager will investigate all medication errors and put in preventative actions to ensure future errors do not occur.

Disposal of Medication

Tablets and capsules are occasionally dropped on the floor or spat out. In this case we will place the tablet in a labelled envelope and hand to the parents to be disposed of later

In no circumstances should it be flushed down the toilet or thrown in the bin

When a child leaves the setting, ceases to need medication or if a medicine has passed its expiry date, we will return any unused quantity to the parents. If this is not possible then we will take it to a local pharmacist for safe disposal.

Question 11

Overall Approach to Risk Assessment

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we promote the safety of children, parents, staff and visitors by reviewing and reducing any risks.

Risk assessments

Risk assessments document the hazards/aspects of the environment that needs to be checked on a regular basis, who could be harmed, existing controls, the seriousness of the risk/injury, any further action needed to control the risk, who is responsible for what action, when/how often will the action be undertaken, and how this will be monitored and checked and by whom.

The nursery carries out written risk assessments regularly (at least annually). These are regularly reviewed and cover potential risks to children, staff and visitors at the nursery. When circumstances change in the nursery, e.g. a significant piece of equipment is introduced; we review our current risk assessment or conduct a new risk assessment dependent on the nature of this change.

All staff are trained in the risk assessment process to ensure understanding and compliance.

All outings away from the nursery are individually risk assessed and adequately staffed with paediatric first aid trained practitioners. For more details refer to the visits and outings policy.

Question 12

Parents and Carers as Partners alongside the Key Person System

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we believe that parents and staff need to work together in a close partnership in order for children to receive the quality of care and early learning to meet their individual needs. We welcome parents as partners and support a two-way sharing of information that helps establish trust and understanding. We are committed to supporting parents in an open and sensitive manner to include them as an integral part of the care and early learning team within the nursery.

The key person system supports engagement with all parents and will use strategies to ensure that all parents can contribute to their child’s learning and development. Parents contribute to initial assessments of children’s starting points on entry and they are kept well informed about their children’s progress. Parents are encouraged to support and share information about their children’s learning and development at home. The key person system ensures all practitioners use effective, targeted strategies and interventions to support learning that match most children’s individual needs.

Our policy is to:

Recognise and support parents as their child’s first and most important educators and to welcome them into the life of the nursery

Generate confidence and encourage parents to trust their own instincts and judgement regarding their own child

Welcome all parents into the nursery at any time and provide an area where parents can speak confidentially with us as required

Welcome nursing mothers. The nursery will make available a private area whenever needed to offer space and privacy to nursing mothers

Ensure nursery documentation and communications are provided in different formats to suit each parent’s needs

Ensure that all parents are aware of the nursery’s policies and procedures. A detailed parent prospectus will be provided, and our full policy documents will be available to parents at all times in the entrance as well as on request from the office.

Maintain regular contact with parents to help us to build a secure and beneficial working relationship for their children

Support parents in their own continuing education and personal development including helping them to develop their parenting skills and inform them of relevant conferences, workshops and training

Create opportunities for parents to talk to other adults in a secure and supportive environment through such activities as open days, parents’ evenings and a parents’ forum

Inform parents about the range and type of activities and experiences provided for children, the daily routines of the setting, the types of food and drinks provided for children and events through the relevant communication channels.

Operate a key person system to enable parents to establish a close working relationship with a named practitioner and to support two-way information sharing about each child’s individual needs both in nursery and at home. Parents are given the name of the key person of their child and their role when the child starts

Inform parents on a regular basis about their child’s progress and involve them in shared record keeping. Parents’ evenings will be held at least twice a year. The nursery will consult with parents about the times of meetings to avoid excluding anyone

Actively encourage parents to contribute to children’s learning through sharing observations, interests and experiences from home. This may be verbally, sharing photographs or in written form

Agree the best communication method with parents e.g. email, face-to-face, telephone and share information about the child’s day, e.g. food eaten, activities, sleep times etc.

Consider and discuss all suggestions from parents concerning the care and early learning of their child and nursery operation

Provide opportunities and support for all parents to contribute their own skills, knowledge and interests to the activities of the nursery including signposting to relevant services, agencies and training opportunities

Inform all parents of the systems for registering queries, compliments, complaints or suggestions, and to check that these systems are understood by parents

Make sure all parents have access to our written complaints procedure

Share information about the Early Years Foundation Stage, young children’s learning in the nursery, how parents can further support learning at home and where they can access further information

Provide a written contract between the parent(s) and the nursery regarding conditions of acceptance and arrangements for payment

Respect the family’s religious and cultural backgrounds and beliefs and accommodate any special requirements wherever possible and practical to do so

Inform parents how the nursery supports children with special educational needs and disabilities

Find out the needs and expectations of parents. We will do this through regular feedback via questionnaires, suggestion system and encouraging parents to review working practices. We will evaluate any responses and publish these for parents with an action plan to inform future, policy and staff development.

The role of the key person:

To observe, plan and assess children’s development to ensure every child’s learning, development and care meets the child’s individual needs.

To build relationships to guide and support both children and parents and carers with development and learning both at the setting and extended to the home life.

To help build strong partnership with parents to ensure unity across environments

Question 13

Prevent Duty & Radicalisation Policy

Accepted Answer

Extremism – the Prevent Duty

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) defines extremism. It states “Extremism goes beyond terrorism and includes people who target the vulnerable – including the young – by seeking to sow division between communities on the basis of race, faith or denomination; justify discrimination towards women and girls; persuade others that minorities are inferior; or argue against the primacy of democracy and the rule of law in our society.

Extremism is defined in the Counter Extremism Strategy 2015 as the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also regard calls for the death of members of our armed forces as extremist”

Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 we have a duty to refer any concerns of extremism to the police (In Prevent priority areas the local authority will have a Prevent lead who can also provide support).

This may be a cause for concern relating to a change in behaviour of a child, family member or adult working with the children in the setting, comments causing concern or actions that lead staff to be worried about the safety of a child in their care.

Alongside this we will be alert to any early signs in children and families who may be at risk of radicalisation, on which we will act and document all concerns when reporting further.

The NSPCC states that signs of radicalisation may be:

isolating themselves from family and friends

talking as if from a scripted speech

unwillingness or inability to discuss their views

a sudden disrespectful attitude towards others

increased levels of anger

increased secretiveness, especially around internet use.

We will tackle radicalisation by:

Training all staff to understand what is meant by the Prevent Duty and radicalisation

Ensuring staff understand how to recognise early indicators of potential radicalisation and terrorism threats and act on them appropriately in line with national and local procedures

Make any referrals relating to extremism to the police (or the Government helpline) in a timely way, sharing relevant information as appropriate

Ensure our nursery is an inclusive environment, tackle inequalities and negative points of view and teach children about tolerance through British Values

Question 14

Promoting Positive Behavior

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we believe that children flourish best when they know how they and others are expected to behave. Children gain respect through interaction with caring adults who act as good role models, show them respect and value their individual personalities. The nursery actively promotes British values and encourages and praises positive, caring and polite behaviour at all times and provides an environment where children learn to respect themselves, other people and their surroundings.

Children need to have set boundaries of behaviour for their own safety and the safety of their peers. Within the nursery we aim to set these boundaries in a way which helps the child to develop a sense of the significance of their own behaviour, both in their own environment and that of others around them. Restrictions on the child’s natural desire to explore and develop their own ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum.

We aim to:

Recognise the individuality of all our children and that some behaviours are normal in young children e.g. biting

Encourage self-discipline, consideration for each other, our surroundings and property

Encourage children to participate in a wide range of group activities to enable them to develop their social skills

Ensure that all staff act as positive role models for children

Encourage parents and other visitors to be positive role models and challenge any poor behaviour shown

Work in partnership with parents by communicating openly

Praise children and acknowledge their positive actions and attitudes, therefore ensuring that children see that we value and respect them

Encourage all staff working with children to accept their responsibility for implementing the goals in this policy and to be consistent

Promote non-violence and encourage children to deal with conflict peacefully

Provide a key person system enabling staff to build a strong and positive relationship with children and their families

Provide activities and stories to help children learn about accepted behaviours, including opportunities for children to contribute to decisions about accepted behaviour where age/stage appropriate

Supporting and developing self-regulation and empathy as appropriate to the stage of development

Have a named person who has overall responsibility for behaviour management.

Role of responsibility: Promoting Positive Behaviour

Names in Appendix
The named person for managing behaviour will:

Advise and support other staff on behaviour issues

Along with each room leader, keep up to date with legislation and research relating to behaviour

Support changes to policies and procedures in the nursery

Access relevant sources of expertise where required and act as a central information source for all involved

Attend regular external training events, and ensure all staff attend relevant in-house or external training for behaviour management. Keep a record of staff attendance at this training.

Our nursery rules are concerned with safety, care and respect for each other. We keep the rules to a minimum and ensure that these are age and stage appropriate.  We regularly involve children in the process of setting rules to encourage cooperation and participation and ensure children gain understanding of the expectations of behaviour relevant to them as a unique child.

Children who behave inappropriately, for example, by physically abusing another child or adult e.g. biting, or through verbal bullying, are helped to talk through their actions and apologise where appropriate. We make sure that the child who has been upset is comforted and the adult will confirm that the other child’s behaviour is not acceptable. We always acknowledge when a child is feeling angry or upset and that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable, not the child.

When children behave in unacceptable ways:

We never use or threaten to use physical punishment such as smacking or shaking

We will only use physical intervention for the purpose of averting immediate danger or personal injury to any person (including the child) or to manage a child’s behaviour if absolutely necessary and in accordance with the EYFS statutory framework (3.52). We keep a record of any occasions where physical intervention is used and inform parents on the same day, or as reasonably practicable.

We recognise that for some children there may be specific development needs that mean regular and ongoing restraint may be necessary to keep themselves and others safe from harm. Specialist restraint arrangements will be agreed with parents and recorded. We will complete an incident form following any use of restraint and notify the parents the same day

We do not single out children or humiliate them in any way. Where children use unacceptable behaviour they will, wherever possible, be re-directed to alternative activities. Discussions with children will take place as to why their behaviour was not acceptable, respecting their level of understanding and maturity

Staff will not raise their voices (other than to keep children safe)

In any case of misbehaviour, we always make it clear to the child or children in question, that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome

We decide how to handle a particular type of behaviour depending on the child’s age, level of development and the circumstances surrounding the behaviour. This may involve asking the child to talk and think about what he/she has done. All staff support children in developing empathy and children will only be asked to apologise if they have developed strong empathy skills and have a good understanding of why saying sorry is appropriate

We help staff to reflect on their own responses towards challenging behaviours to ensure that their reactions are appropriate

We inform parents if their child’s behaviour is unkind to others or if their child has been upset. In all cases we deal with inappropriate behaviour in nursery at the time. We may ask parents to meet with staff to discuss their child’s behaviour, so that if there are any difficulties we can work together to ensure consistency between their home and the nursery. In some cases we may request additional advice and support from other professionals, such as an educational psychologist

We support children in developing non-aggressive strategies to enable them to express their feelings

We keep confidential records on any inappropriate behaviour that has taken place. We inform parents and ask them to read and sign any incidents concerning their child

We support all children to develop positive behaviour, and we make every effort to provide for their individual needs

Through partnership with parents and formal observations, we make every effort to identify any behavioural concerns and the causes of that behaviour. From these observations and discussions, we will implement an individual behaviour modification plan where a child’s behaviour involves aggressive actions towards other children and staff, for example hitting, kicking etc. The manager will complete risk assessments identifying any potential triggers or warning signs ensuring other children’s and staff’s safety at all times. In these instances we may remove a child from an area until they have calmed down.

Anti-bullying

Bullying takes many forms. It can be physical, verbal or emotional, but it is always a repeated behaviour that makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened.  We acknowledge that any form of bullying is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately while recognising that physical aggression is part of children’s development in their early years.

We recognise that children need their own time and space and that it is not always appropriate to expect a child to share. We believe it is important to acknowledge each child’s feelings and to help them understand how others might be feeling.

We encourage children to recognise that bullying, fighting, hurting and discriminatory comments are not acceptable behaviour. We want children to recognise that certain actions are right and that others are wrong.

At our nursery, staff follow the procedure below to enable them to deal with challenging behaviour:

Staff are encouraged to ensure that all children feel safe, happy and secure

Staff are encouraged to recognise that active physical aggression in the early years is part of the child’s development and that it should be channelled in a positive way

Children are helped to understand that using aggression to get things, is inappropriate and they will be encouraged to resolve problems in other ways

Our staff will intervene when they think a child is being bullied, however mild or harmless it may seem

Staff will initiate games and activities with children when they feel play has become aggressive, both indoors or out

Staff will sensitively discuss any instance of bullying with the parents of all involved to look for a consistent resolution to the behaviour

We will ensure that this policy is available for staff and parents and it will be actively publicised at least once a year to parents and staff.

If any parent has a concern about their child, a member of staff will be available to discuss those concerns. It is only through co-operation that we can ensure our children feel confident and secure in their environment, both at home and in the nursery

All concerns will be treated in the strictest confidence.

By positively promoting good behaviour, valuing co-operation and a caring attitude, we hope to ensure that children will develop as responsible members of society.

Question 15

Safeguarding Children / Child Protection Policy

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect, be helped to thrive and to be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

We support the children within our care, protect them from maltreatment and have robust procedures in place to prevent the impairment of children’s health and development. In our setting we strive to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and we promote acceptance and tolerance of other beliefs and cultures (please refer to our inclusion and equality policy for further information). Safeguarding is a much wider subject than the elements covered within this single policy, therefore this document should be used in conjunction with the nursery’s other policies and procedures.

This policy works alongside these other specific policies to cover all aspects of child protection:

Online safety

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Prevent Duty and Radicalisation

Domestic Violence, Honour Based Violence (HBV) and Forced Marriages

Looked After Children

Legal framework and definition of safeguarding

Children Act 1989 and 2004

Childcare Act 2006

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Children and Social Work Act 2017

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2017

Working together to safeguard children 2018

Keeping children safe in education 2018

Data Protection Act 2018

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused 2015

Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, in relation to this policy is defined as:

Protecting children from maltreatment

Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development

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

Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Policy intention

To safeguard children and promote their welfare we will:

Create an environment to encourage children to develop a positive self-image

Provide positive role models and develop a safe culture where staff are confident to raise concerns about professional conduct

Support staff to notice the softer signs of abuse and know what action to take

Encourage children to develop a sense of independence and autonomy in a way that is appropriate to their age and stage of development

Provide a safe and secure environment for all children

Promote tolerance and acceptance of different beliefs, cultures and communities

Help children to understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making and how to promote British values through play, discussion and role modelling

Always listen to children

Provide an environment where practitioners are confident to identify where children and families may need intervention and seek the help they need

Share information with other agencies as appropriate.

The nursery is aware that abuse does occur in our society and we are vigilant in identifying signs of abuse and reporting concerns. Our practitioners have a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children. Due to the many hours of care we are providing, staff may often be the first people to identify that there may be a problem. They may well be the first people in whom children confide information that may suggest abuse or to spot changes in a child’s behaviour which may indicate abuse.

Our prime responsibility is the welfare and well-being of each child in our care. As such we believe we have a duty to the children, parents and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. This includes sharing information with any relevant agencies such as local authority services for children’s social care, health professionals or the police. All staff will work with other agencies in the best interest of the child, including as part of a multi-agency team, where needed.

The nursery aims to:

Keep the child at the centre of all we do

Ensure staff are trained right from induction to understand the child protection and safeguarding policy and procedures, are alert to identify possible signs of abuse (including the signs known as softer signs of abuse), understand what is meant by child protection and are aware of the different ways in which children can be harmed, including by other children through bullying or discriminatory behaviour

Be aware of the increased vulnerability of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and other vulnerable or isolated families and children

Ensure that all staff feel confident and supported to act in the best interest of the child, share information and seek the help that the child may need

Ensure that all staff are familiar and updated regularly with child protection training and procedures and kept informed of changes to local/national procedures, including thorough annual safeguarding newsletters and updates

Make any child protection referrals in a timely way, sharing relevant information as necessary in line with procedures set out by the Local Authority.

Ensure that information is shared only with those people who need to know in order to protect the child and act in their best interest

Keep the setting safe online using appropriate filters, checks and safeguards, monitoring access at all times

Ensure that children are never placed at risk while in the charge of nursery staff

Identify changes in staff behaviour and act on these as per the Staff Behaviour Policy

Take any appropriate action relating to allegations of serious harm or abuse against any person working with children or living or working on the nursery premises including reporting such allegations to Ofsted and other relevant authorities

Ensure parents are fully aware of child protection policies and procedures when they register with the nursery and are kept informed of all updates when they occur

Regularly review and update this policy with staff and parents where appropriate and make sure it complies with any legal requirements and any guidance or procedures issued by the local authority.

We will support children by offering reassurance, comfort and sensitive interactions. We will devise activities according to individual circumstances to enable children to develop confidence and self-esteem within their peer group and support them to learn how to keep themselves safe.

Contact telephone numbers

Local authority children’s social care team [insert number]

Local authority Designated Officer (LADO) [insert number]

Local Authority referral team [insert number]

Ofsted 0300 123 1231

Non-emergency police 101

Government helpline for extremism concerns 020 7340 7264

Types of abuse and particular procedures followed

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by harming them or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused within a family, institution or community setting by those known to them or a stranger. This could be an adult or adults, another child or children.

The signs and indicators listed below may not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, but will help us to recognise that something may be wrong, especially if a child shows a number of these symptoms or any of them to a marked degree.

Indicators of child abuse

Failure to thrive and meet developmental milestones

Fearful or withdrawn tendencies

Unexplained injuries to a child or conflicting reports from parents or staff

Repeated injuries

Unaddressed illnesses or injuries

Significant changes to behaviour patterns.

Softer signs of abuse as defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) include:

Low self-esteem

Wetting and soiling

Recurrent nightmares

Aggressive behaviour

Withdrawing communication

Habitual body rocking

Indiscriminate contact or affection seeking

Over-friendliness towards strangers

Excessive clinginess

Persistently seeking attention.

Peer on peer abuse

We are aware that peer on peer abuse does take place, so we include children in our policies when we talk about potential abusers. This may take the form of bullying, physically hurting another child, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. We will report this in the same way as we do for adults abusing children, and will take advice from the appropriate bodies on this area.

Physical abuse

Action needs to be taken if staff have reason to believe that there has been a physical injury to a child, including deliberate poisoning, where there is definite knowledge or reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented. These symptoms may include bruising or injuries in an area that is not usual for a child, e.g. fleshy parts of the arms and legs, back, wrists, ankles and face.

Many children will have cuts and grazes from normal childhood injuries. These should also be logged and discussed with the nursery manager or room leader.

Children and babies may be abused physically through shaking or throwing. Other injuries may include burns or scalds. These are not usual childhood injuries and should always be logged and discussed with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and/or nursery manager.

Female genital mutilation

This type of physical abuse is practised as a cultural ritual by certain ethnic groups and there is now more awareness of its prevalence in some communities in England including its effect on the child and any other siblings involved. This procedure may be carried out shortly after birth and during childhood as well as adolescence, just before marriage or during a woman’s first pregnancy and varies widely according to the community.  Symptoms may include bleeding, painful areas, acute urinary retention, urinary infection, wound infection, septicaemia, incontinence, vaginal and pelvic infections with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as well as physiological concerns. If you have concerns about a child relating to this area, you should contact children’s social care team in the same way as other types of physical abuse. There is a mandatory duty to report to police any case where an act of female genital mutilation appears to have been carried out on a girl under the age of 18, we will ensure this is followed in our setting.

Breast Ironing

Breast ironing also known as “breast flattening” is the process where young girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged and/or pounded down through the use of hard or heated objects in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely. It is believed that by carrying out this act, young girls will be protected from harassment, rape, abduction and early forced marriage. Although this is unlikely to happen to children in the nursery due to their age, we will ensure any signs of this in young adults or older children are followed up using the usual safeguarding referral process.

Fabricated illness

This is also a type of physical abuse. This is where a child is presented with an illness that is fabricated by the adult carer. The carer may seek out unnecessary medical treatment or investigation. The signs may include a carer exaggerating a real illness or symptoms, complete fabrication of symptoms or inducing physical illness, e.g. through poisoning, starvation, inappropriate diet. This may also be presented through false allegations of abuse or encouraging the child to appear disabled or ill to obtain unnecessary treatment or specialist support.

Sexual abuse

Action needs be taken if the staff member has witnessed an occasion(s) where a child indicated sexual activity through words, play, drawing, had an excessive preoccupation with sexual matters or had an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour or language. This may include acting out sexual activity on dolls/toys or in the role play area with their peers, drawing pictures that are inappropriate for a child, talking about sexual activities or using sexual language or words. The child may become worried when their clothes are removed, e.g. for nappy changes.

The physical symptoms may include genital trauma, discharge and bruises between the legs or signs of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Emotional symptoms could include a distinct change in a child’s behaviour. They may be withdrawn or overly extroverted and outgoing. They may withdraw away from a particular adult and become distressed if they reach out for them, but they may also be particularly clingy to a potential abuser so all symptoms and signs should be looked at together and assessed as a whole.

If a child starts to talk openly to an adult about abuse they may be experiencing the procedure below will be followed:

Procedure:

The adult should reassure the child and listen without interrupting if the child wishes to talk

The observed instances will be detailed in a confidential report

The observed instances will be reported to the nursery manager or DSL

The matter will be referred to the local authority children’s social care team (see reporting procedures).

Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

Working Together to Safeguard Children defines CSE as “…a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”

We will be aware of the possibility of CSE and the signs and symptoms this may manifest as. If we have concerns we will follow the same procedures as for other concerns and we will record and refer as appropriate.

Emotional abuse

Action should be taken if the staff member has reason to believe that there is a severe, adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child, caused by persistent or severe ill treatment or rejection.

This may include extremes of discipline where a child is shouted at or put down on a consistent basis, lack of emotional attachment by a parent, or it may include parents or carers placing inappropriate age or developmental expectations upon them. Emotional abuse may also be imposed through the child witnessing domestic abuse and alcohol and drug misuse by adults caring for them.

The child is likely to show extremes of emotion with this type of abuse. This may include shying away from an adult who is abusing them, becoming withdrawn, aggressive or clingy in order to receive their love and attention. This type of abuse is harder to identify as the child is not likely to show any physical signs.

Neglect

Action should be taken if the staff member has reason to believe that there has been any type of neglect of a child (for example, by exposure to any kind of danger, including cold, starvation or failure to seek medical treatment, when required, on behalf of the child), which results in serious impairment of the child’s health or development, including failure to thrive.

Signs may include a child persistently arriving at nursery unwashed or unkempt, wearing clothes that are too small (especially shoes that may restrict the child’s growth or hurt them), arriving at nursery in the same nappy they went home in or a child having an illness or identified special educational need or disability that is not being addressed by the parent. A child may also be persistently hungry if a parent is withholding food or not providing enough for a child’s needs.

Neglect may also be shown through emotional signs, e.g. a child may not be receiving the attention they need at home and may crave love and support at nursery. They may be clingy and emotional. In addition, neglect may occur through pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.

Domestic Abuse / Honour Based Violence / Forced Marriages

We look at these areas as a child protection concern. Please refer to the separate policy for further details on this.

Reporting Procedures

All staff have a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns and suspicions of abuse. These concerns will be discussed with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) as soon as possible.

Staff will report their concerns to the DSL (in the absence of the DSL they will be reported to the Deputy DSL)

Any signs of marks/injuries to a child or information a child has given will be recorded and stored securely

If appropriate, the incident will be discussed with the parent/carer, such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to these records on request

If there are queries/concerns regarding the injury/information given then the following procedures will take place:

The designated safeguarding lead will:

Contact the local authority children’s social care team to report concerns and seek advice (if it is believed a child is in immediate danger we will contact the police)

Inform Ofsted

Record the information and action taken relating to the concern raised

Speak to the parents (unless advised not do so by LA children’s social care team)

The designated safeguarding lead will follow up with the Local Authority children’s social care team if they have not contacted the setting within the timeframe set out in Working Together to Safeguarding Children (2018). We will never assume that action has been taken,

Keeping children safe is our highest priority and if, for whatever reason, staff do not feel able to report concerns to the DSL or deputy DSL they should call the Local Authority children’s social care team or the NSPCC and report their concerns anonymously.

These contact numbers are displayed within the office.

Recording Suspicions of Abuse and Disclosures

Staff should make an objective record of any observation or disclosure, supported by the nursery manager or designated safeguarding lead (DSL). This record should include:

Child’s name

Child’s address

Age of the child and date of birth

Date and time of the observation or the disclosure

Exact words spoken by the child

Exact position and type of any injuries or marks seen

Exact observation of any incident including any concern was reported, with date and time; and the names of any other person present at the time

Any discussion held with the parent(s) (where deemed appropriate).

These records should be signed by the person reporting this, the DSL and the manager, dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

If a child starts to talk to an adult about potential abuse it is important not to promise the child complete confidentiality. This promise cannot be kept. It is vital that the child is allowed to talk openly and disclosure is not forced or words put into the child’s mouth. As soon as possible after the disclosure details must be logged accurately.

It may be thought necessary that through discussion with all concerned the matter needs to be raised with the local authority children’s social care team and Ofsted. Staff involved may be asked to supply details of any information/concerns they have with regard to a child. The nursery expects all members of staff to co-operate with the local authority children’s social care, police, and Ofsted in any way necessary to ensure the safety of the children.

Staff must not make any comments either publicly or in private about the supposed or actual behaviour of a parent or member of staff.

Informing parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the local authority children’s social care team/police does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent or family member is the likely abuser or where a child may be endangered by this disclosure. In these cases the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions, enquiries and external investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared in line with guidance from the local authority.

Support to families

The nursery takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff, students and volunteers within the nursery.

The nursery continues to welcome the child and the family whilst enquiries are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Parents and families will be treated with respect in a non-judgmental manner whilst any external investigations are carried out in the best interest of the child.

Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child, only if appropriate in line with guidance of the local authority with the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount. We will do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

Allegations against adults working or volunteering with children

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, student or volunteer or any other person who lives or works on the nursery premises regardless of whether the allegation relates to the nursery premises or elsewhere, we will follow the procedure below.

The allegation should be reported to the senior manager on duty. If this person is the subject of the allegation then this should be reported to the managing director instead.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will then be informed in order for this to be investigated by the appropriate bodies promptly:

The LADO will be informed immediately for advice and guidance

If as an individual you feel this will not be taken seriously or are worried about the allegation getting back to the person in question then it is your duty to inform the LADO yourself directly

A full investigation will be carried out by the appropriate professionals (LADO, Ofsted) to determine how this will be handled

The nursery will follow all instructions from the LADO and Ofsted and ask all staff members to do the same and co-operate where required

Support will be provided to all those involved in an allegation throughout the external investigation in line with LADO support and advice

The nursery reserves the right to suspend any member of staff during an investigation

All enquiries/external investigations/interviews will be documented and kept in a locked file for access by the relevant authorities

Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being reinstated

Founded allegations will be passed on to the relevant organisations including the local authority children’s social care team and where an offence is believed to have been committed, the police, and will result in the termination of employment. Ofsted will be notified immediately of this decision. The nursery will also notify the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure their records are updated.

If an allegation relations to misconduct or failure to follow policies and does not meet the criteria for external notification, internal investigation and disciplinary proceedings will be followed.

All records will be kept until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 21 years and 3 months years if that is longer. This will ensure accurate information is available for references and future DBS checks and avoids any unnecessary reinvestigation

The nursery retains the right to dismiss any member of staff in connection with founded allegations following an inquiry

Counselling will be available for any member of the nursery who is affected by an allegation, their colleagues in the nursery and the parents.

In all events, notify Ofsted within 14 days of the allegation with findings.

Monitoring children’s attendance

As part of our requirements under the statutory framework and guidance documents we are required to monitor children’s attendance patterns to ensure they are consistent and no cause for concern.

Parents should please inform the nursery prior to their children taking holidays or days off, and all sickness should be called into the nursery on the day so the nursery management are able to account for a child’s absence.

If a child has not arrived at nursery within one hour of their normal start time the parents will be called to ensure the child is safe and healthy. If the parents are not contactable then the further emergency contacts will be used to ensure all parties are safe.

Where a child is part of a child protection plan, or during a referral process, any absences will immediately be reported to the local authority children’s social care team to ensure the child remains safeguarded.

This should not stop parents taking precious time with their children, but enables children’s attendance to be logged so we know the child is safe.

Looked after children

As part of our safeguarding practice we will ensure our staff are aware of how to keep looked after children safe. In order to do this we ask that we are informed of:

The legal status of the child (e.g. whether the child is being looked after under voluntary arrangements with consent of parents or on an interim or full care order)

Contact arrangements for the biological parents (or those with parental responsibility)

The child’s care arrangements and the levels of authority delegated to the carer by the authority looking after him/her

The details of the child’s social worker and any other support agencies involved

Any child protection plan or care plan in place for the child in question.

Please refer to the Looked After Children policy for further details.

Staffing and volunteering

Our policy is to provide a secure and safe environment for all children. We only allow an adult who is employed by the nursery to care for children and who has an enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to be left alone with children. We will obtain enhanced criminal records checks (DBS) for all volunteers and do not allow any volunteers to be unsupervised with children.

All staff will attend child protection training and receive initial basic child protection training during their induction period. This will include the procedures for spotting signs and behaviours of abuse and abusers/potential abusers, recording and reporting concerns and creating a safe and secure environment for the children in the nursery. During induction staff will be given contact details for the LADO (local authority designated officer), the local authority children’s social care team and Ofsted to enable them to report any safeguarding concerns, independently, if they feel it necessary to do so.

We have named persons within the nursery who take lead responsibility for safeguarding and co-ordinate child protection and welfare issues, known as the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL), there is always at least one designated person on duty during all opening hours of the setting.

These designated persons will receive comprehensive training at least every two years and update their knowledge on an ongoing basis, but at least once a year.

The nursery DSL’s liaise with the local authority children’s social care team, undertakes specific training, including a child protection training course, and receives regular updates to developments within this field. They in turn support the ongoing development and knowledge update of all staff on the team.

Although, under the EYFS, we are only required to have one designated lead for safeguarding, for best practice and to ensure cover at all times, we have two/three designated leads in place. This enables safeguarding to stay high on our priorities at all times. There will always be at least one designated lead on duty at all times our provision is open. This will ensure that prompt action can be taken if concerns are raised.

The Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) at the nursery are named in the roles of responsibility appendix,

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

Applicants for posts within the nursery are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out checks before posts can be confirmed. Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information

We give staff members, volunteers and students regular opportunities to declare changes that may affect their suitability to care for the  children. This includes information about their health, medication or about changes in their home life such as child protection plans for their own children

This information is also stated within every member of staff’s contract

We request DBS checks on an annual basis/or we use the DBS update service (with staff consent) to re-check staff’s criminal history and suitability to work with children

We abide by the requirements of the EYFS and any Ofsted guidance in respect to obtaining references and suitability checks for staff, students and volunteers, to ensure that all staff, students and volunteers working in the setting are suitable to do so

We ensure we receive at least two written references BEFORE a new member of staff commences employment with us

All students will have enhanced DBS checks conducted on them before their placement starts

Volunteers, including students, do not work unsupervised

We abide by the requirements of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Childcare Act 2006 in respect of any person who is disqualified from providing childcare, is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of child protection concern

We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the nursery and take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the nursery so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children

All visitors/contractors will be supervised whilst on the premises, especially when in the areas the children use

As a staff team we will be fully aware of how to safeguard the whole nursery environment and be aware of potential dangers on the nursery boundaries such as drones or strangers lingering. We will ensure the children remain safe at all times

The Staff Behaviour Policy sits alongside this policy to enable us to monitor changes in behaviours that may cause concern. All staff sign up to this policy too to ensure any changes are reported to management so we are able to support the individual staff member and ensure the safety and care of the children is not compromised

All staff have access to and comply with the whistleblowing policy which will enable them to share any concerns that may arise about their colleagues in an appropriate manner

Signs of inappropriate staff behaviour may include inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; or inappropriate sharing of images. This is not an exhaustive list, any changes in behaviour must be reported and acted upon immediately

All staff will receive regular supervision meetings where opportunities will be made available to discuss any issues relating to individual children, child protection training and any needs for further support

We use peer on peer and manager observations in the setting to ensure that the care we provide for children is at the highest level and any areas for staff development are quickly highlighted. Peer observations allow us to share constructive feedback, develop practice and build trust so that staff are able to share any concerns they may have. Any concerns are raised with the designated lead and dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner

The deployment of staff within the nursery allows for constant supervision and support. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, the door will be left ajar or other safeguards will be put into action to ensure the safety of the child and the adult.

We also operate a Phones and Other Electronic Devices and Social Media policy which states how we will keep children safe from these devices whilst at nursery. This also links to our Online Safety policy.

Extremism – the Prevent Duty

Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 we have a duty to refer any concerns of extremism to the police or a prevent lead.

This may be a cause for concern relating to a change in behaviour of a child or family member, comments causing concern made to a member of the team (or other persons in the setting) or actions that lead staff to be worried about the safety of a child in their care.  We have a Prevent Duty and Radicalisation policy in place. Please refer to this for specific details.

Online Safety.

We take the safety of our children very seriously and this includes their online safety. Please refer to the Online Safety policy for details on this.

Human Trafficking and Slavery

Please refer to our Human Trafficking and Slavery policy for detail on how we keep children safe in this area.

Our nursery has a clear commitment to protecting children and promoting welfare. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of the designated safe guarding lead at the earliest opportunity.

Question 16

Sickness & Illness

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we promote the good health of all children attending. To help keep children healthy and minimise infection, we do not expect children to attend nursery if they are unwell. If a child is unwell it is in their best interest to be in a home environment with adults they know well rather than at nursery with their peers.

Our procedures

In order to take appropriate action of children who become ill and to minimise the spread of infection we implement the following procedures:

If a child becomes ill during the nursery day, where deemed appropriate, we contact their parent(s) and ask them to pick up their child as soon as possible. During this time we care for the child in a quiet, calm area with their key person, wherever possible

We follow the guidance given to us by Public Health England (Health Protection In Schools and other childcare facilities) and advice from our local health protection unit on exclusion times for specific illnesses, e.g. sickness and diarrhoea, measles and chicken pox, to protect other children in the nursery

Should a child have an infectious disease, such as sickness and diarrhoea, they must not return to nursery until they have been clear for at least 48 hours. We inform all parents if there is a contagious infection identified in the nursery, to enable them to spot the early signs of this illness. We thoroughly clean and sterilise all equipment and resources that may have come into contact with a contagious child to reduce the spread of infection

We notify Ofsted as soon as possible and in all cases within 14 days of the incident where we have any child or staff member with food poisoning.

We have the right to refuse admission to a child who is unwell. This decision will be taken by the manager on duty and is non-negotiable

We make information/posters about head lice readily available and all parents are requested to regularly check their children’s hair. If a parent finds that their child has head lice we would be grateful if they could inform the nursery so that other parents can be alerted to check their child’s hair.

Meningitis procedure

If a parent informs the nursery that their child has meningitis, the nursery manager will contact the Local Area Infection Control (IC) Nurse. The IC Nurse will give guidance and support in each individual case. If parents do not inform the nursery, we will be contacted directly by the IC Nurse and the appropriate support will be given. We will follow all guidance given and notify any of the appropriate authorities including Ofsted if necessary.

Other Illnesses:

Other contagious illnesses which require children to be kept away from nursery or may require collection from nursery include illnesses. Such as Chicken Pox, Measels, Impetigo, Conjuctivitis. Etc. This is not an exhaustive list and advice should always be sought from a register GP as to when a child may return to nursery after contracting a contagious illness.

Should any child be diagnosed as suffering from any communicable disease as. Defined by The Health Protection Unit,  both Ofsted and HPU will be informed.

Ofsted: 03001231231

Environmental Health : 01772 906160

Health Protection Unit: 01772 842101

Question 17

Wellbeing in Nursery

Accepted Answer

Children are supported in age appropriate ways to understand the steps they can take to keep themselves safe including regular hand washing and sneezing into a tissue. Staff will help them to understand the changes and challenges they may have/be encountering as a result of Covid-19 through play, discussions and stories.

Staff are aware of the importance of attachments and that some children may experience separation anxieties during this time. They will work with parents to ensure they help to ease the transition back to nursery and give children the emotional support they need at this time.

Please also refer to the bereavement policy.

Question 18

Sun Care

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Nurseries we are committed to ensuring that all children are fully protected from the dangers of too much sun/UV rays. Severe sunburn in childhood can lead to the development of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) in later life.

We follow guidance from the weather and UV level reports and use the following procedures to keep children safe and healthy in the sun:

Key persons will work with the parents of their key children to decide and agree on suitable precautions to protect children from burning, including those with more sensitive skin types and those that may be more tolerant to the sunshine, e.g. black and/or Asian colouring

Children must have a clearly labelled sun hat which will be worn at all times whilst outside in sunny weather. This hat will preferably be of legionnaires design (i.e. with an extended back and side to shield children’s neck and ears from the sun) to provide additional protection

Children must have their own labelled high factor sun cream with prior written consent for staff to apply. This enables children to have sun cream suitable for their own individual needs. Staff must be aware of the expiry date and discard sunscreen after this date

Parents are requested to supply light-weight cotton clothing for their children suitable for the sun, with long sleeves and long legs

Children’s safety and welfare in hot weather is the nursery’s prime objective so staff will work closely with parents to ensure all appropriate cream and clothing is provided

Staff will make day-to-day decisions about the length of time spent outside depending on the strength of the sun; children will not be allowed in the direct sunlight between 11.00am – 3.00pm on hot days

Children will always have sun cream applied before going outside in the hot weather and at frequent intervals during the day

Children are encouraged to drink cooled water more frequently throughout sunny or warm days and this will be accessible both indoors and out

Children are made aware of the need for sun hats, sun cream and the need to drink more fluids during their time in the sun

Shade will be provided to ensure children are able to still go out in hot weather, cool down or escape the sun should they wish or need to.

Question 19

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Accepted Answer

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) code of practice.

The nursery has regard to the statutory guidance set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability code of practice (DfE 2015) to identify, assess and make provision for children’s special educational needs.

At Small Wonders we use the SEND Code of Practice (2015) definition of Special Educational Needs and Disability:

A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.

A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she:

has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or

has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions.

Statement of intent

At Small Wonders we are committed to the inclusion of all children. All children have the right to be cared for and educated to develop to their full potential alongside their peers through positive experiences, to enable them to share opportunities and experiences and develop and learn from each other. We provide a positive and welcoming environment where children are supported according to their individual needs and we work hard to ensure no children are discriminated against or put at a disadvantage as a consequence of their needs. Each child’s needs are unique, therefore any attempt to categorise children is inappropriate.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents in order to meet their child’s individual needs and develop to their full potential. We are committed to working with any child who has a specific need and/or disability and making reasonable adjustments to enable every child to make full use of the nursery’s facilities. All children have a right to a broad and well-balanced early learning environment.

The nursery will undertake a Progress Check of all children at age two. The early years provider will also undertake an assessment at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (in the final term of the year in which a child turns four).

Where we believe a child may have additional needs that have previously been unacknowledged, we will work closely with the child’s parents and any relevant professionals to establish if any additional action is required.

Where a child has additional needs, we feel it is paramount to find out as much as possible about those needs; any way that this may affect his/her early learning or care needs and any additional help he/she may need by:

Liaising with the child’s parents and, where appropriate, the child

Liaising with any professional agencies

Reading any reports that have been prepared

Attending any review meetings with the local authority/professionals

Observing each child’s development and monitoring such observations regularly.

All children will be given a full settling in period when joining the nursery according to their individual needs.

We will:

Recognise each child’s individual needs and ensure all staff are aware of, and have regard for, the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice

Ensure that all children are treated as individuals/equals and are supported to take part in every aspect of the nursery day according to their individual needs and abilities

Include all children and their families in our provision

Identify the specific needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and meet those needs through a range of strategies

Ensure that children who learn at an accelerated pace e.g. gifted and talented children are also supported

Encourage children to value and respect others

Provide well informed and suitably trained practitioners to help support parents and children with special educational difficulties and/or disabilities

Develop and maintain a core team of staff who are experienced in the care of children with additional needs and identify a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENCO) who is experienced in the care and assessment of children with additional needs.  Staff will be provided with specific training relating to SEND and the SEND Code of Practice

Monitor and review our practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments, and seek specialist equipment and services if needed

Challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices

Promote positive images and role models during play experiences of those with additional needs wherever possible

Celebrate diversity in all aspects of play and learning.

Work in partnership with parents and other agencies in order to meet individual children’s needs, including the education, health and care authorities, and seek advice, support and training where required

Share any statutory and other assessments made by the nursery with parents and support parents in seeking any help they or the child may need

Role of Responsibility: Special Education Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENCO).

The role of the SENCO includes:

ensuring all practitioners in the setting understand their responsibilities to children with SEN and the setting’s approach to identifying and meeting SEN

advising and supporting colleagues

ensuring parents are closely involved throughout and that their insights inform action taken by the setting

liaising with professionals or agencies beyond the setting

taking the lead in implementing the graduated approach and supporting colleagues through each stage of the process.

We will:

Designate a named member of staff to be the SENCO and share their name with parents

Have high aspirations for all children and support them to achieve to their full potential

Develop respectful partnerships with parents and families

Ensure parents are involved at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision and review of their child’s care and education and where possible include the thoughts and feelings voiced by the child

Undertake formal Progress Checks and Assessments of all children

Ensure that the provision for children with SEN and/or disabilities is the responsibility of all members of staff in the nursery through training and professional discussions

Set out in our inclusive admissions practice on how we meet equality of access and opportunity

Make reasonable adjustments to our physical environment to ensure it is, as far as possible suitable for children and adults with disabilities using the facilities

Provide a broad, balanced, aspirational early learning environment for all children with SEN and/or disabilities and differentiated activities to meet all individual needs and abilities

Liaise with other professionals involved with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families, including transition arrangements to other settings and schools. (See our transitions policy).

Ensure practice which assess, plans, reacts and reviews to ensure early identification of any SEND

Ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their parents are consulted at all stages, taking into account their levels of ability

Review children’s progress and support plans and work with parents to agree on further support plans

Provide privacy of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities when intimate care is being provided

Raise awareness of any specialism the setting has to offer

Ensure the effectiveness of our SEN/disability provision by collecting information from a range of sources including plans, staff and management meetings, parental and external agencies’ views, inspections and complaints. This information is collated, evaluated and reviewed annually

Provide a complaints procedure and make available to all parents in a format that meets their needs Monitor and review our policy and procedures annually.

Effective assessment of the need for early help

Local agencies should work together to put processes in place for the effective assessment of the needs of individual children who may benefit from early help services. Children and families may need support from a wide range of local agencies. Where a child and family would benefit from coordinated support from more than one agency (e.g. education, health, housing, police) there should be an inter-agency assessment. These early help assessments, such as the Common Assessment Framework, should identify what help the child and family require to prevent needs escalating.

Assess

In identifying a child as needing SEN support, the key person, working with the SENCO and the child’s parents, will carry out an analysis of the child’s needs. This initial assessment will be reviewed regularly to ensure that support is matched to need. Where there is little or no improvement in the child’s progress, more specialist assessment may be called for from specialist teachers or from health, social services or other agencies beyond the setting. Where professionals are not already working with the setting, the SENCO will contact them, with the parents’ agreement.

Plan

Where it is decided to provide SEN support, and having formally notified the parents, the key person and the SENCO, in consultation with the parent, will agree the outcomes they are seeking, the interventions and support to be put in place, the expected impact on progress, development or behaviour, and a clear date for review. Plans will take into account the views of the child.

The support and intervention provided will be selected to meet the outcomes identified for the child, based on reliable evidence of effectiveness, and provided by practitioners with relevant skills and knowledge. Any related staff development needs should be identified and addressed. Parents will be involved in planning support and, where appropriate, in reinforcing the provision or contributing to progress at home.

React

The child’s key person will be responsible for working with the child on a daily basis. With support from the SENCO, they will oversee the implementation of the intervention agreed as part of SEN support. The SENCO will support the key person in assessing the child’s response to the action taken, in problem solving and advising on the effective implementation of support.

Review

The effectiveness of the support and its impact on the child’s progress will be reviewed in line with the agreed date. The impact and quality of the support will be evaluated by the key person and the SENCO in full consultation with the child’s parents and taking into account the child’s views. Information will be shared with parents about the impact of the support provided.

Assess – The key person works with the setting SENCO and the child’s parents and brings together all the information, then analyses the child’s needs.

Plan – The key person and the SENCO will agree, in consultation with the parent, the outcomes they are seeking for the child, the interventions and support to be put in place, the expected impact on progress, development and behaviour and finally a date for review.

React – The child’s key person implements the agreed interventions or programmes

Review – On the agreed date, the key person and SENCO working with the child’s parents, and taking into account the child’s views, will review the effectiveness of the support and the impact of the support on the child’s progress. They will then evaluate the impact and quality of support on the child.

Education and Health Plan (EHC) and Targeted Learning Plans (TLP)

Some children and young people may require an EHC needs assessment in order to decide whether it is necessary to develop an EHC plan. The purpose of an EHC plan is to make adjustments and offer support to meet the special educational needs of the child, to secure the best possible outcomes for them across education, health and social care.

The local authority will conduct the EHC needs assessment and take into account a wide range of evidence, including

evidence of the child’s developmental milestones and rate of progress

information about the nature, extent and context of the child’s SEN

evidence of the action already being taken by us as the early years provider to meet the child’s SEN

evidence that, where progress has been made, it has only been as the result of much additional intervention and support over and above that which is usually provided

evidence of the child’s physical, emotional and social development and health needs, drawing on relevant evidence from clinicians and other health professionals and what has been done to meet these by other agencies.

Targeted learning plans will also be used where necessary.

We will then work with the local authority and other bodies to ensure that the child receives the support they need to gain the best outcomes.

Question 20

COVID-19

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders we pride ourselves in maintaining the safety of all children and staff whilst they are in our Buildings. We are currently open across both of our settings for all existing and new children. Both settings are up to date and following the current guidelines for COVID-19 ensuring that the risk is minimised for both children and staff.

If you would like to come and visit us, then please phone us in advance so we are able to best accommodate you. We are asking that visits for new prospectus children occur outside of working hours of the nursery to minimise risk to our current children. To discuss this further please don’t hesitate to contact us.

For all current parents a COVID-19 welcome back will be sent out prior to your children returning to nursery. This will outline our current procedures and polices around COVID-19. For a more comprehensive list then please give us a call at either setting and we can discuss this further.

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Policies & Procedures