Policies and Procedures

Admissions Policy

Thames Tiddlers Nursery is registered for 42 children per day.
12 Children between the ages of 3 months and two years.
14 Children between the ages of 2 and 3 years.
16 children between the ages of 3 and 4 years.
The points listed below are considered when deciding if a child can be offered a place in the nursery. This ensures inclusion and the safeguarding and welfare of the child/ren and families involved. We do not discriminate and have no intention in the future of discriminating against any child/ren on the grounds of gender, race, religion, culture, and disability.

Consideration:
Availability of spaces considering the staff/child ratio, the age of the child and the registration requirements. When the application is received (priority is given to those who have been on the waiting list the longest) The nursery’s ability to provide the facilities for the welfare of the child. Extenuating circumstances affecting the child’s welfare or his/her family. Children who are siblings of those already with us. Children of a main carer who may have special needs or disability. Children who may be under the social care and safeguarding team or children who may be in foster care. Children who are from the armed forces community.

The nursery staff to child ratio is:
0-2    years 1:3 ratio
2-3    years 1:4 ratio
3-4    years 1:8 ratio (1:13 if and Early Years Teacher is present)

Collecting Your Child Policy

·  Parent/carers must insure they arrive to collect their child from nursery no later than 6pm.

· In failing to contact the nursery to inform a staff member that you will be arriving late, a staff member will contact the emergency numbers given on the child’s application form.

· If for any reason we are unable to contact a family member, staff will follow the Nursery policy and contact social services.

· A late fine will be issued from 6pm at the rate of £1.00 per minute for the first 15 minutes, then £5.00 for every 15 minutes after that.

· If the late fine is not paid within one week of incurring it, the amount owed will then be doubled.

· Lateness is not an option and is taken seriously. Continual lateness will result in your child’s Nursery place being terminated.

· Under no circumstances will your child be allowed to leave the nursery premises without authorised permission from the parent/carer. If you wish for your child to be collect by a family/friend at short notice, a telephone call prior to collection needs to be made and a password given.

Collecting your child procedure

·       Inform the officer in charge if a child has not been collected.

·       The officer in charge and one other member of staff must stay behind with the child.

·       If after 15 minutes the parent/carers still have not collected the child, the officer in charge will telephone the contact numbers available.

·       If no contact can be made the officer in charge and extra member of staff will stay on the premises until an hour after closing.

·       In the event of no contact being made by the designated time the person in charge will ring Social Services Emergency Duty Team (020 8854 8888) and advise them of the situation.

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

Medication Policy
If your child requires medication short term, parent/carers must sign a medication form daily giving details of the name of the medicine, dosage, and times to be administered. If your child is on long term medication then we ask you to provide us with medication. For example asthma pump, epe pen, these will then stay on the nursery premises in case of an emergency.

If for any reason your child has a medical condition, staff require information regarding the child’s long term medical needs. If the administration of prescription medicines requires technical/medical knowledge then individual training should be provided for staff from a qualified health professional. Training should be specific to the individual child concerned. All medicines are kept out of reach of children (in high kitchen cupboard) or fridge if required. A record of medical forms is kept for audit purposes. The nursery will not administer non –prescribed/out of date medication. The nursery will not administer paracetamol or any medicines containing any paracetamol even if prescribed by a doctor for a child illness. Only for emergency purposes only will paracetamol be administered if the child’s temperature reaches or goes over 39c to prevent the onset of seizers. This is in our health, illness and emergency policy.

Children in the baby unit who are teething and do not have a temperature can be given paracetamol for pain relief purposes only. Parent/carers can provide cream/oil for their child whilst in nappies to prevent dry skin/nappy rash. The parent/carer must complete and sign a form giving permission for cream to be applied. If a child receives antibiotics they must remain at home for the first 24 hours. This also depends on the exclusion periods in our policy on infection control as some illness with antibiotics are exclude for longer periods of time. If unsure always contact a manager to confirm. Staff follow the exclusion procedure for illness and communicable diseases. Only staff who are employed and fully qualified can administer medicines to the children.

This policy should be read in line with our health, illness and emergency policy and with our policy on infection control.

Updated by: Rachel Robertson
Date: 17/01/2019

Informing Ofsted of Specific Changes Policy

At Thames Tiddlers Nursery we will inform Ofsted of any specific changes regarding:

·       Any change in the address of the premises on which childcare is provided.

·       Particulars of any proposal to change the hours during which childcare is provided.

·       Particulars of any significant event which is likely to affect the suitability of the early years provider or any person who cares for, or is in regular contact with, children on the premises to look after children.

·       Any change to the person who is managing the early year’s provision.

·       Where the early years provision is provided by a charity, any change in the name or registration number or the charity.

·       Where the childcare is provided by a partnership, body corporate or unincorporated association, any change to the ‘nominated individual’.

·       Where the childcare is provided by a partnership, body corporate or unincorporated association whose sole or main purpose is the provision of childcare, any change to the individuals who are partners or members of its governing body.

·       To notify Ofsted any change to our telephone number.

·       Registered provider must inform Ofsted of any change to the premises that may affect the space available to children and the quality of childcare available to them. Notification must be made at least 14 days of the event occurring.

Where the specific legal requirements above require notification about a change of person, the information that must be provided to Ofsted is the new persons date of birth, name, any former names or aliases and home address.

Where it is reasonably practicable to do so, notification must be made in advance of the event occurring. In all other cases, notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in any event within 14 days of the event occurring.

If Thames Tiddlers Nursery, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with these requirements, commits an offence.

The childcare (disqualification) regulations 2007 require registered providers to inform Ofsted of any court order, determination or conviction or any other grounds for disqualification from registration applying to themselves.

Health and Safety Policy and Procedure

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this policy statement is to ensure all reasonably practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the persons using the premises. To achieve this we will actively work towards the following objectives:

1.   To establish and maintain safe working procedures amongst staff and children.

2.   To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the nursery.

3.   To make arrangements for ensuring safety and the absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.

4.   To 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 safety and health at work and to ensure that they have access to health and safety training as and when provided.

5.   To maintain a safe and healthy place of work and safe access egress from it.

6.   To formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and other emergencies and evacuating the nursery premises.

7.   To follow the regulations of the health and safety at work act 1974 and any other relevant legislation.

We believe the risks in the nursery environment to be low but to maintain the maximum protection for children, staff and parents/carers we consider it necessary to:

1. Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are maintained.

2. Ensure safe and clear accesses and exits from the building, including fire exits.

3. Regularly check the premises room by room for structural defects, warn fixtures and fittings and electrical equipment, and take the necessary remedial action.

4. Ensure that all staff are aware of the fire procedures and regular fire drills are carried out.

5. Ensure that all members of staff are aware of the procedures in case of accidents.

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

7. Prohibit smoking on the premises.

8. Prohibit any contractor working on the premises without prior discussion of the officer in charge to negate any risks to the staff or children.

9. No inappropriate jewelry to be worn. One pair of stud earrings or small sleepers, and wedding/engagement rings are acceptable.

10. Dress code: smart and practical with sensible shoes. No nail varnish and all long hair must be tied back at all times.

11. No running inside premises.

12. All electrical sockets should be protected by safety plugs, no trailing wires.

13. All cleaning materials/toilet cleaner to be placed out of the reach of children.

14. Protective clothing should be worn when serving food.

15. Nuts e.g peanuts are not allowed in the nursery.

16. Telephone calls must be received before 8am if a member of staff is not well enough to attend work.

17. All staff should familiarise themselves with the first aid boxes and know who the appointed first-aider is

18. Children must be supervised at all times.

19. No student should be left unsupervised at any time.

The management consider this matter of such importance that breach of health and safety procedures by staff constitutes misconduct and will be dealt with as a disciplinary matter. Staff and management must constantly be mindful of their responsibilities individually and collectively for the safety of themselves and their colleagues.

General statement

Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, and to provide such information, training and supervision as a need for this purpose. We also except 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 implement the policy are set out in this policy and sufficient resources will be made available to honor our commitment. The policy will be kept up to date , particularly as a business changes in nature and size. To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed every year.

Personnel Policy.

Nursery policies in respect of personnel are governed by the following:

1.    The best interest of the children, their welfare, care and development.

2.    The requirements of the EYFS framework and Ofsted early years directorate.

3.    Compatibility between all members of staff and the building of a good team spirit.

4.    Consideration of the advancement of each member of staff both by internal and external training to help them achieve their maximum potential.

5.    Compliance of the current legislation.

6.    The provision of a job description for each member of staff.

7.    A provision of a statement of terms and conditions for each member of staff.

8.    When recruiting members of staff the applicant should be made aware of the policies and procedures, especially those relating to discrimination.

9.    Prior to commencement of employment the successful applicant should be provided with an offer letter ( conditional on CRB clearance ) with the job description and induction procedure.

10. Harassment of any member of staff that can be classed as sexual or racial will not be acceptable. This includes unwanted verbal or physical advances- the key factor in assessing harassment is whether it is unwanted.

Procedure for Dealing with Racial Harassment.

Introduction

We have the duty to create and implement strategies in nursery to prevent and address racism. Such strategies include:

·       That the nursery records all racist incidents.

·       That all recorded incidents are reported to the children, parent/carers, and when appropriate to the registering authority.

Parents have a right to know when racism occurs and what actions the nursery will take to tackle it.

In the race relations act 1976 section 71 there is a statement of the duty to ‘promote harmony and good relations ‘ between different groups in society. We have a statutory responsibility to monitor, review and eliminate racial discrimination.

Definition of racial harassment

‘violence which may be verbal or physical and which includes attacks on property and people because of their race, nationality, ethnic origins- when the victim believes perpetrator was acting on racial grounds and /or there is evidence of racism’- (commission for racial equality).

Incidents may involve a small or large number of persons, they may vary in there degree of offence and may not even recognise the incident has racial implications; or at the other extreme their behaviour may be quite deliberate and blatant.

Examples of racial harassment

Physical assault against a person or group of people.

Derogatory name calling, insults and racial jokes.

Racist graffiti and other written insults.

Provocative behaviour such as wearing racist badges and insignia and the distribution of racist literature.

Threats against a person or group of people because of their colour or race.

Discriminatory comment including ridicule made in the course of discussions in class or elsewhere.

Patronising words or actions.

Procedure

1.    All staff in the nursery should be constantly aware of any racial harassment taking place.

2.    They must intervene firmly and quickly to prevent all forms of racial harassment. Any allegation should be taken seriously and reported to the manger.

3.    Each incident should be investigated and recorded in detail as accurately as possible. This record should be available for inspection by staff, inspectors and parents where appropriate on request.

4.    The manager is responsible for insuring the incidents are handled appropriately and sensitively and entered in the record book. Any pattern of behaviour should be indicated. Perpetrator/victims initials may be used in the record book as information on individuals is confidential to the nursery.

5.    Where an allegation is substantiated following an investigation, the parent of children who are perpetrator and victims should be informed of the incident and outcome.

6.    Continued racial harassment may lead to exclusion but such steps should only be taken when other strategies have failed to modify behaviour.

7.    Adults found to be perpetrators must be reported immediately to the manager.

Racial harassment needs to be recorded to:

·       Developed strategies to prevent future incidents.

·       Identify patterns of behaviour.

·       Identify persistent offenders.

·       Monitor the effectiveness of nursery policies.

·       Provide a secure information base to enable nursery to respond to comments about racial incidents.

Nursery staff

All staff should be alert and seek to overcome any ignorant or offensive behaviour based on fear or dislike of racial distinctions that pupils or adults may express in nursery.

An atmosphere must be created where the victims of any form of racial harassment have confidence to report such behavior and that subsequently they feel positively supported by the staff of the nursery.

It is incumbent upon all members of staff to ensure that they do not express any views or comments that are racist. Nor must staff appear to endorse such views by failing to counter behavior which is prejudicial in a direct manner. A sensitive and informed approach must be used to counter any racial harassment perpetrated out of ignorance.

When a member of staff violates this nursery code or practice he/she will be cancelled by the manger. It will be explained to them why the behaviour is unacceptable and what steps will be taken to remedy the situation. At this stage it will be made clear that the content of discussion will not be used as evidence in further disciplinary action. A repetition of such behaviour will lead to a disciplinary actions set out in our policy and procedure.

Sunsmart Protection Policy

At Thames Tiddlers Nursery we want staff and children to enjoy the sun safely. We will work with staff and parents/carers to achieve this.

Children will spend more time playing outside before 11am and after 3pm. Children will remain indoors for the duration of the hours in between, if staff feel the sun is to hot for the children.

We have provided some shade in both gardens by using gazebo’s and make shift tents.

Parents/carers must provide their children with a sun hat with their name printed clearly inside. The hat should preferably be a brimmed or legionnaire hat to protect the child’s neck, ears and face. A baseball cap does not provide full coverage.

Parents/carers should also provide a high factor sun cream of at least 50+ which staff will apply to the children throughout the day. Children of Afro Caribbean/African origin also need to follow this procedure to protect them from the sun.

If parents/carers do not provide their child with the correct protections such as sun cream and a sun hat we can refuse the child entry to the setting.

Open door policy

Statement of intent

Parents/carers are the primary educators in their child’s life, therefore feedback from parents is welcome & always important to us.
Staff at Thames Tiddlers Nursery like to work in partnership with parents/carers to enhance and support their child’s learning and development while at our setting. We encourage parents/carers to be aware of our aims, policies and procedures.

We operate an open door policy where parents/carers are encouraged to share information with staff.
Staff will share information about their child’s day through contact sheets for children in the Baby and Toddler room. Parents/carers are encouraged to comment on their children’s learning via Tapestry, during parent’s evening, on the nurseries Facebook page and via the Forest School feedback form.

We believe that a parent’s involvement in nursery life enriches a child’s experience. We therefore invite and encourage parents and carers to become actively involved. From sharing particular talents, reading a story (particularly in a different home language), joining us on our Forest school outings, to simply joining us on our different fun days and events.
The purpose of an open door policy is to encourage open communication, feedback, and discussion about any matter of importance. Please also see our Arrivals and Departures policy and procedure.

Our open door policy means that employees/parents and carers are free to communicate with the Managers via email, telephone or an arranged meeting time.

This open door policy is not to be confused with the safety of the door structures themselves and how we use them for the children’s arrivals and departures. For example when a parent is collecting their child a staff member will first collect the child from the room and then bring them out to you. Parents will not be permitted into the room unless a prior invitation or appointment has been made. This is to ensure the safety of all children in our care.

Signed on behalf of Thames Tiddlers Nursery
Name: Rachel Robertson
Job Title: Deputy Manager
Update: February 2019

Arrivals and Departures Policy and Procedure

It is the policy of the Nursery to give a warm welcome to each child/parent/carer on arrival.

When dropping off or collecting their child, parent/carers must wait outside in the lobby area until a staff member opens the door to them. Parent/carers are not permitted into the nursery spaces during drop of and collection times.

Staff must ensure they attend to one parent/carer at a time, ensuring each child is safely with their parent/carer before attending to the next parent/carer.

Parent/carers are requested to pass the care of their child to a specific member of staff who will ensure his/her safety, and that their attendance is recorded in the register.

The staff member receiving the child immediately records his/her arrival in the daily attendance register by time of entry. Any specific information provided by the parent/carer should be recorded in the contact book.

If the parent/carer requests to speak to a staff member about any issues or questions they may have, the staff member must go into the lobby area, closing the door securely before attending to the parent. If it is a confidential matter staff must inform parents to either make an appointment with the key person or a senior member of staff. If it is a more immediate issue staff may use the office to discuss this with parent/carers. This is only possible if they are able to be released from the nursery ratio.

If the parent requests the child to be given medicine during the day the staff member must ensure that the medicine consent procedure is followed.

If the child is not to be collected by the parent/carer at the end of the session, an agreed procedure must be followed to identify the nominated adult. The staff member will write the nominated adults name in the contact book and inform all other members of staff. The parent/carer will give the staff a password for the nominated adult to say on collection of their child.

The planned departure of the child should be anticipated by the key person in the group. All medicines should be recovered from the medicine box/fridge only when the parent/carer has arrived and handed to him/her personally. All items such as coats, shoes, scarfs etc. must be organised by staff members prior to the child being collected.

No child should be handed over to anyone other than the known parent/carer unless an agreement has been made at the time of arrival. On departure, the child register must be immediately marked to show the time the child has left the premises. The child has to be collected by a responsible adult over the age of 16 years.

Any visitors to the Nursery must sign in before entering the Nursery rooms and sign out on departure. An ID card or pass must be shown if an appointment has not been made. Both doors to each main room’s are security locked using a key pad code that only staff has access to.

This policy was amended on the 12/10/2016

Outside Play Policy and Procedure

Policy Statement

Outside play is a crucial aspect of the positive developmental environment of the nursery. The nursery has a designated outdoor play area and we operate a policy of providing an enabling environment – where children learn to use outside areas in a variety of weather. Children should be appropriately dressed for each type of weather and the time of use varies accordingly (a separate sun protection policy is included in this policy).

Procedures for Outside Play

1) Before using the garden, a health and safety check will be carried out i.e. check the area for faeces and any other undesirable items and to check that the fences are in good repair and that all boundary gates are fastened shut.

2) When there is summer sun all children should be sun creamed and wear a hat. In winter they should wear clothing appropriate to the weather.

3) Staff should look after themselves too. In the summer use sun cream and wear a hat and in winter always have warm clothing to wear.

4) Ensure that staff take turns to be inside and out.

5) Unfortunately if you feel your child is unwell and not able to take part in outside play we will conclude that he/she is not well enough to attend nursery.

The EYFS states:

• ‘Being outdoors has a positive impact on children's sense of well-being and helps all aspects of children's development.

• Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing things in different ways and on different scales than when indoors.

• It gives children first-hand contact with weather, seasons and the natural world.

• Outdoor environments offer children freedom to explore, use their senses, and be physically active and exuberant.’

Camera Policy and Procedure

Staff are only allowed to use the nursery camera to record a child’s progress through activities and special events that are linked to the nurseries curriculum.

The camera chip is only allowed to be developed off site with prior permission from a manager and to be developed and printed in a reputable shop by a delegated member of staff.

Parents and Carers are allowed to take pictures of their child who are taking part in a special event held at the nursery.

Students who need evidence of their work at the nursery for their portfolios at college need to gain written permission from the child’s parent or carer before they can photograph any child.

If any member of staff witnesses any person taking photographs of the children who is unknown to us they must report the incident to a senior member of staff.

Parents and carers are not permitted to take photographs of the children whilst in the nursery setting other than at special events. If witnessed by a member of staff a parent or carer taking photographs they will be asked to stop immediately and to put their camera away and to delete the picture / pictures they have taken.

The nursery would ask for parents and carers to respect other people’s privacy when considering placing photographs on any networking site.

Equal Opportunities Policy

At Thames Tiddlers Nursery we value and respect all racial origins, religions, cultures and languages. Each child will be valued as an individual, without racial or gender stereotyping. We endeavor to provide access and facilities for children with special educational needs, and disabilities, and will adapt the room and equipment to meet the needs of the individual child. Our good practice enables children to develop positive attitudes to differences in race, culture, language and gender.

All staff at the nursery believes in the principle of equality of opportunities for all children and their families. In recognition of this staff are committed to attend training courses to further their knowledge and understanding of Equal Opportunities to meet the needs of individuals within the setting.

We always welcome parent’s participation within the setting and encourage their involvement and ideas that will benefit their child’s development and learning.

To encourage equal opportunity and to incorporate it on a day to day basis for the children’s individual understanding and needs, we provide and carry out activities and have a wide range of resources to reflect the diverse community in which the children live.

We provide a multicultural food menu which enables the children to have a choice and sample different foods from around the world.

We celebrate a variety of festivals from all cultures and again invite parents to take part and to share their cultural knowledge.

Children and parents who are bilingual and multilingual will have their languages valued and respected and we positively encourage the use of a families first language.

The nursery has a designated Senco worker, Please see special educational needs policy and procedure for more information.

Food and Drink Policy

The sharing of mealtimes can play an important part in the social life of the nursery as well as reinforcing children’s understanding of the importance of healthy eating. The nursery will ensure that:

·        All meals and snacks provided are nutritious, avoiding large quantities of fat, sugar, salt, additives, preservatives and coloring's.

·        Staff will set a good example of table manners.

·        Cultural differences in eating habits will be respected.

·        Children will be encouraged to say “please and thank you”.

·        Conversation will be encouraged during meal times with peers and staff sharing the table.

·        Any child showing signs of distress at being faced with a meal he/she does not like will have the food removed without any fuss.

·        Children who are not on special diets will be encouraged to eat a small piece of everything.

·        Children who are slow eaters will be given time and not rushed.

·        We will take into account the amount of food given to each child depending on their age and appetite.

·        Menus are planned in advance looking at the children’s individual dietary and cultural needs.

·        Children are provided with fresh drinking water at all times throughout the day. Children have their own individual water bottles/cups.

Procedure:

·        Registered providers must notify Ofsted of any food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after on the premises. Notification must be made within 14 days.

All staff handling food must have a recognised food and hygiene certificate.

·        Staff must insure all children with dietary requirements are provided for and dietary information is shared between all staff and kept on kitchen wall.

Special Educational Needs Policy

The nursery has a duty to identify any children with Special Educational Needs and to provide for them. We have a legal responsibility to work in line with the ‘Code of Practice in the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs’ as required by the Nursery Education and Grant Maintained Schools Act 1996. We aim to identify children with Special Educational Needs as early as possible in their school so that successful support, monitoring and assessments may be made in order to plan the child’s education in the best possible way.

We have a full time senco (special educational needs coordinator) that works with children who may need additional help; she liaises with the area senco and outside agencies to provide necessary support for both parent and child.

A child has Special Educational Needs if he/she has a learning difficulty, which calls for Special Educational Provision to be made for him/her.

A child has a learning difficulty if he/she:

a)      Has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age.

b)     Has a disability, which either prevents or hinders the child from making use of educational facilities of a kind, provided for children of the same age.

c)      Is under five and falls within the definition at (a) or (b) above or would do so if special educational provision was made for the child.

A child must not be regarded as having a learning difficulty solely because the language or form of languages of the home is different from the language in which he/she is or will be taught.

Special Educational Provision means:

·         For a child over two, educational provision which is additional to, or otherwise different from, the educational provision made generally for the children of the child’s age in maintained schools, other than special schools in the area.

·         For a child under two, educational provision of any kind.

At Thames Tiddlers Nursery we follow the Department of Education’s Code of Practice and we use these stages which are outlined below.

Early year’s action.

Early years action plus.

Statement issued.

Settling In Policy and Procedure

·        The Nursery staff will work in partnership with parents and carers to settle the child into the nursery environment.

·        We work in partnership with parents to plan a home visit before the child starts at Nursery, this is for your child to familiarise themselves with their key person. The benefit of a home visit is to observe the child in their relaxed environment, to find out the child’s likes, dislikes and interests. The information gained from this visit will support staff when providing the appropriate care and learning for your child’s development. During the home visit a plan will be made between the parent/carer and manager to arrange settling in and start date.

·        During the settling in period, parents/carers will stay with the child for sufficient time so that the child feels settled and the parent/carer feels comfortable about leaving him or her.

·        For the first few sessions, parents/carers may collect their child early; this may be decided on how well the child is coping. These arrangements will be decided with the child’s key person and parent/carer.

·        No child will be taken on an outing from the Nursery until he or she is completely settled.

Complaints Policy and Procedure

As a parent/guardian of a child attending Thames Tiddlers you have the right to take action if you are dissatisfied with the nurseries services. It is the intention of staff and management to work with you in order that difficulties relating to any aspect of the nursery services should be resolved informally where ever possible. Only where such informal attempts to resolve issues have failed should the formal complaints procedure be invoked.

Stages to be followed:

1.     The parent/carer should contact their child’s key person. You will receive a response within (3) working days.

·        If the issue concerns the key person directly you should begin at stage 2.

2.     If you are dissatisfied with the response you should direct your complaint to the Nursery Manager. You will receive a response within three (3) working days.

Nursery managers: Claire Orchard and Danni Robertson

Address: Thames Tiddlers Nursery, Shooters Hill Post 16 Campus, Red Lion Lane, Woolwich SE18 4LD.

Telephone: 020 8856 9437

There is a customer complaints booklet that can be completed by the parent or person making the complaint. This is in the complaints folder located in the manager’s office.

There is also a complaints record sheet that needs to be completed which can be found in the complaints folder.

If you wish to take the matter further you can then report directly to Ofsted by telephoning: 08456 40 40 40.

Partnership with Parent/carers Policy

The Nursery team will work with parent/carers as partners in providing quality care for their children. We believe that an open access policy is the best way of encouraging participation.

·        Parent/carers are welcome to view the policies and procedures file, which governs the way in which the nursery works (ask nursery manager).

·        Parent/carers are welcome to see the records kept on their child, but as this would require withdrawing a member of staff from their usual duties, arrangements should be made in advance to ensure staff availability.

·        Information about nursery activities and events is regularly distributed through newsletters and parent’s notice board.

·        Parent/ carers open evenings are held at least twice a year.

·        It is important to regularly communicate between both key person and parent/carer to provide quality care and learning for their child.

·        Regularly distributing parent/carer questionnaire to ensure we are meeting high standard of care. Parents are then involved in sharing new ideas and suggestions.

·        Parent/carers are able to contribute to the curriculum board located at the entrance. Shared information provides extended learning in the nursery and home environment.

·        Parent/carers are encouraged to participate in their children’s learning through outings, cultural celebrations and planned activities.

Health, Illness and Emergency Policy

All staff at Thames Tiddlers Nursery attend first aid training which is provided by the Greenwich early years team. We regularly keep staff updated on their first aid training to insure qualified first aider’s are on the nursery premises at all times. A named first aider must also be present on each nursery outing. The named person is listed on the risk assessment checklist list for outings.

It is the Nursery policy to encourage and promote good health and hygiene for all the children in our care. This includes monitoring the children for signs and symptoms of communicable diseases such as chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis, diarrhoea, vomiting and fevers of 101(F) / 38(C) or over.

With the welfare of the sick child in mind and in the interests of the remaining children in the Nursery, if in the opinion of the staff a child is ill, then the parent/carer will be contacted and requested to collect their child as soon as possible.

The staff must be convinced that the child has returned to good health before re-admitting them.

In the case of a serious accident or illness occurring then the parent/carer will be contacted immediately. In the likely event of the parent/carer not being available the senior staff member will assume charge and if necessary take the child to hospital with all relevant documentation.

The following procedures will be followed in the event of:

Major Accident

·        At all times the staff must wear protective gloves and aprons.

·        The manager will assess the situation and decide whether the child needs to go immediately to hospital or whether the child can wait for the parent/carer to come

·        If the child needs to go straight to the hospital an ambulance will be called. Then the parent/carer will be contacted and arrangements will be made to meet the parent/carer at the hospital. A member of staff will accompany the child to the hospital, but will not sign for any treatment to be carried out.

·        If the child can wait for the parent/carer to come, they will be contacted and the child will be made as comfortable as possible. A member of staff will stay with the child until the parent/carer arrives, it will then be the parent/carers decision to take their child to the hospital.

·        The registered provider must notify Ofsted of any serious accident, illness, injury, death of any child whilst in our nursery care. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonable practicable, but in any event within 14 days of the incident occurring.

·        The registered provider must notify local child protection agencies of any serious accident or injury to, or the death of, any child whilst in our care and act on any advice given. See safeguarding procedure for contact details.

Minor Accident

·        At all times staff must wear protective gloves and aprons
·        The injury is assessed by the key person and if necessary by the manager.
·        The injury is then treated.
·        The child is then resettled back into their main room, and observed.
·        The incident is then recorded in the accident book and an incident form is written and is then signed by the parent/carer on the collection of their child. All accident reports once signed is then kept in the child’s individual folder.

·        A first aid box is kept in the staff room and has a designated person in charge to record the contents and replacements. Staff keep a record of all treatments given to the child, this is kept in the first aid box.

·        All parents/carers are informed of the nursery exclusion procedure for illness and communicable diseases.

Accident At Home

·        If a child arrives at the nursery with an injury this will be recorded in the accident book and is signed by parent/carer on arrival at the nursery.

Policy on infection control

Thames Tiddlers prevents the spread of infection by ensuring

Routine Immunisation
High standards of personal hygiene and practice, particularly handwashing
Maintaining a clean environment

If your child is not well in the morning before nursery starts please do not administrate any paracetamol products to your child, as this will result in your child being refused entry in to the setting. Also we are unable to administrate any paracetamol products to your child unless your child develops an extremely high or low body temperature, this is to prevent convulsions and fits.

We follow the guidance below for exclusion times for sickness and infections.

Infection or complaint: Athlete’s Foot
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: Athlete’s food is not a serious condition but treatment is recommended.

Infection or complaint: Chicken Pox
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Until all vesicles have crusted over
Comments: See: vulnerable children and female staff-pregnancy.

Infection or complaint: Cold sore, Herpes simplex
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: Avoid kissing and contact with sores. Cold sores are generally mild and self-limiting.

Infection or complaint: German measles (Ruebella)
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Four days from onset of rash
Comments: Preventable by immunisation also see female staff-pregnancy

Infection or complaint: Hand, foot and mouth
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclusion may be considered in some circumstances depending on the severity.
Comments: Contact your local HPT if a large number of children are infected.

Infection or complaint: Impetigo
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Comments: Antibiotic treatment speeds healing and reduces the infectious period. Also to be covered if on the body or torso.

Infection or complaint: Measles
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: 4 days from onset of rash.
Comments: Preventable by vaccination. See vulnerable children and female staff-pregnancy

Infection or complaint: Molluscum Contagiosum
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: A self limiting condition

Infection or complaint: Ringworm
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclusion not usually required once cream has been applied.
Comments: Treatment is required.

Infection or complaint: Roseola (Infantum)
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: None

Infection or complaint: Scabies
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Child can return after first treatment.
Comments: Household and close contact require treatment.

Infection or complaint: Scarlet Fever
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery:Child can return 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Comments: Antibiotic treatment is recommended for the affected child.

Infection or complaint: Slapped Cheek/fifth disease. Parvovirus
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None once rash has developed.
Comments: See vulnerable children and female staff-pregnancy.

Infection or complaint: Shingles
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclude only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered.
Comments: Can cause chickenpox in those who are not immune, ie have not had chickenpox. It is spread by very close contact and touch. If further information is required, contact your local PHE centre. See: Vulnerable children and female staff-pregnancy

Infection or complaint: Warts and Verrucae
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: Verrucae should be covered in swimming pools, gymnasiums and changing rooms

Infection or complaint: Diarrhoea and or vomiting
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: 48 Hours from last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting

Infection or complaint: E.coli O157 VTEC Typhoid (and paratyphoid enteric fever) Shigella (dysentery)
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Should be excluded for 48 hours from last episode of diarrhoea. Further exclusion may be required for some children until they are no longer excreting
Comments: Further exclusion is required for children aged 5 years or younger and those who have difficulty in adhering to hygiene practices. Children in these categories should be excluded until there is evidence of microbiological clearance. Please consult your local PHE centre for further advice

Infection or complaint: Cryptosporidiosis
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclude for 48 hours from the last episode of diarrhoea
Comments: Exclusion from swimming is advisable for two weeks after the diarrhoea has settled

Infection or complaint: Flu (influenza)
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Until recovered
Comments: See: Vulnerable Children

Infection or complaint: Tuberculosis
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Always consult your local PHE centre
Comments: Requires prolonged close contact for spread

Infection or complaint: Whooping cough (pertussis)
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Five days from starting antibiotic treatment, or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment
Comments: Preventable by vaccination. After treatment, non-infectious coughing may continue for many weeks. Your local PHE centre will organise any contact tracing necessary.

Infection or complaint: Conjunctivitis
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Each child must have prescribed drops before they can come back into nursery. If drops are not prescribed then the parent must come in themselves to administrate to their child.
Comments: If an outbreak/cluster occurs, consult your local PHE centre

Infection or complaint: Diphtheria
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclusion is essential. Always consult with your local HPT
Comments: Family contacts must be excluded until cleared to return by your local PHE centre. Preventable by vaccination. Your local PHE centre will organise any contact tracing necessary.

Infection or complaint: Glandular fever
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None

Infection or complaint: Head Lice
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: To be kept off until the head lice has been treated.
Comments: Treatment is recommended only in cases where live lice have been seen.

Infection or complaint: Hepatitis A
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclude until seven days after onset of Jaundice or seven days after symptom onset if no jaundice.
Comments: In an outbreak of Hepatitis A your local PHE centre will advise on control measures.

Infection or complaint: Hepatitis B* C* HIV/AIDS
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: Hepatitis B and C and HIV are bloodborne viruses that are not infectious through casual contact. For cleaning of body fluid spills to make sure to use protective gloves and aprons and to dispose of accordingly.

Infection or complaint: Meningococcal meningitis / septicaemia
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Until recovered
Comments: Meningitis C is preventable by vaccination. There is no reason to exclude siblings or other contacts of a case. In case of an outbreak, it may be necessary to provide antibiotics with or without meningococcal vaccination to close school contacts. Your local PHE centre will advise on any action that is needed.

Infection or complaint: Meningitis* due to other bacteria.
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Until recovered.
Comments: HIB AND PNEUMOCOCCAL meningitis are preventable by vaccination. There is no reason to exclude siblings or other close contacts of a case. Your local PHE centre will give advice on any action needed.

Infection or complaint: Meningitis viral*
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: Milder illness. There is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case. Contacts tracing is not required.

Infection or complaint: MRSA
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: Good hygiene, in particular handwashing and environmental cleaning, are important to minimise any danger of spread.

Infection or complaint: Mumps*
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Exclude child for five days after onset of swelling.
Comments: Preventable by vaccination

Infection or complaint: Threadworms
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: Until medication has been administrated.
Comments: Treatment is recommended for the child and household contacts.

Infection or complaint: Tonsillitis
Recommended period to be kept away from nursery: None
Comments: There are many causes, but most cases are due to viruses and do not need an antibiotic.

Antibiotics
Children must be kept at home for the first 24 hours after receiving their first dose of antibiotics.
This is to ensure the child is no longer contagious and well enough to return to nursery.

Children from Linguistic Minorities

All of the staff at Thames Tiddlers Nursery is aware that it should not be assumed a child has a learning difficulty solely because the language he/she speaks is not English. The identification and assessment of the Special Educational Needs of children from minority ethnic groups, including children whose first language is not English, requires very careful consideration. Lack of competence in English must not be equated with learning difficulties as understood in the Code of Practice 1994. Care should be taken to consider the child within the context of his or her home, language, culture and community...and to use so far as possible assessment tools which are culturally neutral and useful of a range of ethnic groups (Code of Practice 1994). The nursery has set out 3 stages, which describe aspects of bilingual children’s development through English. These stages emphasis the social aspects of learning as well as the linguistic. The linguistic child’s key person will assess, monitor and encourage the child’s development through these stages, these are:

Stage 1: New English

Stage 2: Becoming familiar with English

Stage 3: Becoming confident as a user of English

For more information on these, please see nursery staff.

The nursery aims to help children who are new to English to:

·         Participate in all areas of the curriculum

·         Form relationships with other children and adults

·         Develop self-esteem and confidence in themselves

·         Feel proud of their language skills and heritage

·         Maintain the first language and acquire new language skills in English

The methods we shall use to achieve these aims are:

·         Working/playing alongside child

·         Interacting as much as possible with the child (verbally and non verbally)

·         Developing a relationship with the child, by discovering and responding to his/her interest concerns, skills, approaches to play/learning and methods of communication

·         Helping him/her to join in activities with other children

·         Encouraging other children to take part in the child’s activities

Contributory role of the key person and other members of staff:

·         Getting to know the family and joint planning for the child

·         Admissions meeting with the family

·         Plans for settling the child

·         Identify child’s needs and current language skills with the family and key person

Outings Policy

As part of our curriculum the children are taken for local walks, visits and trips. When an outing has been planned a written permission from parent/carer will be required.

·         A staff member shall inform you in advance of any visits or outings involving the transportation of children away from the nursery

·         The Nursery will inform parents whether a private passenger vehicle or public transport will be used.

·         A full risk assessment will be carried out prior each outing.

·         When taking a child on a trip, outing or special event, the nursery will:

1.      Secure individual written consent slips signed by a parent/carer.

2.      Advice parents of the time and place the visit will take place.

3.      Advise parents on the equipment needed for the trip i.e. coats, rucksack, packed lunch etc.

4.      The ratio for staff to children depends on the age group of the group and will be advised at the time.

5.      There will be a designated person in charge and a designated first aider.

·         The staff member will:

1.      Divide the children into small groups.

2.      Take a register with them.

3.      Take a first aid kit.

4.      Take a mobile phone and contact numbers.

5.      And anything else that is deemed necessary for the comfort of the trip.

6.      The staff members will contact the Nursery at least once whilst out.

7.      The register will be taken before setting off, on arrival, half way through the visit, before departure, and again on arrival back at the nursery.

Use of Vehicles for Outings

When planning a trip or outing using vehicles, records of vehicles and drivers including licenses, MOT certificates and business use insurance are checked.

If a vehicle is used for outings the following procedure will be followed:

·         Ensure seat belts, child seats and booster seats are used.

·         Ensure the maximum seating is not exceeded.

·         All children will be accompanied by registered member of staff.

·         No child will be left in a vehicle unattended.

·         Care will be taken when getting into or out of a vehicle.

·         In the event of a child being lost, The Lost Child Procedure will be followed.

·         Any incidents must be recorded in writing.

·         OFSTED must be contacted and informed of any incidents.