To offer a high standard of professional care for children.
To provide for each child’s social, physical, cultural and psychological needs.
To provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children to encourage interest and develop curiosity.
To provide food which provides a healthy balanced diet which is culturally diverse to promote and encourage good eating habits.
To work with the children and to encourage them to make the nursery look attractive and interesting displaying each child’s work promoting self importance.
To give each child opportunities to interact and co-operate with both adults and children.
This in turn will help develop their abilities in relating to both children and adults.
To help each child develop a self-concept, to come to terms with their feelings and develop their self-esteem and confidence.
To offer opportunities both planned and unplanned activities allowing all children to participate and enjoy first hand learning experience which promote communication skills, fine and gross motor skills, good learning habits and the development of different concepts.
To observe, assess and record each child’s progress to plan and help each child develop to their full potential using the Famly online system. To then evaluate all learning that has taken place to ensure all children are achieving their very best.
To liaise with outside agencies to give support to those children with special needs.
To work in partnership with parents encouraging their involvements in the nursery, providing parents with advice, time with their child and support when they need it. *1
To provide parents with a meeting to discuss the nursery situation and any problems related to it.
To hold parent’s evenings which allows the children’s key persons to hold individual reviews with parents, where they are kept up to date with information relevant to their child. *2
*1 during the pandemic period, parents will not be able to come in to meet with managers and get involved in nursery activities.
*2 throughout the pandemic, parents meetings if required will be carried out virtually.
Each of our nurseries are different, so please speak with the manager to find out the maximum number of registered places we can have at each of our settings.
Other matters taken into account in deciding which child can be offered a place in KiddieCare Nursery are*:
1 Availability of spaces taking into account the staff/child ratios, the age of the child and the registration requirements.
2 When the application is received (extra weight is given to those who have been on the waiting list longest).
3 The nursery’s ability to provide the facilities for the welfare of the child.
4 A child requiring a full-time place will usually have preference over one requiring a part-time place.
5 Extenuating circumstances affecting the child’s welfare or his/her family.
6 Children who are siblings of those already with us.
We never have discriminated, and have no intention in the future of discriminating, against any child on the grounds of sex, race, religion or ability.
*During the pandemic period, if the nursery has to close or minimise the number of children they can take at any one time, priority will be given to those parents who are key workers and to those children who are classed as vulnerable.
We set out to assist each individual child attending Kiddiecare Nursery to attain their maximum potential within their perceived capabilities. An individual record of each child’s development is maintained through Tapestry, showing their development stages and any areas needing further staff assistance.
The staff are very aware of the importance of the correct play environment for each child, so they may develop good social skills and an appreciation of all aspects of this country’s multicultural society. Planning of the learning experiences by the staff is further designed to ensure, as far as practical, equality of opportunity between all children.
Each individual child is planned for and evaluated by the individual key person. Each key person is to work alongside parents, carers and any other settings the child may attend. Key persons will also work with outside agencies when necessary to ensure every individual child’s needs are met.
KiddieCare nursery works and plans under the EYFS using practise guidelines to plan for individual children. We follow the seven areas of learning to ensure all children learn and achievement to their full potential. We encourage parents to be involved in their children’s learning within the nursery and at home. Parents are able to view their child’s progress files online anytime once they have set up their passwords.
The child’s key person will work in partnership with parents/carers to settle the child into the nursery environment as well as complete all paperwork and discuss any individual needs the child may have, for example medical or dietary. Then the key person will introduce the parents and child to other members of staff who work within the nursery.
When a child’s space is confirmed by the nursery, arrangements will be made for a visit so that the child can familiarise him/herself with the nursery to build the child’s self esteem and confidence.
During the child’s first visit the parents/carers are asked to stay and play in the nursery with their child for a minimum of 30 minutes so that the child feels settled and when both key person and the parent/carer feels comfortable about leaving her or him they can then leave for 10 – 30 minutes depending on the individual child’s needs. We will then gradually build up the time the child is left. We will not extend the child’s time until we feel the child is settled and able to cope with the lengthened time.
For the first few sessions after children have settled, parents/carers may collect the child early if they so wish.
No child will be taken on an outing from the nursery until he or she is completely settled.
Some children including those that have additional needs (SEND) may need shorter, more frequent sessions to meet their individual needs to help them settle.
Fees are due in advance for both monthly and weekly payments. These can be paid by either cash or cheque to the nursery manager. Alternatively, you can make an online bank transfer or set up a direct debit, just ask your nursery manager for the details.
It is of utmost importance that all nursery fees are paid on time as it has a negative impact on our ability to meet the expenses necessary to keep the nursery running smoothly.
Deposits and Registration fees
Registration fees are non-refundable and must be paid when you register your child.
One week’s deposit is due before your child starts their settling in period. This will be refunded to you when your child leaves, on condition that all your nursery fees are up to date.
Monthly payments
Monthly payments are due on or before the 28th of each month and this payment will be for the month ahead. You can pay this by standing order or by cash / cheque at the nursery. If you would like to set up a standing order then please ask the manager or deputy for the details.
Late payments
For weekly payments there is a £10 late payment charge which will be added weekly until payment is made.
Monthly payments are to be paid in advance by the 28th of each month, if payment is not received by the 5th of the month a £50 will be added to your fees and will be added each month until payment is made.
Failure to make payment by the end of the month will result in the nursery refusing to accept your child the following month until full payment is received.
Weekly payments
Weekly payments are due on the child’s first day of attendance each week.
Late payments
If payment is not received by the last day your child attends nursery each week a £10 late payment charge will be added, and a further £10 will be added per week that the payment is late.
Failure to make payment within 3 weeks could result in the nursery refusing to accept your child until full payment is received.
Holidays and absences
If your child is absent from nursery or ill, full fees are still payable.
If you go on holiday for less than 2 weeks, normal fees will be charged. If your holiday goes over 2 weeks, you will be charged 50% of the fees for the days over the 2 weeks. For example, if your holiday is 3 weeks long the first 2 weeks are charged at full fees and the 3rd week will be half price.
Bank holidays and staff training days are still payable.
Notice period
If your child is leaving the nursery, one full month’s written notice must be given. Normal fees for this period will still be due. Your deposit will be returned to you once your final payment has been received.
Holiday retention scheme
There is the option of your child attending during the term time only, therefore not attending during the nursery’s holiday time. If you wish to do this, a retention fee will be charged at 25% of your child’s normal fee for the holiday period. This will ensure your child’s space is reserved for you during the following term. Failure to pay the retention fee will result in your child being taken off the register and added onto our waiting list. The retention fee is non refundable should you decide not to return after the holiday period.
For the purpose of this policy the manager is the overall person responsible for the nursery. Similarly, “the key person” is the person primarily responsible for the care of a child in the nursery.
It is expected that parents will abide with the following procedures when making a complaint. However, complaints that are not made in accordance with the procedure should still be considered as legitimate and treated as such.
In the instance of a minor complaint these should be made verbally to the child’s key person or the manager.
If the complaint is of a more serious nature the complaint should be put in writing to the manager.
After the complaint has been made the person to whom the complaint has originally been made should take responsibility for resolving it.
If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, the parent may refer it upwards as follows:
The key person
Room supervisor/Deputy Manager
Nursery manager
Operations manager –Cheryl Martin 07826909710
Directors
Ofsted
Ofsted Office For Standards In Education,
Ofsted National Business Unit Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD
Telephone no; 0300 123 1231 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk/parents
The same procedure will be followed by KiddieCare to request assistance in trying to resolve the complaint.
All complaints that are made in writing or of a serious nature should be reported to the nursery manager who in turn will report this to the Directors.
If the complaint relates to one or more of the national standards, (welfare standards) the nursery manager will investigate the matter and keep a written record of the complaint.
The parent who made the complaint will be given an account of the findings and of any action taken within 28 days of the complaint being reported. These records will be kept for the period of ten years from being recorded.
Any complaints made to the nursery will be reviewed periodically and appropriate changes made to operating, policies and procedures to avoid any repletion.
Statement of intent
Kiddiecare Nursery takes great care to treat each individual as a person in their own right, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they be an adult or child. Discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, religion, colour, creed, marital status, ethnic or national origin, or political belief, has no place within this nursery. Should any person believe that this policy is not being totally complied with, it is their duty to bring the matter to the attention of the manager at the earliest opportunity.
The nursery and staff are committed to:
1 Encourage positive role models, displayed through toys, imaginary play and activities that promote non-stereotyped images. Books will be selected to promote such images of men and women, boys and girls.
2 Encouraging all children to join in activities, i.e. dressing up, shop, home corner, dolls, climbing on large apparatus, bikes, etc.
3 Regularly review childcare practice to ensure the policy is effective
Kiddiecare Nursery aims to ensure that individuals are recruited, selected, trained and promoted on the basis of occupational skill requirements. In this respect, the nursery will ensure that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, cultural or national origin or sexuality, which cannot be justified as being necessary for the safe and effective performance of their work or training.
Service Provision
No child will be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, religion, colour or creed. Wherever possible those designated disabled or disadvantaged will be considered for a place, taking into account their individual circumstances and the ability of the nursery to provide the necessary standard of care.
KiddieCare 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.
We will strive to promote equal access to services and projects by taking practical steps such as ensuring access to disabled people and producing material in relevant languages and media.
Recruitment
KiddieCare Nursery will strive by recruitment to ensure that the staff levels reflect the community it serves. All vacancies will be advertised as widely as budgets allow.
Every effort will be made to ensure a representative balance on the selection group and all members of the group will be committed to equal opportunities practice as set out in this policy.
Application forms will not include questions which potentially discriminate against the grounds specified in the Statement of Intent.
At the interview stage, no questions will be posed which potentially discriminate against the grounds specified in the Statement of Intent. During the interview, 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 discuss the reasons why they were not successful.
Staff
All staff are expected to cooperate 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 ground as specified in the Statement of Intent.
Training
KiddieCare Nursery recognises the importance of training as a key factor in the implementation of an effective equal opportunity policy. All staff are expected to participate in equal opportunities training.
The nursery will strive towards the provision of equal opportunity training for all staff.
Parents/Carers must sign a medication form initially, giving details of the medicine, dosage and times to be administered and the length of time they will be on the medication. Daily forms will be completed by parents on each child’s arrival each day. The form is then to be completed by a senior member of staff once the medication has been administered. The form is then signed again by the parents on the child’s departure that day.
All medicines must be clearly labelled with the child’s name. Only medication prescribed by a doctor, Dentist, nurse or pharmacist may be administered.
The greatest care will be taken to see that these are administered according to the instructions, medicines are to be administered by the officer in charge, and a signed record of all medication administered shall be made on the medication forms and witnessed by another member of staff. Parents must then sign the form again at the end of the day. If it is not the parent that collects the child, a phone call is to be made to the parents to ensure they have been notified of when the medicine was administered.
Antibiotics can only be given if the child has been given it previously. If the child is prescribed an antibiotic they are to keep the child at home for 48 hours.
Staff and medication
If staff are required to take medication they must disclose this to the nursery manager and complete a form that states the name of medication, the length the medication is required, the reason for medication and dosage. The manager must be sure that the medication is not going to affect the staff members work and ability to care to the children, if the manager feels that it will then the member of staff must remain off work until he/she stops taking the medication or have a note from the doctor to say it is safe to continue to work.
Staff medication must be kept away from children’s reach and not left in the staff bags.
It is Kiddiecare 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 101F/38C 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 him/her as soon as possible.
The staff of Kiddiecare Nursery must be convinced that the child has returned to good health before re-admitting him/her, ensuring that the child has not had a temperature, sickness and diarrhoea or any other contagious infections for at least 48 hours.
The nursery staff have the right to refuse a child if they feel they are not fit and well enough to attend the nursery.
If your child has been given any medication that brings down their temperature in the past 24 hours they will not be able to attend the nursery.
In the case of a serious accident or illness occurring then the parent/carer will be contacted immediately along with the child’s GP and the appropriate action taken. In the unlikely event of the parent not being available the senior staff member will assume charge and if necessary, take the child to hospital along with all relevant details.
The following procedures will be followed in the event of:-
Major Accident
At all times the staff must wear protective clothing (disposable aprons and gloves).
1 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/main carer to come.
a) If the child needs to go straight to hospital an ambulance will be called. Then the parent/main carer will be contacted and arrangements will be made to meet the parent/main 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.
b) If the child can wait for the parent/main carer to come, then the parent/main carer 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/main carer arrives.
It will then be for the parent/main carer to decide whether to go to the hospital or not.
2. A report of the accident will then be recorded in the accident log, the log will be signed by the member of staff who initially dealt with the accident, the manager and then by the parent who will also keep a copy of the form. Each accident is to be recorded on a separate page to ensure confidentiality.
3. Any accidents that occur in the nursery that lead to a child being hospitalised will be reported to OFSTED followed by a written report to both OFSTED and the local authority (Health and safety and safeguarding board) following the guidelines of RIDDOR .
Minor Accident
At all times the staff must wear protective clothing (disposable aprons and gloves).
1 The injury is assessed by the keyworker and if necessary the manager is called.
2 The injury is then treated.
3 The child is then resettled back into the base room, and observed.
4 The incident is then recorded in the accident book and counter signed by the first aid responsible person. The responsible person is responsible for ensuring the correct treatment has been applied.
5 Parents must then be contacted if the child has a head or face injury.
6 The accident book must be signed by the parent or carer upon collection of the Child and a copy to parent if requested.
7 If it is not the parent who collects the child a phone call must be made to the Parents to inform them of the accident.
8 The accident book/sheets are checked by the nursery manager on a regular basis to check for patterns.
9 On occasions while children are engaged in play/activities a child may have a minor accident that staff do not notice for example if a child used the toilet independently he/she may slip and bump their head on the toilet door and get up without crying wash their hands and then go back to their chosen activity. If a member of staff noticed that the child had a fresh bruise or bump they must follow the above procedure ensuring that they write on the accident form that accident was not seen.
If the parents/career notices again the above procedure must be followed and accident form completed with statement accident not seen.
Accidents that happened at home or outside nursery care
If a child comes into nursery with an injury this must be dealt with in a non-judgemental way (all children have accidents both in nursery and at home)
Ask parent softly oh dear what happened ensure you are smiling in a friendly manor
Complete an incident form with parent before they leave give copy if requested
Give completed form to your manager to be filed
If manager/key person is concerned arrange a meeting with parent to discuss.
If key person/manager has safeguarding concerns report to senior safeguarding officer (Cheryl Martin)
In all occasions the exclusion policy will apply but also 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, they have the right to refuse to accept the child into nursery on that day.
The staff of Kiddiecare Nursery must be convinced that the child has returned to good health before re-admitting him/her.
Minimum Periods of Exclusion from Nursery are as follows:-
What do we mean by social interactions?
Social interactions are how we act and react to those around us; they form the basis of any relationship between two or more people, whether you’re aged two or 102. These interactions include physical movements, body language, talking and conversations, playing, sharing, and more.
Why is it important?
Positive social interactions have a wide range of both physical and mental benefits, including increased cognitive ability, good mental health, communication skills, independence, and improved physical health, especially in older people.
Early social interaction is particularly beneficial for child development, and the right environment can help children develop strong language skills, creativity, empathy, communication, and confidence. Nursery is one such environment where these skills can thrive.
The benefits of nursery
For many children, attending nursery is the first high level of social interaction they will have, outside of friends and family. As discussed above, social interactions are vital when it comes to positive mental and physical development, and there are many benefits of attending nursery that can have a direct impact on a child’s progress.
Learning through play
Don’t underestimate how much children can learn through play. What may simply look like children playing, this interaction can teach a whole range of skills, from problem-solving to sharing, resolving conflict, building imagination and creativity, and bonding with other children.
Arts and crafts have a range of benefits, giving children the chance to improve motor neuron skills, dexterity, and creative imagination. Children become engaged in conversations about what they are creating which promotes their development.
Messy play using paints, water, foam, or other materials is highly encouraged at nursery, and the best part is, you don’t have to clear up afterwards!
Develop social skills
Socialising with other children their own age helps children learn the vital skills they will need in later life. Interacting with others at nursery gives children the chance to establish boundaries, note how others react to their actions, and find ways to resolve conflicts amicably; all valuable skills that they will take into adulthood.
Language and communication
High levels of interaction with their peers is highly beneficial for children’s communication skills. They will learn how to communicate their feelings, interact with others and hone their skills of thinking and understanding. Attending nursery also promotes cognitive and language skills, and between the ages of three and five a child’s vocabulary grows from around 900 to 2,500 words.
Being around lots of other children naturally encourages more conversation, and singing songs, telling stories and teachers asking thought provoking questions all aid children’s language development in a fun and informal way.
Personal space
Naturally, being at nursery is different to being in your own home, but experiencing a different environment helps children learn important boundaries regarding their own personal space and that of others. Nursery also allows children to grow confident engaging in both individual and group play, and teaches them how to interact with other children without being too pushy or overwhelming.
Listening skills
Listening skills begin at home as children learn to follow instructions and guidance from their parents, but nursery actively encourages listening to others, whether that’s adults or peers. Good listening skills and the ability to take instructions from other adults can ease the transition from nursery to primary school and encourage children to understand the importance of listening and processing information.
Confidence building
Attending nursery does wonders for children’s confidence. Nursery encourages children’s independence, self-reliance, and learning to manage tasks on their own provides a great confidence boost. Seemingly simple things like putting their shoes on or learning to hold a paintbrush all build children’s self-esteem and gives a feeling of ‘I can do it’. A nursery environment can encourage children without pushing too hard, providing the perfect safe space for them to grow.
Are you eligible for 30 Hours FREE childcare funding?
30 hours FREE Childcare Funding Entitlement equates to 3 full days of free early years education and childcare per week. If you pay for an additional 2 days per week to top up the 3 funded days with Kiddiecare Nursery, it will cost only £116.70 per funded week.
The UK Government has launched a new website for parents of 3 & 4 year old children to register and claim 30 hours free childcare funding entitlement from a childcare provider of their choice. Full information on all forms of assistance is available on the ‘Childcare Choices‘ website. For 30 hours free childcare funding entitlement, parents must register on the government ‘Childcare Service‘ website to be able to claim the full 30 hours of free childcare per week, and nominate their chosen childcare provider.
What we offer
Kiddiecare Nursery is offering 30 Hours of FREE childcare per week to eligible parents with a child aged 3 to 4 years old. This 30 hours of free childcare per week starts in September 2017 and is funded by a brand new government scheme known as ‘Extended Entitlement’.
The current 15 hours of free funding entitlement is already available for pre-school children aged 3 & 4 via your chosen childcare provider, regardless of parental income. This 15 hour entitlement remains unchanged.
As with the 15 hours free childcare funding entitlement, the 30 hours free childcare funding entitlement is available for 38 weeks in the year. The ‘funded’ weeks normally follow the local school term dates. Although this can be stretched over 45 weeks of the year and can prove more beneficial to you as a working parents.
Eligibility
The new 30 hours entitlement is available as a top-up to the current 15 hours provision. To be eligible for the additional 15 hours of funding, each parent of the child must be employed a minimum equivalent of 16 hours per week, earning at least the national minimum wage. Each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year. Single parent families are also eligible, provided the sole parent works an equivalent of 16 hours per week, at national minimum wage.
To check if you are eligible for the additional funding you will need to register on childcarechoices.gov.uk website. If you are entitled you will be given a code which needs to given into us at Kiddiecare Nursery as soon as possible and you will be required to complete a funding form. You can start to receive your free entitlement the term after you receive your eligibility code from HMRC. The nursery manager will need to confirm your code on the eligibility checker on the borough portal before your child can start attending at Kiddiecare Nurseries. The manager must ensure all start and end dates are correct for that term before confirming a start date at the nursery.
Once eligible you will need to reconfirm your information with the HMRC every 3 months, if you do not do this or your circumstances change you may lose your entitlement to the additional 15 hours. This is the parent’s responsibility to ensure these deadlines are meet as all children’s end date will be different. You will be given a grace period but once this has lapsed you will only be entitled to the universal 15-hour entitlement.
Limited Availability
We only have a limited number of places available. So, if you think you may be entitled to the 30hour extended funding, please call us to discuss your eligibility and to register your interest with us.
