Bamford Pre School Playgroup

Latest update

2010-01-13T12:05:00.015Z

Wednesday 23rd March 2010

Open as usual.

Letter of the week = w

Remember to send your child in suitable clothing for our walk this wednesday.

Parents notice board

2009-02-13T10:42:00.001Z

-Child carrier for bicycle. Free to good home. Contact Paul or Claire 651026

- Info please. Does anybody know of a tree nursery in the valley that supplies matured container grown trees (approx 15-20ft height with plenty of growth - not one of these 15ft 'sticks' that you get in garden centres for £20). Thanks.

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2009-02-10T10:46:00.002Z

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Links with parents

Our aims

We aim to develop effective partnerships with parents and carers, as in the early years these are the children’s primary educators. This aim is reflected in the following principles:

Respect for the role, knowledge and expertise of parents/carers in their children’s education

A readiness to listen to what parents have to say and a positive, welcoming attitude

Flexibility in ‘settling in’ arrangements

Regular information for parents about playgroup as a whole and their children’s progress

The fostering of continuity between home and playgroup (e.g. by parents knowing what their children are doing)

We seek to implement the EYFS to partnerships with parents, namely:

· Carefully managing the transition between/ home and playgroup

Establishing feelings of trust and respect between parents/carers and playgroup

Treating each child as an individual to ensure each enjoys equality of opportunity

· Finding out about each child’s ethnic, faith and cultural heritage and home experiences so that these can be incorporated into playgroup activities where possible

Practice

Before each child joins playgroup

When parents/carers enquires about the possibility of a place for their child, they should be invited to visit a session and given the name of the leader for that session. The appropriate leader should be informed that their may be a visit from a perspective parents/carer visits he/she should be made welcome and familiarized with the format of each session and the philosophy of the playgroup (I.E. the emphasis of learning through play.

If the parent/carer decides to take up a place for their child, he/she should be given an application form, and a copy of the welcome pack. The completed application form must be kept in the blue file of children’s records for future references.

Links with parents of playgroup children

Parents/carers receive a newsletter every half term. This will inform them issues such as plans for term dates, outings/Christmas parties etc.

Every six months, parents are asked to participate in a feedback exercise. A letter and feedback form (example attached) invite them to make any observations about their child’s progress in relation to the six areas of learning and to express any general comments that they have. The feedback forms should be kept in the feedback file.

The notice board in the entrance should display a newsletter, letter of the week, snack board, complements/ complaints information, and suggestions box, the daily timetable.

At the end of each session the leader should greet parents/carers in the yard this presents an opportunity to communicate with individual parents/carers or the group as a whole about any issues that may have arisen during the session.

Parents/carers should be encouraged to come in and help, for example by reading a story at story time.

· Children usually take home anything they have made or painted and are encouraged to tell their parents/carers about what they have done that day at playgroup.

Policy 11

2009-02-10T10:43:00.003Z

Policy for Fire Drill

1. In case of fire all children will be escorted off the premises by Caroline and other members of staff via the main entrance and up the ramp to the yard, unless there is a problem in that area. If a problem arises to the front of the building all children will be taken out via the back door to the enclosed grass area. Caroline will collect the register and mobile phone.

2. The children will be escorted to the appropriate safe area.

3. A head count will be carried out and register taken by Caroline.

4. Wendy will check all rooms and toilets for children/workers.

5. A member of staff will then contact the fire brigade.

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Policy 10

2009-02-10T10:38:00.001Z

Policy for Equal Opportunities

Bamford Pre-school playgroup believes that all children, individuals or families, from whatever background or experience, will be welcomed. We aim to ensure that all who wish to work in, or volunteer to help with our playgroup, have an equal chance to do so.

Admissions

This playgroup is open for every family in the community. Families joining the playgroup will be made fully aware of our Equal Opportunities policy.

Employment

When staff vacancies arise this playgroup will appoint the best person for the job and will treat fairly all applicants for the job, and all those appointed. No applicant will be rejected on the grounds of age, gender, sexuality, class, means, family status, disability, colour, ethnic origin, culture, religion or belief.

Families

This playgroup recognises that many different types/structures of family successfully love and care for children.

This playgroup offers a flexible payment system for families with differing means.

The Curriculum

All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. Activities and the use of play equipment offer children opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination. Opportunity will be given to all children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others.

Resources

These will be chosen to give children a balanced view of the world and an appreciation of the rich diversity of our multi-racial society.

Materials will be selected to help children to develop their self-respect and to respect others by avoiding stereotypes and derogatory pictures or messages about any group of people.

Special Needs

This playgroup recognises the wide range of special needs of children and families in their communities and will consider what part it will play in meeting these needs.

Planning for playgroup meetings and events will take into account the needs of people with disabilities.

Discriminatory Behaviour/Remarks

These are unacceptable in our playgroup. We will aim to be sensitive to the feeling of the victim(s) and to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices.

Language

Information, written and spoken will be clearly communicated in as many languages as necessary.

Bilingual/multilingual children and adults are an asset. They will be valued and their language recognized and respected in the playgroup.

Food

Whenever food is used/cooked in playgroup sessions, medical, cultural, religious, and dietary needs will be respected.

Meetings

The time, place and conduct of all meetings will be taken into consideration so all relevant parties have an opportunity to go, and also to be involved in the running of the playgroup.

Policy 09

2009-02-10T10:37:00.003Z

Confidentiality Policy

Parents have access to files and records of their own children.

Staff, students & volunteers will not discuss individual children with people other than staff, parents, guardians or professionals involved with the child.

Information given by parents to the pre-school staff will be treated with respect and sensitivity.

Any anxieties or evidence relating to a child’s personal safety will be kept in a confidential file and will only be shared with other pre-school staff and if needed our early years improvement officer.

Students on placement, temporary staff or new staff, parents & volunteers at pre-school will read of our confidentiality policy.

Students, parents & volunteers helping in our setting are required to abide by this and sign the paper copy.

Any concerns with parents regarding incidents with children should be discussed privately.

Policy 08

2009-02-10T10:37:00.002Z

Policy for Complaints Procedure

We aim to offer a welcome to each individual child and family and to provide a warm and caring environment within which all children can learn and develop as they play.

We believe children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. Our intention is to work in partnership with parents and the community generally and we welcome suggestions on how to improve our group at any time.

Making concerns known:

A parent who is uneasy about any aspect of the group’s provision should first of all talk over any worries and anxieties with the pre-school leader.

If this does not have a satisfactory outcome within a couple of weeks, or if the problem reoccurs, the parent should put the concerns or complaint in writing and request a meeting with the pre-school leader and the chair of the management committee. Both parents and the leader should have a friend or partner present if required and an agreed written record of the discussion should be made.

Most complaints should be resolved informally or at this initial stage.

If the matter is still not sorted out to the parents satisfaction, the parent should again contact the chair.

If parent and group cannot reach agreement, it might be helpful to invite an external mediator, one who is acceptable to both parties, to listen to both sides and offer advice. A mediator has no legal powers but can help to clarify the situation. Staff or volunteers within the Pre-school Learning Alliance will be available to act as mediator if both parties wish it.

The mediator will help define the problem, review the action so far and suggest further ways in which it might be resolved.

The mediator will keep all discussions confidential. S/he will meet with the group if requested and will keep an agreed written record of any meetings that are held and of any advice s/he has given.

The role of the registering authority

In some circumstances, it will be necessary to bring in the local authority registration and inspection unit, who have a duty to ensure laid down requirements are adhered to and with whom the Pre-school Learning Alliance works in partnership to encourage high standards. The registering authority would be involved if a child appeared to be at risk or where there seems to be a possible breach of registration requirements. In these cases both parents and pre-school would be informed and the Pre-school Learning Alliance field worker would work with the social services department to ensure a proper investigation of the complaint followed by appropriate action.

We believe that most complaints are made constructively and can be sorted out at an early stage. We also believe that it is in the best interests of the Pre-school and parents that complaints should be taken seriously and dealt with fairly and in a way which respects confidentiality.

Policy 07

2009-02-10T10:36:00.001Z

Policy for Child Protection

Our Pre-school wants to work with children, parents and the community to ensure the safety of children and to give them the very best start.

Our aims are to:

Create an environment in our pre-school which encourages children to develop a positive self image, regardless or race, language, religion, culture or home background
Help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers and with other adults
Encourage children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence
Enable children to have the self confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches
Work with parents to build their understanding of and commitment to the welfare of all of our children

The legal framework for this work is:

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
The Children Act 1989
Human Rights Act 1998
Data Protection Act 1984
The Protection of Children Act 1999

Liaison with other bodies:

We work within the Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) guidelines
We have a copy of Local Safeguarding Children Boards Guidelines available for staff and parents to see
We notify the registration authority (Ofsted) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which affect the wellbeing of children
We have procedures for contacting the local authority on child protection issues, including maintaining a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of social workers, to ensure that it is easy, in any emergency, for the pre-school and social services to work well together
Records of the local NSPCC contacts are also kept
If a report is to be made to the authorities, we act within the Local Safeguarding Children Boards guidance in deciding whether we must inform the child’s parents at the same time.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Staff makes a record of:

The child’s initials
The date and time of the observation or the disclosure
An objective record of the observation or disclosure
The exact words spoken by the child
The name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with date and time
The names of any other person present at the time

These records are signed and dated and kept in a separate confidential file. All members of staff know the procedures for recording and reporting.

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 Area Child Protection Committee does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board

Support to Families

The pre-school takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff and volunteers in the group.
The pre-school continues to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation.

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 on a ‘need to know basis’ under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

With the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount, we do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

Curriculum

We introduce key elements of child protection into our EYFS, so that children can develop understanding of why and how to keep safe.
We create within the pre-school a culture of value and respect for the individual
We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is appropriate for the ages and stages of our children

Complaints

We ensure that all parents know how to complain about staff or volunteer action within the pre-school, which may include allegation of abuse.
We follow the appropriate guidance when investigating any complaint that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child
We follow all the disclosure and recording procedures when investigating an allegation that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child as if it were an allegation of abuse by any other person
Responding to suspicions of abuse
We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms – physical, emotional, sexual and neglect
When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, this may be demonstrated through changes in their behaviour, or in their play. Where such changes in behaviour occur, or where children’s play gives cause for concern, the pre-school investigates
We allow investigation to be carried out with sensitivity. Staff in the pre-school take care not to influence the outcome either through the way they speak to children or ask questions of children.
Where a child shows signs and symptoms of ‘failure to thrive’ or neglect, we make appropriate referrals.

Disclosures

Where a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff:

Offers reassurance to the child
Listens to the child
Gives reassurance that she or he will take action

The member of staff does not over question the child but needs to sure of the facts by asking open ended questions.

Methods

Staffing and volunteering

Our named person who co-ordinates child protection issues is Caroline Hunter

The registered person takes responsibility for ensuring that all members of staff have been checked for their suitability for working with children with the Criminal Records Bureau and have an Enhanced disclosure indicating this.

OFSTED will be informed of any changes to the registered person and will undertake the necessary checks with the CRB for them

We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children
Applicants for posts within the pre-school are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from 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 abide by OFSTED requirements in respect of references and police checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified person or unfit person works at the pre-school or has access to the children
Volunteers do not work unsupervised
We abide by the Protection of Children Act requirements in respect of any person who 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 pre-school
We take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the pre-school so that no unauthorized person has unsupervised access to the children.

Disciplinary Action

Where a member of staff or a volunteer is dismissed from the pre-school or internally disciplined because of misconduct relating to a child, we notify the Department of Health administrators so that the name may be included on the List for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

Training

We ensure that all staff regularly attend child protection training to ensure that they are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect and so that they are aware of the local authority guidelines for making referrals. We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the pre-school.

Policy 06

2009-02-10T10:34:00.001Z

Policy for Behaviour Management

We believe that children and adults flourish best in an happy and safe environment in which everyone knows what is expected of them and children are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt or hindered by anyone else. We aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop self-discipline and self esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.

In order to achieve this:

Rules governing the conduct of the group and the behaviour of the children will be discussed and agreed within the Pre School and explained to all newcomers, both children and adults.

All adults within the pre school will be consistent in the application of these rules, so that the children know what to expect and can build up useful habits of behaviour.

All adults will try to provide a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy.

Adults in the Pre School will praise and endorse desirable behaviour such as kindness and willingness to share.

We aim to take positive steps to avoid a situation in which children receive adult attention only in return for undesirable behaviour.

When children do behave in unacceptable ways:

Physical punishment, such as smacking, will be neither used nor threatened.

Children are given 3 warnings to correct they’re unwanted behavior, during which time they are given the choice, if they don’t, they will have to sit on the time out chair for 3 minutes.

In cases of serious misbehaviour, such as physical or racial abuse, the unacceptability of the behaviour and attitudes will be made clear immediately by means of explanation and sit on the time out chair.

In any case of misbehaviour it will be made clear to the child or children in question that it is the behaviour and not the child who is unwelcome.

Children who have not had any time out are rewarded with a sticker at the end of the session.

Adults in the Pre School will make themselves aware of, and respect, a range, of cultural explanations regarding interactions between people.

Any behaviour problems will be handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, respecting individual childrens level of understanding and maturity.

Recurring problems will be tackled by the whole pre school, in partnership with the child’s parents, using objective observation records to establish and understanding of the cause.

Adults will be aware that some kinds of behaviour may arise from child’s additional needs.

“Corporal punishment (smacking, slapping, cuffing, and shaking) is illegal and must not be used in playgroup. The sanctions applied in cases of unacceptable behaviour must take account of the age and stage of development of the child, be given at the time of behaviour and be fair. It is permissible to take necessary action in an emergency to prevent personal injury or serious damage to property.”

Schedule of Conditions – Playgroups (15.00)

Imposed by virtue of the children’s act 1989

Our discipline policy is based on a positive relationship between children and staff with an emphasis on praise.

It is our objective to develop self-respect and self-discipline as well as tolerance and respect for others.

SANCTIONS

Where misbehavior does occur children are spoken to appropriately and the correct behaviour explained.

Where misbehavior reoccurs ‘time out’ is given. The child is removed from a particular activity.

Where there is serious misbehavior concern is expressed to parents.

Named Behavior Management Person is: - Wendy Ridgeway

Policy 05

2009-02-10T10:33:00.001Z

Assessment policy

Our policy on assessments is linked to the six areas of learning found in the foundation stage of the national curriculum.

These are:

· Personal, Social and Emotional Development

· Communication, Language and literacy

· Problem Solving, Reasoning & Numeracy

· Knowledge and Understanding of the World

· Physical Development

· Creative Development

Our aim is:

· To make updated assessments termly

· For every child to have their own folder

· To transfer findings on individuals each half term

· To ensure children’s work is dated

· To have key workers responsible for keeping their children’s file up to date

· To note comments/actions of children down on “post it notes” or note books

· To use focus objective sheets on clip boards for assessments and planning

· To collate children’s work as evidence

· To share findings with parents

· To encourage parents to share changes they have noticed in their children, via our annual feedback and comments form

And in so doing these assessments inform our planning.

Policy 04

2009-02-10T10:32:00.001Z

Policy for Appointing Staff

A post with brief job description and working hours is advertised on village notice board and the local press.
Appropriate candidates are interviewed by:

· The chairperson

· Pre School Leader

· One other member of the committee

Questions at interview are the same for each candidate and notes on the candidate’s responses are taken.
Questions are based on

· Child development and approaches to children

· Equal opportunities

· Child protection

· Practicalities

· Experiences

Interview panel makes a majority decision as to the most suitable candidate for the job.
Successful candidates are to be supported by appropriate references and are subject to investigations by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Policy 03

2009-02-10T10:31:00.002Z

Allegations of Child Abuse made against a member of staff

Our pre-school expects the highest standards of behavior from our staff, both within the pre-school and outside it.

Our aim is to:

Create a safe environment at the pre-school
Respect and protect adults and children’s rights
Ensure that all staff are suitable to work in the pre-school
Protect staff against malicious allegations

The pre-school will check and monitor its staff by:

Taking references
Vetting and clearance by the CRB
Monitoring of staff and other adults by supervisors during sessions

Suspicions or allegations of child abuse made against a member of staff will be made by the pre-school to the relevant children’s assessment and family support or emergency duty team (Child Protection Committee).

Allegations of child abuse against a member of staff will be treated in the strictest confidence. People who are authorized to know of the allegations in the Pre-school will be the supervisor and the child protection officer.

The Pre-school will encourage its staff to cooperate with the investigation in any way it can and will act impartially.

The Pre-school will suspend the staff member during the period of investigation, the reasons for the suspension will remain confidential and normal confidentiality rules apply to all staff should they become aware of the circumstances.

When the investigation is completed, the Pre-school will implement the Pre-school disciplinary proceedings to determine the future of the member of staff at the Pre-school.

Policy 02

2009-02-10T10:29:00.001Z

Policy for Admissions

We will use the following criteria for admitting children to Bamford Pre-School:

1. Children living in the recognised area served by Bamford Primary School.

2. Children who do not live in the area served by the school but who have brothers or sisters already attending the playgroup at the time of admissions.

Children of playgroup staff.

Other children whose parents have requested a place.

Children must be 2 ½ years or over priority will be given to those children nearer the compulsory school entry age.

The group operates on an equal opportunities policy and no child will be refused a place on the grounds of race, religion, and level of ability or cultural background.

Our standard admission for this year is 20 children.

Policy 01

2009-02-10T10:27:00.004Z

Policy for Administering Medicines

We have a policy in place regarding the above which has been discussed with parents regarding the administration of medicine to children whilst in our care.

If medicine is to be given, it includes the following;-

-Medicines are stored in their original containers, clearly labeled and out of reach of children.

-Pre school will NOT administer the first dose.

-Prescribed medicines only are administered.

-The parent must give prior written permission to administer any medication.

-If medicines administered, then clear records are kept at Pre School, and parents should sign the record to acknowledge this.

-In the event of technical or medical knowledge being required for the administering of medicines, then individual training would be provided for staff from a qualified health professional. The training would be specific to the individual child concerned.

Where ever possible, in the event of an emergency, we will make every effort to contact the parent to authorize the administering of any emergency treatments. All parents should sign the pre school admission form which authorizes that in the event of an emergency, any necessary urgent medical assistance may be sought/given to a child.

No non prescribed drugs are held at Pre School and in the event of a child becoming ill or complaining of feeling ill whilst in our care, and then we will contact the parent to deal with this.

Child protection policy

2009-01-19T17:49:00.000Z

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Statement of intent

Our pre-school wants to work with children, parents and the community to ensure the safety of children and to give them the very best start

Our aims are to:

create an environment in our pre-school which encourages children to develop a positive self image, regardless of race, language, religion, culture or home background;
help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers, and with other adults;
encourage children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence;
enable children to have the self confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches; and
work with parents to build their understanding of and commitment to the welfare of all our children.

The legal framework for this work is:

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
The Children Act 1989
Human Rights Act 1998
Data Protection Act 1984
The Protection of Children Act 1999

Liaison with other bodies:

· We work within the Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) guidelines.

We have a copy of Local Safeguarding Children Boards Guidelines available for staff and parents to see.
We notify the registration authority (Ofsted) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which affect the wellbeing of children.
We have procedures for contacting the local authority on child protection issues, including maintaining a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of social workers, to ensure that it is easy, in any emergency, for the pre-school and social services to work well together.
Records of the local NSPCC contacts are also kept.
If a report is to be made to the authorities, we act within the Local Safeguarding Children Boards guidance in deciding whether we must inform the child’s parents at the same time.

Methods

Staffing and volunteering

Our named person who co-ordinates child protection issues is :-

__________________

The registered person takes reponsibility for ensuring that all members of staff have been checked for their suitability for working with children with the Criminal Records Bureau and have an Enhanced disclosure indicating this.

OFSTED will be informed of any changes to the regisered person and will understake the necessary checks with the CRB for them

We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children.
Applicants for posts within the pre-school 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 abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and police checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified person or unfit person works at the pre-school or has access to the children.
Volunteers do not work unsupervised.
We abide by the Protection of Children Act requirements in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have lead to dismissal for reasons of child protection concern.
We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the pre-school.
We take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the pre-school so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children.

Disciplinary Action

Training

We ensure that all staff regularly attend child protection training to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect and so that they are aware of the local authority guidelines for making referrals. We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the pre-school.

Planning

The layout of the room allows for constant supervision. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, the door is left ajar.

Curriculum

We introduce key elements of child protection into our foundation stage curriculum, so that children can develop understanding of why and how to keep safe.
We create within the pre-school a culture of value and respect for the individual.
We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is appropriate for the ages and stages of our children.

Complaints

We ensure that all parents know how to complain about staff or volunteer action within the pre-school, which may include an allegation of abuse.
We follow the guidance of the when investigating any complaint that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child.
We follow all the disclosure and recording procedures when investigating an allegation that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child as if it were an allegation of abuse by any other person.
Responding to suspicions of abuse
We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms — physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.
When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, this may be demonstrated through changes in their behaviour, or in their play. Where such changes in behaviour occur, or where children’s play gives cause for concern, the pre-school investigates.
We allow investigation to be carried out with sensitivity. Staff in the pre-school take care not to influence the outcome either through the way they speak to children or ask questions of children.
Where a child shows signs and symptoms of ‘failure to thrive’ or neglect, we make appropriate referrals.

Disclosures

Where a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff:

offers reassurance to the child;
listens to the child; and
gives reassurance that she or he will take action.

The member of staff does not question the child.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Staff make a record of:

The child’s name;
The child’s address;
The age of the child;
The date and time of the observation or the disclosure;
An objective record of the observation or disclosure;
The exact words spoken by the child;
The name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with date and time; and
The names of any other person present at the time.

These records are signed and dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

All members of staff know the procedures for recording and reporting.

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 Safeguarding Children Board does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board

Support to families

The pre-school takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff and volunteers in the group.
The pre-school continues to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation.

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 under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

With the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount, we do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

Contact Nos

About us

2009-01-18T17:36:00.007Z

Address

Contact name

Telephone

email

Dates for the diary

2009-01-18T17:04:00.004Z

Friday 12th February - half term

Monday 22nd February - Back to Pre School

Wednesday 24th March - Spring walk to the duck pond

Thursday 1st April - Half term

Monday 19th April - Back to Pre School

Monday 3rd April - May Day

etc etc

Pre School Staff

2009-01-18T16:58:00.007Z

Caroline Hunter -Pre School Leader
Btec National in Childhood Studies

Sarah Mappin - Deputy
NVQ Level 3

Wendy Ridgeway - Assistant
NVQ Level 3

Angela Rackstraw -Assistant
NNEB

Lisa Greenan -Support Worker
NVQ Level 3

Catherine Butler - Assistant
NVQ Level 3

Sue Somerset - Assistant

Kate Broome - Assistant

Confidentiality policy

2009-01-18T16:52:00.002Z

Bamford Pre-School

Confidentiality Policy

Parents have access to files and records of their own children.

Staff, students & volunteers will not discuss individual children with people other than staff, parents, guardians or professionals involved with the child.

Information given by parents to the pre-school staff will be treated with respect and sensitivity.

Students on placement, temporary staff or new staff, parents & volunteers at pre-school will read of our confidentiality policy.

Students, parents & volunteers helping in our setting are required to abide by this and sign the paper copy.

Any concerns with parents regarding incidents with children should be discussed privately.

Newsletter January 2010

2009-01-18T16:41:00.007Z

Bamford Pre-School Playgroup

Newsletter March 2010

· Welcome back everyone; we hope you have all had a lovely restful half term break.

We break up on Thursday 1^st April for Easter and return to Preschool on Tuesday 20^th April with Monday being an inset day.

· I am sorry the newsletter is so late!

· We are planning to walk down to feed the ducks on Wednesday 24^th March. This will only be for the Wednesday children. If after feeding the ducks and weather permitting we may follow on to the Rec for a quick play there.

· Preschool finally has a web page. It is bamfordpreschool@blogspot.com Paul Wickham has very kindly researched us having a web page. It is still in the early stages of use but we aim to have all our policies on, outings, term dates, newsletters, staffing, and contacts details.

· Wendy and I have just completed a 3 hour safeguarding children course. Lisa and I are booked to go on the additional needs next week and Wendy and I are going on Outdoor Play at the end of the month. We await the new training directory for further courses for us all to keep our core training up to date.

· Please be aware that our policy for sickness or diarrhoea is 48 hours after the last bout of either. Even if you are not sure if it was a bug or not please respect our policy, these two spread through preschool extremely fast and that will include staff.

· If your child cannot attend for any reason on their usual day we will be unable to swap their days around. We are about full on most days and this may take us over our 20 limit. Sorry for any inconvenience.

· Please feel free to put any comments in the box that is hung on the notice board, we really would appreciate any comments, let us know how we are doing, good or bad.

· Please remember to bring your child a coat, we do go out every day and they do feel the cold, gloves and a hat would help too. Please try and name them.

· It is really important that you do not bring food into preschool without prior permission, i.e birthday cakes or buns for special occasions. Food allergies are on the increase and what you bring in unknown to yourself could give another child a serious allergic reaction needing immediate medical attention.

· Lastly, Wendy would like to thank everyone who is supporting the Library that has been set up, many children are enjoying exchanging books together with parents for them to read at home. This is great way to get your child interested in books.

If you would like to speak to someone on the commitee about any issues I have added their phone numbers.

Sue Firth – 659961 (Toby’s mum)

Sarah Bawden – 659012 (Harry’s mum)

Caroline - 650206 / 0791 900 7770 carolinehunter73@tiscali.co.uk

Pre School – 650796 bamfordpreschool@hotmail.co.uk

Please ring or text if your child will not be attending