Trips and
Transport
When travelling on the setting’s Minibus, all children
and staff will wear adjustable seat belts in the correct
position. Child seats will be fitted and used correctly.
Children will only travel on the minibus with the
written consent of parents/carers.
Trips will be included in a risk assessment, and
staffing ratio will take in to account the nature of the
outing. Written parental permission will be obtained and
details provided for parents. Appropriate records of
vehicles and drivers are kept. A mobile phone will be
available on every outing. Essential records and
equipment will be taken including, contact details for
staff and children, first aid kit, essential toiletries,
medication and spare clothing.
Staff may sometimes take the opportunity to go on
additional walks/visits to the park; again parents will
have given prior written consent, which is kept with
each child’s records.
If in the event a child is lost when on an outing the
following procedure will take place:
Gather all children together
One member of staff to search area
Inform the setting of the situation
Inform the parent
Inform the police
To prevent losing a child on an outing all children will
wear a sticker with setting name and telephone number
on.
We will organise a meeting point with children in case
they lose sight of staff.
Ensure each member of staff has a group of children in
which they are responsible for.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Insurance
The required levels of insurance cover is obtained and
kept up to date. Insurance certificate is displayed in a
prominent position to provide reassurance to parents.
Staff who drive the setting minibus have had further
independent ‘MIDAS’ including theory and practical test
or hold a D1 on their license.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Care, Learning and Play
The development of children’s physical, intellectual,
language, emotional and social capabilities is promoted
effectively when they take part in a wide range of
activities. Staff working in all areas of Cramlington
Kids Club; meet children’s needs through sensitive and
appropriate interactions that promote children’s self
esteem.
They plan first hand experiences, which enable children
to make choices when developing their knowledge, skills
and understanding. Children’s care, learning and play
are supported well by staff that will monitor children’s
progress regularly and use this information to provide
for their individual needs.
We follow the guidelines of OFSTED National Standards
(this applies to the whole of Cramlington Kids Club.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Water Play
Water play will take place during activity times, water
play is situated on the setting’s lino areas, the water
temperature is checked by the member of staff whom is
overseeing and supervising the activity. A waterproof
apron is put on the child to prevent any spillages on
their clothes. Cramlington Kids Club has a reserve of
spare clothes in the event of a spillage.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Behaviour Statement
Children benefit most where adults adopt a consistent
and positive approach to the management of their
behaviour.
By establishing clear boundaries according to the
child’s level of understanding, children become aware of
the setting’s routines and procedures and know what is
expected of them.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Encouraging positive behaviour
Staff will encourage good behaviour by:
Praising and reinforcing good behaviour.
Encouraging sharing and negotiation.
Making sure staff, volunteers and students set good
examples.
Consulting with children about “rules”; helping children
understand the effects of their behaviour on others;
Helping children to challenge bullying;
Encourage responsibility, such as helping tidy up and
caring for pets.
Behaviour management
Cramlington Kids Club believes children flourish best
when they know how they are expected to behave. Children
gain respect through interaction with caring adults who
show them respect and value their individual
personalities. Positive, caring and polite behaviour
will be encouraged and praised at all times in an
environment where children learn to respect themselves,
other people and their surroundings.
Children need to have set boundaries of behaviour for
their own safety and the safety of their peers. Within
Cramlington Kids Club we aim to set these boundaries in
a way which helps the child develop a sense of
significance of their own behaviour, both on their own
environment and those around them. Restrictions on the
child’s natural desire to explore and develop their own
ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum.
We aim to:
Recognise the individuality of all our children.
Encourage self-discipline, consideration for each other,
our surroundings and property.
Encourage children to participate in a wide range of
group activities to enable them to develop their social
skills.
Work in partnership with parents and carers by
communicating openly.
Praise children and acknowledge their actions and
attitudes therefore ensuring children see we value and
respect them.
Encourage all staff working with the children to accept
their responsibility for implementing the goals of the
policy.
Promote non-violence and encourage the children to deal
with conflict peaceably.
Provide a key worker system enabling staff to build a
strong and positive relationship with the children and
their families.
Have a named person who has overall responsibility for
issues concerning behaviour.
The named person is Sheri Payne will keep up to date
with legislation and research:
while supporting changes to policies and procedures in
Cramlington Kids Club
will access relevant sources of expertise where required
and act as a central information source for all
involved;
attend regular external training events
Ensure all staff attends relevant in-house or external
training for behaviour management. A record will be kept
of staff attendance at this training.
We recognise that codes for interacting with other
people vary between cultures, staffs is required to be
aware of this and respect those used by members of
Cramlington Kids Club.
Cramlington Kids Club rules are concerned with safety
and care and respect for each other.
Children, who behave inappropriately by physically
abusing another child or adult, or through verbal
bullying, will be required to talk through these actions
and apologise where appropriate. The child who has been
upset will be comforted and the adult will confirm that
the other child’s behaviour is not acceptable.
It is important to acknowledge when a child is feeling
angry or upset and this it is the behaviour we are
rejecting, not the child.
When children behave in unacceptable ways:
Physical punishment such as smacking or shaking will be
neither used nor threatened.
Children will not be singled out or humiliated in any
way. Staff within Cramlington Kids Club will redirect
the children towards alternative activities. Discussions
with children will take place respecting their level of
understanding and maturity.
Staff will not raise their voices in a threatening way.
In any case if misbehaviour, it will always be made
clear to the child or children in question, that it is
the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome.
How a particular type of behaviour is handled will
depend on the child’s age, level of development and the
circumstances surrounding the behaviour. It may involve
the child being asked to talk and think about what he or
she has done. It may also include the child apologising
for their actions.
Parents will be informed if their child is unkind to
others or is their child has been upset. In all cases
inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with at that time,
within the setting. Parents may be asked to meet with
staff to discuss their behaviour, so that if there are
any difficulties we can work together to ensure
consistency between their home and our setting. In some
cases we may request additional advice and support from
other professionals, such as an educational psychologist
or behaviour therapist.
Children need to develop non-aggressive strategies to
enable them to stand up for themselves so that adults
and children listen to them. They need to be given
opportunities to release their feelings more creatively.
Confidential records will be kept on any negative
behaviour that has taken place. Parents/carers will be
informed and asked to read and sign any entries
concerning their child.
If a child requires help to develop positive behaviour,
every effort will be made to provide for their needs.
Through partnership with parents/carers and formal
observations, staff will make every effort to identify
any behavioural concerns and the causes of that
behaviour. From these observations and discussions an
individual behaviour modification plan will be
implemented.
Children will be distracted from the negative situation
and supported in a different activity or environment, if
necessary for their own well-being and that of others in
the group.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Anti-bullying
Children need their own time and space. It is not always
appropriate to expect a child to share and it is
important to acknowledge children’s feelings and to help
them understand how others might be feeling.
Children must be encouraged to recognise that bullying,
fighting, hurting and discriminatory comments are not
acceptable behaviour. We want children to recognise that
certain actions are right and others are wrong.
Bullying takes many forms. It can be physical, verbal or
emotional but it is always a repeated behaviour that
makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Any form of bullying is unacceptable and will be dealt
with immediately. At our setting staff follow the
guidelines below to enable them to deal with challenging
behaviour:
Staffs are encouraged to ensure that all children feel
safe, happy and secure.
Staffs are encouraged to recognise that active physical
aggression in the early years is part of the child’s
development and that it should be channelled in a
positive way.
Children need to be helped to understand that using
aggression to get things is inappropriate and will be
encouraged to resolve problems in other ways.
Our staffs are encouraged to adopt a policy of
intervention when they think a child is being bullied;
however mild or “harmless” it may seem.
The staff are ready to initiate games and activities
with children, when they feel play has become
aggressive, both indoors or out.
Any instance of bullying will be discussed fully with
the parents of all involved, to look for a consistent
resolution to the behaviour.
If any parent has a concern about their child, a member
of staff will be available to discuss those concerns. It
is only by co-operation that we can ensure our children
feel confident and secure in their environment, both at
home and in Cramlington Kids Club.
By positively promoting good behaviour, valuing
co-operation and caring attitude we hope to ensure that
children will develop as responsible members of society.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Biting Policy
When a child either bites another child or a member of
staff whilst at Cramlington Kids Club, the following
policy should be used to deal with the situation.
The child who has been bitten:
They should be inspected immediately for any visible
injury. Any unbroken skin injury should be treated with
a cold compress to alleviate any swelling. If the child
has a broken skin injury a dry compress should be
applied until any bleeding has subsided. Then a suitable
dry dressing used to cover the wound.
The incident should be recorded in the incident book as
soon as possible, where possible this should be
completed by any member of staff who witnessed or was in
close vicinity of the incident. Any witnesses should be
recorded on the incident form. This should then be
passed onto either the manager or Chairperson and kept
in the office.
The child’s parents or guardian should be informed at
the first available opportunity. They should not be
shown the incident book as this will name the child who
has bitten their child. Due to confidentiality purposes
and possible conflict this information will not be
disclosed.
The child who has caused the bite:
This child should be taken aside and told they should
not have done that. The words naughty or bad should NOT
be used to deal with the situation.
On the first occasion this incident is able to go
unreported to the parents unless the bite is
particularly big or involves broken skin. Cramlington
Kids Club accepts this could be a one off incident and
in many children this behaviour will not be repeated.
If the child shows any intention to bite another child
at Cramlington Kids Club on a second occasion, or
actually bites for a second time, then the room leader
should approach the child’s parents or guardian and
inform them of the situation. If the room leader is not
available then a senior member of staff should be
responsible for informing parents.
The parents of the child who has bitten another child
can be told the name of the injured child if they ask
for that information. If they do not ask then this
information will not be provided. The main purpose of
keeping the named children confidential is to prevent
any possible conflict between the two parties. Any
discussions of this nature should be done in a private
matter, away from other parents and children. The office
is a suitable place for informing the parents.
Recurrent biting:
If a child continues to bite on more than one occasion,
the child who is biting should be immediately removed to
stop any further harm coming to the children around
him/her. Holding is permissible to stop any further
occurrences in the short term. Further help should be
immediately sought and management informed.
Any problems arising from a biting incident that is not
disclosed in this policy should be addressed by Centre
Manager and / or Chairperson
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Physical Punishment
Smacking or any other physical punishment will not be
used under any circumstances. Alternatives to using
physical intervention will always be used.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Exclusion
Cramlington Kids Club is committed to dealing with
negative behaviour in a non-confrontational and
constructive manner. Wherever possible, disruptive or
challenging behaviour will be tackled collectively
between staff and children in the setting.
However, there are occasions when such strategies alone
will not alter or prevent negative behaviour. In such
cases, further action will be necessary, including
reviewing a child’s place at the setting, on either a
temporary or permanent basis.
Children will only be suspended or excluded as a last
resort, when there is no alternative action that could
be taken, or when it is felt that other children and/or
staff are potentially at risk. Wherever possible, the
setting will give parents/carers time to make
alternative arrangements for childcare during a period
of suspension.
Staff will always keep parent/carers informed about
behaviour management issues relating to their child and
attempt to work with them to tackle causes of disruptive
or unacceptable behaviour.
Staff will always liaise with the Manager/Deputy Manager
and ask for support and guidance prior to excluding or
suspending a child due to extreme behaviour.
Children who exhibit extreme behaviour will be dealt
with in the following way:
Parents will be informed of behaviour immediately and
asked to remove the child from that session. Incident
book to be completed.
A letter will be sent home to advise parents that the
behaviour is unacceptable and that if it persists the
child will be excluded from the setting. It will be made
clear in this letter that the child will only be given 2
warnings i.e. ‘2 strikes and you are out!’
Only 2 warnings will be given to the child.
If the behaviour persists the child will be excluded
from the setting for the minimum of 1 week.
Parents will be contacted to advise them when the child
will be allowed back into the setting after the period
of exclusion.
The child’s background and circumstances will always be
taken into account when implementing this policy;
however it is the paramount responsibility of
Cramlington Kids Club is to ensure that all children
within the setting have the opportunity to play in an
environment that is safe and free from bullying or
intimidation.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Adult Role
When managing behaviour it is important to:
Recognise that children are learning to deal with a
range of emotions and feelings, acknowledge those
feelings and work with children to find constructive
solutions.
Explain to children why the behaviour is unacceptable.
Avoid damaging children’s self esteem. For example, by
humiliation, segregation and withholding food.
Avoid discussing children’s behaviour with staff or
parents in front of them or others.
Help children to find solutions to conflict.
Be consistent when applying agreed procedures.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Prospective Parents
All prospective parents will be given the following
forms and information:
Parental Agreement And Consent Form
Booking Form
Price list
Information about our website
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Sun awareness
Parents are asked to complete a Parental Agreement form
prior to the start date of their child. The parent can
sign the form to give Cramlington Kids Club staff their
permission to apply sun cream to their child if
necessary.
The parent’s are responsible for supplying sun cream
which must be no less than factor 50.
We ask all parents to provide sun hats for their
children to use during the summer months. Children who
do not have sun protection cream will be kept inside to
prevent them from the harmful rays of the sun.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Winter
We ask parents to provide their child with a scarf,
coat, hat and gloves during the winter months. We also
ask parents to provide wellingtons and a waterproof coat
for the rainy days as we try our best to allow children
to play out in all weather conditions.
If the child does not have appropriate clothing to suit
the weather conditions they will be unable to take part
in any outdoor activities.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Bottle feeding
Cramlington Kids Club work with parents and their
routines when bottle feeding a child. We ask parents to
bring in the correct measurement of cool boiled water
along with a separate measurement of formula milk. The
staff will mix together the formula when needed.
Each bottle is stored in their basket and is given at
room temperature or is warmed through. The bottles are
then rinsed out and put in the child’s bag.
The feeding will take place in the baby unit where the
child will either be cuddled in whilst being fed or in a
bouncy chair, whichever suits the needs of the child. If
a child does not have formula milk we ask the parents to
bring in a sterile bottle and kids club will supply the
child with full fat milk. All feeding will be recorded
in the child’s diary.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Bathing
Parental Agreement forms contain a section which allows
Cramlington Kids Club staff to wash a child where
necessary.
Bathing of a child will only take place if a child has
heavily soiled him/her self or if a child is extremely
messy off an art activity or an outdoor activity.
In the event of a child being bathed a record will be
kept with full details noted.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Toileting
The staff of Cramlington Kids Club will work with
parents and encourage children with toilet training.
Reward charts and stickers are used to encourage the
child with the toileting process. We do ask parents to
bring spare sets of clothes/underwear in case the child
has an accident.
Cramlington Kids Club respects the needs and privacy of
each child and encourages child independence where
possible.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Complaints procedure
We encourage comments/concerns at an early stage, so
that issues can be resolved. We believe it is important
to deal promptly and fairly with any complaints that are
made.
Complaints are recorded including details such as the
nature of the complaint, action taken and whether the
complaint was resolved.
Parents will be given a copy of the record and the
Chairperson of the Committee will be informed.
In addition, the parents will be provided with the name,
address and telephone number of OFSTED.
The contact
details are also displayed within the club and are
listed below:
Ofsted Inspection Team
Piccadily Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD
Tel: 0300 123 1231
Cramlington Kids Club will treat complaints as a
valuable way of evaluation and identifying ways of
improving our service.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Payments
All childcare costs should be paid within 7 working days
of receiving your bill.
Where you
have made payments direct to our bank, no refunds will
be made as all funds credited to our bank are to be
offset against childcare and other running costs.
Unpaid Childcare Fees
The following procedures will take place if bills remain
unpaid after 7 days of receiving it:
You will receive three separate letters from the
Chairperson at appropriate timely intervals of two
weeks.
If childcare fees remain unpaid after receiving these
letters, further childcare will be refused until an
arrangement is made for payments due in cash.
Failure to pay may result in court action to pursue debt
until repaid.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Cancellations
A cancellation charge of £5.00 per half day and £10.00
full day will be made for any booking that is cancelled
with less than 24 hours notice. This applies to sickness
too.
If you simply do not turn up on the day of booking, you
will be charged the full fee amount for the day or usual
time you have previously arranged.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Late collection of children
Children collected late (after 6pm) may incur an
additional charge to cover the additional insurance and
staff wages. Staff should be informed of the expected
delay or reason of delay.
In extreme cases or repeated incidents where the
children are not collected and/or no explanation given,
the following will apply:
Senior staff member will endeavour to contact all
emergency contacts together with the child’s
parents/guardians.
If this proves unsuccessful then Social Services will be
informed so that they can collect the child.
Staff will reassure the child and prevent any
unnecessary concern.
It must be pointed out that the facilities insurance is
only valid until 6pm by which time all staff and
children must be out of the building.
Late collection charges will be as follows:
£10 for staff salaries Plus an additional £25 for
extended Insurance.
All extra charges will be at the discretion of the
Chairperson/Committee.
Cramlington Kids Club Policy for lost/uncollected
children and those that leave without permission.
If a child who is on the collection list (Bus list) is
not there, the following procedures will be followed:
Ring the club to check administration error has not been
made
Check at school for information e.g. whether child has
been absent from school or if he/she has gone home with
another adult
Ring Cramlington Kids Club and a member of staff will
follow up emergency contact telephone numbers until
parent/ guardian is contacted.
If the where about of the child is established, contact
the settings staff at the school (all staff doing school
pick-ups have a mobile phone in case of an emergency) to
inform them.
In the case of a child who is subsequently missing,
consider the following procedure will be followed:
If this occurs at school, one member of staff will stay
at school and begin to search for the child.
Another member of staff will continue collection of
children and return them to the club; if possible
another member of staff will help if staffing levels are
correct.
If it has been possible to contact parents, they will be
asked to ring friends / family etc that the child may
have gone with.
If after all contacts have been followed up the police
will be informed. Staff will continue to search until
police arrive.
Children who leave without permission:
Member of staff will attempt to accompany the child /
talk to them.
If the child will not return to the setting then
emergency contacts will be followed up.
If it is not possible to make contact, the police will
be informed.
Uncollected children:
Cramlington Kids Club closes at 6pm, if a child remains
uncollected at the end of the day parents/ guardians
will be contacted. (10 minutes grace will be given)
If there is no response by parents /emergency contact
numbers by 6.45pm the Social Services out of hours
number will be contacted for advice E.D.T 0845 6005252
2 members of staff will remain on premises with the
child(ren) and will continue to care and reassure the
while they wait.
For security reasons we will not allow children to leave
the premises if the person collecting the child is not
named on the Parental Agreement Form or we have not had
prior notice of the password in place. Should this occur
the following procedure should be followed:
Parent will be contacted to confirm the collection.
If we are unable to contact the parent the child will
stay in the care of Cramlington Kids Club and will
continue to be charged for the care received until the
situation is resolved.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Whistle blowing policy
“Day care services play an increasingly important part
in the lives of large numbers of children. Many services
will be offering help to families and children with
problems and stress. This makes them well placed to help
prevent problems from developing into abuse and neglect
through support to families and to recognise and act
upon potential indicators of abuse and neglect.”
As citied in Northumberland Child Protection Committee
Procedures and Practice Guidance December 2001.
Cramlington Kids Club is aware children may be at risk
from people outside their families and regrettably
include childcare workers.
In the first instance, we have strict recruitment and
selection procedure where potential staff must complete
a detailed job interview, provide at least two
references that are verified either by phone or in
writing to the referee.
Additional all staff must hold an enhanced CRB
disclosure and be deemed a suitable person by the
relevant social services department. Each new staff
member must additionally undertake our company staff
induction training before being left in charge of any
children. Staff are required to undergo additional Baby
room training before working in our room for the under
two’s.
It is the responsibility of the Kids Club to ensure
relevant checks have been made. New staff are offered an
initial three month probationary period to provide
sufficient time for the management can be sure of
suitability of the new staff member.
All staff can be reassured they can and have a duty to
express any concerns they have about other staff or
carers. Staff should be aware of their professional and
legal obligation to raise legitimate concerns about the
conduct of other colleagues or managers. The procedure
is to raise any concerns with their immediate
supervisor/manager. Approach any one of Sheri Payne,
Louise Davidson and Laura Davies or in their absence:
Stacey Meins or Vicky Murray.
A written report should be made immediately with as much
detail and accuracy as possible. Attention to factual
observation rather than personal assumption or
interpretations should be made. All staff members who
have been present during any incident should also be
disclosed. The Management should contact Ofsted
immediately. It is essential all allegations are
examined objectively by staff who are independent of
Kids Club.
Any staff member who has had a serious allegation made
about them may be immediately suspended and asked to
leave the building. They will remain on their usual pay
until a conclusion has been made and they are either
reinstated or dismissed. Cramlington Kids Club is fully
committed to all Child Protection issues and will assist
with any investigations made by Ofst4eed or Police.
If a staff member feels unable to approach any of the
management or supervision they may approach our
Chairperson Helen Welsh directly or any other committee
member. If a staff member feels unable to this for
example if personal threats have been made they should
contact Ofsted who will then advise on further action to
be taken.
Cramlington Kids Club guarantees any person who raises
legitimate concerns will be given confidentiality and
support. Furthermore this will not prejudice the
“whistle blowers” own position and prospects.
The Protection of Children Act 1999 required childcare
organisations to refer names of individuals considered
unsuitable to work with children to a Department of
Health list, together with List 99 maintained by the
Department of Education and Employment.
For further information refer to supplements P1/2/3of
Northumberland Child Protection Committee Procedures and
Practice Guidance – December 2001
This is a statement of intent that demonstrates a
commitment to safeguard children involved with a charity
from harm. The essential inclusions for a child
protection policy are outlined below:
the welfare of the child is paramount;
all children without exception have the right to
protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity,
disability, sexuality or beliefs;
the policy is approved and endorsed by the board of
trustees;
who the policy applies to (i.e. all trustees, staff and
volunteers);
children and parents are informed of the policy and
procedures as appropriate;
all concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken
seriously by trustees, staff and volunteers and
responded to appropriately - this may require a referral
to children’s services and in emergencies, the Police;
a commitment to safe recruitment, selection and vetting;
reference to principles, legislation and guidance that
underpin the policy;
arrangements for policy and procedures review;
reference to all associated policies and procedures
which promote children’s safety and welfare e.g. with
regards to: health and safety, anti-bullying, protection
of children online, and photography.
Child protection procedures and systems
Procedures and systems provide clear step-by-step
guidance on what to do in different circumstances and
they clarify roles and responsibilities. Systems for
recording information and dealing with complaints are
also needed to ensure implementation and compliance.
The procedures and systems should include:
A named person (and deputy) with a clearly defined role
and responsibilities in relation to child protection,
appropriate to the level at which s/he operates.
A description of what child abuse is, and the procedures
for how to respond to it where there are concerns about
a child’s safety or welfare or concerns about the
actions of a trustee, staff member or volunteer.
Relevant contact details for children’s services,
police, health and NSPCC helpline should be available.
A process for recording incidents, concerns and
referrals and storing these securely in compliance with
relevant legislation and kept for a time specified by
your insurance company.
Guidance on confidentiality and information sharing,
legislation compliant, and which clearly states that the
protection of the child is the most important
consideration.
A code of behaviour for trustees, staff and volunteers.
The consequences of breaching the code are clear and
linked to disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Safe recruitment, selection and vetting procedures that
include checks into the eligibility and the suitability
of all trustees, staff and volunteers who have direct or
indirect (e.g. helpline, email) contact with children.
In the case of trustees, because of their position
within the charity, we take the view that whenever there
is a legal entitlement to obtain a CRB check in respect
of such a trustee, a check should be carried out. This
goes beyond circumstances where the trustee comes into
contact with children.
A complaints procedure which is an open and well
publicised way in which adults and children can voice
concerns about unacceptable and/or abusive behaviour
towards children.
Systems to ensure that all staff and volunteers working
with children are monitored and supervised and that they
have opportunities to learn about child protection in
accordance with their roles and responsibilities.
It is important that each charity’s safeguarding policy
and procedures are tailored to the type of contact that
the charity has with children and it also needs to take
into account any particular vulnerabilities of the
children with whom the charity has contact; for example
disabled children who are at increased risk of abuse;
babies and toddlers who are vulnerable due to their age
and dependence on adults;
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Safe Recruitment Policy
Cramlington Kids Club uses safe recruitment practices to
ensure that all people working with the children in our
care are safe and qualified to do so. When recruiting
paid staff or volunteers we will follow the procedures
set out below.
Advertising the vacancy
We will advertise all vacancies, and any job
advertisements will include a statement about our
commitment to safeguarding children.
Initial enquiry
Upon enquiring about a vacancy, we will send potential
candidates:
a job description
a person specification
an application form
The application form includes:
instructions that the application form must be completed
by hand
a declaration that all information is correct
a section under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act that
asks if the applicant has been awaiting a verdict,
convicted, or cautioned for any relevant offence
a request for the contact details of two referees one of
which should be the last employer; (if this is the
candidate’s first job, their course tutor is a suitable
alternative)
In order to be considered for interview, all applicants
must submit a hand-written application form by the
stated closing date. We will only accept CVs if they are
also accompanied by our standard application form
completed as required.
Interview procedure
We will notify all candidates selected for interview by
letter. All candidates will be asked to bring to the
following items to the interview:
proof of identity, eg passport, driving licence or birth
certificate
proof of address, eg recent utility bill (not mobile
phone) or bank statement
proof of qualifications, ie the relevant certificatesfor non-British nationals, proof of the right to work in
the UK (as required by the Asylum and Immigration Act)
The interview will be conducted by a minimum of two
interviewers. All candidates will be asked the same set
of questions. We will then ask additional questions
about any other issues that arise from their application
form, for example gaps in career history, etc.
All candidates will also be asked to participate in a
session with the children for an hour so that they can
be observed interacting with the staff and children.
Only when all candidates have been interviewed and
observed in a session will we make our final selection.
Appointing a new member of staff
When we have selected the successful candidate, we will
send him or her a written offer, which will clearly
state that it is subject to the receipt of suitable
references and a clear enhanced CRB check
contact both referees for a reference, including asking
them if they have any child protection concerns about
the candidate.
initiate an enhanced CRB check for the candidate
ask the candidate to complete a health questionnaire
notify any unsuccessful interviewees
We will also take photocopies of the new member of
staff’s qualification certificates and proof of identity
and keep these on file, together with their returned
CRB check.
When a new member of staff starts work at Cramlington
Kids Club we will give him or her:
our terms and conditions, and get them to sign their
contract; a copy of their contract will be kept on file
all our Club policies, and ensure that they sign a
policy confirmation form to confirm that they have read
and understood them; the signed form will be kept on
file
We will conduct a full induction and orientation
programme with all new members of staff as set out in
our Staff Induction policy.
CRB checks
New staff will only be allowed to work unsupervised with
children when we have received a clear CRB check for
them. If we decide to allow a new member of staff to
begin work pending the completion of their CRB check, we
will complete a written risk assessment first and they
will not be allowed unsupervised access to the children
until their clear CRB check has been received.
CRB checks for all staff will be updated every three
years.
Information about the status of CRB checks for all staff
is kept on our Central CRB Record form.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Transport Policy
Cramlington Kids club have access to a minibus for
school pick ups and trips however, it is also committed
to promoting a walking bus wherever possible and weather
permitting.
Burnside Primary
Staff walk to school using the public footpaths through
Northburn Estate.
Before school club leaves Kids club at 8.30 and arrive
at school at 8.45 in time for school opening.
Staff leave Kids Club at 11.10 in time to collect
Nursery children and return to Kids club at 11.30
For after school the staff leave Kids club at 3.00 ready
to collect children at designated area at 3.15 and
return to Kids club at 3.35
Should the weather be inclement and numbers permitting
the bus will be used and leave Northburn estate travel
along Durham Road and onto Northumbrian Road and park as
close to school as possible in Brockwell Centre. The bus
will return to Kids club using the same route back.
Northburn Primary
Staff walk to school using the public footpaths through
Northburn Estate.
Before school club children leave Kids club at 8.30 and
arrive at school at 8.45 in time for school opening.
Staff leave Kids Club at 11.20 in time to collect
Nursery children and return to Kids club at 11.40
For after school the staff leave Kids club at 3.00 ready
to collect children at designated area at 3.15 and
return to Kids club at 3.35
Should the weather be inclement and numbers permitting
the bus will be used and leave Northburn estate travel
along Horton Drive and park within the school car park.
The bus will return to Kids club using the same route
back.
Eastlea Primary
Cramlington Kids Club is situated in the grounds of
Eastlea Primary school and therefore mini bus will not be
used to collect children.
Before school club children leave Kids club at 8.45 and
arrive at designated openings at school at 8.50 in time
for school opening.
Staff leave Kids Club at 12.00 in time to collect
Nursery children and return to Kids club at 12.05
For after school club the staff collect children at
designated area in library at 3.15 and return to Kids
club at 3.20
Staff who drive the setting minibus have had further
independent ‘MIDAS’ including theory and practical test
or hold a D1 on their license.
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Display Policy
Purpose of this policy :
To provide a visually stimulating learning environment
for all children
To give purpose and value to children’s work – every
child’s work matters
To give children positive affirmation and provide
parents’ feedback the work has been appreciated and
celebrated.
Importance
Effective displays take account of and help to support
the learning needs of all children.
Effective displays for celebration of achievement
motivate and inspires children to achieve their best
work;
Relevant opportunities for children to interact with
displays to further their learning
Displays
Enable children to develop their ideas through
independent enquiry
Contain high quality, stimulating and interactive visual
aids which celebrate children’s achievements and which
help them to solve problems for themselves.
Working walls
Children’s work is used to affirm features of work that
are desired.
Vocabulary relevant to focus of the learning is evident
in all three subjects.
Do’s and Don’ts guidance
Displays should always belong to the children and not be
window dressing. They provide one of the best ways of
demonstrating a child is valued and a range of abilities
should be evident not just selections made from the highest attaining
children. Work that reflects process does not
always have to be the finished product.
A good display will stimulate discussion and curiosity
and should be changed regularly to maintain this level
of interest. Above all keep it accessible and think of
the target audience.
Vertical and horizontal lines look better aligned if
possible.
Choose colours carefully – complimentary colours such as
red and green or violet and yellow will make things
stand out. Tonal colours such as blue and violet will
create harmonious, peaceful display. The back ground
mount should compliment a piece of work not distract
from it. Work of different sizes or types is unified for
a single display by being mounted on the same colour.
Make sure work on the board that is meant to be straight
is. Make sure that work angles can be clearly read or
seen.
Children’s work should be named in line with the
practice for their protection and their first name only
and the first letter of their surname if there are more
than one child with the same forename.
Felt pen in displayed work rarely looks good for
colouring.
Most work is surface mounted. However collages and other
3D work can look better window mounted using card frame.
Cutting work into shapes such as circles, triangles and
squares can add interest to the work.
Stand back and evaluate the display – has it worked? Are
the children using it or talking about it? Is it a
useful tool for teaching? Has it made a child feel
proud?
This policy was adopted on 3rd September 2012
Mobile Telephone Policy
To ensure the
safety and welfare of children in our care we operate a
personal mobile phone usage policy this states that
personal mobile phones cannot be used when in the
presence of children, on the premises or when on
outings, unless in designated areas or if asked by the
setting management.
To ensure this policy is
followed, we ask that;
All mobile phones will be kept
in a secure place throughout contact time with children.
Mobile phone calls may only be
taken at staff breaks or in staff members’ own time.
If you have a personal
emergency you are free to use the setting’s phone or
make a personal call from your mobile in the designated
staff area of within the setting.
Staff (will need to) ensure
that managers have up to date contact information and
that staff make their families aware of emergency work
telephone numbers. This is the responsibility of the
individual staff member.
During group outings nominated
staff will have access to the setting’s mobile phone, or
are permitted to use their own for emergency purposes
only.
This policy was reviewed on
3rd September 2012
Photograph Policy
We may have
the opportunity to take photographs of your child
engaged in activities and/or events whilst they are
within our setting. We appreciate that this is a matter
of personal preference and that there are certain
guidelines we must follow (including compliance with the
Data Protection Act 1998). We assure you that we will
exercise the utmost care in using any photographs and it
is not our intention to use them as part of our
prospectus, website or any other marketing materials,
without additional consent being sort.
-
photos taken by
the staff for display purposes will not show
children's names, unless permission has been sort.
-
Photos may be
taken by the staff for inclusion in children's
Learning Journeys.
-
Cramlington Kids
Club will allow photos to be published in the
newspapers, but only once prior permission has been
obtained.
-
Should Photos /
video be taken by parents are only for family use
and will never be passed on to the media without
prior permission from Cramlington Kids Club.
-
Any request from
other agencies to use children's photos, for example
on literature or websites will only be allowed with
prior permission from parents.
-
If you do not want
your child's image to appear on displays or in the
press, please inform the settings manager so that we
can keep them out of such photos.
This policy was reviewed on
3rd September 2012
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