QUICKLINKS :-

MISSION STATEMENT
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL NEEDS
WORKING WITH PARENTS AND CARERS
SUITABLE PERSONS
CHILD PROTECTION
HEALTH AND SAFETY
  
HEALTH and HYGIENE
  
SMOKING
  
ACCIDENT RECORD
  
RISK ASSESMENT
SECURITY
FIRE SAFETY
TRIPS & TRANSPORT
INSURANCE
LATE COLLECTION OF CHILDREN
CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY
BEHAVIOUR STATEMENT
  
ENCOURAGING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
  
ADULT ROLE
  
PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT
  
EXCLUSION
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
PAYMENTS

DOCUMENTATION

MEMOS

POLICIES

Child Protection Policy - Word Document - download

Parental Agreement - Word Doc - download

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES & MISSION STATEMENT

Cramlington Kids Club integrated childcare centre that provides high quality, low cost and flexible childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 13 years. We provide children with the opportunity to be cared for in a stimulating and safe environment. We will remain flexible to ensure best practices are maintained and individual children’s needs are met!!

The centre will be open during the following times:
BABY UNIT: 07:30am – 18:00pm, Monday - Friday
EARLY YEARS: 07:30am – 18:00pm, Monday – Friday
KIDS CLUB: 07:30am – 09:00am, Monday – Friday (term time)
15:00pm – 18:00pm, Monday – Friday (term time)
07:30am – 18:00pm, Monday –Friday (school holidays)

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

We will always treat children and staff with equal concern. Individual differences will be valued and staff will actively challenge prejudice of any kind.

All children’s records will contain personal information regarding individual needs, religion, and language spoken at home and preferred name to be used.

*The provider is aware that some children may have special needs and ensures that appropriate action is taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote welfare and development of the child within the setting in consultation with the parents and other health professionals.

*Staffing arrangements meet the needs of all children including individual children who have special needs.
*We work closely with social services and have organised a Saturday club to provide social interaction and fun for children with special needs in a small group, with a high staff ratio.

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SPECIAL NEEDS

*The provider is aware that some children may have special needs and ensures that appropriate action is taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote welfare and development of the child within the setting in consultation with the parents and other health professionals.

*Staffing arrangements meet the needs of all children including individual children who have special needs.
*We work closely with social services and have organised a Saturday club to provide social interaction and fun for children with special needs in a small group, with a high staff ratio.

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WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS.

*Staff will continue to work in partnership with the parents, to promote mutual respect and meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group.
Parents will be informed that we use a written signed contract that will include, basic information about Fun Club, up to date emergency contacts and Childs personal details.

*Expectations are shared and information exchanged. Parents will have access to any records written about their child and will maintain confidentiality about matters concerning families and children (unless it is a child protection issue).

*Baby Unit staff will complete individual daily diaries to record details of each child’s day.

*Kids Club will support mothers who are breastfeeding and will be happy to provide a comfortable chair in a quiet area of the Baby Unit, if needed.

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SUITABLE PERSONS

 

All staff will be registered with Ofsted and will have had a national police check. Previous work references will be followed up and these checks will be completed prior to commencement of direct work with children.

The manager and Deputy Manager of the Cramlington Kids Club will be suitably qualified. All staff will undertake induction training within the first week of employment. Staff working with under 2’s will complete additional training. Kids club will support any staff that wish to take part in any in-house or external training in relation to their employment. This will promote personal development and encourage best practice and ensure that current legislation is maintained.

Staff ratio will be as follows:

1:3 for babies under 2
1:4 for children 2-3 yrs
1:8 for children 3 yrs and over
 

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CHILD PROTECTION

The provider complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

*All staff are aware of child protection issues and will be offered a child protection training course.
It is recognised that staff are in a position where they may notice radical changes in behaviour or a” mark” on a child and therefore the following considerations will apply:
*Could the injury have been caused accidentally, and if so, how?
*Is the child’s explanation consistent with the injury; is the cause within normal acceptable limits of behaviour?
*Staff may also hear the child talking about experiences, which may cause concern. This may also display inappropriate awareness of sexual behaviour.
*The child may approach staff and seek to disclose information. In these circumstances the following procedure will apply:


1. The manager will contact the chairperson and social services.
2. A senior member of staff will contact the centres child protection Duty Officer.
3. The senior member of staff will make written notes of details immediately (within 24 hrs) giving date, time etc. A file will be kept of up to date information about any incidents for the requirements of child protection. This will be confidentially filed by the senior member of staff and made available to all staff.

*If an allegation is made against a member of staff Ofsted Investigations and Complaints team will be contacted without delay.

*The protection of the child is the provider’s first priority.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Cramlington Kids Club promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

HEALTH and HYGIENE

*Staff will take measures to prevent the spread of infection and maintain the cleanliness of premises and equipment.
*The infections, illnesses and diseases will exclude the children from the centre: Kids Club will comply with local authority recommendations.
*Staff will raise children’s awareness of good hygiene practices and healthy living.
*Particular care will be taken with regards to babies, with regards to feeding, bottle storage, toilet training and nappy changing.
*All staff responsible for food preparation and handling will receive appropriate training. Cramlington Kids Club will comply with local environmental health department guidance and regulations.
*A record will be kept of all medications administered to children and all necessary details will be recorded in our medication book, alongside the parent’s signature of consent. All medicines will be stored appropriately.
*A record of children’s allergies/medical conditions will be regularly updated and available for staff reference.
*All staff will complete First Aid Training. A First Aid Box will be available containing essential items. This will be maintained and restocked on a regular basis by a qualified first aider.

SMOKING

Cramlington Kids Club has a strict no-smoking policy on premises.

ACCIDENT RECORD

A signed record of accidents to children and staff will be kept. Parents will be informed and requested to sign the accident book.
In event of a child suffering an accident at the centre the following will apply:
*The Playworker will be responsible for caring for the child.
*The senior member of staff will contact the parents and if necessary, arrange staff cover.
*The playworker will accompany the child to hospital.
*All other children will be cared for by the senior member of staff until relief cover arrives.
*The safety of the children is paramount at all times. An awareness of children’s constantly developing abilities helps to ensure appropriate safety measures are applied to avoid dangerous situations.
*We will follow local and national health and safety requirements/recommendations. Staff are aware of procedures for identifying reporting and dealing with accidents, hazards and faulty equipment.

RISK ASSESMENT

To minimise risks management regularly evaluate risks and hazards both indoors and out including equipment, materials, and procedures. We will be responsible for taking the necessary action. Outside play areas will be checked each time they are used to ensure children’s safety and security.

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SECURITY

Arrival and departure procedures for staff, children and parents and any visitors, which incorporate identity checks, are in place. All staff will complete induction training, which promotes awareness of the whereabouts of other people in the building or outside and of other users or strangers on the premises. The building is made secure to prevent unwanted visitors as well as making sure that children remain on the premises. The Baby Unit staff will be aware of safety of mobile babies and will make use of safety equipment available e.g. playpen, safety gate, pram safety straps and rein. Fire requirements are met when locking doors.

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FIRE SAFETY

A Fire Drill will be taken once per term, organised by the senior staff member on duty. This will be performed without prior notification to other staff.

The following procedure will be adhered to:
• When the whistle sounds all staff and children to leave by the nearest exit.
• The playworker will collect the register on the way out.
• No one must stop to collect personal belongings.
• Everyone will assemble on schoolyard on stone steps by the field.
• The playworker will check the register and account for all children and staff.
• The senior member of staff will enter evacuation time in fire drill book.
• All persons must remain outside until “all clear” is given.

The Staff will be aware of the Fire Exits within the premises and positions of fire extinguishers. They will also be aware of the fire procedures within the school. In event of a fire the senior staff member first ensure the evacuation and safety of the children and then telephone the Fire Brigade.

The following staff members will be responsible for:

*FIRE DRILL – SENIOR STAFF MEMBER.

IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGANCY OR DURING A FIRE DRILL THE FOLLOWING APPLIES:

1. ON DISCOVERING A FIRE, SOUND THE ALARM IMMEDIATELY.
2. ENSURE ALL CHILDREN LEAVE THE BUILDING BY THE NEAREST EXIT AND ASSEMBLE ON THE SCHOOL FIELD.
3. MEMBER OF STAFF TO COLLECT THE REGISTERS AND ACCOUNT FOR ALL THE CHILDREN.
4. MEMBER OF STAFF WILL ENSURE THE BUILDING IS EMPTY.
5. MEMBER OF STAFF WILL CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE.

TRIPS & TRANSPORT.

When travelling on the Kids Club 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.

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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 Club minibus have had further independent ‘MIDAS’ including theory and practical test. This is re-taken every three years.

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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 EMERGANCY CONTACTS TOGETHER WITH THE CHILDS 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 £25 FOR ADDITIONAL INSURANCE.

• ALL EXTRA CHARGES WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRPERSON/COMMITTEE.

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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 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 Kids Club. The Early Years incorporates the curriculum guidance for the Early Learning Goals of the Foundation Stage. The Baby Unit staff and also Early Years staff will refer to the Sure Start Recommendations for the Under 3’s.

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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.

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.

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.

PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT

Smacking or any other physical punishment will not be used under any circumstances; alternatives to using physical intervention will be used.
 
EXCLUSION


In extreme cases the committee may consider excluding a child for an agreed period of time.
This will be agreed in consultation with the parents when all sanctions have failed.
Children will be invited to participate where possible when implementing these procedures, depending on their age and understanding.

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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 given the name, address and telephone number of Ofsted.

Cramlington Kids Club will treat complaints as a valuable way of evaluation and identifying ways of improving our service.
 

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PAYMENTS

All childcare costs should be paid within 7 days of receiving your bill, we prefer payments over the cost of £50 to be paid by cheque. We will ask for a cash payment if any cheques are returned by the bank.
UNPAID CHILD CARE COSTS…
The following procedures will take place if bills remain unpaid after 7 days of receiving it…
* You will receive three letters from the chairperson, if payments remain unpaid after receiving these letters, we will refuse any further childcare until an arrangement is made for payment!!

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DOCUMENTATION

Records policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children are maintained, these include:

*Daily register *Staff records
*Daily Diary for Babies *Booking Forms
*Sleep-chart for Babies *Children’s details
*Accident book *Parent contracts
*Medication book *Time sheets
*Complaints book *Fire log book
*Cancellation and waiting list book *Incident book

ALL CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS WILL BE KEPT IN SECURE FILING CABINET IN THE OFFICE.

Job Description : Play Worker - Nursery Nurse - Word Doc - download

 

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MEMOS

Cramlington Kids Club - Memo 2004 - Word Doc - download