Policies
Security
As the nursery is facilitated within a private business centre we feel that this provides greater security to the children in our care and also all persons employed within the company. The nursery can only be entered via a high-tech finger scanning device. All team members' finger prints are scanned into a computer system only accessible to the owners. The door is sectioned off using secure gates to prevent any persons entering or leaving the building unauthorised. The setting has very a strict protocol for the collection of children within our care, with no child being allowed to leave the premises with persons unknown/unrecognised to us other than the legal parents/guardians. Passwords must be used until familiarity is built.
Employment
All employees at the setting are required to have a recent, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check by necessity prior to employment beginning. All staff are employed pending references. Under no circumstance does the nursery employ persons who are listed on the Persons at Risk register.
Data Protection
All information held on the children is stored in a lockable cabinet. All records are kept confidential under the Data protection Act 1998. No information will be shared with any persons other than the child's parent or nominated guardian. The setting is registered with the 'Data Protection Agency'. Permission can be denied by parents/cares during induction in relation to the sharing of information through media.
Behaviour Management
All supportive practitioners in the nursery will aim to ensure that the rules are applied consistently, helping children to develop appropriate policy in a secure nurturing environment. All practitioners will consistently be a positive role model for the children with regard to valuing others with care, courtesy and equality. Adults will pay recognition to, praise and reward positive appropriate behaviour such as kindness and willingness to share, friendship etc. In cases where it is deemed necessary a behaviour modification programme will be introduced to eliminate continuing inappropriate behaviour; of which the setting owners have a wealth of experience in dealing with, with positive outcomes achieved. Appropriate behaviour plans can and will be devised together with parents/carers and worked with in partnership between the home, setting and families.
Dietary Requirements
The children will have time together to share refreshments, as this is an important part of social life in the nursery. All meals and snacks are provided, and are nutritionally balanced. Large amounts of sugar, fat, salt, additives, preservatives and colourings are avoided. Medical and personal dietary requirements are respected. Menus are planned in advance and food offered is fresh, wholesome and balanced. A multi-cultural diet is offered to ensure that children from all backgrounds encounter familiar tastes and that all children have the opportunity to try unfamiliar foods. Dietary rules of religious groups and also of vegetarians/vegans are known and met in appropriate ways. The main meal of the day include a balance of protein, carbohydrate and essential fats, minerals and vitamins in raw foods, salads and fruit. Our menus have been assessed by a nutritionist and passed for including all essential nutrients required in the diet of babies and young children.
Milk provided is sourced from a local dairy and delivered daily to the setting for the children. Milk delivered is semi-skimmed and full fat, with the appropriate milk given depending on the age of the child. Formula milk is provided by the child's parent/carer and made up on the premises. This will be kept one calendar month only and unused formula returned to the parent/carer at the end of this period. All bottle feeds are prepared in a separate sterile area.
Equal Opportunities Policy
Little Acorns Day Care Nursery Ltd works in accordance with all relevant legislation, including:
We believe that the groups activities should be open to all children and families.
Child Protection Policy
We intend to create in our nursery an environment in which children feel safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to; In order to achieve this…
Complaints Procedures
A parent who is uneasy about any aspect of the nursery's provision should first of all talk over any worries and anxieties with any of the partners. If this does not have a satisfactory outcome within a couple of week's, or if the problem reoccurs, the parent should put the concerns or complaint in writing and request a meeting with the partners. The partners will respond to any complaint, in writing within three days.
We believe 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 nursery and parents that complaints should be taken seriously and dealt with fairly and in a way which respects confidentially.
In some cases it may be necessary to inform the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), they can be contacted on the following address.
Care Inspectorate Wales
Welsh Government Office
Sarn Mynach
Llandudno Junction
LL31 9RZ
Tel: 0300 7900 126
Email: ciw@gov.wales
Curriculum
The nursery organises curriculum in accordance with 'Birth to Three Matters' and the 'Foundation Phase' profile brought into place by the Welsh Assembly Government. Activities are suitably organised to meet and needs and abilities of the individual through the use of differentiation techniques. The areas of development promoted are:
All of the nursery team have received training in the Foundation Phase in order to deliver education to the highest of standards. All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. The environment will be free from discrimination and prejudice, with activities suitable for all. The children will be provided with opportunities to gain 'first hand experiences', learning outdoors in their natural environment such as forestry and nature walks. The nursery will partake in festivals throughout the year, and bilingual/multilingual families will be valued and their language recognised as an asset.
Inspections
C.S.S.I.W, This inspection is carried out annually to ensure a high quality of care standards are maintained within the nursery. The nursery was inspected by ESTYN in May 2008, where we were stated as having many 'outstanding features'. This inspection is carried out 5 yearly to ensure high quality planning and education is being carried out with in the nursery.