Policies

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Aims & Objectives:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our care. Our aim is to provide a safe and secure environment where children can thrive.

Legal Framework:
This policy is guided by the Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and statutory EYFS requirements.

Procedures:
- All staff are trained in safeguarding and recognise the signs of abuse and neglect.
- Concerns will be logged immediately and referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- Confidentiality will be maintained except where information must be shared to protect a child.

Roles & Responsibilities:
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for ensuring training, reporting, and compliance.

Monitoring & Review:
This policy is reviewed annually or in line with changes to statutory guidance.

Health & Safety Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To ensure a safe and healthy environment for children, staff, and visitors.

Legal Framework:
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, EYFS statutory framework.

Procedures:
- Daily risk assessments of premises and equipment.
- Fire drills conducted termly with records kept.
- First aid kit maintained and checked monthly.

Roles & Responsibilities:
The provider is responsible for risk management and ensuring first aid certification is current.

Monitoring & Review:
Policy reviewed annually with risk assessment logs.

Inclusion & Equal Opportunities Policy

Aims & Objectives:

To ensure equality of opportunity for all children and families regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability.

Legal Framework:

Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice 2015.

Procedures:

- Activities adapted to meet diverse needs.

- Children with additional needs supported with individual care plans.

- Celebrations of different cultures incorporated into learning.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The provider ensures inclusive practice and addresses discriminatory behaviour.

Monitoring & Review:

Reviewed annually and updated in line with guidance.

Behaviour Management Policy

Aims & Objectives:

To promote positive behaviour in a consistent and fair way.

Legal Framework:

EYFS statutory framework.

Procedures:

- Encourage good behaviour with praise and reward.

- Clear boundaries explained and reinforced.

- Challenging behaviour managed calmly, never with physical punishment.

Roles & Responsibilities:

All staff responsible for modelling positive behaviour.

Monitoring & Review:

Reviewed annually with input from staff and parents.

Complaints Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To provide a clear and fair process for handling complaints.

Legal Framework:
EYFS statutory requirements.

Procedures:
- Complaints logged in writing and acknowledged within 7 days.
- Investigations completed within 28 days where possible.
- Parents informed of outcomes and next steps, including Ofsted referral if unresolved.

Roles & Responsibilities:
The provider ensures all complaints are documented and addressed.

Monitoring & Review:
Policy reviewed annually.

Data Protection / GDPR Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To comply with GDPR regulations in handling personal data.

Legal Framework:
UK GDPR 2021, Data Protection Act 2018.

Procedures:
- Records stored securely with password protection and locked cabinets.
- Information shared only when legally required.
- Parents may request access to their child’s records.

Roles & Responsibilities:
Data Protection Officer responsible for compliance.

Monitoring & Review:
Policy reviewed annually.

Admissions & Settling In Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To ensure a smooth transition into the setting for each child.

Procedures:
- Settling-in sessions arranged prior to start.
- Key person assigned to each child.
- Parents consulted about routines, comfort items, and preferences.

Monitoring & Review:
Reviewed annually or as needed.

Illness & Medication Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To protect the health of children and staff while ensuring children’s medical needs are met.

Procedures:
- Children with contagious illnesses must stay home.
- Medication only administered with signed consent and original packaging.
- Records of medication administered kept securely.

Monitoring & Review:
Reviewed annually and updated as guidance changes.

Accidents & Emergencies Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To provide clear procedures for dealing with accidents and emergencies.

Procedures:
- All accidents logged and parents informed.
- First aid given immediately, emergency services contacted when needed.
- Evacuation plan displayed and practised regularly.

Monitoring & Review:
Reviewed annually.

Wrap Around Care & Extra Services Policy

Aims & Objectives:
To provide flexible services that meet family needs.

Procedures:
- Breakfast, after-school, and holiday clubs delivered with structured routines.
- Extra services such as laundry, transport, and enrichment activities offered on request.
- Parents informed of availability, fees, and booking arrangements.

Monitoring & Review:
Policy reviewed annually.