Policies and procedures

Safeguarding

We have a duty of care to ensure all children are kept safe and prevented from harm. If we have any reason to be concerned about a child or families safety/wellbeing we have the responsibility to record this and take action including informing social care. Where we believe it is safe and appropriate to do so we will discuss our concerns with parents first however there may be occasions whereby a call to social care for advice is our first action. As a nursery we are non-judgemental and our priority is to ensure the safety of all.

If parents are having difficulties at home or have any concerns about somebody else, we encourage them to speak to us so that we can offer as much support as possible.

If your family has a social worker involved, we would ask you to share this information with us as soon as possible so that we can ensure we are working in partnership with them and again offering support wherever we can.

Collection of children

Children must be collected by the end time of their session. Children may only be collected by those who have authorisation to do so. Parents with parental responsibility will be authorised to collect and anybody whom parents have put on the registration form. If for any reason somebody else needs to collect we would ask parents to add them to the registration form or if on the day; call us to let us know who will be collecting and ensure the person collecting has ID and the password. If anybody else comes to the nursery we will be unable to allow them in to the nursery to collect a child. Safety is our priority.

Fees

Nursery fees are invoiced monthly and are to be paid in full by the 1st of the month for the month ahead. Fees can be paid by cash to the office, bank transfer, childcare voucher schemes and tax-free childcare.

Fees can be paid by cash to the office, bank transfer, childcare voucher schemes and tax-free childcare.

Holidays

If you are going to be off due to holidays, we kindly ask that you inform nursery so that we are not concerned about your child and do not disturb your family time by calling to check if your child is ok. You will continue to be charged nursery fees whilst your child is off on holiday to maintain their nursery place.

Sickness and medication

If your child is unwell, we do ask that you keep them at home until they are well enough to return, this not only allows for your child to be given the care and attention they require but also prevents the spread of any illnesses to other children and our staff.

If your child becomes unwell at nursery and we feel they need to be at home we will contact you and ask you to collect as soon as possible. We will do all we can to look after your child until you arrive to collect.

At nursery we can administer prescribed medication once a medication form is complete, we will only administer doses and times as stated on the prescription label. Antibiotics can be administered but only after your child has been on them for 24hours. This is to ensure your child does not have a reaction to them whilst in our care.

The only non-prescribed medication nursery is able to administer is paracetamol. We will always follow instructions on the box/bottle and will only administer if we believe your child requires them/has a temperature. Giving paracetamol regularly can cover up an illness and stop you from being able to identify if your child has a temperature or not to be able to make an informed decision as to whether your child requires more paracetamol. If your child becomes unwell with a temperature (over 38 degrees c) during their time at nursery we will contact you and we are able to provide an emergency dose of paracetamol to your child; providing you have given consent for this on the registration form. If your child’s temperature does not go down or they are unwell we will ask you to collect. You will be asked to sign a medicine form when you collect your child.

If your child has an ongoing medical condition please ensure the nursery is aware of all details, if this requires medication, we can complete a care plan and a long-term medication form. Staff are able to administer medication once these documents are completed. It is your responsibility to ensure this remains up to date and you should inform us as soon as anything changes. If possible, we would ask for the medication to be kept at nursery, if not it is essential that this comes with the child to nursery every time they attend.

All medication MUST be in the originally packaging or we will not be able to administer this to your child.

Please note if your child is off nursery due to being unwell you will still be required to pay nursery fees