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Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Destiny's Child has a duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, health, safety and welfare standards. The responsibility extends to management, members of staff, volunteers and anyone using the nursery.
- Activities should always be planned with an appropriate level of supervision
- Premises and equipment must be regularly checked to ensure safety and cleanliness
- All play equipment are British Standard approved
- Any activity involving dangerous or potentially dangerous equipment (eg cooking candle-making, crafts) should have constant supervision
- The children will never be left unsupervised in the nursery or grounds or off-site
- Electrical sockets must have safety caps.
- No child will be allowed to operate any electrical equipment
- Dangerous substances must be kept out of reach of children.
- Hot water used by children must be thermostatically controlled and not exceed 100F/38C.
- Children must not be allowed near boiling kettles or hot equipment.
- Children must not bring any object to nursery that could cause harm to any other child. If a child is found in possession of any item which staff consider may be likely to harm others it will be confiscated and returned to the parent on collection
- All outside equipment must be securely fixed to the ground and surrounded by an impact absorbing surface.
- The law on car safety, including insurance, must be adhered to eg car seats and seat belts to British Standard.
- Children must not be left alone in any vehicle.
- In order that children's skin is protected against sun damage parents must supply a high SPF sun cream and sun hats.
- Nursery staff will apply the cream when children are outdoors and ensure that sun hats are worn.
- Children are encouraged to play in the shaded areas of the garden.
- Dangerous behaviour by children should be discouraged at all times .
This policy covers the procedures to be taken when abuse, potential abuse, potential abuse or neglect is suspected. The protection of children in our care is our first priority. The nursery has a duty to report any suspicions of abuse to the Local Authority. The Children Act 1989 (Section 47(1)) places a duty on the Local Authority to investigate such matters and the nursery follows the procedures set out in the Local Authority Child Protection Document.
All requests from the Social Services or Legal Departments and appearance in court to give evidence involving cases of child protection must receive full co-operation.
Identification of child abuse is difficult and no list of signs and symptoms can be complete but there follows a list of indicators which might generate suspicion of one or more of the four types of abuse - physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect.
Physical abuse
Most injuries are accidental and can be simply explained. The following factors associated with injuries may arouse suspicion that injuries are not accidental:
- where the explanation is inconsistent with the injury or stage of development of the child;
- where there are changing explanations or no explanation;
- where there are frequently repeated injuries (even when the explanation seems adequate);
- where there has been delay in seeking medical advice;
- where there are marks of injuries of different ages on the child at any one time (except shins and forehead);
- where there is facial bruising - especially around mouth, eyes and ears;
- where there are unexplained or inadequately explained burns, bite marks, severe bruising or all or any of these;
- where there are bruises on the buttocks or thighs; or
any bruising or signs of pain in a baby not yet mobile.
Neglect
This includes failure to provide food, warmth, clothing or consistent caring. Signs and symptoms include:
- inappropriate and inadequate clothing;
- poor hygiene;
- a child left unsupervised or with many different or unsuitable carers;
- developmental delay, poor speech and play skills;
- a child whose parents persistently fail to seek or follow medical advice;
- a child whose parents persistently fail to ensure the child's safety.
Note that failure to thrive may sometimes be a result of neglect.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse usually forms a part of all other types of abuse but may sometimes be the only form of abuse. An emotionally abused child may be constantly criticised, blamed or subjected to severe discipline. The child may:
- be unable to enjoy himself/herself and play normally;
- lack curiosity and normal exploratory behaviour;
- show delayed speech and play skills;
- have low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness; and
- show eating disturbances or growth failure.
Sexual abuse.
While there are many signs associated with sexual abuse, many of these are also associated with other problems. It is rare for sexual abuse to be recognised by one symptom - rather it is a matter of developing a full picture of the child. A child who is or has been sexually abused does not always display behavioural disturbance.
Physical signs:
genital or anal lacerations, bleeding or other trauma;
genital or peri-anal inflammation or irritation;
sexually-transmitted disease including genital or peri-anal warts;
persistent or recurrent vaginal discharge (most instances will be due to causes other than abuse).
Medical problems:
recurrent urinary tract infections;
bedwetting or soiling which commences after a period of being dry/clean; or
recurrent unexplained abdominal pain.
Behavioural problems:
over-sexualised behaviour;
compulsive masturbation;
acting out and aggressive behaviour; or
explicitly sexual drawings or play activity.
A - The procedures to be taken by nursery staff, parents/carers or others associated with the nursery who have reason to believe that a child in our care is subject to emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect or potential abuse.
The All Wales Child Protection Procedures sets down the following procedures.
Any person who has concerns about a child's welfare should write down their concerns, whether or not further action is taken. If possible the person planning to make the referral should seek advice about their concerns from colleagues, supervisors, managers or a designated or named professional. THIS DISCUSSION SHOULD NEVER DELAY EMERGENCY ACTION TO PROTECT A CHILD.
The named persons within our nursery are:
Proprietor: Elaine Mitchel
Nursery Manager: xxxxx
In the event of the above-named people not being present then the nursery staff with take responsibility to follow the procedure.
Ensure that any discussions about a child's welfare should be recorded in writing and dated and signed by all who took part in discussions. A record of conclusion should also be made in writing (Confidentiality should be adhered to at all times)
Making a referral:
All referrals should be made to Social Services as soon as a problem, suspicion or concern becomes apparent, and certainly within 24 hours.
- Give the following information
- Your name and place of work
- Reasons for the concerns
- Full name, address and date of birth or age of child
- Names, addresses and dates of birth or ages of family members, along with any names which they use or are known by.
- The names of all those with parental responsibility
- Names of other professionals involved with the family, including the child's GP
- Any information affecting the safety of staff.
If you remain concerned about a child's welfare after a referral has been made and you feel that the matter has not been taken seriously then re-refer the child.
The Intake and Assessment Team will approach the parent/carer.
The above procedure has been written in accordance with the ACPC. Please do not feel alone in any concern you may have. Your manager will support you.
B - Staff Training
In order to support us in our work, all staff receive child protection training.
C - Role of Parents/Carers
We share the responsibility for the child protection policy and procedure with parents/carers.
We ask parents/carers to inform the nursery if their child has hurt themselves at home, so that we are aware of the reasons for any bruises or minor injuries. We inform parents/carers if any accidents in the nursery that involves their child. The account of an accident, however minor, is always written in our accident book.
D - The Procedure to be taken if an allegation of child abuse or neglect os made about a member of staff or volunteer.
Professional abuse can include emotional or sexual abuse as well as shouting, pulling, hitting or restraining a child except for reasons of safety,
Any suspicion or allegation of abuse by a member of staff or volunteer should be discussed with your manager/supervisor, who will investigate the allegation.
If the allegations or suspicions are felt to be valid, your manager will inform Social Services who will respond by notifying the relevant senior manager or personnel manager.
Social Services will discuss the referral with the Police.
The child protection co-ordinator will co-ordinate with the police and decide whether immediate suspension of the member of staff is required in order to safeguard any children. The manager will be informed of this decision.
In all cases where abuse is alleged, the child's parents/carers should be informed at an early stage by Social Services, of details of the allegations and procedures to be followed unless to do so may further endanger the child, or compromise any investigation.
Appropriate confidentiality should be maintained in allegations about a member of staff or a volunteer.
Information to be given to the accused member of staff:
At the earliest opportunity, after consultation with the police, and provided it does not prejudice the criminal investigation the member of staff or volunteer should be informed by their line manager verbally and in writing that an allegation of abuse has been made. However the allegation should not be discussed and direct questioning should be avoided if the police wish to interview the member of staff.
The staff member or volunteer will be informed that the investigation will be carried out in accordance with Child Protection Procedures and that they have a right to be accompanied at all meetings by a friend, Trade union representative or solicitor and to receive minutes of such meetings.
The staff member will be informed that enquiries will, so far as possible, be confidential but that information gained which is relevant to disciplinary or criminal proceedings may be disclosed for those purposes.
At the conclusion of investigation the member of staff will be given a written statement of the allegation together with the conclusion of the investigation.
The most important issue is to ensure that openness and honesty at all levels are maintained.
Behaviour and Discipline Policy
We believe that young children should be encouraged to respect their environment and other children. Acceptable social behaviour - having a positive and considerate attitude and providing good role models - is encouraged by the staff. Unacceptable behaviour is quickly identified and dealt with positively. Reasons are explained to the child and good behaviour is always praised.
Behaviour that is encouraged:
- kindness to others
- respect for staff
- respect for children
- respect for equipment
Behaviour that is discouraged
- hitting or biting
- bullying
- swearing or fighting
- wilful damage to Destiny's Child property
Unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with as follows:
- 1. Staff will initially explain the misbehaviour to the child privately. If this proves unsuccessful then:
- 2. the 'time out' approach is used. The child is asked to sit out of an activity and have time to reflect on the action, accompanied by a nursery nurse. If the child is too young to benefit from 'time out' they will be suitable supervised in an alternative activity.
- 3. If the unacceptable behaviour persists the Nursery Manager will discuss the matter with the parent/guardian. During this interview, the parent/guardian will be made aware of the gravity of the situation and the possibility that the child might have to be excluded in the future if his/her behaviour does not improve.
- 4. If there has been no improvement, the parent/guardian will receive written notification that exclusion is now under serious consideration by the staff.
- 5. If the child continues to behave in an unacceptable manner he or she will be excluded from Destiny's Child.
There is no physical punishment, or threat of physical punishment in the nursery. Children are never shouted at, humiliated, intimidated or shamed, nor is negative language used in any way to control a child. We would only physically intervene with a child to prevent injury or serious damage.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
Destiny's Child is committed to equal opportunities in the recruitment, promotion, training, pay and treatment of all staff and in its commitment to the care of all children under its supervision. This means that all job applicants, employees and children will receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, religion, culture, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. Direct or indirect discrimination, abuse and harassment in all their forms will not be tolerated. It is in the interests of Destiny's Child that all concerned with the nursery be treated equally.
Admission
No child will be refused admission to Destiny's Child on the grounds of colour, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender or disability.
Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Acts of discrimination, abuse and harassment on the grounds of race, colour, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age by staff or members of the management team will be considered acts of gross misconduct and will result in disciplinary action, which may include immediate dismissal without notice.
Complaints
If any parent or member of staff considers that there has been any discrimination against a child, member of staff, parent or visitor they are encouraged to follow the process for complaints set out in the Complaints Procedure (qv)
Destiny's Child follows the guidance on infection and illness set out by the Department of Health and we follow their guidelines on the recommended times that children should be kept away from nursery. A copy follows overleaf and is also displayed in the nursery premises.
It is the responsibility of parents/carers to inform nursery staff if their child has been unwell during an evening or weekend. That will allow staff and management to decide whether the child should attend nursery.
Illness during the nursery day
If a child becomes unwell while in the care of Destiny's Child staff will immediately contact the parents/carers using the telephone numbers given to us at the time of registration. It is very important that parents inform the nursery of any change of contact details, especially mobile telephone numbers. Parents/carers who work outside the home should also give a landline number at their place of work in case their mobile phones are switched off.
Prescribed treatment
If your child is prescribed antibiotics s/he should remain at home for a minimum of 24 hours after starting the course.
Any prescribed treatment (including Calpol) to be administered must be the child's own, brought in from home. The information leaflet that accompanied the medicine must also be brought to nursery. That will alert staff to any possible side effects of the medication. A medicine consent form must be completed, signed and dated on the day the child is brought into nursery and for each day that the medication is required. Please see medication policy.
Destiny's Child aims to provide good quality care for your child while under our supervision. Our experienced staff are trained to care for your child and make every effort to ensure your child is safe and secure in a friendly environment. However there may be occasions when you feel there is cause for complaint.
If you have reason to complain about the level of care received by your child while attending Destiny's Child, please do not hesitate to contact the Nursery Manager or a Senior Nursery Nurse.
If this does not resolve the matter, or you consider it inappropriate then you can make a written complaint to the proprietor:
Address:
Elaine Mitchell
Westbury House
Dixton Road
Monmouth
Monmouthshire
NP25 3PR
Phone: 01600-772-220
Whatever the nature of your complaint, you can be assured it will be promptly and fully investigated. You will be informed of the outcome and the steps taken to remedy the problem, where appropriate.
If, after the investigation, you are not happy with the outcome you can ask for the matter to be reviewed. Alternatively you can contact:
Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales
1 Alexandra Gate
Rover Way
Tremorfa
Cardiff
CF24 2SBTel: 029 2047 8600
Fax: 029 2047 8614
Policy Statement on Parents as Partners
It is a requirement of The Children Act 1989 that nurseries have a policy on parents as partners. We recognize that parents/carers have the primary responsibility for their children. We encourage parents to work in partnership with the nursery staff and to feel that they are able to discuss all aspects of their child's care and development.
In this way we are all able to provide quality care for children.
Parents or carers will always be consulted in the care given to their child and be informed about the routines and activities in the nursery. We discuss the nursery's philosophy on childcare and development with parents and carers prior to admission and it is also explained in writing in the prospectus.
Parents and carers are given a copy of all the policies of the nursery on registration. Before a child starts nursery we will make a record of the child's name, date of birth, gender, health requirements, emergency contact numbers for the parents/carers and the child's likes and dislikes and their stage of development.
Routines of the day and daily menus are displayed on the notice boards in the nursery.
When toddlers leave nursery they take with them a portfolio of their work.
We welcome comments and suggestions from parents and carers at any time.
All parents are welcome to visit the nursery at any time, as long as they are known to the staff.
Children may only be collected from nursery by persons named on the registration form. If someone else is to collect the child parents must inform the nursery and give the name of the person and a photograph. In an emergency we operate a password system. Parents must ring up and give the nursery manager the name of the person and the password which the person collecting the child must quote.
Staff are aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality. All written records are kept in a filing cabinet and may be viewed by parents at any time.