Policies

Admissions Policy

Si-lwli Nursery is registered with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales.  The Lookout Day Nursery is registered with Ofsted. Both nurseries have their own registration requirements this is our overriding policy in respect of admissions.  Other matters taken into account in deciding which child can be offered a place are:

  • Children are admitted to Si-lwli and The Lookout according to the families requirements and the availability of spaces.
  • Children who are siblings of those already with us.
  • Our ability to provide the facilities for the welfare of the child.

Complaints and compliments

At both Si-Lwli and the Lookout Day Nursery we believe that parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their individual needs and wishes. We hope that at all times parents are happy with the service provided  and we encourage parents  to voice their appreciation to the staff concerned.

We record all compliments and share these with the staff.

We welcome any suggestions from parents on how we can improve our services, and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns that parents may have. Any concerns will be dealt with professionally and promptly to ensure that any issues arising from them are handled effectively and to ensure the welfare of all children, enable ongoing cooperative partnership with parents and to continually improve the quality of the nursery.

We have a formal procedure for dealing with complaints where we are not able to resolve a concern. Where any concern or complaint relates to child protection, we follow our Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines.

Internal complaints procedure

Stage 1

If any parent should have cause for concern or any queries regarding the care or early learning provided by the nursery, they should in the first instance take it up with the child’s key worker or a senior member of staff/room leader.

Stage 2

If the issue remains unresolved or parents feel they have received an unsatisfactory outcome, then they must present their concerns in writing as a formal complaint to the nursery manager. The manager will then investigate the complaint and report back to the parent within 7 days. The manager will document the complaint fully and the actions taken in relationto it in the complaints log book.

(Most complaints are usually resolved informally at stage 1 or 2.)

Stage 3

If the matter is still not resolved, the nursery will hold a formal meeting between the manager, parent and the senior staff member to ensure that it is dealt with comprehensively. The nursery will make a record of the meeting and document any actions. All parties present at the meeting will review the accuracy of the record and will be asked to sign the review and receive a copy. This will signify the conclusion of the procedure.

Stage 4

If the matter cannot be resolved to their satisfaction, then parents have the right to raise the matter with CSSIW or Ofsted.  Parents are made aware that they can contact CSSIW or Ofsted at any time they have a concern, including at all stages of the complaints procedure and are given information on how to contact them. CSSIW is the registering authority for nurseries in Wales and Ofsted is the registering authority for nurseries in England.  Both these agencies investigate all complaints that suggest a provider may not be meeting the requirements of the nursery’s registration. It risk assesses all complaints made and may visit the nursery to carry out a full inspection where it believes requirements are not met.

A record of complaints will be kept in the nursery. The record will include the name of the complainant, the nature of the complaint, date and time complaint received, action(s) taken, the result of any investigations and any information given to the complainant including a dated response.

Parents will be able to access this record if they wish to; however,  all personal details relating to  any complaint will be stored confidentially and will be only accessible by the parties involved. CSSIW and Ofsted inspectors will have access to this record at any time during visits to ensure actions have been met appropriately.

Parents will also be informed if the nursery becomes aware that they are going to be inspected and after inspection will provide a copy of the report to parents and/or carers of children attending on a regular basis.

Medication

At both nurseies we promote the good health of children attending nursery and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection (see sickness and illness policy). If a child requires medicine we will obtain information about the child’s needs for this and will ensure this information is kept up to date.

We follow strict guidelines when dealing with medication of any kind in the nursery and these are set out below.

Medication prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist

(Medicines containing aspirin will only be given if prescribed by a doctor)

  • Prescription medicine will only be given to the person named on the bottle for the dosage stated
  • Medicines must be in their original containers
  • Those  with   parental   responsibility   for   any   child   requiring   prescription medication should hand over the medication to the most appropriate member of staff who will then note the details of the administration on the appropriate form and another member of staff will check these details
  • Those with parental responsibility must give prior written permission for the administration of each and every medication. However, we will accept written permission once for a whole course of medication or for the ongoing use of a particular medication under the following circumstances:
  1. The written  permission   is  only  acceptable   for  that  brand  name  of the medication and cannot be used for similar types of medication, e.g. if the course of antibiotics changes, a new form will need to be completed
  2. The dosage on the written permission is the only dosage that will be administered. We will not give a different dose unless a new form is completed
  3. Parents must notify us IMMEDIATELY if the child’s circumstances change, e.g. a dose has been given at home, or a change in strength/dose needs to be given.
  • The nursery  will not  administer  a dosage  that  exceeds  the  recommended dose on the instructions unless accompanied by written instructions from a relevant health professional such as a letter from a doctor or dentist
  • The parent must be asked when the child has last been given the medication before coming to nursery and the staff member must record this information on the medication form. Similarly, when the child is picked up, the parent or guardian must be given precise details of the times and dosage given throughout the day. The parent’s signature must be obtained at both times.
  • At the time of administering the medicine, a senior member of staff will ask the child to take the medicine or offer it in a manner acceptable to the child at the prescribed time and in the prescribed form. (It is important to note that staff working with children are not legally obliged to administer medication)
  • If the child refuses to take the appropriate  medication  then a note will be made on the form
  • Where medication is “essential” or may have side effects, discussion with the parent will take place to establish the appropriate response.

Non-prescription medication (these will not usually be administrated)

  • The nursery will not administer  any non-prescription  medication  containing aspirin
  • The nursery will only administer non-prescription medication for a short initial period, dependant on the medication or the condition of the child. After this time medical attention should be sought
  • If the nursery feels the child would benefit from medical attention rather than non-prescription medication, we reserve the right to refuse nursery care until the child is seen by a medical practitioner
  • If a child needs liquid paracetamol or similar medication during their time at nursery, such medication will be treated as prescription medication with the

nursery providing one specific type of medication should parents wish to use this which will be administered by a senior member of staff.

  • On registration, parents will be asked if they would like to fill out a medication form to consent to their child being given a specific type of liquid paracetamol or anti-histamine in particular circumstances such as an increase in the child’s temperature or a wasp or bee sting. This form will state the dose to be given, the circumstances in which this can be given e.g. the temperature increase of their child, the specific brand name or type of non-prescription medication and a signed statement to say that this may be administered in an emergency if the nursery CANNOT contact the parent
  • An emergency nursery supply of fever relief (e.g Calpol) and anti-histamines (e.g. Piriton) will be stored on site. This will be checked at regular intervals by the designated trained first aider to make sure that it complies with any instructions for storage and is still in date
  • If a child does exhibit the symptoms for which consent has been given to give non-prescription medication during the day the nursery will make every attempt to contact the child’s parents. Where parents cannot be contacted then the nursery manager will take the decision as to whether the child is safe to have this medication based on the time the child has been in the nursery, the circumstances surrounding the need for this medication and the medical history of the child on their registration form.   Giving non-prescription medication will be the last resort and the nursery staff will use other methods first to try and alleviate the symptoms, e.g. for an increase in temperature the nursery will remove clothing, use fanning, tepid cooling with a wet flannel. The child will be closely monitored until the parents collect the child
  • For any  non-prescription  cream  for  skin  conditions  e.g.  Sudocrem,  prior written permission must be obtained from the parent and the onus is on the parent to provide the cream which should be clearly labelled with the child’s name
  • If any child is brought to the nursery in a condition in which he/she may require medication sometime during the day, the manager will decide if the child is fit to be left at the nursery. If the child is staying, the parent must be asked if any kind of medication has already been given, at what time and in what dosage and this must be stated on the medication form
  • As with any kind of medication, staff will ensure that the parent is informed of any non-prescription  medicines  given  to  the  child  whilst  at  the  nursery, together with the times and dosage given
  • The nursery  DOES  NOT  administer any medication unless prior written consent is given for each and every medicine.

Injections, pessaries, suppositories

As the administration of injections, pessaries and suppositories represents intrusive nursing, we will not administer these without appropriate medical training for every member of staff caring for this child. This training is specific for every child and not generic. The nursery will do all it can to make any reasonable adjustments including working with parents and other professionals to arrange for appropriate health officials to train staff in administering the medication.

Staff medication

All nursery staff have a responsibility to work with children only where they are fit to do so. Staff must not work with children where they are infectious or too unwell to meet children’s needs.  This includes circumstances where any medication taken affects their ability to care for children, for example, where it makes a person drowsy. If any staff member believes that their condition, including any condition caused by taking medication, is affecting their ability they must inform their line manager and seek medical advice.   The nursery manager will decide if a staff member is fit to work, including circumstances where other staff members notice changes in behaviour suggesting a person may be under the influence of medication. This decision will include any medical advice obtained by the individual or from an occupational health assessment.

Where staff may occasionally or regularly need medication,  any such medication must be kept in the person’s locker/separate locked container in the staff room or nursery room where staff may need easy access to the medication such as an asthma inhaler. In all cases, it must be stored out of reach of the children. It must not be kept in the first aid box and should be labelled with the name of the member of staff.

Storage

All medication for children must have the child’s name clearly written on the original container and kept in a closed box, which is out of reach of all children.

Emergency medication, such as inhalers and EpiPens, will be within easy reach of staff in case of an immediate need but will remain out of children’s reach.

Any antibiotics requiring refrigeration must be kept in a  fridge inaccessible to children.

All medications must be in their original containers, labels must be legible and not tampered with or they will not be given. All prescription medications should have the pharmacist’s details and notes attached to show the dosage needed and the date the prescription was issued. This will all be checked, along with expiry dates, before staff agree to administer medication.

Safeguarding Children Policy

At Si-Lwli and The Lookout, we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect, be helped to thrive and to be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

We support the children within our care, protect them from maltreatment and have robust procedures in place to prevent the impairment of children’s health and development.  Safeguarding is a much wider subject than the elements covered within this single policy, therefore this document should be used in conjunction with the nursery’s other policies and procedures.

Legal framework and definition of safeguarding

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)

Welsh Government’s Safeguarding Children: Working Together under the Children

Act 2004 guidance

Working together to safeguard children (2013).

Safeguarding  and  promoting  the  welfare  of  children  in  relation  to  this  policy  is defined as:

  • Protecting children from maltreatment
  • Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development
  • Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
  • Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

(Definition is taken from the HM Government document ‘Working together to safeguard children 2013’).

Policy intention

To safeguard children and promote their welfare we will:

  • Create an environment to encourage children to develop a positive self-image
  • Provide positive role models
  • Encourage children to develop a sense of independence and autonomy in a way that is appropriate to their age and stage of development
  • Provide a safe and secure environment for all children
  • Always listen to children
  • Provide an environment where practitioners are confident to identify where children and families may need intervention and seek the help they need
  • Share information with other agencies as appropriate.

The nursery is aware that abuse does occur in our society and we are vigilant in identifying signs of abuse and reporting concerns. Our practitioners have a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children. Due to the many hours of care we are providing, staff may often be the first people to identify that there may be a problem. They may well be the first people in whom children confide information that may suggest abuse or to spot changes in a child’s behaviour which may indicate abuse.

Our prime responsibility is the welfare and well-being of each child in our care. As such we believe we have a duty to the children, parents and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. This includes sharing information with any relevant agencies such as local authority services for children’s social care, health professionals or the police. All staff will work with other agencies including as part of a multi-agency team, where needed, in the best interests of the child.

The nursery aims to:

  • Keep the child at the centre of all we do
  • Ensure  staff   are   trained   to   understand   the   safeguarding   policy   and procedures, are alert to identify possible signs of abuse, understand what is meant  by  child  protection  and  are  aware  of  the  different  ways  in  which children can be harmed, including by other children through bullying or discriminatory behaviour
  • Ensure that all staff feel confident and supported to act in the best interest of the child share information and seek the help that the child may need
  • Ensure that all staff are familiar and updated regularly with child protection training and procedures and kept informed of changes to local/national procedures
  • Make any referrals in a timely way, sharing relevant information as necessary in line with procedures set out by the Cardiff and Wiltshire Councils Safeguarding Children Boards
  • Ensure that information is shared only with those people who need to know in order to protect the child and act in their best interest
  • Ensure that children are never placed at risk while in the charge of nursery staff
  • Take any appropriate action relating to allegations of serious harm or abuse against any person working with children, or living or working on the nursery premises including reporting such allegations to CSSIW or Ofsted and other relevant authorities
  • Ensure parents  are fully aware  of child protection  policies  and procedures when they register with the nursery and are kept informed of all updates when they occur
  • Regularly review  and  update  this  policy  with  staff  and  parents  where appropriate and make sure it complies with any legal requirements and any guidance or procedures issued by the Cardiff and Wiltshire Council Safeguarding Children Board.

We will support children by offering reassurance, comfort and sensitive interactions. We will devise activities according to individual circumstances to enable children to develop confidence and self-esteem within their peer group.

Contact telephone numbers

CSSIW 0300 7900 126

Ofsted 0300 123 1231

Types of abuse and particular procedures followed

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by harming them, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused within a family, institution, or community setting by those known to them or a stranger. This could be an adult or adults, another child or children.

The signs and indicators listed below may not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, but will help us to recognise that something may be wrong, especially if a child shows a number of these symptoms or any of them to a marked degree.

Indicators of child abuse

  • Failure to thrive and meet developmental milestones
  • Fearful or withdrawn tendencies
  • Aggressive behaviour
  • Unexplained injuries to a child or conflicting reports from parents or staff
  • Repeated injuries
  • Unaddressed illnesses or injuries.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Staff should make an objective record of any observation or disclosure, supported by the nursery manager or Designated Safeguarding Co-ordinator  (DSCO). This record should include:

  • Child’s name
  • Child’s address
  • Age of the child and date of birth
  • Date and time of the observation or the disclosure
  • Exact words spoken by the child
  • Exact position and type of any injuries or marks seen
  • Exact observation of any incident including any other witnesses
  • Name of the person to whom any concern was reported, with date and time;

and the names of any other person present at the time

  • Any discussion held with the parent(s) (where deemed appropriate).

These   records   should   be   signed   by   the   person   reporting   this   and   the

manager dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

If a child starts to talk to an adult about potential abuse it is important not to promise the child complete confidentiality.  This promise cannot be kept. It is vital that the child is allowed to talk openly and disclosure  is not forced or words put into the child’s mouth. As soon as possible after the disclosure details must be logged accurately.

It may be thought necessary that through discussion with all concerned the matter needs  to be raised  with the LSCB  and CSSIW/Ofsted.  Staff  involved  may be asked to supply  details  of any information/concerns  they have with regard  to a child.  The nursery expects all members of staff to co-operate with the LSCB and CSSIW/Ofsted in any way necessary to ensure the safety of the children.

Staff must not make any comments either publicly or in private about a parent’s or staff’s supposed or actual behaviour.

Physical abuse

Action  needs  to  be taken  if staff  have  reason  to believe  that  there  has  been  a physical injury to a child, including deliberate poisoning, where there is definite knowledge, or reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented. These symptoms may include bruising or injuries in an area that is not usual for a child, e.g. fleshy parts of the arms and legs, back, wrists, ankles and face.

Many children  will  have  cuts  and grazes  from  normal  childhood  injuries  – these should also be logged and discussed with the nursery manager or room leader.

Children and babies may be abused physically through shaking or throwing. Other injuries may include burns or scalds. These  are not usual childhood  injuries and should always be logged and discussed with the nursery manager.

Female genital mutilation

This type of physical abuse is practised as a cultural ritual by certain ethnic groups and there is now more awareness of its prevalence in some communities in the UK including its effect on the child and any other siblings involved. For those nurseries caring for older children in their out of school facility this may be an area of abuse you  could  come  across.  Symptoms  may  include  bleeding,  painful  areas,  acute urinary  retention,  urinary  infection,  wound  infection,  septicaemia,  incontinence, vaginal and pelvic infections, with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as physiological concerns. If you have concerns about a child in this area, you should contact the children’s social care team in the same way as other types of physical abuse.

Fabricated illness

This is also a type of physical abuse. This is where a child is presented  with an illness that is fabricated by the adult carer. The carer may seek out unnecessary medical treatment or investigation.  The signs may include a carer exaggerating  a real  illness  or symptoms,  complete  fabrication  of  symptoms  or inducing  physical illness e.g. through poisoning, starvation, inappropriate diet. This may also be presented through false allegations of abuse or encouraging the child to appear disabled or ill to obtain unnecessary treatment or specialist support.

Procedure:

  • All signs of marks/injuries to a child, when they come into nursery or occur during time at the nursery, will be recorded  as soon as noticed  by a staff member
  • The incident  will  be  discussed  with  the  parent  at  the  earliest  opportunity, where felt appropriate
  • Such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to such records
  • If there appear  to  be any  queries  regarding  the injury,  the  local  authority children’s social care team will be notified in line with procedures set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

Sexual abuse

Action needs be taken under this heading if the staff member has witnessed occasion(s) where a child indicated sexual activity through words, play, drawing, had an excessive preoccupation with sexual matters, or had an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour or language. This may include acting out sexual activity on dolls/toys or in the role play area with their peers, drawing pictures that are inappropriate for a child, talking about sexual activities or using sexual language or words.  The  child  may  become  worried  when  their  clothes  are  removed,  e.g.  for nappy changes.

The physical symptoms may include genital trauma, discharge, and bruises between the legs or signs of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Emotional symptoms could include a distinct change in a child’s behaviour. They may be withdrawn or overly extroverted  and outgoing.  They  may  withdraw  away  from  a  particular  adult  and become distressed if they reach out for them, but they may also be particularly clingy to a potential abuser so all symptoms and signs should be looked at together and assessed as a whole.

If a child starts to talk openly to an adult about abuse they may be experiencing, the procedure stated later in this document under ‘recording abuse suspicions’ will be followed.

Procedure:

  • The adult should reassure the child and listen without interrupting if the child wishes to talk
  • The observed instances will be detailed in a confidential report
  • The observed instances will be reported to the nursery manager
  • The matter will be referred to the local authority children’s social care team
  • A sensitive and confidential discussion will be held with the parents/carers of any other children party to inappropriate play.

Emotional abuse

Action should be taken under this heading if the staff member has reason to believe that there is a severe, adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child, caused by persistent or severe ill-treatment or rejection.

This may include extremes of discipline where a child is shouted at or put down on a consistent basis, lack of emotional attachment by a parent, or it may include parents or carers placing inappropriate age or developmental expectations upon them. Emotional abuse may also be imposed through the child witnessing domestic abuse and alcohol and drug misuse by adults caring for them.

The child is likely to show extremes of emotion with this type of abuse. This may include shying away from an adult who is abusing them,  becoming withdrawn, aggressive or clingy in order to receive their love and attention. This type of abuse is harder to identify as the child is not likely to show any physical signs.

Procedure:

  • The  concern   should     be    discussed   with   the   *nursery   manager/*room supervisor/*registered person
  • The concern will be discussed with the parent
  • Such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to such records
  • If there appear to be any queries regarding the circumstances, the matter will be referred to the local authority children’s social care team.

Neglect

Action should be taken under this heading if the staff member has reason to believe that there has been persistent or severe neglect of a child (for example, by exposure to any kind of danger, including cold and starvation and failure to seek medical treatment when required on behalf of the child), which results in serious impairment of the child’s health or development, including failure to thrive.

Signs may include a child persistently arriving at nursery unwashed or unkempt, wearing clothes that are too small  (especially shoes that may restrict the child’s growth or hurt them), arriving at the nursery in the same nappy they went home in or a child having an illness that is not being addressed by the parent. A child may also be persistently  hungry  if a parent  is withholding  food or not providing  enough  for a child’s needs.

Neglect  may  also  be  shown  through  emotional  signs,  e.g.  a  child  may  not  be receiving  the  attention  they  need  at  home  and  may  crave  love  and  support  at nursery. They may be clingy and emotional. In addition, neglect may occur through pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.

Procedure:

  • The concern will be discussed with the parent
  • Such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to such records
  • If there  appear  to  be  any  queries  regarding  the  circumstances  the  local authority children’s social care team will be notified.

Staffing and volunteering

Our policy is to provide a secure and safe environment for all children. We only allow an  adult  who  is  employed  by the  nursery  to  care  for  children  and  who  has  an enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to be left alone with children. We do not allow volunteers to be alone with children or any other adult who may be present in the nursery regardless of whether or not they have a DBS clearance.

All staff will attend child protection training and receive initial basic child protection training during their induction period. This will include the procedures  for spotting signs  and  behaviours  of  abuse  and  abusers/potential   abusers,  recording  and reporting concerns and creating a safe and secure environment for the children in the nursery.  During induction staff will be given contact details for the LADO (local authority designated officer), the local authority children’s services team,  the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and CSSIW to enable them to report any safeguarding concerns, independently, if they feel it necessary to do so.

We have a named person within the nurseries that takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and co-ordinates child protection and welfare issues, known as the Designated Safeguarding Co-ordinator (DSCO). The nursery DSCO liaises with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and the local authority children’s social care team undertakes  specific training, including a child protection training course and receives regular updates to developments within this field.

The Designated Safeguarding Co-ordinator (DSCO) at the nurseries are – Si Lwli – Kimberley Gale and Gwawr Williams.  The Lookout Day Nursery – Charlotte Forrester

  • We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of all children
  • Applicants for posts within the nursery are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of  the need  to carry  out checks  before  posts  can be confirmed. Where  applications  are  rejected  because  of  information  that  has  been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information
  • We give  staff  members/volunteers   and  students  regular  opportunities  to declare changes that may affect their suitability to care for the children. This includes information about their health, medication or about changes in their home  life  such  as  whether  anyone  they  live  with  in  a  household  has committed an offence or been involved in an incident that means they are disqualified from working with children
  • This information is also stated within every members of staff’s contract
  • We request DBS checks on a regular basis and we use the DBS update service to recheck staff’s criminal history and suitability to work with children
  • We abide by the requirements of the National Minimum Standards and any CSSIW/Estyn/Ofsted  guidance  in  respect  of  obtaining  references  and  suitability checks for staff, students and volunteers, to ensure that all staff, students and volunteers working in the setting are suitable to do so
  • We ensure  we  receive  at  least  two  written  references  BEFORE  a  new member of staff commences employment with us
  • All students will have enhanced DBS checks conducted on them before their placement starts
  • Volunteers, including students, do not work unsupervised
  • We abide by the requirements of the Safeguarding  Vulnerable  Groups Act (2006) and the Childcare Act 2006 in respect of any person who is disqualified from providing childcare, is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances  that  would  otherwise  have  lead  to dismissal  for reasons  of child protection concern
  • We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the nursery and take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the nursery so  that  no  unauthorised  person  has  unsupervised  access  to  the children
  • All visitors/contractors will be supervised  whilst on the premises,  especially when in the areas the children use
  • All staff have access to and comply with the whistleblowing policy which will enable them to share any concerns that may arise about their colleagues in an appropriate manner
  • All staff attend regular supervision meetings  where opportunities  are made available to discuss any issues relating to individual children, child protection training and any need for further support
  • The deployment of staff within the nursery allows for constant supervision and support. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, the door will be left ajar or other safeguards will be put into action to ensure the safety of the child and the adult.

Informing parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the LSCB/police does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the  parent  or  family  member  is  the  likely  abuser,  or  where  a  child  may  be endangered by this disclosure. In these cases the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions, enquiries and external investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared in line with guidance from the LSCB.

Support to families

The nursery takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relationships among families, staff, students and volunteers within the nursery.

The nursery continues to welcome the child and the family whilst enquiries are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Parents and families will be treated with  respect  in  a  non-judgmental  manner  whilst  any  external  investigations  are carried out in the best interests of the child.

Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child, only if appropriate in line with guidance of the LSCB with the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount. We will do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

Employees, students or volunteers of the nursery or any other person living or working on the nursery premises

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, student or volunteer or any other person  who  lives  or  works  on  the  nursery  premises,  regardless  of  whether  the allegation relates to the nursery premises or elsewhere, we will follow the procedure below.

The allegation should be reported to the senior manager on duty. If this person is the subject of the allegation then this should be reported to the registered person instead.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), CSSIW/Ofsted and the LSCB will then be informed immediately in order for this to be investigated by the appropriate bodies promptly:

  • The LADO will be informed immediately for advice and guidance
  • A full investigation will be carried out by the appropriate professionals (LADO, CSSIW, Ofsted, LSCB) to determine how this will be handled
  • The nursery will follow all instructions from the CSSIW/Ofsted and LSCB and ask all staff members to do the same and co-operate where required
  • Support will be provided to all those involved in an allegation throughout the external investigation in line with LADO support and advice
  • The nursery reserves  the right to suspend  any member  of staff during  an investigation
  • All enquiries/external investigations/interviews will be documented and kept in a locked file for access by the relevant authorities
  • Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being re-instated
  • Founded allegations will be passed on to the relevant organisations including the local  authority  children’s  social  care  team  and  where  an  offence  is believed to have been committed, the police, and will result in the termination of  employment.  CSSIW/Ofsted  will  be  notified  immediately  of  this  decision.  The nursery will also notify the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure their records are updated
  • All records will be kept until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 10 years if that is longer. This will ensure accurate information is available for references   and   future   DBS   checks   and   avoids   any   unnecessary   reinvestigation
  • The nursery retains the right to dismiss any member of staff in connection with founded allegations following an inquiry
  • Counselling will be available for any member of the nursery who is affected by an allegation, their colleagues in the nursery and the parents.

Our nursery has a clear commitment to protecting children and promoting welfare. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter  to the attention  of the nursery  manager or registered  person  at the earliest opportunity.

Promoting positive behaviour

At Si-Lwli and The Lookout we believe that children flourish best when they know how they and others are expected to behave. Children gain respect through interaction with caring adults who act as good role models, show them respect and value their individual  personalities.  The nursery encourages  and praises  positive,  caring and polite behaviour at all times in and provides an environment where children learn to respect themselves, other people and their surroundings.

Children  need to have set boundaries of behaviour  for their own safety and the safety of their peers. Within the nursery we aim to set these boundaries in a way which helps the child to develop a sense of the significance of their own behaviour, both on their own environment and those around them. Restrictions on the child’s natural desire to explore and develop their own ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum.

We aim to:

  • Recognise the individuality of all our children and that some behaviours are normal in young children e.g. biting
  • Encourage self-discipline, consideration for each other, our surroundings and property
  • Encourage children to participate in a wide range of group activities to enable them to develop their social skills
  • Ensure that all staff act as positive role models for children
  • Encourage parents and other visitors to be positive role models and challenge any poor behaviour shown
  • Work in partnership with parents by communicating openly
  • Praise children and acknowledge their positive actions and attitudes, therefore ensuring that children see that we value and respect them
  • Encourage all  staff  working  with  children  to  accept  their  responsibility  for implementing the goals in this policy and to be consistent
  • Promote non-violence and encourage children to deal with conflict peacefully
  • Provide a key worker  system  enabling  staff to build a strong  and positive relationship with children and their families
  • Provide  activities   and   stories   to   help   children   learn   about   accepted behaviours,  including  opportunities  for  children  to  contribute  to  decisions about accepted behaviour where age/stage appropriate
  • Have  a   named   person   who   has   overall   responsibility   for   behaviour management.

The named person  for managing behaviour will:

  • Advise other staff on behaviour issues
  • Along with each room leader will keep up to date with legislation and research
  • Support changes to policies and procedures in the nursery
  • access relevant sources of expertise where required and act as a central information source for all involve.
  • Attend regular external training events, and ensure all staff attend relevant in- house or external training for behaviour management. We keep a record of staff attendance at this training.

Our nursery rules are concerned with safety and care and respect for each other. We keep the rules to a minimum and ensure that these are age and stage appropriate. We  regularly   involve   children   in  the  process   of  setting   rules  to  encourage cooperation and participation and ensure children gain understanding of the expectations of behaviour relevant to them as a unique child.

Children who behave inappropriately by physically abusing another child or adult e.g. biting,  or  through  verbal  bullying,  are  helped  to  talk  through  their  actions  and apologise where appropriate. We make sure that the child who has been upset is comforted  and  the  adult  will  confirm  that  the  other  child’s  behaviour  is  not acceptable. We always acknowledge when a child is feeling angry or upset and that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable, not the child.

When children behave in unacceptable ways:

  • We never use or threaten to use physical punishment/corporal punishment such as smacking or shaking
  • We only  use  physical  intervention  for  the  purpose  of  averting  immediate danger or personal injury to any person (including the child) or to manage a child’s behaviour if absolutely necessary. We keep a record of any occasions where physical intervention is used  and inform parents on the same day, or as reasonably practicable
  • We recongnise that there  may be times  where children  may have regular occasions where they lose control and may need individual techniques to restrain   them.  This  will  only  be  carried  out  by  staff  who  have  been appropriately trained to do so. Any restraints will only be done following recommended guidance and training and only with a signed agreement from parents on when to use it. We will complete an incident form following any restraints used and notify the parents
  • We do not single out children or humiliate them in any way. Where children use unacceptable behaviour they will, wherever possible, be re-directed to alternative activities. Discussions with children will take place as to why their behaviour was not acceptable, respecting their level of understanding and maturity
  • Staff will not raise their voices (other than to keep children safe)
  • In any case of misbehaviour, we always make it clear to the child or children in question, that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome
  • We decide how to handle a particular type of behaviour depending  on the child’s age, level of development and the circumstances surrounding the behaviour.  This may involve  asking  the child to talk and think  about  what he/she  has  done.  All  staff  support  children  in  developing  empathy  and children  will  only  be  asked  to  apologise  if  they  have  developed  strong empathy  skills  and  have  a  good  understanding  of  why  saying  sorry  is appropriate
  • We help  staff   to  reflect   on  their  own  responses   towards   challenging behaviours to ensure that their reactions are appropriate
  • We inform parents if their child’s behaviour is unkind to others or if their child has been upset. In all cases we deal with inappropriate behaviour in nursery at the time. We may ask parents to meet with staff to discuss their child’s behaviour, so that if there are any difficulties we can work together to ensure consistency between  their home  and the nursery.  In some  cases  we may request additional advice and support from other professionals, such as an educational psychologist
  • We support children in developing non-aggressive strategies to enable them to express their feelings
  • We keep confidential records on any inappropriate behaviour that has taken place. We inform parents and ask them to read and sign any incidents concerning their child
  • We support all children to develop positive behaviour, and we make every effort to provide for their individual needs
  • Through partnership  with parents  and formal observations,  we make every effort to identify any behavioural concerns and the causes of that behaviour. From these observations and discussions we will implement an individual behaviour modification plan where a child’s behaviour involves aggressive actions towards other children and staff, for example hitting, kicking etc. The manager will complete risk assessments identifying any potential triggers or warning signs ensuring other children’s and staff’s safety at all times. In these instances we may remove a child from an area until they have calmed down.

Antibullying

Bullying takes many forms. It can be physical, verbal or emotional, but it is always a repeated behaviour that makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened.   We acknowledge that any form of bullying is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately   while   recognising   that   physical   aggression   is   part   of   children’s development in their early years.

We recognise that children need their own time and space and that it is not always appropriate  to expect a child to share. We believe it is important to acknowledge each child’s feelings and to help them understand how others might be feeling.

We encourage children to recognise that bullying, fighting, hurting and discriminatory comments are not acceptable behaviour. We want children to recognise that certain actions are right and that others are wrong.

At  our  nursery,  staff  follow  the  procedure  below  to  enable  them  to  deal  with challenging behaviour:

  • Staff are encouraged to ensure that all children feel safe, happy and secure
  • Staff are encouraged to recognise that active physical aggression in the early years is part of the child’s development and that it should be channelled in a positive way
  • Children are  helped  to  understand  that  using  aggression  to  get  things  is inappropriate and they will be encouraged to resolve problems in other ways
  • Our staff will intervene when they think a child is being bullied, however mild or harmless it may seem
  • Staff will  initiate games and activities with children when they feel play has become aggressive, both indoors or out
  • Staff will discuss any instance of bullying will be discussed with the parents of all involved to look for a consistent resolution to the behaviour
  • If any  parent  has  a  concern  about  their  child,  a  member  of  staff  will  be available to discuss those concerns. It is only through co-operation that we can ensure our children feel confident and secure in their environment, both at home and in the nursery
  • All concerns will be treated in the strictest confidence.

By positively promoting good behaviour, valuing co-operation and a caring attitude, we hope to ensure that children will develop as responsible members of society.