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What personal data we collect about you as a visitor to our web site

When you visit our website, you may provide us with two types of information:

• personal information you provide to us on an individual basis during a registration; and/or
• website use information collected as you and others browse our website.

We maintain the highest standards of security, however the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. So, whilst we will do our best to protect your information, we cannot ensure the security of your data transmitted to our website.

Any information you submit is sent at your own risk. Once we have received your information, we will use strict procedures and security features to minimise the risk of unauthorised access.

Similar to other commercial websites, our website uses technology called ‘Cookies’ (see explanation below: ‘What are cookies?’) and web server logs to collect information about how our website is used.

Information gathered through cookies and web server logs may include the date and time of visits, the pages viewed, time spent at our website and the websites visited just before and just after our website.

How we use the information you provide to us

We use your information in the following ways:

• to ensure that the content from our website is presented in the most effective and efficient manner for you and your computer;
• to allow you to register or request information where you choose to do so;
• to notify you about changes to our service;
• in accordance with your authorisation at point of registration;
• if you have given your consent at the point of registration, to contact you with information about services that you request from us, or that we feel may be of interest to you, or to ask you to participate in one of our customer satisfaction surveys.

How we protect your information

Email is not recognised as a secure medium of communication. For this reason, we request that you do not send private, sensitive or confidential information to us by email, and should you do so it is at your own risk.

Storage of data

The data you provide to us via the website we will hold in our software systems. Data relating to you and your child will be kept at Ladybird Pre-School Nursery. Personal data held within a software system will be securely protected with individual logins, which will only be given to those who need to access the data.

Your data subject rights

You may request access to all your information that we collect online and maintain in our database by writing to us at: Ladybird Pre-School Nursery, Cromer Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8AB.

We are obliged under GDPR to complete your request free of charge and within 1 month of receipt of your request.

Your consent

By using our website, you consent to our collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If we change our privacy policies and procedures, we will post those changes on our website to keep you aware of what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances we may disclose it.

Where we store your personal data

Data and information that we collect from you may be transferred to and stored at a destination outside the European Economic Area (EEA). You consent to our sending and storing your information outside the EEA. We will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your information is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Cookies

What are cookies?

A cookie is a very small text document, which often includes an anonymous unique identifier. When you visit a website, that site’s web server/computer asks your computer for permission to store this in part of your hard drive specifically designated for cookies.

Each website can send its own cookie to your browser if your browser’s preferences allow it, but (to protect your privacy) your browser only permits a website to access the cookies it has already sent to you, not the cookies sent to you by other sites, therefore private information supplied on one website cannot be read by another organisation.

How we use information we collect from cookies

As you browse and navigate around our website, the website uses cookies to differentiate you from other users to prevent you from seeing unnecessary advertisements or requiring you to log in more than is necessary for security.

Cookies, in conjunction with our web server’s log files, allow us to calculate the aggregate number of people visiting our website and which parts of the website are most popular. This helps us gather feedback so that we can improve our website and better serve our customers. Cookies allow us to gather any personal information about you and we do not store any personal information you provide to us in your cookies.

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery fully recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. It will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.

This policy, which is reviewed and approved by the Nursery Management Committee annually, applies to all staff, trustees, committee members, students and volunteers working in the Nursery.

This policy has been written in accordance with the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) guidance and the Early Years Foundation Stage (2021) requirements.

What is Abuse and Neglect?

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018’

Please see Appendix One – Types of abuse

The aims of the policy are:

1. To establish an environment in which the children feel safe, protected from harm, be cared for and can learn and develop to their full potential.
2. To ensure all those working or volunteering at the Nursery have a clear understanding of the legal responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.
3. To ensure we practice safer recruitment and offer appropriate training and support for all workers.
4. To ensure parents/carers have a clear understanding of the legal responsibilities relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children.

The ethos of Ladybird Pre-School Nursery

The Nursery has the philosophy:

• Where the children’s welfare is central to their wellbeing and development. Therefore, we endeavour to provide a safe, caring environment where children feel comfortable and confident.
• Where adults are well trained and knowledgeable about safeguarding issues.
• Of maintaining a culture where adults are encouraged to share concerns and are confident to follow child protection referral and whistle-blowing procedures.
• Of forming positive relationships with all parents/carers by offering home visits, settling in visits, allocating a key person to each child and family and involving them with their child’s development through the learning journeys, inviting them to various information sessions and social events. Establishing these relationships is viewed as an important part of our practice.
• Of ensuring everyone who works within the Nursery, whether paid or unpaid, undertake their roles in a professional manner enabling the children to reach their full potential and to have optimum life chances.

Please see Appendix Two – Home Visit Policy

Confidentiality and sharing information

Everyone working within the Nursery understands that child protection issues warrant a high level of confidentiality. Any concerns regarding safeguarding are kept confidential and are only shared with those that need to know.  To acknowledge they understand and abide by this confidentiality requirement they are required to read and sign the master copy of this safeguarding policy before they start in post and thereafter annually after the annual review of the policy.  

Child Protection information will be stored and handled in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 principles. Record of concern forms and other written documentation are stored securely in a locked facility and any electronic information is password protected and only made available to relevant individuals. 

Procedures

All staff, students and volunteers will be informed of the Nursery’s safeguarding policy, practice and arrangements through the induction procedure. This induction is carried out by the Nursery Manager before they start in post. During the induction they have the opportunity to ask questions and are shown where the relevant forms and safeguarding file are kept. A refresher induction will be carried out for any member of staff after a period of prolonged absence.

The Nursery’s registration form has a section on safeguarding and child protection which explains our duty of care to keep children safe and protect them from harm. It also informs them of the names of the Safeguarding Lead Practitioner (SLP) and the two other SLPs in the setting. This information is replicated in the ‘All about Ladybird’ booklet which is issued to families on registration.

Parents/carers have access to the Safeguarding policy and other policies through our website and the policy file which is kept in the Reception area. They can also request a hard copy of the policy at any time.

Displayed on the parents’/carers’ notice board for their information are the ‘duty of care’ poster, the ‘managing allegations’ poster and ‘child protection referrals’ procedure information.

The Nursery is committed to building an open and supportive professional relationship with families beginning at the first contact. This we strive to continue throughout the time the child spends in the Nursery. In order to work in partnership with parents/carers we obtain a fully completed registration form which includes information about who has parental responsibilities for the child. We also ask parents/carers to complete and sign a home injury form when a child arrives at the Nursery with an injury or an incident form when an incident or significant event has taken place away from the setting. This is recorded, signed and dated by the parent/carer and Nursery. This includes a description of what happened.

Roles and Responsibilities

Everyone working with the children and young people at Ladybird Pre-School Nursery has a ‘duty of care’ to keep children safe and protect them from harm. This means that adults have a duty to report any child protection or welfare concerns to Children’s Services/the Police.

Responsibilities of the Registered Person:  Hillary Rayment – Chairperson

Trustee responsible for Safeguarding – Constance Tyce

Policies and procedures – to ensure

• Policies and procedures meet legislation and guidance, are available, understood and followed, annually reviewed and updated.
• Safer recruitment procedures are followed and DBS checks carried out and recorded.
• Procedures for managing allegations/concerns about adults are in place, understood and followed in line with LADO guidance.

Safer working practice – to ensure

• A Code of Conduct is in place, adhered to, understood and followed for all adults working in the Nursery.
• A Trustee is identified to take on the responsibility for safeguarding.
• A senior member of staff is identified to take on role of Safeguarding Lead Practitioner (SLP) and provide time and resources to carry out this role.
• Deputy SLPs are nominated.
• Support for the SLP and Deputy SLPs to ensure Safeguarding practice is in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Induction of staff, students, volunteers and regular visitors takes place and regular reminders about the Safeguarding policy and procedures are in place (such as always, an agenda item on staff and committee meetings).
• Any action resulting from an allegation against a staff member is acted on in a timely manner including following the Nursery’s disciplinary procedure.

 Training- to ensure

• The identified Trustee attends relevant training.
• All staff are required and enabled to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• In addition, the Nursery Manager and Trustee responsible for Safeguarding will also attend Safer Recruitment training.  Nursery Manager will attend NSCP multi-agency training and prevent training to ensure they are familiar with the local protocol and procedures for responding to concerns about radicalisation. They will cascade this information down to all staff, volunteers and committee members.
• Training needs are reviewed at supervision and appraisal.

Responsibilities of the Safeguarding Lead Practitioner (SLP) Jo Bircham

Policies and procedures – to ensure

• Policies and procedures meet legislation and guidance, are available, understood and followed, annually reviewed and updated.
• Safer recruitment procedures are followed, and DBS checks carried out and recorded.
• Procedures for managing allegations/concerns about adults are in place, understood and followed in line with LADO guidance.
• Current contact details for
• the management of allegations against adults are clearly displayed 
• making child protection referrals together with basic information about referral process

Safer working practice

• To adhere to the Nursery code of practice.
• To model and promote safe working practice and challenge where necessary.
• To ensure the day to day running of the Nursery is effective, and the safety and wellbeing of children is prioritised.
• To ensure that Safeguarding practice within the Nursery is in line with all relevant legislation, Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) guidance, and Nursery procedures and policy.
• To ensure staff, students, volunteers and regular visitors have opportunities to discuss safeguarding policy and practice.
• To remind them of and keep them updated about the policy and what to do if they are worried a child is being abused.
• To ensure Safeguarding and Early Help are always included as an agenda item at staff meetings.
• To enable staff, students and volunteers to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and have their concerns addressed in a sensitive, effective and timely way.
• To ensure sufficient resources are available to enable all staff to undertake their responsibilities.
• To make sure any action resulting from an allegation against a staff member is acted on in a timely manner including following the Nursery’s disciplinary procedure in conjunction with the named individual from the Nursery committee.
• To ensure parents/carers understand the Nursery’s responsibilities relating to safeguarding.

Training – to ensure

• Appropriate safeguarding training is attended.
• Staff, students and volunteers receive clear information about safeguarding at induction.
• They receive and are enabled to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• Training needs are reviewed at supervision and appraisal.
• Their own training and knowledge on safeguarding issues is up-to-date including where to source information, in line with NSCP guidance, and they are able to act effectively as a point of reference for others.

Child Protection and Multi-agency working – to ensure

• Child protection referrals are made by the SLP or a deputy SLP in line with NSCP procedures and the Nursery’s policy.
• They represent the Nursery at multi-agency meetings concerning individual children and complete reports and other relevant paperwork in line with NSCP.
• Support and guidance are provided to staff, students and volunteers who raise concerns regarding related record keeping and appropriate action is taken in line with NSCP procedures.
• Informed decisions are made about who will talk to parents/carers, and when this is appropriate. Staff are supported to maintain respectful relationships with parents/carers.
• Accurate safeguarding records are maintained and stored appropriately.
• Appropriate information is provided to support transitions both within the Nursery and beyond.
• A Child Protection Transfer document is requested when a child joins from another setting.
• Effective relationships are established with other agencies including health, and liaison is established as appropriate with regard to safeguarding.

Deputy Safeguarding Lead Practitioner (DSLP) in conjunction with the SLP –

Kate Daniels and Yvonne May

Policies and procedures – to ensure

• Safeguarding policy, procedures and guidance in accordance with local and national guidance/legislation are in place. That they are understood, followed and available to all staff, parents/carers, students, volunteers and regular visitors. 
• The policy is reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
• Current contact details for making a child protection referral are clearly displayed together with basic information about the referral process.

Safer working practice

• To adhere to the Nursery’s code of conduct.
• To demonstrate high standards of safe working practice.
• To ensure that Safeguarding practice within the Nursery is in line with all relevant legislation, Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) guidance, and Nursery procedures and policy.
• To ensure staff, students, volunteers and regular visitors have opportunities to discuss safeguarding policy and practice.
• To remind of and keep them updated about the policy and what to do if they are worried a child is being abused.
• To ensure that Safeguarding information is cascaded to staff, and support is available as appropriate through information sharing.

Please see Appendix Eight – NCC PREVENT ‘Quick Guide’ and referral process

Training – to ensure

• Staff, students and volunteers receive clear information about safeguarding at induction.
• They receive and are enabled to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• Their own training and knowledge on safeguarding issues is up-to-date including where to source information, in line with NSCP guidance, and they are able to act effectively as a point of reference for others.

Child Protection and multi-agency working – to ensure

• Child protection referrals are made by the SLP or one of the deputies in line with NSCP procedures and the Nursery’s policy.
• They represent the Nursery at multi-agency meetings concerning individual children and complete reports and other relevant paperwork in line with NSCP.
• Support and guidance are provided to staff, students and volunteers who raise concerns regarding related record keeping and appropriate action is taken in line with NSCB procedures.
• Informed decisions are made about who will talk to parents/carers, and when this is appropriate. Staff are supported to maintain respectful relationships with parents/carers.
• Accurate safeguarding records are maintained and stored appropriately.
• Appropriate information is provided to support transitions both within the Nursery and beyond.
• A Child Protection Transfer document is requested when a child joins from another setting.
• Effective relationships are established with other agencies including health, and liaison is established as appropriate with regard to safeguarding.

Training for Staff

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery is fully committed for all their employees to undertake appropriate training for their role in line with the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership guidance. They will ensure this training is updated every three years.

The ‘Introduction to Child Protection’ training is mandatory for all Practitioners and will be part of their induction process and probation. All SLP’s will attend ‘Prevent’ training.

The Nursery provides the opportunity for staff to talk about procedures and policy during every staff meeting and management committee meeting and, as such, safeguarding, child protection and early help is always included as an agenda item. Supervisions provide another forum for individual staff members to discuss safeguarding policy and practice.

The Safeguarding Lead Practitioners will share any updates on safeguarding and child protection as notified by the NSCP or through changes to national guidance and/or legislation.

Parents/Carers

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery is committed to working in partnership with parents/carers and aims to build an open and supportive professional relationship with families.

Parents/carers are made aware of our duty to promote the protection and welfare of children and have an understanding of the responsibilities placed on the Nursery for safeguarding children through the information we provide.

Information about Safeguarding and child protection is included in our: 

• ‘All about Ladybird’ information book.
• Parents’/carers policy folder and on our website.
• Parents’/carers notice board outside the nursery entrance.
• Ofsted parents’/carer’s poster.
• Duty of care poster.
• Allegations against staff process information.
• On our registration forms.

The Nursery expects parents/carers to share information about any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child which will be recorded on an Injury from Home form.

The Nursery is responsible for making a record and discussing with the parent/carer if a child has an accident, incident or injury whilst in our care. An incident or accident form will be completed and the parent/carer will be asked to sign and date.  A copy of this form will be given to the parent/carer and the original will be filed in the Past Accident form file in the Office.

When a safeguarding concern arises a clear record of what has been observed and what has been said will be completed, signed and passed on to Jo Bircham and in her absence either Kate Daniels or Yvonne May who are both Safeguarding Lead Practitioners. This record will be stored in a locked facility in the Nursery office and only made available to relevant individuals.

Where possible, concerns will be discussed with the parent/carer for an explanation, providing it does not put the child at immediate risk of harm. When the Nursery wishes to make a referral about a child the family will usually need to be informed and give consent. They will be told a discussion is taking place and how they will be told about the outcome of the referral. The family will NOT be informed if by doing so it is felt a child will be put at risk of harm.

Safer Working Practice

All adults working or who come into contact with the children at Ladybird Pre-School Nursery, whether paid or unpaid, have a ‘duty of care’ to safeguard and promote their welfare. The Prevent Duty (2015) and the EYFS (2021), both place a duty on nurseries to safeguard and promote the well-being of children. This includes the need to ensure that all adults who work with or on behalf of children are competent, confident and safe to do so.

The ‘duty of care’ is, in part, exercised through the development of respectful, caring and professional relationships between staff and children and behaviour that demonstrates integrity, maturity and good judgement. There are legitimate expectations about the nature of professional involvement in the lives of children. When individuals accept a role that involves working with children and young people, they need to understand and acknowledge the responsibilities and trust inherent in that role.  

Therefore, Ladybird Pre-School Nursery has in place a staff code of conduct which all workers read and sign to adhere to these conditions. Any staff known to be breaking these conditions will be given a formal warning and disciplinary action will follow. Breaking these conditions is a dismissible offence.   

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery recognises that E-safety is part of safeguarding. E-safety is about ensuring children are not harmed, placed at risk or bullied through use of the internet, emails, blogs, and social networking sites, or by mobile phones and electronic devices and games.  The Nursery has an e-safety policy in place which includes information about the use of photography and videos, social media sites and mobile phones and smart watches within the premises. 

Please see Appendix Seven – Staff Code of Conduct Policy.

Allegations Against Adults

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery is committed to ensuring all adults involved in the Nursery are committed to safeguarding children.

There may be times when adults are concerned about the behaviour of their colleagues. Therefore the Nursery ensures it has a culture in which everyone feels safe about sharing concerns, knows that they will be taken seriously and treated sensitively and confidentially. It has a clear policy on whistle-blowing which explains they have a duty to share concerns about staff members.

Where there is an allegation against an adult in the Nursery the following process is instigated:

1. The allegation/concern is reported to the Nursery Manager or the most senior person on duty in the Nursery.
2. If the allegation/concern is against the Manager then the allegation/concern must be reported to the Chair of the Management Committee.
3. The identified person listens to and records concerns and discussion.
4. If there are concerns about a child’s immediate safety the Police will be contacted on 999 if immediate action is needed, or Children’s Services on 0344 800 8021 or out of hours 0344 800 8020.
5. The allegation/concern is reported to the LADO team on 01603 223473 and Ofsted are informed. All discussions are recorded including the name of person spoken to.
6. Consultation/referral takes place with the LADO and all subsequent advice and guidance regarding process is followed.

Please see Appendix Three – Managing allegations and concerns about adults who work with children in an early years or childcare group setting (flow chart)

Safer Recruitment

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery is committed to safer recruitment processes and adopts a consistent and thorough process of safer recruitment to ensure those recruited are suitable to work with children.

Please see Appendix Four – Safer Recruitment Policy.

Other Relevant Policies and Documents

Safeguarding children is much broader than child protection.  Please see below for a list of other available policies that come under the umbrella of safeguarding for your reference:

• Administration of Medicines.
• Admissions and Registration.
• Behaviour Management.
• Complaints.
• Equal Opportunities.
• E-Safety
• Failure to Collect a Child.
• Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation
• Health and Safety.
• Information Sharing and Confidentiality.
• Intimate Care.
• Key Person.
• Lost Child.
• Observation, Assessment and Planning.
• Partnership.
• Recording and Reporting of Incidents.
• Risk Assessments.
• Safer Recruitment.
• SEND
• Staff Code of Conduct
• Transitions.
• Whistle-blowing
• Induction of Staff, Volunteers and Students
• Staff Code of Conduct
• Epidemic and Pandemic Policy
• Epidemic and Pandemic Risk Assessment

Key Legislation and Guidance

• Children Act (1989).
• Protection of Children Act (1999).
• The Children Act (2004).
• Protection of Children Act (2004).
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006).
• Childcare Act (2006).

Secondary Legislation

• Sexual Offences Act (2003).
• Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000).
• Equality Act (2010).
• Data Protection Act (1998).
• Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations (2009).
• Children and Families Act (2014).
• Care Act (2014).
• Serious Crime Act (2015).
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015).

 

Further Guidance

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG, 2018).
• What to do if you’re Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG, 2015).
• Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH 2000).
• Early Help Assessment (EHA) replacing The Common Assessment Framework for Children and Young People: A Guide for Practitioners (CWDC 2010).
• Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (HMG 2008).
• Hidden Harm – Responding to the Needs of Children of Problem Drug Users (ACMD, 2003).
• Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners providing Safeguarding Services (DfE 2015, updated July 2018).
• Disclosure and Barring Service: www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
• Revised Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (HMG, 2015).
• Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills Settings, (Ofsted, 2019 updated August 2021).
• NCC Threshold Guidance

Safeguarding Procedures

All adults working in Ladybird Pre-School Nursery should follow the following procedure if they have concerns about a child:

1. Share your concern with Jo Bircham – the Safeguarding Lead Practitioner (SLP) or in her absence one of the deputy SLPs, Kate Daniels or Yvonne May.
2. Make a clear record on what you have observed, heard or been told on a Record form for safeguarding concerns. Blank copies of this form can be found in the pink folder or in the safeguarding file in the Nursery Office. See Appendix Five – Record form for Safeguarding concerns.
3. Jo Bircham and/or one of the deputy SLP’s, Kate Daniels or Yvonne May will make the decision whether to contact CADS on 0344 800 8021 (0344 800 8020 out of hours) or the police on 999 if immediate action is required.

The CAD Service can be used to:

1. Discuss and share information about an identified child.  This requires the nursery to inform the family and gain consent.  The parent/carers will not be informed if it is felt by doing so will put the child at risk of harm.
2. To talk through a situation/concern about a scenario but without sharing any children’s details.  Parent/carer consent is NOT required.

Please see Appendix Six – CADS Referral flow chart.

The process for the SLP or deputy SLP is:

• Take the name and the contact details of the Social Worker spoken to on the consultation line.
• If discussing an identified child (WHERE PERMISSION HAS BEEN SOUGHT FROM THE PARENTS/CARERS AS THIS  CANNOT BE DONE WITHOUT PARENT/CARER PERMISSION) have details available such as name, Nursery’s name and contact details, the child’s name, date of birth and address and the concerns for consultation.
• Every telephone call will be followed up by the consultant social worker. The SLP making the telephone call will also be expected to make a written record of the contact they have made, the discussion that took place and any decisions made. They will also record whether parental consent was obtained and if not, why not.
• The consultation might result in a formal referral and investigation or advice that supports continued work with the family without a referral. However the consultant social worker and SLP will agree and both record the outcome of any conversation.
• If the SLP or deputy SLP’s believe that the response they have received following a conversation with CADS is inadequate,  or doesn’t think the right decision has been made they should follow the ‘NSCB’s Resolving Professional Disagreements Policy’ which can be found at www.norfolklscb.org 
• If following a consultation more information comes to light or the situation changes, the SLP or Deputy SLPs can seek further clarity by consulting again.
• A written record of the conversation and advice given should be received within 10 working days of the consultation.
• The SLP or Deputy SLPs must keep a record of the consultation telephone call and its outcome on the child’s safeguarding file together with the written record received.

List of appendices:

Appendix One – Types of Abuse

Appendix Two – Home Visit Policy

Appendix Three – – Managing allegations and concerns about adults who work with children in a group setting (flow chart)

Appendix Four – Safer Recruitment Policy

Appendix Five – Record of form for safeguarding concerns

Appendix Six – CADS Referral Flow Chart

Appendix Seven – Staff Code of Conduct Policy

Appendix Eight – NCC PREVENT ‘Quick Guide’ and referral process

Please note the Safeguarding in early years and childcare file, which contains guidance for early years and childcare settings in Norfolk, can be found on the shelf in the Nursery Office.

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Reviewed annually

At Ladybird Pre-School Nursery we take steps to reduce and mitigate risks which contribute towards our Nursery being a safe and healthy place for children, parents/carers, staff and volunteers. By assessing and minimising the hazards and risks our environment enables the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment. Our risk assessment procedures are part of a continuous process to mitigate against any dangerous incidents taking place. They are the responsibility of the Nursery Management Committee and Trustees.

In accordance with our duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Nursery is required to undertake regular risk assessments and take any necessary action arising from these.

The Nursery Management Committee are responsible for:

• making sure that risk assessments are completed, logged and effectively monitored;
• conducting reviews when there is any change to equipment or resources, any change to Nursery premises, or when the particular needs of a child or other person necessitates this; and
• conducting any necessary reviews or making changes to the Nursery’s policies or procedures in the light of any potential risks that they or other members of staff discover.
• carrying out an annual Health and Safety audit which includes viewing and commenting on nursery risk assessments.

Our risk assessment processes follow five steps:

1. Identification of risk or hazard: Where is it and what is it?
2. Decide who is at risk and how: For example, Nursery staff members, volunteers, students, children, parents/carers, visitors, cleaners.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions – can you get rid of the risk altogether, if not how can you control it?
4. Record the findings and implement them – prioritise, make a plan of action if necessary.
5. Monitoring and review – how do you know if what has been decided is working, or is it thorough enough? If it is not working, it will need to be amended, or maybe there is a better solution.

Procedure

Our risk assessment process covers adults and children. It includes:

• checking for and noting hazards and risks in our premises and for activities;
• assessing the level of risk and who might be affected;
• deciding which areas need attention; and
• developing an action plan that specifies the action required, the time-scales for action, the person responsible for the action and any funding required.

At the start of each day the Nursery Manager, or in her absence the Deputy Manager, carries out a daily risk assessment check of all areas of the Nursery environment which is recorded on a chart. Any hazards that cannot be rectified are assessed and reported to the Management Committee. If the Nursery Manager, or in her absence the Deputy Manager, decide the setting is not safe to open they will inform the Chairperson of the Management Committee and the final decision will be that of the Chairperson, the Chairperson will also inform Ofsted.     

During a Nursery session, staff members will be vigilant and continuously aware of any potential risks to health and safety arising from:

• the Nursery’s environment, both indoors and outdoors;
• all surfaces, both indoors and outdoors; and
• all equipment used by children and/or staff (or other adults).

On discovering a hazard, staff members will take all steps necessary to make themselves, and any other people potentially affected, safe. They will then notify the Nursery Manager (or the Deputy Manager in her absence) and ensure that a written record is made on an incident form.

The Nursery Manager, in conjunction with the Nursery Management Committee and Trustees, are then responsible for ensuring that any necessary action is taken.

A full risk assessment is carried out each time we attend an activity outside of the nursery premises.  

The nursery has a complex Epidemic and Pandemic risk assessment which is updated accordingly following the latest guidelines outlined by the Government and Public Health England.  

Reviewed annually

Introduction

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery encourages close links with parents/carers and the community. We believe that children benefit when the relationship between home and school is a positive one.

As role models, and for the safety and well being of our children, staff, committee, parents/carers, and other visitors are expected to behave appropriately when on the Nursery premises.

Parents/carers and other visitors are expected to show respect and concern for others and support the respectful ethos of our Nursery by setting a good example in their own speech and behaviour towards all members of the Nursery community.

We meet EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare Requirement: Safety and Suitability of Premises, Environment and Equipment ‘Providers must follow their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.’ (DfE 2014)

Procedures

The vast majority of parents, carers and others visiting our Nursery set a good example. This policy addresses those rare occasions when behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable.

Unacceptable behaviours

Aggression, verbal and/or physical abuse towards members of Nursery staff or the wider school community are unacceptable, no matter what the circumstances are. Examples of behaviour that are considered serious and unacceptable and will not be tolerated include:

• A raised voice or shouting, either in person or over the telephone.
• Inappropriate posting on Social Networking sites deemed as bullying.
• Speaking in an aggressive/threatening tone.
• Aggressive or threatening text messages.
• Physically intimidating, e.g. standing very close.
• The use of aggressive hand gestures/exaggerated movements.
• Physical threats.
• Shaking or holding a fist towards another person.
• Swearing.
• Pushing.
• Hitting e.g. slapping, punching or kicking.
• Spitting.
• Derogatory, racist or sexist comments made about the ‘protected characteristics‘ of Equality Act 2010:  age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

This is not an exhaustive list but seeks to provide illustrations of such behaviour.

Unacceptable behaviour will generally result in the police being informed of the incident.

Action of staff when facing unacceptable behaviours

The Nursery expects and requires its members of staff to behave professionally in difficult situations and attempt to defuse the situation where possible, seeking the involvement as appropriate of other colleagues.

However, all staff and children have the right to feel safe in the Nursery environment at all times. All members of staff have the right to work without fear of violence and abuse, and the right, in an extreme case, of appropriate self-defence.  All incidents shouldbe recorded ASAP, including the names of any witnesses.

Procedure to be followed

If a parent/carer behaves in an unacceptable way towards a member of the Nursery community, the Manager or appropriate senior staff member will seek to resolve the situation through discussion and mediation. If necessary, the Nursery’s complaints procedures should be followed. Where all procedures have been exhausted, and aggression or intimidation continue, or where there is an extreme act of violence, a parent/carer may be banned by the Manager from the Nursery premises for a period of time, subject to review with the committee. If there is not another suitable adult to bring the child to Nursery the child’s hours may be changed, reduced or if necessary the child may have to stop attending Nursery.

In imposing a ban, the following steps will be taken:

1. The parent/carer will be informed, in writing, that she/he is banned from the premises, subject to review, and what will happen if the ban is breached, e.g. that police involvement or an injunction application may follow.

2. Where an assault has led to a ban, a statement, indicating that the matter has been reported to the local authority (LADO), OFSTED and the police, will be included.

3. Where appropriate, arrangements for children being delivered to, and collected from, the Nursery gate will be clarified.

4. Any parent/carer who is asked to leave the premises will have the right to appeal the decision by writing to the Chair of Committee within 14 days of the date of the banning letter.

5. If staff have any concerns about the safety or well being of a child, our Safeguarding Policy and procedures will be followed including referral to Children’s Services if appropriate.

Incidents involving others’ children

If an incident has happened at Nursery involving your child, please do not approach/telephone other parents/carers or post comments on social media sites.  We ask that parents/carers come in and tell Nursery staff how they are feeling and give us your child’s account of the incident.   We will deal with any incident by following the Nursery’s policies and procedures.

Legal framework

Equality Act 2010

Introduction

At Ladybird Pre-School Nursery we organise outings and visits to various places and venues. We recognise the value for children in experiencing environments outside of the Nursery premises. We embrace the positive rewards of these outings, as children actively explore the world around them and develop their confidence and independence in an inclusive way. We believe that outings make a positive contribution to children’s holistic development. The Staff team and Committee strive to make these experiences as happy, meaningful and as safe as possible. Staff members support children’s learning by providing opportunities to prepare for, and subsequently build on, the outing experiences. 

Procedures

• Suggestions of places to visit are made by children, parents/carers, committee members and staff members
• Arrangements for outings are planned, discussed and reviewed in staff meetings. This ensures all information is shared and staff members are fully engaged.
• Written details of the outing are distributed to all families along with an outing specific consent form which parents/carers are required to complete, sign and return.
• A voluntary donation to cover the costs involved is usually requested.
• All children are included on outings regardless of whether a voluntary donation is made or not by their family.
• A written risk assessment is carried out before an outing takes place; this is taken on the outing and then filed in the outings file stored in the Nursery Office.
• Any risk assessments are made available for parents/carers to see.
• Our adult to child ratio is at least one adult to two children.
• In order to achieve this ratio parents/carers may be requested to accompany and help on the outing.
• Named children are assigned to individual staff members to ensure each child is individually supervised, to ensure no child goes astray, and that there is no unauthorised access to children.
• Parents/carers will usually only look after their own child/children but could be asked to look after other children under the guidance of staff team members.  
• The outing leader/s will carry a list of children’s and adult’s names attending and will carry out head counts/ call a register at regular planned intervals throughout the outing.
• The outing leader/s will have emergency contact details for all children and adults attending the outing on their person throughout the outing.
• The Nursery Manager and all Nursery practitioners hold full paediatric first aid certificates.
• A First aid kit is carried by the designated first aider for the outing.
• The designated first aider will be responsible for making sure any specific medication such as inhalers, epi-pens etc are taken on the outing and the adult responsible for that child looks after that medication for the duration of the outing.
• The designated first aider will be responsible for carrying accident forms.
• Staff take fully charged mobile phones, tissues, wipes, spare clothes, nappy changing supplies, sick buckets and towels for the coach. The amount of equipment will vary and be consistent with the venue, number of children as well as how long the outing lasts.
• All adults are provided with clear guidance of our expectations, particularly involving supervision levels and the use of cameras. Everyone will be made aware of who the first aider is.
• In the event of a child or children being lost the lost child procedure as written on the individual risk assessment will be followed.
• When transportation is required for an outing then a coach/es will be hired.
• A coach/es that has seatbelts fitted will be requested.  When available, seat belts will always be worn.
• Parents/carers will be responsible for fitting child/ booster seats if they are required on the coach.
• The maximum seating for the coach will not be exceeded.
• If parents/carers choose for their child/children not to travel by coach, they accept full responsibility for transportation of their own child/children to and from the outing.

Principles

At Ladybird Pre-School Nursery we have adopted the following principles for Observation, Assessment and Planning as recommended in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (2021):

• Assessment, planning, record keeping, and evaluation are part of a continuing cycle involving the whole staff team’s input.
• Assessments will take place through continuous observations and discussions with other staff members and, if deemed necessary, other outside professionals.
• Any assessment will be conducted in a sensitive and supportive manner.
• All Children have a Learning Journey which is recorded using the online learning toolkit, Tapestry. This holds their individual unique observations, assessments, records of achievements and next steps.
• Planning is there to support every child in the setting, meeting their individual needs and interests. Through planning we deem to offer every child the ability to engage in meaningful learning experiences to ensure they reach their full potential.
• Evaluation/reflection will take place daily.

Observation

  We aim to:

• Collect evidence-based observations covering all seven areas of learning.  These may be brief anecdotal or spontaneous observations, longer observations taking a format such as a narrative observation, tracking or event sampling.
• Observe and comment on the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Take and collect photographs to support the observations.
• Ensure all employed adults working in the setting make observations on any child they note who is developing a skill working towards their next steps and pass it on to the appropriate key person.
• Develop and build every member of staff’s professional knowledge on the children across all seven areas of the EYFS.
• Encourage parents/carers to share observations and photographs of their child to add to their Child’s Learning Journey, via Tapestry.

We acknowledge that much valuable informal discussion takes place between staff members and that sometimes information will be passed on verbally. We endeavour to note any of this information and share it with other employed staff on a need to know basis, to ensure all children’s needs are being addressed and supported.   

We use these observations to:

• Record an accurate Starting Point.
• Get to know all the children in the setting as unique individuals, building up an extensive accurate picture of them over time.
• Collate a meaningful Learning Journey for each child.
• Ensure that we provide appropriate ‘next steps’ for children’s learning and development for them to meet their full potential.
• Share children’s learning journeys, development and achievements with them and their families.
• Share children’s learning, development and achievements with staff members and other professionals.

Assessment

We aim to:

• Assess daily, weekly and termly through our observations on the children.
• Develop and extend all children’s learning opportunities and experiences; ensuring all available resources are appropriately deployed to enable and support this.
• Carefully monitor progress continuously.
• Identify any individual needs a child may have.

We use formative assessment to:

• Identify developmental and learning needs through the analysis of observations.
• Plan the next steps for all children’s learning.
• Ensure all children make progress and reach their full potential.
• Identify any additional learning needs.
• Ensure children are motivated, engaged and challenged.
• Ensure appropriate provision and effectiveness of resources and deployment of staff.

We use summative assessment to:

• Ensure we are offering all children a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum.
• Inform parents/carers of the progress their child is making.  Access to their child’s Learning Journey is via the online learning toolkit, Tapestry.

Planning

We aim to:

• Start from the child, recognising that each child is an individual and unique.
• Focus on their individual needs and interests which are developmentally appropriate.
• Provide an enabling environment that allows for change and spontaneity.
• Provide children with meaningful experiences and opportunities so that they can learn, practice and develop their skills and knowledge.
• Provide exciting, interesting and challenging learning opportunities ensuring they cover all seven areas of learning in the EYFS.
• Provide home learning for children who for an extended period are unable to attend the nursery in person.
• Observe and listen to the child’s voice and take into consideration the views of their parents/carers.
• Involve and value all practitioners working in the setting.

‘When children are playing and selecting what to do themselves, they become deeply engaged.  Whilst this is happening, the adults should be observing and waiting for a moment in which they feel they can make a difference.  They should then interact to teach the next step as appropriate for that unique child at that precise moment.  Each time they interact with a child, they are observing, assessing, planning for and responding to, that individual child.  Such interactions are the most powerful teaching moments’.

Anna Ephgrave – Planning in the moment with young children.

In our planning we ensure that the learning opportunities we offer the children provide a broad and balanced curriculum following the guidelines of the EYFS.  

Provocations

Provocations are child initiated activities planned in response to a child’s interests and that children have provoked themselves. Practitioners in the setting are readily available to scaffold and extend the children’s learning by responding to something previously observed. The learning can be supported and extended by adding extra resources, extending play and by challenging children’s thinking through open ended questions.

Invitations Invitations are activities inviting the child to come and play and learn. They encourage the child to learn through exploration by providing materials that invite them to play in a creative non-directive way. These activities are open-ended offering elements of imagination and active exploration that will increase the interest and motivation of the children.

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Reviewed annually

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery has developed this policy to protect all children, employees, parents/carers and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke and to assist compliance with the Health Act 2006.

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery operates a strict no smoking policy within both the Nursery building and its outdoor areas.

Appropriate ‘no smoking’ signs will be clearly displayed at the entrance to and within the Nursery premises.

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery also requests that employees, students, volunteers, parents/carers, visitors and contractors refrain from vaping or using e-cigarettes both within the Nursery building and its outdoor areas. 

This policy applies to all employees, students, volunteers, parents/carers, visitors and contractors.

Staff accompanying children outside the Nursery are not permitted to smoke. We also request that parents/carers accompanying children on Nursery outings refrain from smoking whilst caring for the children.

Staff must not smoke whilst wearing Nursery uniform as it is essential that they are a positive role model to children and promote a healthy lifestyle.

New members of staff, students and volunteers will be made aware of the no smoking policy on their induction.   If a member of staff does not comply with this no smoking policy disciplinary procedures will be followed. Those who do not comply with the smoke free law may also be liable to a fixed penalty fine and possible criminal prosecution.