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Our mission at Little Treasures is to create a secure, nurturing, and engaging environment with a warm atmosphere, where children can freely play, explore artistic expression, and develop their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical skills, as well as their listening and language abilities. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on both the Prime and Specific areas of learning.

Respect is a core value we instil in our children. They are taught to respect all members of society, the staff, and one another, as well as to care for their belongings and themselves.

As our children progress and prepare to move on from Little Treasures, they will have gained vital skills, tools, and knowledge to confidently step into the next stage of their development.

Our goal is to nurture happy, caring, responsible, respectful, understanding, and knowledgeable individuals who contribute positively to society without any form of discrimination.

We strongly believe in the partnership with parents and provide various means of communication to keep them informed and involved in their child’s education. Our “open door” policy allows parents and staff members to approach us with complete confidence, fostering a supportive and collaborative community.

To ensure we uphold the higher standards of childcare, are policies are as follows:

Additional Educational Needs/Inclusion Policy

We are committed to providing a nurturing environment where all children can thrive and reach their full potential, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. We embrace the principles outlined in the DfES Revised Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 2014, ensuring that every child is included and supported, regardless of their abilities or needs.

Our vision is to create an inclusive setting where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. When we are made aware of a child’s special educational needs or disabilities before they join us, we make efforts to facilitate a smooth transition into our setting, involving the child, parents/carers, and any external professionals involved. This may include visits to our nursery or home visits by our staff.

Aims:

Our Additional Educational Needs/Inclusion Policy aims to achieve the following objectives:

Cultivate a secure environment where all children feel valued and included as integral members of our nursery community.
Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance.
Remove barriers to learning and participation through inclusive practices for all children attending our setting.
Provide opportunities for children to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination.
Identify and address the specific needs of children with SEND through a range of strategies.
Involve and appreciate the contributions of all families, promoting equality and diversity in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Empower parents to play an active role in supporting their child’s education.
Recognise and celebrate the diverse nature of families that lovingly care for children.
Strengthen partnerships with parents and external agencies to meet each child’s individual needs.
Offer positive and non-stereotyping information about disabilities and various ethnic groups while promoting British Values.

Methods:

Equal Admissions Practice:

Our inclusive admissions process ensures equality of access and opportunity for all individuals regardless of gender.

Inclusive Provision:

All staff members are responsible for the provision of children with SEND.

The physical environment is designed, as much as possible, to accommodate children and adults with disabilities.

Special Education Needs and Inclusion Policy

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum, tailored to the needs and abilities of all children.

Partnership with Parents:

We encourage children and parents to share home life experiences with us, actively involving parents in nursery life.
Staff members identify and support the individual strengths and weaknesses of children attending our nursery.

Graduated Approach:

We use the Graduated Approach system from the SEN Code of Practice 2014 to identify and support children with SEND.
Our SENCO collaborates with key workers and parents to create and implement Early Years Support Plans, adjusting strategies as needed.

Monitoring and Review:

Our policy and provision are regularly monitored, evaluated, and reviewed in consultation with staff and parents.

We ensure children with SEND are appropriately involved at all stages of the Graduated Approach, considering their abilities.

Legal Framework:

Little Treasures complies with all relevant legislation, including:

Equality Act 2010
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995/2005
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
Race Relations Act 1976/2000
Sex Discrimination Act 1986
Children Act 1989/2004
Human Rights Act 1998
The Employment Equality Age Regulations 2006

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Absent Child Policy

Should your child be unable to attend our setting on their nominated day, we would ask that you give an explanation by phone or email. Children’s attendance will be monitored closely.

If we do not have an explanation of absence, we will endeavour to contact you that day. If we fail to make contact within 48 hours by phone or mail, this may result in us contacting Children’s Services. (This is in accordance with the Children’s Act 2004.)

Nurseries are being asked, by local authorities, to ensure that they follow up on all child absences from the first day of absence. This is with the aim of fully safeguarding both the children in our care, and their families.

This policy reflects the vision and aims of this nursery by:

· Encouraging staff, parents/carers, and children to maximise the learning experience in order that all children reach their full potential.

· Providing clear procedures for involving parents/carers relating to the setting attendance.

Principles

Regular and punctual attendance is of paramount importance in ensuring that all children have full access to the curriculum. Valuable learning time is lost when children are absent or late and research has shown the negative effect of absence.

Children should be at nursery, on time, every day the setting is open, unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. Permitting absence from pre-school or a funded 2-year-old place without a good reason must be acted upon by the setting. Children should arrive at the setting no later than 09.15am for morning sessions or 1.00pm for afternoon registration. Notes are recorded on the register as to the reason for the late arrival. If a child is reluctant to attend the setting, communication between parent and nursery is encouraged.

It is never better to cover up their absence or to give into pressure to excuse them from attending. This gives the impression that attendance does not matter and may make things worse. Every half-day absence must be classified by the setting (not by the parents/carers). Therefore, information about the cause of each absence is always required by the Setting.

As an Early Years setting, we actively encourage parents to support us in this policy, as our absence statistics are scrutinised by Ofsted and have an impact on the overall judgement a setting is given.

Parents/carers are expected to contact the setting at an early stage and to work with the staff in resolving any problems together. If difficulties cannot be sorted out in this way, the setting may refer the child to the Children Services.

It is the parents’/ carers’ responsibility to contact the setting either by telephone or in writing via email or the family app whenever the child is absent.

This must be on the first day of absence by 9.30am and subsequently daily.

The role of staff

The staff within each room completes a register at the beginning of each morning and afternoon session. If parents/carers have not explained the reason for absence by 10am, the room leader, key person or Office will ring the parent. If no explanation is given the Office enters this as unauthorised.

When appropriate, practitioners raise any concerns with the Manager who takes appropriate action when absences is a concern and contacts the parents/carers to discuss attendance issues.

Procedures

Absence is either authorised, such as in the case of illness or of religious/cultural observance, holidays or unauthorised, when there is no reason given for such absence or when it is considered that the explanation is unjustified or unreasonable.

Monitoring of these records will take place regularly and letters and/or meetings will be sent/arranged by the setting, including a referral to the Children Services, where necessary.

If absence is a persistent problem (15% or more) a meeting will be arranged at the setting with the parent and Manager.

Arrival times and lateness

In pre-school we are trying to get children ready for school, so it is essential for your child to attend on time. Registration is 9 am or 1:00pm and it is necessary for children to be punctual. When children arrive late this can disturb our registration and circle time so please try to attend as it is good for the children for their routine and they miss out.

Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and acts on advice given by the London Borough of Havering in conjunction with Ofsted.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Admissions Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, our goal is to create a welcoming environment that is accessible to all children and families within our community.

Our Objective:

We strive to ensure that Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool remains accessible to the community by implementing transparent and equitable procedures.

Our Approach:

Our admissions process takes into consideration the following factors:

· Child’s date of birth

· Proximity to Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool

· Siblings of current Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool attendees

· Siblings who were previously enrolled in Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool

· Date of application

In cases of available space, emergency admissions can be accommodated.

We are authorised to accept children aged three months and older.

Parents interested in applying for our nursery are encouraged to schedule a visit. Our Nursery Managers will be pleased to provide a guided tour. To book a visit, parents can reach us by the following methods:

· Phone: 01883 343 678

· Email: info@gemsandtreasures.co.uk

· ‘Contact us’ section of website: http://www.littletreasurescaterham.co.uk/location

Whenever possible, we will extend a written offer for a place during the term preceding the child’s intended start date. Parents will have seven working days to accept the offer. In cases of unexpected openings, the acceptance deadline may be significantly shorter.

To secure the offered place, a deposit of £100 is required, which is non-refundable unless we cannot offer a place

If a parent wishes to withdraw their child from Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we kindly request half a term’s written notice. Failure to do so will result in a charge equivalent to half a term’s fees. Similarly, if a parent wishes to reduce their child’s hours, half a term’s notice is required.

We ensure that our admissions procedure caters to children with special needs that no discrimination takes place. Our commitment to equal opportunities is well-known and promoted.

We warmly welcome mothers, fathers, other family members, as well as carers and childminders to be part of our nursery community

Policy reviewed – June 2025

Adverse Weather Conditions Policy

We recognise the importance of accommodating the needs of working parents and strive not to close Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool unnecessarily. However, we understand that adverse weather conditions can significantly impact families, and we prioritise the safety of parents, children, and our staff.

Given that our staff members commute from various distances to reach the nursery, we are mindful of the potential risks they may face during hazardous journeys. Decisions regarding closure become more complex as weather conditions can vary in different areas, and the timing of snowfall may not always align with early morning decisions. Therefore, we consider both the journey to the nursery and the safe return home, in addition to the following criteria, to make an informed decision.

How we arrive at the decision:

The decision to close Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool during severe weather is carefully considered and involved analysing the following relevant factors:

· Guidance from the County Council

· Sufficient staff available for safe and lawful supervision

· Information about road conditions from transportation staff and the police

· Snow and ice accumulation

· Building conditions, including electricity and heating adequacy

· Car parking conditions

· Temperature

· Weather predictions

If the forecast indicates a threat of high snowfall during regular business hours, the Nursery Managers may decide to close the nursery. The safety of the children, parents, and staff will be the top priority in making this decision.

In the unfortunate event that we remain open but do not have enough staff present for proper supervision, we may have to make a difficult and late decision to ask parents to keep their children at home for their safety.

If weather conditions worsen during the day, we may decide to call parents to pick up their children early.

Please note that there will be no refunds for closure days due to snow.

Notification to parents:

If a decision is made to close Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we will [-post a notification on our Facebook page ‘Little Treasures News’ by 7:30 am on the morning of closure. We will also make an effort to communicate the closure via email.

Policy reviewed – June 2025

Allergy Policy

Introduction of EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EUFIC):

Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool adheres to the EU Food information for Consumers Regulation (EUFIC), which imposes a legal responsibility to provide allergen information concerning the food served to the children. This policy ensures that we maintain up-to-date allergen information throughout your child’s time at our nursery.

Objective of the policy:

The primary aim of this policy is to create a safe and supportive environment for all children with allergies or anaphylaxis, enabling their equal participation in all activities. The specific needs of allergic children take precedence, and we emphasize the importance of being aware of their specific allergens to ensure their safety.

Nut-Free Zone:

We have established Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool as a nut-free zone to protect children with nut allergies.

Understanding Anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system reacts inappropriately to a food or substance perceived as a threat. It can develop rapidly within seconds or minutes, and immediate treatment is crucial. However, Anaphylaxis can be effectively managed, and the children with severe allergies requiring an adrenaline auto-injector will receive proper attention under the supervision of our Nursery Managers and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

Medication Administration Procedures:

Parents are required to inform us of any allergies or intolerances during the initial pre-start information paperwork to facilitate effective communication. We request written permission and a doctor’s letter for the administration of any prescribed medication. Each child with allergies will have a comprehensive health care plan, outlining necessary measures and emergency procedures. The medication will be securely stored, and staff will receive proper training from healthcare professionals in administering the adrenaline auto injector.

Food Safety Measures:

We diligently check all food ingredients to ensure they are safe for children with allergies. Children will never be given food they are allergic to, and alternatives will be provided, subject to dietary restrictions.

Inclusive Activities and Communication:

Children with allergies will not be excluded from activities, and we take precautions during cooking and craft sessions to avoid allergen exposure. Allergy information is displayed on our parent information boards and website. Regular cleaning and hand washing are also part of our allergy management procedures.

Emergency Response:

In the event of an anaphylactic reaction, staff will provide immediate care and administer the auto-injector as necessary. An ambulance will be called, and parents will be notified.

Needle Stick Injury:

In case of accidental needle stick injuries, appropriate first aid procedures will be followed, and the person concerned will be advised to seek medical attention promptly.

This policy is intended to work in a conjunction with our managing medicines policy to ensure the well-being and safety of all children at Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Anti-bullying Policy

Little Treasures Nursery responds to the issue of bullying very seriously whether amongst children or adults and has strict procedures that will be adhered to should there be any evidence within the nursery.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is not always easy to define but it can include:

- Physical (pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching or any other form of physical violence or threats)

- Verbal (name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing)

- Emotional (excluding, tormenting, ridicule or humiliation)

- Racism (racial taunts, graffiti, or gestures)

- Homophobia (any hostile or offensive action or behaviour towards homosexuality or people who identify as/are perceived as being lesbian, gay, or bisexual)

All the above forms of bullying are able to be delivered on both a personal, face to face basis but also by using existing and new technology, known as cyber bullying. We can sum up bullying as actions taken by one or more people with the deliberate intention of hurting another person. This policy is designed to support the nursery behaviour policy, equal opportunity policy and anti-discrimination policy. Bullying is a pre-meditated act which relies on a stage of cognitive development in order to think the process through and occurs generally in children 5 years and older.

Aims and Objectives

- Bullying is wrong and is damaging to individual people. The nursery implements policies and procedures to prevent this by developing a nursery in which bullying is regarded as unacceptable.

- We aim to deliver a safe and secure environment where all children can play and learn without fear or anxiety.

- This policy aims to produce a consistent response to any bullying incidents that may occur.

- We aim to make all those connected with the nursery aware of our opposition to bullying and staff have a responsibility to eradicate bullying in our nursery.

- We do not tolerate any kind of bullying as stated above on any grounds whatsoever and support all parties involved to gain a full understanding of our ethos.

Rough and Tumble Play

The Pre-school Learning Alliance has acknowledged and highlighted the need to recognise rough and tumble play as distinct from inappropriate or aggressive behaviour. Television or films, which include superheroes or use of weapons often influence young children and they will mimic this behaviour through their play. We endorse the following strategies to manage this kind of play.

- Recognise that this is pro-social play rather than aggressive.

- Set boundaries for the games to be set out in.

- Use planning opportunities to discuss the concept of good and bad.

- Support the play to find alternative solutions to weapons, exploring different scenarios.

Hurtful Behaviour

Very young children are ‘egocentric’. This means that they put their own feelings before others and even the most considerate child will have the occasional outburst due to frustration, anger, or over exuberance. We acknowledge that this development area needs to be nurtured and supported and that very young children do not intentionally wish to cause harm. If hurtful comments are made, our strategies are:

· To recognise that very young children are not always able to manage their own feelings and deliver them appropriately.

· Assist the management to support their biological and cognitive development,

· Offer support to both parties and to discuss the issues through play, story time, and circle time activities.

Anti-bullying Procedure

The role of the manager is as follows:

- It is the responsibility of the manager to implement the nursery anti-bullying strategy and to ensure that all staff are aware of the policy and know how to deal with the incidents of bullying.

- The manager ensures that all children begin to learn that bullying is wrong and that it is unacceptable behaviour in the nursery.

- The manager draws the attention of everyone to the fact through staff meetings and monitoring that this is being implemented on a regular basis.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Behaviour Management Policy

Person with overall responsibility for behaviour management is Marie Norman.

It is important that all staff, Supervisors and Assistants are fully involved with managing children’s behaviour.

Everyone shares the responsibility for intervening appropriately when children’s behaviour need channeling; for example putting a stop to a boisterous game where a child may get hurt; encouraging children to participate in activities either individually or in a group.

We believe behaviour should be managed by concentrating on the positive rather than the negative. There should always be lots of praise for desired behaviour. It’s important that this is continual not just when behaviour gets challenging.

We never use the word ‘naughty’ as this is a negative concept. Instead use phrases like, ‘I’m not happy with that.’

With younger children, it is often appropriate to speak to the child who has misbehaved and then divert their attention to another activity. It is important they do not gain attention from their negative behaviour. If another child is hurt, they must receive the attention. Older children need explanations as to why their behaviour is unacceptable.

If a child needs to be spoken to about their behaviour it is important to get down to their level to gain eye contact. It is important to handle the behaviour at a level appropriate to their age and stage of development, respecting their level of maturity and understanding. Explain the consequences of their behaviour and the impact it has had on another child if that is appropriate.

Sometimes a child needs a ‘cooling off’ time when they are removed from a situation and sit alongside a member of staff until they are ready to join the group.

All behaviour problems other than those of a minor day to day nature must be reported to the named person and a decision will be made as to the next course of action. It is important to work with parents and they must be informed. Parents must agree before any outside agencies are involved.

Corporal punishment is never to be used or threatened. There will be serious disciplinary procedures if any member of staff uses or threatens physical punishment or any punishment which would adversely affect a child’s well-being.

Children with aggressive behaviour can be redirected into activities such as playdoh, kicking balls, banging toys and outdoor play.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Birthday Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we place great emphasis on fostering a sense of pride, confidence, and a positive self-image in each child. In line with this philosophy, we believe in celebrating birthdays to make each child feel special and valued.

Birthday celebrations are integral part of our nursery experience, and every class at Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool ensures that the birthday child is recognised and celebrated.

We encourage parents to be mindful of religious considerations when organising parties outside the nursery. Some children may be unable to attend due to religious reasons, and we want to ensure that all children feel valued and included.

For birthday celebrations within the nursery, the birthday child may bring in a food item to share with their classmates. We carefully consider our allergy and healthy eating policies, and we kindly ask parents to consult with the class teacher or email the nursery manager to verify suitable food options based on the current cohort’s allergies.

We kindly request that parents respect and adhere to this policy to avoid any unintended offense and to create a joyful and inclusive environment for all children at Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Biting Policy

At Little Treasures Day Nursery and Preschool, we follow a positive behaviour policy to always promote positive behaviour. However, we understand that children may use certain behaviours such as biting as part of their development. Biting is a common behaviour that some young children go through and can be triggered when they do not have the words to communicate their anger, frustration or need.

Our Procedures

Our nursery uses the following strategies to help prevent biting, sensory activities, biting rings and adequate resources. In the event of a child being bitten we use the following procedures:

The most relevant staff member will:

· Comfort any child who has been bitten and check for any visual injury. Administer any first aid where necessary. Complete an accident form and inform the parents via telephone if deemed appropriate. Continue to observe the bitten area for signs of infection. For confidentiality purposes and possible conflict, we do not disclose the name of the child who caused the bite, to parents.

· Tell the child who caused the bite in terms that they understand that biting (the behaviour and not the child) is unkind ad show the child that it makes staff and the child who has been bitten sad. The child will be asked to say sorry if developmentally appropriate or helped to develop their empathy skills by giving the child who has been bitten a favourite book or comforter. Complete and incident form to share with the parents and the end of the child’s day.

· If a child continues to bite, carry out observations to try distinguishing a cause e.g. tiredness or frustration.

· Arrange for a meeting with the child’s parents to develop strategies to do at nursery and at home to prevent the biting behaviour. Parents will be reassured that it is part of a child’s development and not made to feel that it is their fault

· In the event of a bite breaking the skin and to reduce the risk of infection from bacteria, give prompt treatment to both the child who has bitten and the child who has been bitten.

If a child or member of staff sustains a bite wound where the skin is severely broken, arrange for urgent medical attention after initial first aid has been carried out.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

CCTV Policy

Little Treasures Nursery is securely monitored by CCTV surveillance equipment. The Owner/Manager is responsible for the operation of the system for ensuring compliance with this policy.

The use of CCTV and the associated images and audio is covered by the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. This policy outlines the nursery’s use of CCTV and how it complies with the Act and is associated with the Nursery’s Data Protection policy, the provision of which should always be adhered to.

The system comprises of fixed position cameras that can also be used in 360 degree position, a monitor, digital hard drive recorder and 2 public information signs. Cameras are located in strategic points on the premises. No camera is hidden from view and all these are prevented from focusing on areas of private accommodation such as toilets and nappy changing areas. Signs are place to inform staff, children, parents and visitors that a CCTV installation is in use. It is not possible to guarantee that the system will detect every incident taking place on the site.

The system has been installed by the nursery with the primary purpose of monitoring

· Staff interaction with children

· Ensuring children are appropriately cared for

· Facilitate the identification of any activities/events which might disciplinary proceeding being taken against and assist in providing . evidence to the Nursery Directors

· Reduce the threat of a child being abducted

· Damage to the building

· Theft

· Assist in the prevention and detection of crime

· Helping ensure the safety of all the users, staff, children, parents and visitors, consistent with the respect for the individual’s privacy

· Deter those having criminal intent.

Although staff are well positioned around the rooms, sometimes, things can get missed, this could be because the staff are dealing with another situation or engaged in an activity or conversation with another child. The CCTV can also be used to assist staff if something may have been missed, e.g. accident or injury or even details of an observation. This allows information that may need to be handed over to parents/carers and /or other professionals with as much accuracy as possible.

Viewing of the recorded images of CCTV will be restricted to the Nursery Directors/Manager within the office, also to those staff who need to have access in accordance with the purpose of the system.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Children’s Rights Entitlement Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we are committed to promoting children’s rights to be strong, resilient and heard. Our nurturing environment encourages each child to develop a positive self-image, embracing their cultural heritage, language spoken at home, religious beliefs and unique background.

Our Approach:

Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool promotes children’s strengths and resilience through the following means:

· Nurturing Relationships: We priorities building secure and loving attachment relationships with at least one consistent caregiver who provides positive and unconditional support.

· Safety and Belonging: Each child is valued and safe within their families and broader social interactions, such as daycare and school, fostering a positive sense of self and belonging.

· Inclusivity: All children are equally included and respected in our setting and community, celebrating their diverse identities.

· Confidence and Achievement: We support children’s self-assurance, instilling confidence in their abilities and celebrating their accomplishments.

· Holistic Development: Optimal progress in all aspects of development and learning is encouraged, helping children thrive.

· Social Skills and Global Citizenship: Children engage in peer interactions, promoting social skill development and fostering a sense of global citizenship, respecting the rights of others.

· Participations and Representation: We empower children to express themselves and participate in aspects of service delivery and decisions affecting their lives.

To promote resilience, we empower children to:

· Embrace Self-Worth: Children develop a strong sense of worth and dignity.

· Assertiveness: Children learn to assertively communicate their needs effectively.

· Overcome Challenges: Children are encouraged to overcome difficulties and adapt to change positively.

· Positive Outlook: Children develop a positive outlook on life.

· Coping Skills: children build coping strategies to deal with challenges.

· Sense of Justice and Responsibility: Children cultivate a sense of justice and responsibility towards themselves and others.

· Representation: Children can represent themselves and others in decision making processes.

To ensure children are listened to, we prioritize the following:

· Empathetic Communication: Adults close to children recognise their needs and right to express thoughts, feelings and ideas.

· Attuned Understanding: We actively listen and interpret children’s verbal, sign and body language to comprehend their expressions.

· Responsive Action: Adults respond appropriately and take action based on their understanding of children’s expressions and communication.

· Child Participation: Children’s rights are respected, and we facilitate their active participation and representation in imaginative and child-centred ways across all aspects of our core services.

At Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we are dedicated to creating an environment where children feel empowered, respected and listened to, laying the foundations for their well-being and success.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Complaints Policy

Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool strives to provide expectational care and education for children in attendance. We are committed to ensuring the happiness of children during their time with us, and we value the satisfaction of parents and carers with the quality of services. As part of our dedication to maintaining high standards, we have formulated this policy to uphold best practices and procedures in compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.

This policy serves as the formal complaints procedure for the nursery and is available upon request from the Nursery Managers.

Stage One:

In the event of concern or compliant raised by a parent of career regarding any aspect of the nursery’s operations or concerning a staff member, we encourage open communication and aim to resolve the issue amicably. Parents and carers are welcome to discuss any matters directly with the relevant staff member. If this approach is not feasible, they should consult the nursery managers, who will address the matter professionally and calmly. We are committed to promptly addressing any negative feedback and taking necessary actions to address the concerns.

Stage Two:

If the issue remains unresolved after following the Stage One procedure, the complaint should put their concerns in writing to the nursery managers.

Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool acknowledges receipt of the written complaint with three working days and conducts a thorough investigation within ten working days. A written response is then provided to the complaint. In case of any unforeseen delays, the nursery will promptly inform the parent or carer, offering and apology and providing an expected resolution date.

If the matter involves Child Protection implications, the nursery follows the procedure outlined in the Child Protection Policy.

The Nursery Manager may offer to meet the concerned parent or carer to discuss the complaint, the investigation and the conclusion. Throughout the process, the. nursery strives to maintain a positive and constructive relationship with the complaint.

Making a Complaint to OFSTED:

If the complaint feels dissatisfied with the investigation and response, they have the option to submit a complaint to OFSTED, the regulatory authority.

All complaints received will be recorded in a complaints record file kept at the nursery premises and will be reviewed by the nursery managers. q

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Confidentiality Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we are dedicated to upholding the privacy and confidentiality of all children, parents, carers, staff, committee members, students and volunteers. Our goal is to ensure that information is shared securely while maintaining high-quality care and education. To achieve this, we have established the following aims:

· Induction and Awareness: During staff, students and volunteer inductions, we emphasise the significance of confidentiality within the school and its management.

· Child-Specific Information: individual children’s discussions are limited to curriculum planning and school management directly related to their specific needs.

· Secure Information Handling: Personal information concerning children, their families, staff, students and volunteers will be securely stored.

· Consent for Sharing: Information provided by parents/carers will not be disclosed to other adults without their explicit permission.

· Ensuring Child Safety: Any anxieties or evidence related to a child’s personal safety will be kept securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis.

· Confidentiality Matters: Staff, students and volunteers who have outside contact with social services through other registrations are prohibited from discussing confidential nursery matters.

· Employment and Personnel Decisions: Issues concerning the employment or supervision of staff must remain confidential among those directly involved in personnel decisions.

· Secure Digital Communication: any emailed or USB-stored information must be kept secure and password protected by staff students and volunteers.

· Social Networking Confidentiality: Confidentiality must be maintained on social networking sites by all staff, students and volunteers.

· Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy: All staff, students and volunteers are required to read and adhere to Child Protection/Safeguarding Policies.

· Policy Awareness: All staff, students and volunteers must be informed of this policy and are expected to uphold and respect its principles.

The policy extends to respective spouses/partners. However, it is essential to emphasise the primary commitment of the school is to the safety and well-being of the children within our care.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Children’s Walking Policy

Purpose
This policy ensures that children participate in outdoor walks by walking rather than being transported in buggies, promoting physical activity, independence, and engagement with their surroundings.

Scope:
This policy applies to all staff responsible for supervising children during outdoor walks.

Guidelines:

1. Expectation to Walk: Children who are developmentally capable are expected to walk during outings. Staff should encourage participation and movement.

2. Age-Appropriate Considerations: While younger children may need additional support, those who can safely walk should do so to develop their mobility and confidence.

3. Encouragement and Motivation: Staff should use positive reinforcement, songs, and interactive games to keep children engaged in walking.

4. Safety Measures: Staff must ensure children follow safety guidelines, such as holding hands in pairs or walking in a designated line.

5. Rest and Breaks: Regular rest stops should be planned as needed to prevent fatigue.

6. Exceptions: Buggies may be used for children with specific needs or those unable to walk due to developmental or health-related reasons. Any exceptions should be approved by management.

7. Room Separation: Each room should go out separately to ensure proper supervision and organization.

8. Staff-to-Child Ratios: The following ratios must be adhered to during walks:

1. 2-year-olds: 1 staff member per 2 children (1:2)

2. 3-year-olds: 1 staff member per 4 children (1:4)

3. 4-year-olds: 1 staff member per 6 children (1:6)

9. Parental Communication: Parents should be informed of the walking policy and encouraged to support their child’s participation.

Enforcement:
Staff members are responsible for implementing and adhering to this policy. Any concerns or necessary adjustments should be discussed with management.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Disaster Contingency Policy

Contingency Plan for heating, flooding etc

In the event of heating failure, leak or flooding, Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool may have no choice but to close either side of the nursery, depending on the location of the issue.

Staff Communication:

If we become aware of the situation before the start of the nursery hours, we will follow the same procedure as for Adverse Weather – Emergency Closure. In the case the situation arises during the day and relocation is not possible, staff will be promptly informed by the senior management teams’ decision and parents will be contacted to collect their children.

Refunds For Closure:

Please note that we are unable to refund fees for nursery closures resulting from circumstances beyond our control.

Staff Responsibilities:

In the event of an emergency closure, staff can work from home on planning, assessments and preparation. While working remotely, staff must adhere strictly to our confidentiality policy. Any documents containing personal and confidential details of the children or nursery must be securely stored in a locked and safe place.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Disciplinary and Grievance Policy

These are based on the guidance contained in the ACAS Code of Practice 1-Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures. This document can be viewed on www.acas.org.uk

The key stages of the disciplinary procedure are as follows:

· Establish the facts of the case

· Inform the employee of the problems

· Hold a meeting to discuss the problem

· Allow the employee to be accompanied at the meeting if requested

· Decide on appropriate action

· Provide an opportunity for the employee to appeal

In the case of an employee having a grievance the stages should be:

· The employee should inform the employer of the nature of the grievance

· Hold a meeting to discuss the problem

· Allow the employee to be accomplished at the meeting if requested

· Decide on appropriate action

· Provide an opportunity for the employee to take the grievance further

Clear records will be kept at all stages and both employer and employee will abide by accepted confidentiality rules.

In a situation where a member of staff is deemed by the employer not to be carrying out their duties as specified in their job description and contract or where there is a concern over professional conduct, the following procedure will apply:

Employees

1. The employee will be interviewed and given a full explanation as to why there are concerns and a note will be kept of the main points of the interview for one years. The employee will be given every opportunity to receive any ongoing training, advice and support necessary and any extenuating circumstances will be duly noted.

2. If there are continued concerns despite the support given a verbal warning will be issued, a note of which will be kept on the employee’s file. At this stage more specific targets will be set and a date arranged by which they should be achieved.

3. Failure to meet the targets will result in a formal written warning being issued which repeats the targets and sets a new date for their achievement.

4. Where these targets are still not met, or there are additional concerns, the employer will issue a notice of termination of any contract or agreement with the employee.

Further to this process there will be instances where the employee’s misconduct represents a serious danger for the other employees and children in their care. The employer reserves the right to issue notice of immediate suspension of duties. Before dismissal the employer grantees to consult the appropriate regulatory body and the Department of Education and Employment to establish that this action is appropriate.

The employee can ask for a colleague or if appropriate a representative to accompany them in any interview with the employer from stage 2 onwards and the employer guarantees to appraise any presentative of the circumstances where dismissal is to be the outcome.

This procedure is not related to the appraisal scheme although there may be some overlap in terms of the targets set.

The employee has the right to appeal against the decision to dismiss and may do so within 14 days by writing to the Manager of the setting.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Dummy and Comforter Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool, we understand the importance of providing comfort and familiarity to children during the settling-in process. Therefore, we encourage children to bring in a familiar toy, teddy or blanket from home if needed.

While we acknowledge that dummies can provide comfort to children when they are upset or unsettled, we are mindful of the potential impact on language development due to the prolonged usage. The movement involved in using dummies may restrict the mouth’s development needed for speech, making it essential to strike a balance.

Procedures:

· Familiar toys, teddies or blankets: We encourage every child starting at Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool to bring in a familiar toy, eddy or blanket. These items should be clearly named and of an appropriate size for easy carrying without posing any safety risks.

· Cleanliness and Hygiene: All items brought from home should be clean and regularly washed to maintain hygiene standards.

· Dummies: The use of dummies will be discussed with parents/carers and included in a child’s individual care plan. Children should not arrive at Nursery with dummies in their mouths.

· Limited Usage: Dummies will only be used for comfort if a child is genuinely upset and finds it soothing. The teacher’s discretion will determine their usage.

· Storage: A designated place will be assigned for children’s toys, eddies, blankets or labelled with the child’s name to prevent cross-contamination.

· Safety and Cleaning: If a dummy falls on the floor or is picked up by another child, it will be immediately cleaned before returning to the child.

· Gradual Weaning: As children become more settled at Little Treasures, we will encourage the gradual reduction of dummy usage. Older children will be informed that they can use their dummy at home or bedtime.

· Orthodontic Dummies: We recommend that parents choose orthodontic dummies as they cause less damage to a child’s teeth.

· Transition to School: As children approach the oldest class at Little Treasures Preschool, we will discourage the use of comforters and dummies in preparation for their transition to school. If necessary, children’s bags may be used to store these items from home due to the potential for getting lost, we offer a wealth of wonderful resources at the nursery to meet children’s needs.

· Support and Guidance: We will provide parents/carers with support and advice to discourage dummy use during waking hours at home and offer suggestions for weaning when child is ready.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

E-Safety and Social Media Policy

Our primary aim is to establish effective procedures that protect children in the setting from the misuse of Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and exposure to inappropriate materials.

Procedures:

Exclusive use of setting’s ICT equipment: Only ICT equipment belonging to the setting will be utilised by staff and children.
Responsible designated individuals: Designated persons will oversee the safety and suitability of all ICT equipment.
Safety settings: Designated individuals will ensure that safety settings are in place to prevent access to inappropriate material.
Teaching internet safety: Children will be taught age-appropriate internet safety principles before using the internet.
Building resilience: Designated persons will promote children’s resilience in handling online issues, emphasising safety, appropriate friendships, seeking help when needed, and not keeping secrets.
Visible computer placement: Computers for children will be placed in clearly visible areas with staff oversight.
No social media use by staff or students: Staff and students will refrain from using any devices whilst on the premises, unless in the staff room, where phones must be stored away. Staff must also refrain from any mention of the nursery on social media pages.
Reporting suspicious content: Staff will report any suspicious or offensive material, including racism, bullying, or discrimination, to the Internet Watch Foundation and report inappropriate contact attempts with children to the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
Age-appropriate resources for staff: Designated individuals will ensure staff have access to age-appropriate resources for assisting children in using the internet safely.
Handling cyber-bullying: Staff will address cyber-bullying instances by discussing the matter with parents and referring them to appropriate sources of help, such as the NSPCC or Childline.
Restricted email usage: Children and staff will not have access to email in the setting. Nursery equipment will not be used for personal email access.
Personal information confidentiality: Staff will not share their personal details with children, parents, carers, or others.
No mobile phones at nursery: Children are not allowed to bring mobile phones or ICT devices to nursery. Staff will not use personal mobile phones during working hours and will store them in silent mode in the nursery office.
Emergency use of personal mobile phones: Personal mobile phones may be used in emergency situations in areas without children present, with permission from the nursery manager.

Ensuring nursery contact information is known: The nursery telephone number will be known to family and emergency contacts.
Photographs and recordings: Photographs and recordings of children will be taken for valid reasons and with parental permission, adhering to the pre-start authorisation form and using nursery equipment. General permission will be obtained from parents for photographing special events.
Social media security settings: Staff will manage their social media security settings to limit access to personal information.
Confidentiality on social media: Staff will observe confidentiality and avoid discussing work-related issues on social media platforms.
Reporting concerns about behaviour: Staff will report concerns about inappropriate behaviour, including grooming, following the setting’s safeguarding policy.
Social media pages: Little Treasures Nursery and Pre-School has a closed Facebook page for sharing information and promoting the nursery. Parents are invited to join this page, and guidelines for conduct are provided to maintain a positive and safe environment.
Adherence to Code of Conduct: Users of the Facebook page are expected to follow the Little Treasure Nursery and Pre-School Code of Conduct, avoiding offensive, inappropriate, or harmful content. Personal attacks, negative feedback, and mentioning individuals negatively are not allowed.
Removal of unacceptable content: Any content that violates the code of conduct will be removed.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Employment and Staffing Policy

We are committed to providing high-quality care and education for children in our setting. To achieve this, we maintain appropriate staffing ratios in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage Welfare requirements. Our staff members are qualified, or training, and we conduct thorough checks, including criminal record checks, as mandated by statutory regulations.

EYFS Key Themes and Commitments Addressed:

1.3 Keeping Safe
2.4 Key Person
3.4 The Wider Context

Procedures:

· Ratios: We maintain the following adult-to-child ratios:
For children aged three months to one year: 1 adult: 3 children
For children aged two years: 1 adult: 5 children
For children aged three to four years: 1 adult: 8 children
At any given time, there are a minimum of two staff members present.

· Key Person Approach: We implement a key person approach, assigning a named member of staff to each child. The key person collaborates with parents to ensure the child's well-being and development in the setting. Regular meetings are held to discuss the child's progress.

· Staff Vetting and Selection: We follow non-discriminatory procedures for staff recruitment and selection, promoting equality of opportunity. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed, and suitability for the position is the primary consideration. We adhere to OFSTED guidance on obtaining references and conduct enhanced criminal record checks through the Criminal Records Bureau for staff and volunteers with unsupervised access to children, in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

· Changes to Staff: We promptly inform OFSTED of any changes in the person responsible for our setting.

· Training and Staff Development: Our managers hold NVQ level 3 in Early Years Education or equivalent qualifications. Half of our staff possess CACHE Level NVQ 2 & 3 or higher qualifications. Regular in-service training is provided to all staff, including paid staff and volunteers. We allocate resources in our budget for training purposes. New staff members undergo induction training in their first week, including Health and Safety Policy and Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy.

· Managing Staff Absences and Contingency Plans: Staff members take their holiday breaks at different times to minimize disruptions. In case of sick leave or training requirements, arrangements are made with sufficient notice. We monitor sick leave and take appropriate actions as per the employment contract. Contingency plans are in place to cover staff absences, and we maintain a list of "bank" staff who can provide temporary relief when needed.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

English as an Additional Language Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Pre-school, we are dedicated to supporting students whose first language is not English. This policy outlines our objectives, principles and strategies to ensure that EAL students achieve their full potential and access all aspects of the curriculum.

Our primary aim is to create a caring, supportive and stimulating environment where all children are equally valued and encouraged to reach their highest potential. For students learning English as an additional language, we recognise and appreciate their home language and cultural backgrounds. We understand that bilingualism is a strength and EAL students have a vulnerable contribution to make. We encourage them to maintain and utilise their home language within our setting whenever possible.

The policy aims to promote awareness of our responsibilities towards EAL students and to support effective planning, organisation, teaching strategies and recourses usage to meet specific needs.

We plan various opportunities for children with EAL to develop their English Language skills, providing necessary support to enable them to access the entire Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and participate in all activities. Additionally, we offer a range of speaking and listening activities with peers and adults to enhance their language development.

Parental involvement is highly valued, and we appreciate their assistance and support, especially in engaging activities at home. Parents are encouraged to meet with key workers and the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordination) to discuss the unique needs of their child.

All EAL pupils are entitled to a well-rounded, relevant curriculum that caters to their abilities. Our goal is to fully include EAL students by offering learning opportunities that promote English language development. Creating a safe, accepting and inclusive environment is essential for all students to feel valued and confident in their learning journey.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Fees and Non-payment Policy

At Little Treasures, we prioritise providing high-quality care and education for our children, which is made possible by maintaining a high ratio of well-qualified staff and utilising excellent equipment. Our commitment to offering a safe, warm and friendly environment has been recognised with a good rating from OFSTED. To sustain this level of quality, we rely on agreed fees from parents/carers, , and we expect all payments to adhere to this policy promptly.

Registration Fees

To secure a place for your child once offered, a registration fee of £100 per child is required. This registration fee is non-refundable unless we are unable to offer a space.

Fees

· We accept nursery grants, vouchers and direct debit payments for settling your account.

· Fees must be paid by the first fay of each month in advance and a monthly invoice will be provided, clearly stating the charges.

· Fees are applicable even if your child is absent.

· Charges commence from your child’s start date.

· Bank holidays will be charged

· Fees will remain unchanged during your child’s settling-in period.

· We reserve the right to apply a 10% late payment fee.

· We reserve the right to implement a late collection fee of £5 per 5 minutes, depending on the circumstances as outlined in our Uncollected child Policy.

· Parents/carers who fail to pay their fees on time will receive an email requesting immediate payment or suspension of space until fees are settled.

· We reserve the right to terminate services if parents/carers fail to pay fees despite receiving a letter and reaching an agreement.

· Any unpaid fees will be collected through small claims court.

· Unpaid fees may prevent extending your child’s attendance hours.

· Fees are subject to annual review.

Please note that there are no refunds in the event of closure due to unforeseen circumstances, such as snow or heating failure. We will not charge for more than five closed days in an academic year additionally, there is no refund for absence due to illness or chosen holiday times.

Policy reviewed – June 2025

Fire Evacuation Policy

It is the responsibility of the manager and all staff to ensure a safe and quick evacuation of the nursery. The manager will need to take the registration folder and one of the Nursery mobile phones with them to help assist staff with younger children. Use the nearest safe exit to lead the children out and to ensure that everyone has exited the building and are all accounted for.

In the event of a false alarm it is the responsibility of the manager to check the building is safe, reset the alarm and allow the children to return to their rooms.

The false alarm must be recorded, day, date and time and how long the evacuation took and evaluated.

The place of safety if we are not able to return to the building is:

The Arc

Weston Drive

Caterham

The manager to call all the parents informing them where to collect their child from.

The named Fire Marshalls are Emily Alcourt and Lacy Gillam

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Emergency Evacuation & Fire safety Policy

The Fire Wardens (Emily Alcourt and Lacy Gillam) have overall responsibility for the fire drill and evacuation procedures and senior staff assists in the implementations of such procedures. These are carried out and recorded for each group of children every month or as and when a large change occurs, e.g. a large intake of children or a new member of staff joins the nursery. These drills will occur at different times of the day and on different days to ensure evacuations are possible under different circumstances and all children and staff participate in the rehearsals.

Registration

An accurate record of all staff and children present in the building must be kept at all times and children/staff must be marked in and out on arrival and departure. An accurate record of visitors must be kept in the visitor’s book. These records must be taken out along with the register and emergency contacts list in the event of a fire.

No Smoking Policy:

The nursery operates a strict no smoking policy, which acts as a preventative measure of the starting of a fire – please see this separate policy for details.

Fire Drill Procedure

On discovering a fire:

· Calmly raise the alarm

· Immediately evacuate the building under guidance from the person in charge

· Using the nearest accessible exit, lead the children and visitors out and assemble on the Boundary Green

· Close all doors behind you wherever possible

· Adults and children should evacuate the building via the closest designated fire exit – caution must be exercised when escorting the children down the stairs, where applicable.

· Babies or children that are not able to walk unaided should be evacuated from the building through the fire exit located in the Baby Room and the fire cot must be used.

If any practitioners are on lunch break during a fire drill the staff are to go immediately to the baby room to help with the children that are sleeping.

· Children or adults with mobility difficulties should be escorted from the building by the member of staff attending or caring for that individual/child. Additional support may be required, such as walking aids or another member of staff, depending on the person’s condition

· DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings on evacuating the building

· DO NOT attempt to go back in and fight the fire

· DO NOT attempt to go back in if any children or adults are not accounted for.

If you are unable to evacuate safely:

· Stay where you are safe

· Keep the children calm and together

· Wherever possible alert the manager of your location and identity of the children and other adults with you.

The person in charge is to:

· Pick up the children’s register, staff register, phone, keys, visitor book and fire bag (containing emergency contacts list, nappies, wipes and blankets)

· Telephone emergency services: dial 999 and ask for the fire service

· In the fire assembly point area – (address as above) - check the children against the register

· Account for all adults - staff and visitors

· Advise the fire services of anyone missing and possible locations and respond to any other questions they may have.

All practitioners within the room must take with them

· Base room register

· First Aid Box

· Any medication if needed

· Telephone In the event of fire, our first priority is to evacuate all children, parents and visitors out of the building as quickly as possible.

Below are the procedures we will calmly adopt should the need arise:

Emergency Evacuation & Fire safety Procedures
Fire Risk Assessment

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1999 calls for all premises to carry out formal Risk Assessments with regard to fire safety in the workplace.

A fire safety risk assessment (which is included in the overall daily risk assessment will be carried out every morning before the nursery opens by a senior member of staff).

Means of Escape

Moonbeams – fire door at bottom of the stairs

Rainbows – fire door at bottom of the stairs

Raindrops – double doors in their room

Sunshines – double doors in Raindrops room

Sunbeams – front door

Starlights – back door to garden code all zeros

Sunrise - back door to Starlights garden

Assembly Point Route A – Children, staff and visitors should leave the building through the fire exit doors, and walk to the Boundary Green.

Fire Warning System

As soon as anyone discovers a fire, or is aware of any threat, e.g. suspicious package, terrorist attack warning etc., the fire alarm should be activated by breaking the glass on one of the fire alarm points which are located adjacent to the main points of exit. The audible alarm must be acted upon immediately by all staff. The premises are fitted with a fire alarm system which will activate in all rooms if set off.

Fire drills will be carried out every month.

The Health & Safety Designated Officer, who is responsible for overall fire safety, will formally record the results of fire drills. In his / her absence the next person in charge (see Stepping Stones Nursery Organisational Structure) will do this.

Smoke alarms are fitted throughout the premises and the Health & Safety Designated Officer will test the smoke alarms weekly, recording the results.

Fire Fighting Equipment Fire extinguishers are installed at key locations around the building and are maintained in efficient operating condition. An attempt should only be made to tackle a fire after the building has been evacuated and only if it is safe to do so.

No member of staff should place himself or herself in any danger. Operating instructions are printed on each extinguisher and should be read carefully before use.

Responsibilities

Each room supervisor will have a primary responsibility for ensuring that all children, from within the room they are working at the time, are evacuated at the time the alarm is raised. A “999” call will be made by the HSDO, or in her absence the next officer in charge. S/he will also be responsible for checking both the children’s and adults’ toilets to ensure that no-one is left behind.

The Nursery manager or next person in charge will be responsible for picking up the signing in books and register from reception and will assist in evacuating the babies from the ground floor if possible. On their way from the office they will check the staff room and toilets.

Room Supervisors will take a “head count” once all the children from their rooms reach the assembly point and check that their register accounts for all the children, when the manager calls them out from the main register.

The manager will be responsible for ensuring that all staff and visitors are accounted for. Any missing persons must be reported immediately to the manager.

All personnel must ensure that their workplace is maintained in a clean and tidy condition, free of combustible waste materials.

All waste bins are to be emptied at the end of each working day.

Fire Safety Training

All personnel will receive relevant fire safety instructions during the induction period, including:

· Fire risk areas

· Fire avoidance measures

· Fire detection, alarm & evacuation drills

· Operating fire fighting equipment

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

First Aid Policy

General

All staff are required to hold a certificate in paediatric first aid with at least one member of staff holding this certificate present in each room. This also applies during outdoor activities and outings. All staff are to be given a copy of the settings first aid policy and guidance on induction and are to be reguarly updated on all individual children’s needs and requirements. Relevant medical information is to be obtained by the key worker or supervisor when the child and parent visit before starting at the setting. These will be updated annually or when needed.

It is essential that every room have an accessible first aid box which is stored in sight of all adults but out of reach of children.

Accidents and Incidents

All accidents that occur on site are to be recorded on an ‘Accident Form’ if unintentional or an ‘Incident Form’ if intentional. Both forms require a detailed account of what happened, how it was dealt with and a description of any marks or injuries that occurred as a result. All enteries on either form are to be signed and dated by 2 members of staff, a member of mangement and the child’s parent/carer.

If, upon arrival, staff are notified of an accident that has happened off site, this is to be recorded on an ‘Accident At Home’ form. This is to be filled out by the parent/care in the presence of a member of staff and is to include a full description of what happened, whether first aid was administered, the outcome of the accident and to be signed and dated by both the parent and the member of staff.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) Policy:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU law came into effect on 25th May 2018, replacing the current Data Protection Act 1998. It gives individuals greater control over their own personal data. As a nursery, it is necessary for us to collect personal information about the children who attend as well as staff and parents/carers.

Little Treasures Nursery is registered with the Information Commissions Office (ICO) under registration reference: ZB707065 and has been registered since 20th June 2024. The certificate can be viewed on display in the foyer.

GDPR principle

GDPR condenses the Data Protection Principles into 8 areas, which are referred to as the Privacy Principles. They are as follows:

1. You must have a lawful reason for collecting personal data and must do it in a fair and transparent way.

2. You must only use the data for the reason it is initially obtained.

3. You must not collect any more data than is necessary.

4. It must be accurate and there must be mechanisms in place to keep it up to date.

5. You cannot keep it any longer than needed.

6. You must protect the personal data.

7. You must have appropriate measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing or personal data and against accidental loss or destruction/damage to personal Data.

8. Personal Data shall not be transferred to any outside agency or country within the EU that does not comply with the new General data protection regulations.

The GDPR provides the following rights for individuals:

· The right to be informed.

· The right of access.

· The right to rectification.

· The right to erase.

· The right to restrict processing.

· The right to data portability.

· The right to object.

· Rights in relation to automated decision-making and profiling.

There are two main roles under the GDPR: the data controller and the data processor. As a childcare provider, we are the data controller. The data is our data that we have collected about the children and their families. We have contracts with other companies to process data, which makes them the data processor. The two roles have some differences but the principles of GDPR apply to both. We have a responsibility to ensure that other companies we work with are also GDPR compliant.

Lawful basis for processing personal data

We must have a lawful basis for processing all personal data within our organisation and this is recorded on our Information audit for all the different information we collect. The six reasons are as follows:

(a) Consent: the individual has given clear consent for you to process their personal data for a specific purpose.

(b) Contract: the processing is necessary for a contract you have with the individual, or because they have asked you to take specific steps before entering into a contract.

(c) Legal obligation: the processing is necessary for you to comply with the law (not including contractual obligations).

(d) Vital interests: the processing is necessary to protect someone’s life.

(e) Public task: the processing is necessary for you to perform a task in the public interest or for your official functions, and the task or function has a clear basis in law.

(f) Legitimate interests: the processing is necessary for your legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of a third party unless there is a good reason to protect the individual’s personal data which overrides those legitimate interests.

For the majority of data we collect, the lawful basis for doing so falls under the category of ‘legal obligation’ such as names, date of birth and addresses as we have a legal requirement to obtain this data as part of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Where there is a safeguarding concern, it's unlikely the lawful basis of 'consent' would be appropriate. For children's social work the 'public task' basis is more likely to be appropriate.

For early year’s settings, information could be processed under the 'legal obligation' basis.

The Data Protection Act 2018 supplements GDPR and includes a new category of child abuse data, defined as physical injuries (non-accidental), physical and emotional neglect, ill treatment and sexual abuse.

The Act allows all organisations to process data for safeguarding purposes lawfully and without consent where necessary for the purposes of:

· Protecting an individual from neglect or physical and emotional harm; or

· Protecting the physical, mental or emotional wellbeing of an individual.

Some data we collect, for example, photographs, requires parents to give consent for us to do so. Where this is the case, parents will be required to sign a consent form to ‘opt in’ and are made aware that they have the right to withdraw their consent at any time.

We may also be required to collect data as part of parent’s contract with the setting or local authority, for example, for us to claim government funding.

Data retention

We will hold information about individuals only for as long as the law says and no longer than necessary. After this, we will dispose of it securely. Please see a copy of the Retention periods for records.

Security

We keep data about all individuals secure and aim to protect data against unauthorised change, damage, loss or theft. All data collected is only accessed by authorised individuals. All paper forms are kept locked away and all computers and tablets are password protected.

Privacy notices

All parents and staff are provided with privacy notices which inform them of our procedures around how and why we collect data, information sharing, security, data retention, access to their records and our commitment to compliance with the GDPR act 2018.

Ensuring compliance

The members of staff responsible for ensuring that the setting is compliant are Marie Norman, AlisonNicholls and Emily Alcourt. Their main duties are:

· Ensure that the provision is compliant with GDPR.

· Audit all personal data held.

· Ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities under the law, this may include delivering staff training.

· Undertake investigations when there is a breach of personal data and report to the Information Commissions Office, ICO.

· Keep up to date with the legislation.

Legal framework

· The General Data Protection Regulation (2018)

· Human Rights Act 1998

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Hand, Foot and Mouth Policy

Signs of Hand, foot and mouth virus:

A sore throat, problems eating.

A high temperature.

Mouth ulcers.

Rash of raised spots on hands, feet, thighs, bottom and around mouth. Spots can be pink, red or just darker than surrounding skin.

How the disease is spread:

Hand, foot and mouth is easily spread through exhalation, coughing, sneezing and faeces as well as fluid from the blisters. Therefore, it needs to be dealt with promptly within the nursery to avoid spread to other children and adults.

How to stop the spread of the virus within the nursery:

Children will be sent home as soon as infection is suspected.

A doctor’s opinion must be sought. If the GP believes the child is safe to attend nursery we will need verbal or written confirmation from the GP that the child will not be in danger of passing the virus on to others.

If the child is diagnosed with the virus they must stay home until they are feeling better and the blisters have hardened over.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Health and Safety Policy

Policy Statement

At Little Treasures, we provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees and a safe early learning environment in which children learn and are cared for. To develop and promote a strong health and safety culture within the nursery for the benefit of all staff, children and parents, we provide information, training and supervision. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities. The allocation of duties for safety matters and the arrangements which we will make to implement our health and safety procedures are set out within this policy and we make sufficient resources available to provide a safe environment.

Legal Framework

Legal framework We follow all relevant legislation and associated guidance relating to health and safety within the nursery including:

· The requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2023

· The regulations of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other relevant legislation such as Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (COSHH)

· Any guidance provided by Public Health England, the local health protection unit, the local authority environmental health department, fire authority or the Health and Safety Executive.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Induction of Carers Policy

At Little Treasures, we prioritise the safety and well-being of the children in our care. Therefore, we ensure that all adults who look after children or have unsupervised access to them are suitable for their roles.

Employment and induction of Staff, Volunteers and Managers

As part of our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, we conduct through inductions for all staff, volunteers and managers. The purpose of this induction is to familiarise them with our setting, the families we serve, our policies and procedures, curriculum and daily practice.

EYFS Key Themes and Commitments

Our induction process aligns with the following EYFS key themes and commitments:

1.3 Keeping Safe

2.4 Key Person

3.2 Supporting Every Child

Procedures

Our written induction plan for all new staff includes the following steps:

· Introduction to all staff, volunteers and management.

· Orientation to the building, health and safety measures and fire procedures.

· Ensuring the reading and understanding of our policies and procedures, which must be followed diligently.

· Introduction to parents, especially the parents of allocated key children where relevant.

· Familiarisation with confidential information concerning any key children where applicable.

· Details of daily tasks and routines to be completed.

· The introduction period spans six weeks, during which the managers oversee the process.

Throughout the induction period, individuals must demonstrate their comprehension and adherence to policies, procedures, tasks and routines.

Staff are explicitly advised that they must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that may affect their ability to care for children.

Successful completion of the induction forms an integral part of the probationary period for new staff and volunteers.

At Little Treasures, we take great care in selecting and preparing our team members to ensure the highest standard of care, safety and support for the children entrusted to us. Inductions play a crucial role in ensuring that all adults involved fully understand and uphold our commitment to the wellbeing of every child in our care.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Intimate Care Policy

Aims

· To safeguard the rights and promote the best interest of the children

· To ensure children are treated with sensitivity and respect and in such a way that their experience of intimate care is a positive one.

· To safeguard adults required to operate in sensitive situations.

· To provide a clear procedure for intimate care.

Intimate care routines are essential throughout the day to ensure children’s basic needs are met. This may include nappy changing, supporting the children with toileting, washing, dressing, first aid treatment and applying sun cream.

Procedures

· Staff work closely with parents to meet children’s needs and provide continuity of care.

· Staff provide intimate care in a professional manner.

· Staff receive up to date training in Safeguarding.

· Regular Supervisions and appraisals are used to identify any areas of training required.

· All children are treated with respect and dignity when intimate care is given.

· The welfare and safety of the children are important and also the support of the staff to ensure they are able to perform their duties confidently.

· All staff undertaking intimate care have completed DBS checks.

· A child will be told that their nappy needs changing before the intimate care routine is put in place.

· The child will be encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves as is appropriate for their development.

· If any parent or member of staff has concerns regarding intimate care, they must speak to the Manager immediately.

· If an allegation is made against a member of staff, the setting will follow the procedure set out in the Safeguarding policy.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Key Person Approach and Settling in Policy

At Little Treasures, we prioritise planning and organising our systems to ensure that each child enjoys a stimulating and tailored learning experience, catering to their individual needs. As per the EYFS guidelines, we assign a key person to every child, aiming to create secure relationships that benefit the chid, parents and staff.

The Role of the Key Person/Teacher and Settling-in:

We firmly believe that children settle best when they have a dedicated key person to relate to, who can understand and meet their unique needs. This approach, grounded in attachment theory research, fosters secure relationships and enables children to thrive, instils confidence in parents and contributes to a happy and committed setting.

Our aim is to ensure that children feel safe, stimulated and content, establishing comfort and trust with our staff. Additionally, we want parents to have full confidence in their child’s well-being and to actively participate as partners in our setting.

The key person serves as the primary contact with the child’s parents, maintaining close communication and liaising with them about their child’s progress. They also assume responsibility for the group’s learning journals, documenting observations and collaborating with parents to create a portfolio that is regularly shared and discussed.

Procedures:

· We actively promote the role of the key person as the child’s primary caregiver, forming the foundations for establishing relationships with other staff and children.

· We strive to allocate a key person before the child starts attending our nursery.

· The key person offers unconditional care for the child, being non-judgemental and supportive.

· They act as a primary contact for parents, establishing connections with other caregivers involved with the child and coordinate the sharing of pertinent information about the child’s development with them and the management team.

· The key person keeps-up-to-date developmental records, including observations, development assessments, reports, maintaining comprehensive learning journals that reflect the child’s experience.

· They liaise with parents in preparing the 2-year-old checks and participate in parents’ evenings.

· The key person utilises the red book as an additional means of communication with parents/carers.

· They plan for the individual needs of the children in their key group, incorporating those needs into class planning. The lead teacher ensures that the key person planned lines of development for each child are met.

· Key persons liaise with colleagues to ensure smooth transitions between classes and follow-on schools.

Settling-In:

· We provide parents with information through various channels before their child starts attending Little Treasures, including written materials, displays about activities, open days and individual meetings if needed.

· Pre-start visits and the first session are used to explain and confirm the child’s registration records with parents.

· We work collaboratively with parents to decide on the best way to help the child settle in, recognising that younger children or those new to separation may take longer to adjust.

· When parents leave their child, we ask them to say goodbye and assure the child that they will return.

· We understand that some children may settle more readily than others and that rapid settling does not necessarily mean the child is ready to be left alone.

· Parents are encouraged not to linger upon saying goodbye, as this helps with the separation process.

· In the first few weeks of starting, we collaborate with parents to begin creating the child’s record of achievement.

· A seperate settling in policy is available for parents to read, ensuring they are fully informed of the process.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Key Person Policy

At Little Treasures, we believe that children settle best when they have a key person to relate to, who knows them and their parents/carers well, and who can meet their individual needs. Research shows that a key person approach benefits the child, the parents, the staff and the nursery by providing secure relationships in which children thrive and parents/carers have confidence. Our nursery staff work hard to ensure that the nursery is a happy and dedicated place to attend or work in.

At Little Treasures we want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the setting and to feel secure and comfortable with our staff. We also want parents/carers to have confidence in both their children's well-being and their role as active partners with our nursery. We aim to make our nursery a welcoming place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families. The key person role is set out in the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is as follows:

“to help the child become familiar with the setting, offer a settled relationship for the child and build a relationship with their parents and/or carers. They should also help families engage with more specialist support if appropriate.”

Each child must have a key person. These procedures set out a model for developing a key person approach that promotes effective and positive relationships for children.

Each child is allocated to a key group which has consistent practitioner’s caring for it. The key person is allocated according to who the child bonds with in their first days in the nursery. The key person will help the baby or child to become familiar with the nursery and to feel confident and safe within it, they are able to develop a genuine bond with the child (and the child’s parents). The key person will strive to meet the needs of each child in their care and can skilfully pick up clues and respond sensitively to their feelings, ideas and behaviour, talking to parents to make sure that the child is being cared for appropriately. They ensure that they spend quality time with their key children, for example, singing songs and sharing meals together. The key person acts as a bridge between the setting and home and parents are made aware of the importance of the key-worker system. For example, by exchanging information regarding the child’s needs, the key person is able to plan for children’s personal needs. This includes building on the foundations of learning that have been formed in the child’s home. The key person is able to observe the child in different settings, assess their stage of development and alongside parents are able to plan for that child’s next steps of learning.

The key person is responsible for:

· Providing an induction for the family either through home visits (see Home Visit Policy) and/or Stay and Play sessions in to help the child settle into our nursery.

· Offering unconditional regard for the child and being non-judgemental.

· Working with the parents to plan and deliver a personalised plan for the child’s well-being, care and learning.

· Acting as the key contact for the parents.

· Developmental records and for sharing information on a regular basis with the child’s parents to keep those records up to date, reflecting the full picture of the child in our nursery and at home.

· Having links with other carers involved with the child and co-ordinating the sharing of appropriate information about the child’s development with those carers.

· Encouraging positive relationships between children in her/his key group, spending time with them as a group each day.

When children are due to move to a different room or setting, the key-person sensitively supports this transition by way of communicating with the new carers and preparing children for this emotional change. Trial visits into the new room or setting will be organised with the support of the key person until the child is confident with their new surroundings.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Late Collection Policy

At Little Treasures, we understand the importance of prompt collection of children at the end of the nursery day. However, in certain circumstances, we may need to apply late collection charges.

Late collection charges will be applicable when parents/carers fail to collect their child on time, resulting in our staff working additional hours. We value the dedication of our staff and aim to compensate them appropriately for their extra time and commitment.

The late collection charge is set at £5 for every five minutes beyond the designated collection time. This rate reflects the fair compensation for our staff’s extended working hours.

Parents/Carers will be presented with an invoice for the late collection charges either upon the child’s collection or on the following day.

Please note that late collection charges are to be settled via bacs. We regret that we cannot accept cash payments for this purpose.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation is adhering to our collection times and policies to ensure a smooth and efficient operation at Little Treasures Nursery and Pre-School.

Policy reviewed – June 2025

Little Treasures Holiday Club Safeguarding Policy

Name and Address: Little Treasures Holiday Club
Little Treasures Nursery
The Old Naafi, Weston Drive
Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5XY
Operating Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (Monday to Friday, during holiday periods only. Hourly slots available. Minimum 2 hours.

Policy Statement:
Little Treasures Holiday Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children aged 3-7 years in our care. We recognize our duty to ensure children are safe, happy, and thrive in a secure environment. We aim to provide a nurturing atmosphere where children feel valued and protected.

Key Principles:

Children's Safety is Paramount: The welfare of the child is our top priority. All staff are trained to recognize and respond to signs of harm, abuse, or neglect.
Safe Staffing Ratios:

Staff-to-child ratio: 1:6.
Maximum capacity: 12 children.
At least one qualified staff member will be present at all times.

Focus on Creative and Active Engagement:

Activities include creativity, cooking, crafts, music, and outdoor play. These activities are designed to encourage development and enjoyment in a safe, supervised setting.

Responsibilities of Staff:

Mandatory Training: All staff undergo safeguarding training to identify and act on signs of abuse and neglect.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices and reporting concerns.
The DSL for Little Treasures Holiday Club is [Name of DSL].

Vetting and Recruitment: All staff undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Safeguarding Practices:

Drop-Off and Collection Procedures:

Parents/guardians must sign children in and out of the club.
Only authorized individuals (pre-approved by parents/guardians) may collect children.

Safe Environment:

All indoor and outdoor areas are risk-assessed daily to ensure safety.
Hazards are identified and managed appropriately.

Observation and Monitoring:

Staff actively observe children to ensure their wellbeing.
Any concerns about a child's behaviour, mood, or physical signs of harm are documented and reported to the DSL.

Responding to Concerns:

If a staff member suspects abuse or neglect, they must report it immediately to the DSL.
The DSL will assess the situation and, if necessary, refer the matter to local safeguarding authorities or social services.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing:

Child protection records are stored securely.
Information is shared only with relevant authorities, in line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols.

Code of Conduct for Staff:

Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Never use inappropriate language, actions, or behaviour with children.
Always work in pairs or groups where possible, particularly during personal care tasks.
Ensure activities and interactions are inclusive, respectful, and non-discriminatory.

Parental Involvement:

We believe in working in partnership with parents to ensure the best outcomes for children. Parents are encouraged to:

Share relevant information about their child’s needs.
Discuss any concerns with the DSL or staff.
Adhere to club policies, including drop-off and collection procedures.

Recognizing Signs of Abuse:

Staff are trained to identify potential signs of:

Physical abuse: Unexplained injuries, burns, or bruises.
Emotional abuse: Excessive withdrawal, fear, or aggression.
Sexual abuse: Inappropriate knowledge or behaviour for a child’s age.
Neglect: Persistent lack of basic needs being met (e.g., food, hygiene, medical care).

Allegations Against Staff:

Any allegations made against a staff member will be taken seriously and handled promptly:

The DSL will notify the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Staff members may be suspended pending investigation to ensure child safety.

Emergency Contacts:

Local Safeguarding Authority:
Police (Non-Emergency): 101
Emergency Services: 999
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Policy Review:

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or practice.

Date of Last Review: 25/01/25
Approved by: Marie Norman, Director

Local Policy

Identification of children Needing Extra Help and Support

Before a child starts at Little Treasures, parents will be asked to provide key information about their child, including their interests, needs and abilities. Upon starting, the key person will gather baseline information from parents to understand the child's initial abilities better.

Little Treasures employs a key person system, where each child is assigned a key person responsible for ongoing observations and assessments. This helps the key person build positive relationships, understand the child’s needs, care routines, interests, and learning styles. The observations are cross-referenced with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to identify any developmental concerns. If any concerns arise, the staff will communicate them with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

SENCO Role and Involvement

Ms Alison Nicholls serves at the SENCO at Little Treasures, attending termly network meetings to stay updated on specific issues. Ms Nicholls provides advice and support to staff and collaborates with parents and other professionals involved with the child. The setting welcomes information sharing with parents and professionals to plan and meet each child’s individual needs

Support for Children with Additional Educational Needs

The qualified and experienced staff at Little Treasures plans a diverse curriculum for all children, with ongoing training to enhance their skills. Each child has a learning journal with observations and assessments linked to the EYFS, helping identify any developmental gaps. The key person plans activities specific to each child’s needs, derived from their targets.

At Little Treasures, we have a dedicated SEND room where further specialised support and resources can be provided to suit your child’s needs.

The SENCO and managers work closely to provide additional support for children with special needs, maintaining close involvement with parents and professionals to ensure a holistic approach to their development.

Parental Involvement and Communication

Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, and each child’s learning journal is accessible to parents. Parents meetings are held twice a year, and regular home/school communication link books are provided. Little Treasures maintains an “open door” policy and encourages strong partnerships with parents to support each child’s progress.

Provision Matching Children’s Needs

Through the EYFS framework, children’s observations and assessments inform continuous planning to cater to their individual needs and ensure optimal development. The setting receives advice from other professionals to support children’s specific needs, and staff training is organised when required.

Overall wellbeing support

Little Treasures fosters a safe, secure, positive, and happy environment, promoting positive social interaction and building children’s self-esteem and confidence. Staff communicate closely with parents, encouraging their involvement. The setting provides flexible routines and resources to accommodate individual needs and health issues.

Access to Specialist Services and Expertise

All staff have experience working with children with additional needs, and the SENCO and the manager possess extensive experience in supporting various needs and disabilities. The setting maintains links with various support networks and community services.

Inclusion in Activities Outside the Setting

All activities are planned to accommodate children’s needs, with risk assessments and adaptations to ensure inclusion. Prior discussions with parents ensure their child’s inclusion in activities.

Transition Support

Little Treasured provides a smooth transition into the setting, with pre-start pop-in visits, and close support from the key person. The setting liaises with other settings and professionals involved with the child.

Use of Resources to Support Additional Educational Needs

The settings equipment and toys are accessible and age appropriate. Little Treasures has a high staff-to-child ratio to provide sufficient support, and additional resources and strategies are in place to support children with diverse needs.

For Further Information

For further information about the early years offer at Little Treasures, parents can contact the setting directly

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Major Lockdown Procedure

In the event of an incident, lockdown of a building is an emergency procedure to secure and protect occupants near an immediate threat.

By controlling movement in our area, emergency services can contain and handle the situation more effectively.

If an emergency happens the manager must act quickly to assess the likelihood of immediate danger. Stay safe and place the setting into ‘lockdown until the emergency services arrive, it is essential staff comply with instructions at all times.

Upon alert to lockdown

Stay calm.

The manger to blow a whistle for pre-school alerting them of the lockdown. Children and staff to assemble in the dining room under the tables, it is the managers responsibility to check all windows and doors are locked before joining them in the dinning room taking the registration folder and the mobile phones.

To alert the Nursery side the manager must call the Nursery mobile and say lockdown. The person answering the phone will blow a whistle. Sunbeams to join Sunshines, Rainbows to join Moonbeams. Children and staff to lie down on the floor in the middle of the room.

Ensure staff and children stay in their designated areas, secure all doors and windows.

Stay away from windows and doors, closer curtains and blinds where possible.

Stay low and keep calm, tune into TV, radio or internet for more information.

Do NOT make non-essential calls on land lines or mobile phones.

If the fire alarm is activated, remain where you are and await further instructions from emergency services unless the fire is in your area. If that is the case, move to the next room.

BE ALERT

Do NOT open the door once it has been secured until you are officially advised “all clear” or are certain it is emergency services at the door. It is important that staff ensure children are not anxious when staff do not respond to the door bell in the usual way.

Remember

Do NOT travel down long corridors

Do NOT assemble in large open areas.

Do NOT call 999 unless you have immediate concern for your safety, the safety of others, or feel you have critical information.

Managing Parents

In the event of an incident it is inevitable that parents will want to come to the setting and collect their children, this must be discouraged until the emergency services give the all clear. It also must be made clear to parents that we are acting on the advice of the emergency services.

With regard of informing parents during the “lockdown” the parents will be sent a text message, saying

Due to an incident we have been advised by the emergency services to secure the premises and stay put until we are given the “all clear”. Please do not attempt to collect your child until it is safe to do so. We will let you know as soon as we are able when that is likely to be.

In the meantime we need to keep our telephone lines clear and would appreciate your co-operation with this unless it is absolutely vital that you need to speak to us.

FOLLOWING THE LOCKDOWN

Co-operate with the emergency services to help in an orderly evacuation.

Ensure the manger has the children’s details and 0ne member of staff from each room has the registers.

Contact the parents to inform them that is safe for them to collect their children.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Manual Handling Policy

At Little Treasures we recognise that it is not possible to eliminate manual handling altogether, therefore correct manual handling techniques must be followed in order to minimise the risks of an injury. A variety of injuries may result from poor manual handling and staff must all be aware and adhere to the nurseries manual handling policy.

Preventing Injuries

As with other health and safety issues, the most effective method of prevention is to eliminate the hazard – in this case, to remove the need to carry out hazardous manual handling. However, this is not possible for lifting children. Where manual handling tasks cannot be avoided, they must be assessed as part of the risk assessment. This involves examining the tasks and deciding what the risks associated with them are, and how these can be removed or reduced by adding control measures.

As part of the manual handling assessment the following should be considered:

· The tasks to be carried out

· The load to be moved (remember to think about the children moving at this point)

· The environment in which handling takes place

· The capability of the individual involved in the manual handling

It is the responsibility of any members of staff, who are pregnant, who have any existing problems or weaknesses or who experience problems or weaknesses around lifting, to advise their manager in order for a full risk assessment to be completed for them.

Never attempt manual handling unless you have been trained and given permission to do so.

Carrying and Moving Children

We recognise that lifting and carrying children is different to carrying static loads. In addition to the Health and Safety advice for lifting and handling contained on the following page, the following advice also applies:

· If the child is old enough, ask them to move to a position that is easy to pick up, and ask them to hold onto you as this will support you and the child when lifting.

· Do not place the child on your hip, carry them directly in front of you in order to balance their weight equally. Carry children close to the body (lifting and carrying at arm’s length increases the risk of injury).

· Wherever possible, avoid carrying the child a long distance.

· Where a child is young and is unable to hold onto you, ensure you support them fully within your arms.

· Never lift a child up by their hands.

· Avoid carrying anything else when carrying a child. Make two journeys or ask a colleague to assist you.

· If a child is struggling or fidgeting whilst you are carrying them, stop, place them back down and use reassuring words to calm before continuing.

· Students and pregnant staff will not carry children – ask a colleague to help.

· Proceed carefully, making sure that you can see where you are going

· Lower the child reversing the procedure for lifting.

· Avoid crushing fingers or toes as you put the child or load down.

· Make sure that the child or load is rested on a stable base and in the case of the child ensure their safety in this new position.

All staff will be made aware of the setting’s manual handling policy and are required to complete the Manual Handling E-Learning available on BrightHR.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Menopause Policy

At Little Treasures, we recognise that the menopause can be a challenging time for those experiencing it. We are committed to providing appropriate support for all members of staff who are affected by the menopause and seek to ensure that all individuals are treated with empathy, dignity, and respect.

The support and guidance in this policy is aimed at all employees. It is inclusive of all gender identities.

Policy Aims

The purpose of this policy is to:

· Raise awareness about the menopause and its potential symptoms.

· Offer support and guidance to those affected by the menopause.

· Provide guidance to leaders and employees about how they can support those experiencing the menopause.

· Ensure that the workplace or working practices do not make the symptoms of menopause worse.

· Foster a workplace where staff feel able to discuss their symptoms, any issues they are facing and, if needed, ask for additional support.

· Ensure that issues related to the menopause are treated consistently, fairly and respectfully.

Definitions

The menopause is a natural part of the ageing process that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. It happens in response to a change in the balance of hormones. Most people affected by the menopause will be women, although those who are transgender, non-binary and others that were born with a womb and ovaries may also experience the menopause or menopause-type symptoms.

Perimenopause is a time of hormonal change, leading up to the menopause, when an individual may experience symptoms. This stage begins with the first menopausal symptoms. It can last approximately five years prior to the menopause.

Post-menopause is the stage of life that happens after the menopause and after the last menstrual period.

Early menopause is when menopause happens before the age of 45. This can be a natural process, or it can happen following certain surgical or medical treatments.

For simplicity, when using the term ‘menopause’ in this policy, we also include perimenopause and post-menopause.

Relevant Legislations

This policy has been drafted with reference to the following legislation:

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, GB Regulations 4

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) introduced by the Equality Act 2010 (England, Scotland, and Wales)

The Equality Act 2010

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all workers.

As part of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required to complete risk assessments, including specific risks to those experiencing the menopause.

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of certain ‘protected characteristics’. Issues associated with the menopause may meet the definition of an ‘impairment’ under the Equality Act. Employers have a statutory duty to consider whether any ‘reasonable adjustments’ are required to mitigate against any disadvantages that staff encounter based on these characteristics.

The Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause experiences will vary from person to person. According to the NHS, common symptoms of menopause include:

- hot flushes.

- night sweats.

- vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.

- difficulty sleeping.

- low mood or anxiety.

- reduced sex drive (libido).

- problems with memory or concentration.

These symptoms can also be caused by other issues. If in doubt, you should see a doctor for advice.

Roles and Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for:

· their own health.

· reading (and ensuring that they understand) the contents of this policy.

· creating a culture of trust and support.

· being open and honest about any problems they are experiencing and asking for help when needed.

· encouraging others to seek help when they need it.

· having respect for others and supporting colleagues where needed.

· being supportive of any reasonable adjustments made for colleagues.

Management is responsible for:

· developing positive relationships with the staff that they manage.

· being aware when staff might be experiencing problems and proactively offering support.

· being aware that issues related to the menopause can impact on performance.

· being prepared to discuss issues related to the menopause, listening, and responding with empathy and sensitivity.

· signposting to further support when needed.

Supervisors are responsible for:

· ensuring that this policy is implemented consistently.

· working with occupational health, when needed, to ensure that staff are supported appropriately.

Directors are responsible for:

· monitoring the implementation of this policy.

· ensuring that the policy is updated and reviewed when needed.

Reasonable adjustments

Where an employee is experiencing issues related to the menopause, we will consider making reasonable adjustments to support them. Adjustments can include, but are not restricted to, the following:

· Ensuring that fresh air can circulate the room by leaving doors open (where safe to do so) and ensuring that windows can be opened.

· Ensuring that staff can take measures to control the temperature of the classroom, such as turning down radiators and using fans.

· Putting arrangements in place so that staff can have their classes supervised, to use the toilet/washing facilities.

· Considering requests to change working arrangements.

· Ensuring that when absence is requested for issues related to the menopause that these requests are taken seriously and handled with sensitivity.

· Allowing staff to take time off for medical appointments related to the menopause.

As everyone’s experience of the menopause differs, adjustments will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Self Help

Self-help measures, such as getting plenty of rest, taking regular exercise and doing relaxing activities like yoga and meditation, may help to alleviate some of the common symptoms of menopause.

Complementary and alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies and ‘natural’ hormones, are not recommended for symptoms of the menopause as it is often unclear how safe and effective they are. Some complementary and alternative therapies can also interact with other medicines and cause harmful side effects. You should always ask your GP or pharmacist before using such therapies.

The balance app is a useful tool that has been designed to support those experiencing the menopause and more details about this can be found here.

Where the symptoms of menopause persist, you should always seek medical advice.

Who to Contact

If you feel that the menopause is affecting your work or wellbeing, you should request a confidential chat with management. If you do not feel that you can talk to management for any reason, you can speak to your supervisor.

Actions to be Taken by Management/Supervisor

When contacted by a member of staff regarding issues related to the menopause, management/supervisors should:

- arrange a suitable time, date, and location for a confidential discussion to take place.

- ensure that the member of staff concerned knows that they can be accompanied if they wish.

- schedule enough time for the meeting so that the member of staff can discuss their situation without feeling rushed.

- act with sensitivity and empathy, encouraging the member of staff to be honest and open.

- keep a record of the meeting, using the settings agreed systems for record keeping.

- agree any follow-up actions that need to be considered.

- agree a time, date, and location for a follow-up meeting if relevant.

If reasonable adjustments need to be considered, management/supervisors should discuss these with each other before making any promises or agreements.

Further Information

The following organisations have provided useful resources and information to support those experiencing the menopause:

British Menopause Society

Menopause and work: why it's so important

Menopause Matters

Menopause - NHS

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Missing Child Policy

At Little Treasures, the safety and security of children are of utmost importance both within the premises and during outings. In the unlikely event that a child goes missing, we have a comprehensive missing child procedure in place. before children are left in the classroom and after they handed back to their parents, they are the responsibility of their parents.

EYFS Key Themes and Commitments:

A Unique Child

Positive Relationships

Enabling Environments

Learning and Development

Keeping Safe

Health and Well-being

Parents as Partners

The Wider Context

Procedures:

If a child goes missing on the premises, the following procedure will be immediately implemented:

· Staff will inform the managers as soon as they notice a child is missing.

· All staff will be alerted, and the building will be locked down.

· A thorough search will be conducted by the manager and available staff within and around the premises.

· The register will be checked to ensure no other child is missing.

· Doors and gates will be checked for potential security breaches.

· If the child is not found within 10 minutes, the parents will be contacted, and the missing child will be reported to the police and CSPA

· The manager will gather information from staff regarding when and where the child was last seen and record it.

If a parent or caregiver reports a missing child while waiting to enter or after collection, the following procedure will be implemented:

· Staff will immediately inform the manager upon receiving the report.

· All staff will be alerted, and the building will be locked down.

· A thorough search will be conducted by the manager and available staff within and around the premises.

· Doors and gates will be checked for potential security breaches.

· The manager will gather information from staff regarding when and where the child was last seen.

· If the child is not found within 10 minutes the missing child will be reported to the police and CSPA.

If a child goes missing during an outing, the following procedure will be implemented immediately:

· If the manager is present on the outing, the procedure will be adjusted accordingly.

· Parents attending the outing will be responsible for their own child.

· Regular head counts will be conducted through the outing.

· If a child is missing, staff will ask the children to stand with their designated person and perform a headcount to ensure no other child is missing.

· One staff member will search the immediate vicinity but not beyond that.

· The manager will be contacted immediately, and the police will be notified.

The Investigation

Staff must remain calm and prevent other children from becoming anxious.

The manager will speak with the parents/carers.

A full investigation will be carried out, including written statements from all staff present during the incident.

An incident report will be prepared, detailing relevant information.

If warranted, the police will conduct their investigation and Children’s services may be involved if child protection issues arise.

The incident will be reported following RIDDOR arrangements, and the local authority Health and Safety Officer may investigate for potential prosecution.

Ofsted will be informed in case disciplinary action needs to be taken.

The insurance provider will also be notified.

Managing People

The incident will be managed calmly to keep everyone as composed as possible.

Staff members involved in the incident may require support and counselling.

Parents will be approached with sensitivity and two staff members will be present when dealing with distraught and angry parents.

Other children’s needs will be prioritised, and staff will refrain from discussing the incident in their presence.

Staff members must not discuss the incident outside the nursery without seeking advice.

In the absence of the manager, deputies will follow the same procedure.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Mobile Phone Policy

At Little Treasures, the welfare, protection, and safety of every child in our care is paramount. We take our responsibility to safeguard children very seriously. Therefore, the use of mobile phones and smart watches are strongly prohibited when on site. This applies to all staff, parents, and visitors equally.

MOBILE PHONES

The use of mobile phones on site is strictly prohibited. Members of staff are required to sign their phone into the office before their shift starts. Staff are then allowed to access their mobile phones during their break by signing it out, and signing it back in when their break is over. It should then remain in the office until their shift is over, when it will be signed out again. If on break, staff should not use their phone until they are either in the staff room or off of the premises. Mobile phones are not to be used in the rooms or hallways. Staff members are advised to provide the settings phone number if there is a possibility that they will need to be contacted in case of emergency during the day. This is as follows: 01883 343678. Any member of staff found in possession of their phone during the day will immediately be met with the settings disciplinary procedure. Repeat offences will be considered a safeguarding concern and will also result in LADO being contacted.

SMART WATCHES

We believe our staff should be completely attentive during their working hours to ensure all children in the nursery receive good quality care and education. This means that smart watches are not to be used on site as they can be extremely distracting. Staff members found to be wearing smart watches will be asked to remove them and leave them with their mobile phone in the office. Repeat offences will again be viewed as a safeguarding concern and will be met with the settings disciplinary procedure.

VISITORS

Visitors will also be asked to sign their phone into the office upon arrival. Any visitors found in possession of their phone, by any member of staff, will be informed of the settings mobile phone policy and asked to sign it into the office. Refusal to co-operate will result in the visitor being refused entry to any room and asked to leave the premises.

PARENTS AND CARERS

Parents and carers are asked to refrain from using their mobile phones while on the premises as this poses as a safeguarding concern to anyone present in the setting. Parents/carers seen using their phones by any member of staff will be reminded of the settings mobile phone policy and asked to refrain from using it until outside of the setting. This includes phone calls, taking photographs, texting or using social media. Refusal to co-operate may result in the parent/carer being asked to leave the premises.

CAMERAS

Room cameras are permitted in order to take photos for the children’s observations. Photographs taken on these cameras are to be printed off and placed in the child’s folder. Only photos of that child are to be used. Photos containing images of other children are to be shredded. Once photos have been printed, they are to be deleted. The cameras are to be supplied by the nursery and both the camera and photos are not to be taken off site. Anyone found to be taking cameras or photos off site will be seen to be going against the setting’s safeguarding policy and will be reported to LADO.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Nappy Changing Policy

At Little Treasures, we are committed to providing a safe, hygienic, and caring environment for all children during nappy changes. This policy outlines our procedures and expectations to ensure consistency, clear communication, and the wellbeing of every child.

Nappy Changing Schedule:

Nappy changes are routinely carried out at the following times each day:

10:30 AM
2:30 PM
5:00 PM

In addition to these scheduled times, children are consistently monitored and checked throughout the day, and their nappies will be changed as needed to ensure comfort, hygiene, and to prevent any risk of nappy rash.

Parent/Carer Responsibilities:

Provision of Nappies and Creams:
Parents/carers are required to provide a sufficient supply of nappies, and any specific nappy rash creams their child requires. All items must be clearly labelled with the child’s name and restocked regularly, as communicated with staff at handovers, on parent notice boards or in communication books.
Special Wipes: If a child requires particular wipes due to skin sensitivities, allergies, or parental preference, these must also be provided by the parent/carer and clearly labelled.

Nappies and Creams may be stored at nursery in a clearly labelled basket supplied by the nursery or in the child’s bag.

Parents will also be asked to sign a permission slip for nappy cream to be administered by nursery staff during nappy changing routines, if it is felt to be needed in case of nappy rash.

Nursery Provision:

Standard Wipes: If no specific wipes are supplied, the nursery will use standard baby wipes, which are included as part of the nursery’s consumables.
Nappy Sacks: The nursery will also supply nappy sacks, which are also included as part of the nursery’s consumables.

Nappy Procedure:

Before each change, the changing unit is disinfected, and staff wear fresh gloves and aprons. Nappy sacks, nappies and wipes are prepared for the changes. The child is places safely on the changer unit. After the nappy change the child then returns to play and the used nappy is disposed of while the changing mat is sanitised. Gloves and aprons are also disposed of properly.

Toilet Procedure:

Staff members wear gloves and aprons as a hygiene measure. Children who need assistance with aiming, wiping or pulling up their underwear are helped in a manner that promotes good hygiene practices, as well as respecting the child’s privacy. We teach children to wash their hands thoroughly after each toilet use. A record of toileting activities, including any assistance provided, is documented on the daily diary sheet and parents are informed of any given help.

In case of ‘accidents’, we handle the situation calmly, sympathetically and without making the child feel at fault. Accidents can happen due to various reasons such as lack of complete control, adjustments to the nursery, fatigue, or illness. The child will be changed into dry clothing. Parents will be informed if their child has soiled or wet themselves.

Children are encouraged to use child-sized toilets independently. They are reminded to go to the toilet and taken there when they ask. Staff members remain close by to provide support if needed. Children are also reminded to wash their hands properly after using the toilet, with the help of colourful posters in the toilets. If a child requires assistance while in the toilets, a staff member will help.

All instances of changing and toileting are recorded, including any observations such as nappy rash or diarrhoea. All staff members are aware of who is present in the toilet, both children and staff. If a staff member needs to help with wiping or aiming for boys, this will be recorded and parents will be informed, as we strive to keep on open and transparent communication with parents.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

No Smoking Policy

Safeguarding and Promoting Children’s Welfare

At Little Treasures, we prioritize the good health and wellbeing of the children under our care. To ensure a healthy and hygienic environment, we strictly adhere to health and safety regulations and the welfare requirements of the EYFS by maintaining a no-smoking policy within our premises and grounds. It is essential to note that smoking in enclosed places is illegal in Scotland in wales and has been prohibited in England since July 2007.

Our Commitment:

Health and wellbeing

Respecting each other

Supporting every child

Procedures:

· We inform all staff, parents, visitors, and volunteers about our non-smoking policy.

· No-smoking signs are displayed prominently to reinforce our policy.

· To promote healthy lifestyles, we provide information and support to staff who may be seeking help to quit smoking.

· While we respect individual choices, staff members who are smokers are not permitted to smoke on the premises or in working hours.

· Parents are kindly requested to refrain from smoking while in the premises.

· Staff members accompanying children outside the nursery, such as during outings, are strictly prohibited from smoking during those times.

· It is essential for staff to avoid having a smokey smell on their clothes while at the nursery. They serve as positive role models to children and should always promote a healthy lifestyle.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Non-attendance Policy

In the instance that a child is absent from nursery, the following procedures are to be carried out.

If the child is away for a planned absence such as a holiday, we ask that they notify the office with as much notice as possible. We also ask that the parents notify the office if their child will not be attending a session to ensure that numbers and ratios are accurate. In line with our safeguarding policy, staff are to be aware of child absences and the reason for them to ensure no irregularities within the child’s attendance raising cause for concern. Staff are to notify the office by 10am if a child is absent and a phone call home is to be carried out.

In the event the office is not informed, the parents will be contacted to ensure the child’s wellbeing. If the staff become concerned about the welfare of a child for whatever reason, we reserve the right to contact children’s services.

Session fees remain payable during periods of absence other than in exceptional circumstances.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Outings Policy

Little Treasures prioritises the safety, security and enriching experiences of children during outings. We aim to instil confidence in parents regarding their children’s well-being while outside the nursery.

Aims

To enrich the curriculum and enhance children’s learning opportunities through outings.

To ensure awareness of health, safety and security measures among children, parents and staff thus minimising potential hazards and risks during outings.

Methods:

· Parental permission will always be obtained before a child participates in any pouting.

· Parents will be required to sign a permission slip, and children without permission slips will not be allowed to join the outing.

· The signed permission slips will be carried out during the outing.

· A comprehensive risk assessment will be conducted before each outing.

· If necessary, a preliminary visit to the venue will be made to assess any potential risks as part of the risk assessment process.

· Advice from the venue providers will be sought to ensure a safe experience.

· A qualified member of staff trained in first aid will always be present during the outing and a first aid kit will be taken along.

· If a child going on an outing requires medication, one staff member will be fully informed about the child’s medical needs and medication.

· Medication and a copy of a signed health care plan (and medication record) will be taken on the outing and returned to the medication file afterwards.

· If a child on medication needs to be taken to hospital, their medication, health care plan and medication record will be taken along.

· This procedure aligns with the managing medicine policy.

· Staff rations will be adjusted based on the nature of the outing, and additional staff, volunteers or parent helpers will be included as needed to meet the ratio requirements.

· A mobile telephone will be carried during the outing for communication purposes.

· A register containing contact numbers will be taken along to ensure efficient communication.

· Children will be supervised throughout the outing to prevent any child from getting lost and to avoid unauthorised access to the children.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Parental/Carer Involvement Policy

At Little Treasures, we recognise that parents/carers play a fundamental role as the first educators of their young children, and we are committed to supporting and fostering a strong partnership with them.

We will ensure that all new parents/carers are well-informed about our systems and policies.

On an individual basis, we will encourage parents/carers to actively participate and contribute to the activities at Little Treasures.

We value and welcome the unique skills, knowledge and interests that parents/carers can bring to our setting, and we will provide opportunities for them to contribute accordingly.

Regular updates on their child’s progress will be provided to parents/carers.

Parents/carers will be informed about upcoming meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions.

Meetings will be organised in accessible and appropriate venues to accommodate everyone’s needs.

We wholeheartedly embrace and appreciate any contributions parents/carers wish to make in various forms.

We will communicate the process for registering queries, complaints or suggestions to parents/carers.

Opportunities will be provided for parents/carers to learn about Little Treasures curriculum and their child’s development and learning both at nursery and at home.

We will offer advice and support to parents/carers through a collaborative partnership to ensure the best possible care for their child.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Physical Contact Policy

Little treasures provides care and education for children aged 3 months to rising 5 years. During their time with us there will be occasions when staff need to have close physical contact with the children in their care. We believe that such close physical contact is essential for the children’s well-being and development into secure and happy individuals, prepared to face challenges in school and beyond. Nevertheless, we recognise the importance of establishing clear boundaries for physical contact to ensure the protection and safety of all involved.

Instances for physical contact include:

· Consoling and reassuring a child who is upset due to an accident or disagreement or assisting a child in separating from their main carer.

Acceptable contact: cuddling the child, sitting with them on your lap (always facing outward or to the side).

Unacceptable contact: Facing inward when sitting on lap, “kissing better.”

· Toileting children who require adult support

Acceptable contact: Lifting and supporting children on the toilet, guiding them to point down into the toilet. Assisting with wiping or directing the child’s hand to help themselves. Toilet door will be left open but shielded for privacy, and adults will communicate with the child about what Is happening and why.

Unacceptable contact: NEVER touching a child’s private parts directly.

· Nappy changing or changing the clothing of children who are wet or soiled:

Acceptable contact: Quickly undressing and undressing the child, which may involve removing underwear and replacing clean clothes. Cleaning soiled parts with baby wipes. Colleagues will always be informed if a child and staff member leave the room/hall to deal with soiling, or staff may change a child discreetly in the corner of a room.

Unacceptable contact: Intimate or sustained body contact

· Restraining a child for their own protection or the protection of others (behaviour management):

Acceptable contact: Holding a child across their bodies from behind, using gentle and firm pressure as necessary until the child is sufficiently calm. There will always be more than one adult present.

Unacceptable contact: Unreasonable force causing reddening of the skin

· Helping with dressing up clothes, adjusting clothes or holding hands for reassurance, in circle games, role play or for safety reasons:

Acceptable contact: Gently holding hands, putting arms around the child (facing outward or to the side)

Unacceptable behaviour: Unreasonable force, intimate contact or facing inward.

· Rough and tumble play or physical play initiated by the child or occasionally adult-led:

Acceptable contact: Tickling, catching the child as part of an agreed game, holding the child around the upper body to assist with various activities. Any contact must be on the child’s terms and with their willing participation. The adult must be sensitive to the child’s feelings and body language, as they may not always communicate verbally.

Unacceptable contact: Unreasonable force, intimate contact

· Piggybacks

Acceptable contact: piggybacks may be performed if initiated by the child, with the child’s willing participation.

Unacceptable contact: Intimate contact or unreasonable force.

At Little Treasures, we are committed to promoting a safe and respectful environment for all children, parents and staff. This Code Of Conduct for physical contact helps ensure that our interactions with the children are appropriate and conductive to their well-being and development

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Policy for the Provision of Healthy Eating and Children’s Meals

BASIC PRINCIPALS.

Balanced, to include a good selection of fruit and vegetables for each main meal.

Anti allergenic- no nuts, - non dairy diets possible

Avoid high fat, high sugar, high salt content

Limited red meat, predominantly fish and white meat.

Vegetarian alternatives- soya mince, quorn pieces, slices and sausages.

Variety within each daily and weekly menu.

Parents are requested to bring healthy cereals to nursery for their children if they are asked to provide them.

Fresh fruit is always offered at snack time with a healthy alternative ie: rice cakes, bread sticks, bagles, crumpets, pitta bread.

CHILDREN UNDER 9 MONTHS

These children should be given the opportunity to move gradually between prepared baby foods and solid food made on the premises.

Supervisors must give guidance as to how this food be should be presented in each child’s case and should submit this information to the cook each morning.

In addition to the main menu suitable non-dairy and vegetarian options are provided which adhere to the basic principles and variety.

CHILDREN ABOVE 9 MONTHS

These children should be encouraged to try all food prepared for them. If a child will not accept any of the prepared food it is possible to try alternatives such as a sandwich, fruit, yogurt but not cakes or biscuits. If all else fails an attempt should be made to at least ensure that the child is drinking plenty, milk or water.

Children are encouraged to bring in their own water bottles /cups so they are able to access drinking water though out the day.

Again supervisors must give clear information to the cook each morning as to any alternatives to the main meals.

SPECIAL DIETS

While we try to meet children’s needs it is sometimes necessary to ask parents to provide for any unusual dietry requirements

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Positive Behaviour Policy

At Little Treasures, we are committed to promoting positive behaviour and fostering a caring and respectful environment for everyone. We believe that as well-ordered setting, where children are encouraged to develop freely and learn without fear of harm, is essential for their growth and development.

Our aims are to:

· cultivate an environment that nurtures self-discipline and self-esteem in children, fostering mutual respect and encouragement.

· Instil in children an understanding of the feelings, needs and rights of others and the impact of their behaviour on people, places and objects.

Methods:

We believe that the best way to promote positive behaviour is to be positive role models for the children. Staff members will praise and endorse desirable behaviour such as sharing and kindness. Positive behaviour will be acknowledged and rewarded and discussed with the children.

Undesirable behaviour will be addressed by explaining to the child why their actions are unacceptable, if a child displays unacceptable behaviour, they may be given time to calm down and regain control in a supervised and safe environment. Strategies to redirect or correct negative behaviour will be used, and the child will be encouraged to engage in different activities to promote positive behaviours.

We understand that children of different ages and developmental stages may require different approaches to behaviour management and ensure that our staff are trained to provide appropriate methods.

Parents will be involved in discussions about behaviour and will be invited to collaborate on strategies to address any difficulties. Physical punishment or humiliation will never be used as a disciplinary measure.

Key workers play a crucial role in maintaining excellent communication between parents and addressing any behaviour-related concerns. We value the partnership between parents and staff in addressing behavioural issues.

We understand that young children may demonstrate negative behaviour due to their developmental stage and we provide support, guidance and positive modelling to help them learn socially acceptable ways of dealing with emotions and conflicts.

Biting and Bullying

In case of biting incidents, the injured child may be comforted, and first aid will be administered if needed. We will explain to the child biting why their behaviour is unacceptable and involve parents to address any recuring inconsiderate behaviour.

Bullying is taken very seriously and children who bully will be helped to recognise the impact of their actions. They will be encouraged to show considerate behaviour and will receive positive feedback for such actions. We do not label children who bully but address the underlying issues and support them in adopting more acceptable behaviours.

Hurtful Behaviour

Young children may behave in hurtful ways due to their limited means of managing intense emotions. We provide support, comfort and explanation to help them understand and express their feelings in acceptable ways. We encourage pro-social behaviour and provide guidance for resolving conflicts and sharing.

Rough and Tumble Play and Fantasy Aggression

We recognise that rough and tumble play is normal for young children, and we establish boundaries and strategies to ensure it remains safe and pro-social. We do not label such play as problematic or aggressive.

Children Under Three Years

For children under the age of three years, we provide developmentally appropriate strategies to support and guide their behaviour, recognising that they are still learning to manage their emotions.

Boundaries

We expect all members of the nursery community, including parents, staff, volunteers and students to adhere to the behaviour guidelines consistently. In extreme cases of unacceptable behaviour, parents may be involved and explanations rather than personal blame will be provided.

Parents’ support in promoting positive behaviour is highly valued and essential for a harmonious and nurturing environment.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Privacy Notice

As of 25th May 2018, the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force. This privacy policy outlines how Little Treasures, handles and processes personal data collection during our lawful activities. We adhere to the Data Protection Act 1998, the General Data Protect Regulation and any other relevant legislation (referred to as the ‘Data Protection laws’)

Our primary objective is to safeguard your rights under the Data Protection Laws by explaining how we handle, process and protect the information we collect. This includes data collected on paper, electronically or through other means.

We abide by three core principles regarding privacy of your data:

1. Transparency: we strive to be transparent about the personal information we collect and process.

2. Simplicity: we use straightforward language to describe our privacy practices, allowing you to make informed checks.

3. Control: you have control over the personal information you provide to us and how it is used, shared and retained.

Legal Basis for Data Collection

We process data based on the following legal grounds:

· Explicit and informed consent from the individual whose data is being processed.

· Legitimate interest in processing the data.

· Necessity in relation to a contract or agreement

· Legal obligation to process data.

When we collect information

We collect personal information from individuals who interact with us, including employees, volunteers, committee members and visitors. Ensuring the security and confidentiality of this information is of utmost importance.

Types of Information We Collect

We collect various types of information, including:

· Information about your dependent, including name, address, gender, date of birth, allergies, dietary requirements, health conditions and medical information.

· Information about you, including name, address, gender, date of birth, contact details, contact information and relevant documentation.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for specific purposes, including:

· Providing services to you and your child.

· Ensuring administration ands safety measures

· Complying with legal obligations.

· Handling security matters

· Managing any special educational or medical needs of your child.

· Assessing your child’s progress and addressing any concerns.

· Keeping you informed about your child’s progress and addressing any concerns.

· Keeping you informed about your child’s progress and responding to any queries.

· Processing claims for free childcare.

· Keeping you updated about our services.

· Analysing data for service improvement.

· Security and Data Protection.

We take extensive measures to protect your personal date from unauthorised access, loss, destruction, misuse or disclosure.

Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it is collected, following statutory requirements for data retention.

Your Rights

You have the right to access, amend, correct, delete or transfer your personal data. If you wish to exercise these rights, you can contact us in writing.

Changes to this Notice

Our Privacy Policy is subject to regular reviews to align with changes in laws, business practices or technology. It may be amended from time to time without notice. Please review this privacy notice periodically to stay informed about any updates.

Keeping your information accurate

Please inform us of any changes to your information to ensure its accuracy and currency.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 10/3/25

1. Introduction Little Treasures Preschool is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information for children, parents, guardians, and staff. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant UK data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect We collect and process personal data necessary for the operation of the nursery. This may include:

· For Children: Name, date of birth, address, emergency contacts, medical information, dietary requirements, developmental records, and attendance records.

· For Parents/Guardians: Name, contact details, relationship to child, emergency contact details, and financial information for fee processing.

· For Staff: Name, address, contact details, employment records, DBS checks, qualifications, payroll information, and next of kin details.

3. How We Use Personal Data We use personal data for the following purposes:

· Providing safe and high-quality childcare services.

· Meeting legal and regulatory obligations.

· Communicating with parents/guardians and staff.

· Managing employment and administrative requirements.

· Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children and staff.

· Processing payments and financial administration.

4. Legal Basis for Processing Data We process personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:

· Consent – When explicit consent is required for certain activities, such as marketing communications.

· Contractual necessity – When data processing is required to fulfill our contractual obligations (e.g., childcare agreements).

· Legal obligation – When we must comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Legitimate interests – When processing is necessary for the operation and improvement of our services.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure We do not sell or share personal data with third parties except when required by law or for operational purposes. Data may be shared with:

· Regulatory authorities such as Ofsted.

· Healthcare professionals in cases of medical emergencies.

· Local authorities for safeguarding and funding purposes.

· Third-party service providers (e.g., payroll, IT support) under strict data protection agreements.

6. Data Retention We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill our legal and operational requirements. Retention periods include:

· Children’s records: Up to 7 years after leaving the nursery.

· Staff records: Up to 7 years after employment ends.

· Financial records: Retained for 7 years in compliance with tax laws.

7. Data Security We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These include secure IT systems, restricted access controls, and staff training on data protection.

8. Rights of Individuals Parents, guardians, and staff have rights under GDPR, including:

· The right to access personal data we hold.

· The right to request corrections to inaccurate data.

· The right to request deletion of personal data (subject to legal requirements).

· The right to object to data processing in certain circumstances.

· The right to withdraw consent where applicable.

Requests to exercise these rights can be made in writing to [contact email/address].

9. Complaints and Contact Information If you have concerns about data protection, please contact us at [Nursery Contact Information]. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

10. Updates to This Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be communicated via our website or direct notification.

For any questions regarding this policy, please contact Little Treasures Preschool on 01883 343678.

Protecting Children From Risk of Radicalisation Policy

Effective from 1st July 2015, all school, registered early years childcare providers, and registered later years childcare providers are obligated under section 26 of the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015 to demonstrate “a due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.”

Radicalisation denotes the process in which an individual starts to support terrorism and extremist ideologies that may lead to terrorist activities. The Act emphasizes the importance of intervening during this process to prevent vulnerable individuals from being enticed into terrorist-related activities.

According to the Prevent Duty – Department Advice for School and Childcare Providers (Department for Education, June 2015), even very young children may be susceptible to radicalisation by others, whether within their family or outside, and may exhibit concerning behaviours.

Providers are required to instil learning with Fundamental British Values, promoting the following principles:

· Democracy: Making Decisions Together

Staff should encourage children to recognise that their opinions matter, appreciate each other’s views, and express their feelings. They should support the decisions children make and organise activities that encourage collaboration, sharing and turn taking. An atmosphere of inquiry should be fostered, where questions are valued.

· Rule of law: Understanding Rules Matter

Staff should help children understand the consequences of their behaviour and distinguish right from wrong. Collaboratively, they can create rules and codes of behaviour with the children to ensure that everyone comprehends that rules apply universally.

· Individual Liberty: Freedom for All

Children’s self-confidence and self-awareness should be nurtured, allowing them to develop a positive sense of themselves and their abilities. Activities that encourage risk taking, self-expression and learning should be provided.

· Children should be exposed to various experiences that explore emotions and responsibilities while acknowledging and respecting differences in opinions.

· Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Treat Others as You Want To Be Treated

An inclusive and tolerant ethos should be cultivated by managers and staff. Children should be engaged with the broader community, appreciating and valuing various views, faiths, cultures and races.

They should develop tolerance, respect and appreciation for diverse cultures, traditions and practices. Staff should actively promote diverse attitudes, challenge stereotypes and provide resources that challenge gender, cultural and racial biases.

If any member of staff has concerns about a specific child regarding potential radicalisation, they must adhere to standard safeguarding procedures, including discussing the issue with the Nursery Manager.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Risk Assessment Policy

Policy statement

Little Treasures Nursery believes that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our nursery a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers by assessing and minimising the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Legal Framework

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

Definition

‘Risk assessment’ refers to the act of taking note of aspects of your workplace and activities that could cause harm, either to yourself or to others, and deciding what needs to be done to prevent that harm, making sure this is adhered to. The law does not require that all risk is eliminated, but that ‘reasonable precaution’ is taken. This is particularly important when balancing the need for children to be able to take appropriate risks through physically challenging play. Children need the opportunity to work out what is not safe and what they should do when faced with a risk. Health and safety risk assessments inform procedures. Staff and parents should be involved in reviewing risk assessments and procedures – they are the ones with first-hand knowledge as to whether the control measures are effective – and they can give an informed view to help update procedures accordingly.

The basis of this policy is risk assessment following five steps risk assessment processes:

· Identification of risk - where is it and what is it?

· Who is at risk - staff, children, parents, cooks, cleaners etc?

· Assess the level of risk (high, medium or low). This is both the risk of the likelihood of it happening, as well as the possible impact if it did.

· Control measures to reduce / eliminate risk: What will you need to do, or ensure others will do, in order to reduce that risk?

· Monitoring and review - how do you know if what you have said is working, or is thorough enough? If it is not working, it will need to be amended, or maybe there is a better solution.

The nursery manager has undertaken training and ensures that all staff, students and volunteers have adequate training in health and safety matters.

Procedures

· Risk assessments are carried out in each room daily before the start of each session and are to be displayed for all staff to locate.

· Risk assessments are to be carried out in the gardens before the start of each session and are to be displayed for all staff to locate.

· Walk risk assessments are to be completed once returning from a walk to identify any risks encountered and how staff avoided/eliminated.

· The nursery manager will ensure that checks, such as electricity and gas safety checks, and any necessary work to the setting premises are carried out annually and records are kept.

· The nursery cook is responsible for completing the kitchen risk assessment each morning.

· The nursery manager ensures that staff members carry out risk assessments that include relevant aspects of fire safety, food safety for all areas of the premises.

The nursery manager ensures that staff members carry out risk assessments for work practice including:

· Changing children

· Preparation and serving of food/drink for children

· Children with allergies

· Cooking activities with children

· Supervising outdoor play and indoor/outdoor climbing equipment

· Putting babies or young children to sleep

· Assessment, use and storage of equipment for children with additional needs

· The use and storage of substances which may be hazardous to health, such as cleaning chemicals

· Visitors to the setting who are bring equipment or animals as part of children’s learning experiences

· Following any incidents involving threats against staff or volunteers.

The nursery manager ensures that staff members carry out risk assessments for off-site activities if required, including:

· Children’s outings

· Home visits

· Off-site duties such as attending meetings, banking etc.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Safeguarding Policy

As an Ofsted regulated nursery, we comply with the local child Safeguarding procedures, and it is our duty to record and report to children services any concerns regarding the possible abuse of children in our care. Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. As an Early Years setting, we aim to keep children safe by adopting the highest possible standards and taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm.

The term ‘Child Protection’ refers to the act of protecting children and young people from suspected abuse and neglect. Safeguarding is much wider than child protection.

Our prime responsibility is the welfare and well-being of children in our care. As such it is our duty to the children, parents/carers, and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. All staff will work as part of a multi-agency team where needed in the best interest of the child.

The Legal framework for this policy

· Children act (2004/1989)

· Working together to safeguard children (2018 / 2020)

· Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)

· Counter-Terrorism Act and Security Act (2015)

· Multi-Agency Practise Guidelines

· Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003

· Serious Crime Act 2015

· Children and Social Work Act 2017

· The Prevent Duty 2015

· Data Protection 2018

Our Aim

It is our aim to ensure that all the children receive the highest level of care, provision, and education.

The health, safety, and welfare of all our children are of paramount importance to all the adults who work in our nursery. All children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, race, culture, background, or disability. Children have the right to be safe within the nursery.

We are committed to:

· Building a “culture of safety” in which children are protected from abuse and harm in all areas of its service delivery.

· Responding promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns of abuse that may occur and to work with statutory agencies in accordance with the procedures that are stated below.

· Promoting awareness of child abuse issues throughout its training and learning programmes for adults

· Empowering young children, through early childhood curriculum, promoting their rights to be strong, resilient, and listened to.

· Ensuring that all staff are alert to the signs and understand what is meant by safeguarding and are aware of the different ways in which children can be harmed

· Ensuring all a robust training system, in which all staff are confident in the policies and procedures relating to the safeguarding and welfare of the children

It is the policy of the nursery to provide a secure and safe environment for all children from abuse. The nursery will therefore not allow an adult to be left alone who has not received their enhanced DBS check clearance and all our staff will receive updated and relevant safeguarding training as part of their induction and as refresher training after their 3-month probation.

We abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and Disclosure and Baring Services checks for all staff and volunteers to ensure that disqualified person or unsuitable person has any access or contact with the children.

We know how important staff ratios are and ensure that we follow the legal requirements for the minimum numbers of staff present with the children at any time as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) are:

- Marie Norman

- Alison Nicholls

- Emily Alcourt

- April Coldwell

Our DSL’s work together alongside the staff to ensure the safeguarding policy and procedure are being followed correctly.

Looked after children

Early years settings are committed to providing quality provision based on equality of opportunity for all children and their families. All of our staff are committed to doing all they can to enable “looked after” children in their care to achieve and reach their full potential.

We recognise that children who are being looked after have often experienced traumatic situations, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect. However, we also recognise that not all looked after children have experienced abuse and that there are a range of reasons for children to be taken into the care of the local authority. Whatever the reason, a child’s separation from their home and family signifies a disruption in their lives that has impact on their emotional well-being.

In our setting, we place emphasis on promoting children’s right to be strong, resilient, and listened to. Our policy and practise guidelines for looked after children are based on two important concepts, attachment, and resilience. The basis of this is to promote secure attachments in children’s lives as the basis for resilience.

Children missing from Education

A child who is missing from an educational setting is a potential indicator of abuse and neglect. All children are entitled to a full time education, suitable for their age and development (see absent child policy).

The DSL will monitor unauthorised absences and take appropriate action including notifying the local authority (where funded is allocated).

What is abuse?

A person may abuse of neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Staff in the nursery recognise that child abuse can and does happen in all types of families.

The following identifies some possible manifestations of child abuse; however, these lists are not exhaustive.

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet basic physical and psychological needs, which may result in the serious impairment of the child’s medical problems, emaciation or under nourishment. Staff may notice behavioural signs such as a child who always seems hungry, tired, has ill -fitting clothes, poor personal hygiene, e.g., soiled, unchanged nappies, etc.

Procedure:

· The concerns should immediately be recorded and brought to the attention of the DSL.

· The DSL should discuss the concerns with the parent/carer if safe to do so.

· Such discussions will be recorded, and the parent/carer will access to such records.

· If concerns still arise, the DSL will contact CSPA to make a referral.

Physical abuse signs may involve unexplained bruising/marks in unlikely areas, facial bruising, hand/finger marks, bite marks, burns, lacerations, or abrasions. Staff may notice several behavioural signs that also indicate physical abuse such as a child that shy’s away from physical contact, is withdrawn or aggressive towards others or their behaviour changes suddenly.

Procedure:

· All signs of marks/injuries noticed on a child will be recorded immediately on an pre-existing injury form and signed by parents.

· If further/suspicious injuries occur, the DSL will be notified.

· The incident will be discussed with parent/carer at the earliest opportunity (when signing form).

· If there appears to be any queries or concerns regarding the injury, the child protection/CSPA team will be called for advice immediately.

Sexual abuse signs may include bruising consistent with being held firmly, discomfort in walking/sitting, pain or itching in the genital area, discharge, or blood on under clothes, or loss of appetite. Behavioural signs may include drawings or play showing indicators of sexual activity, sexually explicit language, and knowledge of adult sexual behaviour, seductive behaviour towards others, poor self-esteem and a child who is withdrawn.

Procedure:

· The observed instances will be detailed in a confidential report

· The observed instances will be reported immediately to the DSL.

· The matter will be referred straight to the child protection team/CSPA.

Emotional abuse signs may include a general failure to thrive, not meeting expected developmental milestones and behaviourally a child may be attention seeking, telling lies, have an inability to have fun and join in play, low self-esteem, speech disorders, and be inappropriately affectionate towards others.

Procedure:

· Initial concerns should be recorded and brought to the attention of the DSL.

· The concerns should be discussed with the parent/carer by the DSL.

· Such discussions will be recorded, and the parent/carer will have access to such records

· If there appears to be any queries or ongoing concerns after discussion with parent/carer the child protection team/CSPA team will be notified.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures (procedures)

Staff will be required to complete an objective record of any observation or disclosure and include-

· Childs name/address/D.O.B and age

· Date, time, location of the observation or disclosure

· EXACT words spoken by the child, this should not be changed by an adult “to sound better”.

· Name of the person who the concern was reported to with date and time and names of any other person present at the time.

· Any discussion held with parents/carer

· Name and signature of person completing the report/observation.

However, when identifying any potential instances of abuse, staff must always be aware that children may demonstrate individual, or combinations of indicators detailed above but may not be the subject of abuse. Individual or isolated incidents do not necessarily indicate abuse. Staff should always remain vigilant and must NOT ignore warning signs and contact the relevant services at any stage for support.

Female Genital mutilation (FGM)

As our duty of care, we have a statutory obligation under national safeguarding protocols (e.g working together to safeguard children) to protect young girls and women from FGM as it is an illegal, extremely harmful practise and a form of abuse.

It is essential that we work closely together with other agencies if we suspect a child has suffered or is likely to suffer FGM as appropriate safeguarding efforts. This is reflected in the Multi-Agency Practise Guidelines.

If a child in our care shows signs and symptoms (see below) of FGM or we have good reason to suspect the child is at risk of FGM, we MUST refer the child using our existing standard safeguarding procedures as it is a form of child abuse. When a child is identified as “at risk” of FGM, this information MUST be brought to the child’s GP attention and health visitor (as per section 47 of The Children’s Act 1989)

Important Signs & Symptoms to look out for if you suspect the child is “at risk” of FGM

· Father comes from a community that is known to practice FGM

· Mother/Family may have limited contact with people outside family

· It is known that the mother has FGM

· Family does not engage with professionals (health, school, other)

· Parents say that they or a relative will take the child abroad for a prolonged period

· Childs spoken about a holiday to her country of origin or another where the procedure is practiced

· Child has confided that she is to have a “special procedure” to “become a woman” or to be “more like her mum/sister/aunt” etc

· Family/child are already known to social services

Important Signs & Symptoms to look out for if you suspect the child has had FGM

· Child regularly attends GP appointments, has frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’S)

· Increased emotional and physiological needs e.g. withdrawals, depression, or significant changes in behaviour.

· Child talks about pain/discomfort between legs

· Child has difficulty walking, sitting for extended periods of time- which was not a problem previously

Significant or Immediate Risk

· Child confides in a member of staff/professional that FGM has taken place

· Parent or family member discloses professional/ nursery child has had FGM

Child sexual exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is defined a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when an individual or a group take advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs, or wants, and/or the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity is consensual. CSE does not always have to involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

Indicators/warning signs of CSE

· Staff members will be aware of the children most at risk of being sexually exploited, including vulnerable children/young people

· Being secretive

· Acting withdrawn and isolated

· Unexplained school absences

· Acting hostile or aggressive

· Displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour for age

· Having physical injuries without plausible explanation

· Trying to conceal marks or scars on their body

As with any type of abuse, we will be aware of signs and symptoms and any concerns we may have will be followed with the same procedure.

Upskirting

Under the Voyeurism Act 2019, ‘upskirting’ is an offence to operate equipment and to record an image beneath a person’s clothing without consent and with the intention of observing, or enabling another person to observe, the victim’s genitals or bottom. ‘Upskirting’ will not be tolerated and any incidences will be reported to the DSL who will then decide on next steps to take, which may include police involvement.

The Prevent Duty

In Line with section 26 of the counter terrorism and security act (2015) we understand the importance of staff members being able to recognise and identify vulnerable children and to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

We recognise the importance of protecting children from the risk of radicalisation and promoting British values in the same way we would protect and safeguard children from any other abuse.

We will ensure all staff members are able to notice changes in children’s behaviour as we would do with any kind of safeguarding matter as there is no single way of being able to identify a child who is at risk of being venerable or susceptible to radicalisation/extremism.

Regular reviews on our e-safety policy and use of mobile phones and internet policy are carried out as we recognise the increased risk of online radicalisation.

All staff members are also aware of the appropriate time to make a referral to the “Channel Programme”

The Toxic Trio

The ‘toxic trio’ is made up of three issues: domestic abuse, mental ill-health, and substance misuse. These issues often co-exist, particularly in families where significant harm to children has occurred. The Children’s Commissioner reported in 2018 that 100,000 children in England were in a household where one adult faces all three ‘toxic trio’ issues to a severe extent, and 420,000 children were in a household where one adult faces all three to a moderate/severe extent.

One reason why these issues often co-exist is that a parent misusing drugs, or alcohol is more likely to be in a relationship where domestic abuse occurs – those who misuse drugs or alcohol have a greater chance of experiencing mental ill-health. Conversely, adults with mental health problems are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol; there are many different situations that could lead to all three of the toxic trio arising.

It is important to be aware of the toxic trio, because it is viewed as a key indicator of increased risk of harm to children and young people. Studies such as Brandon et al. (2012) have shown that, in 86% of incidents where children were seriously harmed or died, one or more of the trios played a significant role – similar findings are reported inside Botham et al. (2016).

Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse. Operation Encompass ensures that there is a simple telephone call or notification to a schools trained designated safeguarding lead/officer prior to the start of the next day after an incident of police attended domestic abuse where there are children related to either of the adult parties involved.

Honor Based Violence

Honor based violence (HBV) can be described as a “collection of practises, which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and or/honor”

Some families believe that certain actions bring shame on the family and may react with punishment, these actions may include rejecting a forced marriage (also covered in this policy) having an unapproved relationship, the wearing of make up or certain clothing. Any abuse is a violation of human rights, there is no “honor” or justification for abusing the human rights of others.

It is important to be alert to signs/ symptoms, distress and indications of such abuse:

· Self harm

· Absence from nursery

· Changes in how they dress/act

· Visible injuries

· Signs of depressions

Forced marriage

A forced marriage is where one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force them into the marriage. We also recognise there is a clear distinction between a marriage in which both parties are willing and able to give informed consent to. Forced marriage is a criminal offence.

Forced marriage is not the same as an arranged marriage which is common in several cultures, where the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage but the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement, remains with the prospective spouses,

It is also when anything is done to make someone marry before they turn 18, even if there is no pressure or abuse. Coercion may include physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional pressure. It may also involve physical or sexual violence and abuse.

Human Trafficking and Modern slavery

Child trafficking and modern slavery is becoming a more frequent form of child abuse. Children are recruited, moved, transported, and then exploited, forced to work or are sold on. For an adult or child to have been a victim of human trafficking there must have been:

· Action- recruitment, transportation, transfer etc

· Means- threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, abuse of power/vulnerability.

· Purpose- sexual exploitation, forced labour or domestic servitude, slavery, financial exploitation, illegal adoption, removal of organs.

Witchcraft

Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) occurs across the country and can happen in families when there is a concept of belief in:

· Witchcraft and spirit possession, demons or the devil acting through children or leading them astray (traditionally seen in some Christian beliefs)

· The evil eye or djinns (traditionally known in some Islamic faiths) and dakini (in the hindu context)

· Ritual or multi murders where the killing of children is believed to bring supernatural benefits, or use of their body parts is believed to produce potent magical remedies.

· Use of belief in magic or witchcraft to create fear in children to make them more compliant when they are being trafficked for domestic slavery or sexual exploitation.

Families and children can be deeply worried by the evil forces, and abuse often occurs when an attempt is made to “exorcise” and “deliver” the child.

Reasons for the child being identified as “different” may be disobedient or independent nature, bet wetting, nightmares, or illness. Attempts to “exorcise” the child may include but are not limited to; beating, burning, starvation, cutting or stabbing.

County Lines

County Lines is a form of criminal exploitation where urban gangs persuade, coerce or force children and young people to store drugs and money and or/transport them to Surburban areas, market towns and coastal towns. It is against the law and is a form of child abuse.

Cuckooing

Cuckooing (Termed by the police), is a type of criminal exploitation in which a drug dealer will take over somebody’s home to use as a base for country lines drug trafficking.

Criminals often target vulnerable people to target, victims may often have drug and or mental health issues, single parents and those living in poverty. Coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons are often used. Cuckooing will often take place in a multi- occupancy or social housing property.

Fabricated Illness

Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a rare form of child abuse. It occurs when a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in the child. (NHS)

FII was previously known as “Munchausen’s Syndrome by proxy” (not to be confused with “Munchausen’s Syndrome, where a person pretends to be ill or causes illness of injury to themselves).

The following is a list of some of the behaviours exhibited by carers, which can be associated with fabricating or inducing illness in a child;

· Inducing symptoms in children by administering medication or other substances, or by intentional suffocation

· Interfering with treatments by overdosing with medication, not administering them or interfering with medical equipment such as infusion lines and feeding apparatus

· Claiming the child has symptoms which are unverifiable unless observed directly, such as pain, frequency of passing urine, vomiting or fits, causing professionals to undertake investigations and treatments which may be invasive, are unnecessary and therefore are harmful and possibly dangerous

· Obtaining specialist treatments or equipment for children who do not require them

· Falsifying test results and observation charts

· Alleging unfounded psychological illness in a child

Carers may be observed to be intensely involved with their children, never taking a much-needed break nor allowing anyone else (either family members or professionals) to undertake any of their childs care, others may spend little time interacting with their child.

A key professional skill is to distinguish between a very anxious carer who may be responding in a reasonable way to an extremely sick child, and those who exhibit abnormal behaviour.

Staff should be alert to the possibility of FII when a child;

· Has frequent and unexplained absences

· Is frequently unwell and parents repeatedly claim that he/she requires medical attention for symptoms which, when described, are vague in nature, difficult to diagnose and which carers have not themselves noticed e.g. headache, tummy aches, dizzy spells, blank episodes etc

Useful contact information ONGAR

Children and Families Hub: 0345 603 7627

(Monday- Thurs 8:45am-5:15pm Fri 8:45am-4:30pm)

Out of hours/weekends: 0345 606 1212

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): 03001231650

(Concerns about a member of staff)

CSPA (Children’s Single Point of Access): 03004709100

(Concerns about a child)

National Police Prevent Advice Line: 08000113764

(Prevent Duty concerns)

Ofsted: 0300 1234 666

NSPCC/Childline: 0800 1111

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Safer Recruitment Policy

At little treasures nursery and pre-school we are committed to safeguarding all children and adults in our setting. We are invested in promoting the welfare of the vulnerable individuals.

Aims and Objectives

At little treasures nursery and pre-school, our overall aim is to deter unsuitable applicants from applying roles within our nursery. All candidates will be treated fairly, consistently and in compliance with all relevant legislations.

We have introduced our safer recruitment procedures to deter, reject and prevent, to develop and maintain a safe working culture.

Stages of Recruitment

- We advertise our positions giving a detailed job description as well as informing candidates of the checks that will need to be carried out. We also include a list of documents that we need to see.

- All applicants are required to complete a job application form which requires a declaration signature.

- A short list will be drawn up based on person specification and job description. The 2 directors will be involved in compiling the short-listing.

- Any inconsistencies, frequent changes in employment or vagueness will be identified and explored at interview.

- Any gaps in employment will be highlighted and discussed at interview.

- The 2 directors will interview together using structured questions with criteria previously agreed.

- A conditional offer will be made in writing, subject to confirmation of their identity, a completed enhanced DBS, and qualification check if appropriate. Eligibility to work in the UK needs to be seen and confirmed as well as 2 references. The offer will include all details about the post.

- Conditional offers can be withdrawn if the person fails to meet the conditions set out in the offer.

When applying for a DBS the candidate will be required to register for the update service within 13 days of the DBS being registered.

The candidate will have all documents confirmed again before employment starts to ensue there have been no changed to their eligibility to work within our nursery setting.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Settling-In Policy

At Little Treasures Nursery and Pre-school, we prioritise ensuring a smooth and comfortable settling-in process for both children and parents. Our goal is to create a safe, stimulating and happy environment where children can feel secure and develop positive relationships with our staff and other children. We believe that children develop at their own pace and our flexible settling in procedure caters to the individual needs of each child.

Our settling-in procedure aims to achieve the following objectives:

· Make children feel happy and secure in their new environment

· Encourage children to explore and experiment confidently in the physical environment.

· Support children in developing independence and free access to resources

· Foster positive relationships with adults and peers in the setting.

· Help children communicate their needs effectively.

· Promote appropriate behaviour through clear expectations and positive reinforcements

· Establish a strong partnership with parents/carers regarding the children’s learning.

· Build upon children’s prior experiences and knowledge from their home environment.

Procedures:

· Information and pre-start Sessions: parents and carers receive written information.

· Completion of forms; parents are requested to complete and return all relevant forms before their child starts. This information helps us to get to know each child and ensure a calm settling in process.

· Key Person System: Each child is allocated a key person who will play a crucial role in helping them settle into the setting. The key person will maintain regular observations and assessments of the child which will be shared with parents.

· Responsive and Flexible Approach: we consider the individual needs of each child and parent/carer, ensuring a responsive and flexible approach to the settling-in process.

· Tailored Settling Strategies: for children who may require additional support in making a positive transition, individual settling strategies will be implemented. This may include shorted sessions until they are settled.

· Gradual Settling Period: Younger children and those who have not spent time away from home may take longer to settle in, and we acknowledge that each child is unique in their settling time.

· Parental Involvement and Honouring Commitments: parents ma be encouraged to stay for appropriate stelling sessions, especially for children who may not be ready to be left alone.

· Constant Review and Support: Staff will continuously monitor each child’s settling progress and discuss next steps with parents/carers.

· Parental Presence when needed: we ensure that no child becomes too distressed before contacting parents/carers if necessary.

· Parental Guidance: parents are guided by experienced staff during their child’s settling in process.

· Promoting Independence: Parents are encouraged to promote independence by allowing their child to walk into nursery instead of being carried

· Gradual Transitions to Extended sessions: Children must be well settled in the morning session before participating in early bird, lunch or afternoon sessions.

Please be aware of the following important notes:

Punctuality for collection is crucial, as a waiting child can feel anxious.

While we understand it can be difficult to hear your child upset, our experience shows that tears are usually brief, and children typically calm down once parents/carers leave.

Our priority is always to do what is best for each child’s settling in process.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Sickness and Illness Policy

The health and well-being of the children and staff at Little Treasures Nursery & Pre-School are our top priority. To maintain a healthy environment, we kindly request that parents refrain from sending their child to nursery when they are unwell or showing signs of illness.

Aims:

Our Sickness and Illness Policy aims to achieve the following objectives:

Identify sick children promptly.
Provide appropriate care for sick children.
Safeguard children and adults from preventable infections.
Ensure clear communication and understanding of procedures for handling unwell children.

Methods:

Parental Awareness: We share our policy for excluding ill or infectious children with all parents and make it available on the nursery website. Parents are expected to adhere to the outlined procedures and practices.
Communication: Parents are requested to inform us of their child’s health status and to promptly notify the nursery via phone or email when their child is unwell and unable to attend. This allows us to communicate this information to staff, parents, and relevant authorities if necessary.
Swift and Caring Response: In the event of a child falling ill during nursery hours, we will contact parents or authorised adults to collect the child immediately, ensuring the child’s comfort and well-being.
Hygiene Practices: We maintain good hygiene practices, including cleaning of any spilled bodily fluids, to minimize the risk of infection.
Exclusion Guidelines: Children suffering from communicable diseases should not attend nursery and should remain excluded for the recommended periods (see guidelines below).
48-Hour Rule: To prevent the spread of sickness and diarrhoea, we adhere to a 48-hour rule, whereby children and staff cannot return to the nursery until 48 hours after their last bout of illness.
Medication Notification: Parents are required to inform staff if they have administered Calpol, pain relief, or other medication to their child before nursery. This information is vital for emergency situations and is recorded at Little Treasures.
Hospital Admissions: Parents must inform the nursery if their child is admitted to the hospital, and hospital discharge instructions must be followed before the child returns to nursery.
Immunizations: Parents must inform us of all immunizations, and children’s health should be assessed before sending them to nursery following immunization.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette: Hand washing with liquid soap and warm water, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue, and proper disposal of tissues are encouraged to control the spread of infections.

In conclusion, we strive to maintain a healthy and safe environment at Little Treasures Nursery and Preschool and we greatly appreciate your cooperation in adhering to our sickness and illness policy.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Severe weather policy

In the event of severe weather we would do a risk assessment.

Is it safe for the children to attend there maybe structural damage. The manager to explain to parents as they arrive about the situation, it could be the case that one side of the nursery has been damaged and the other not. Report the damage to the landlord.

Staff may not be able to get to the setting so children may have to be turned away if ratios are not able to be met. Parents reminded to make themselves aware of the changes in the weather so they are able to get home to collect the children or arrange someone else to collect. If the weather changes during the day the manager may have to decide that the setting may have to close early to ensure that children and staff can get home safely. The manager will reassess during the day and check weather warnings. The manager will call parents to explain the situation.

Sleep Policy

Little Treasures Nursery operates a sleep policy. Our policy requires that the key person or supervisor discuss safe sleep policy recommended by ‘The Lullaby Trust’ with parents. Inform parents that although most babies will be fine, there is a higher risk of SIDS when an infant is placed to sleep on their stomach or side.

Some babies have medical conditions that require stomach sleeping. If the parent insists their baby be placed on their stomach or side to sleep, they will be asked to provide a note from their baby’s doctor that specifies the sleeping position. This note will be displayed in the baby room to alert all staff.

If parents have further questions about SIDS and infant sleeping positions, they will be given contact information for both ‘The Lullaby Trust’ and ‘The Safe to Sleep Campaign’, which are as follows:

The Lullaby Trust

0808 802 6869

info@lullabytrust.org.uk

The Safe to Sleep Campaign

1-800-505-CRIB (2742)

SafetoSleep@mail.nih.gov

All staff will receive training on our sleep policy and on SIDS reduction.

Babies will always be placed on their backs to sleep unless there is a signed medical waiver on file. ‘The Lullaby Trust’ recommends that babies are placed on their backs to sleep, but when babies can easily turn over from their back to their stomach, they can be allowed to adopt whatever position they prefer.

‘The Lullaby Trust’ also recommends that using a dummy at the start of any sleep period reduces the risk of cot death. If a dummy forms part of a child’s sleep routine, it will always be used at sleep times. The Lullaby Trust recommends that a dummy should be stopped when the baby is aged between 6 and 12 months old. The key person will work with parents to phase out the dummies sensitively, considering the child’s emotional needs and parents’ wishes.

Visual confirmation is always required. There will be always at least two members of staff in the room. At least one of these members of staff will be first aid trained. Staff will visually check on each child every 10 minutes, looking for the rise and fall of the chest and whether the sleeping position has changed. The outcome of these checks will be recorded on the rooms ‘Sleep Check Record’ form.

Further steps will be taken with the aim of preventing SIDS. These are as follows:

· Excess bedding will be avoided, and refrain overdressing or over wrapping the baby.

· The room temperature will be kept between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.

· All babies under the age of 12 months will sleep in a cot or an approved bed/mattress. Babies must not sleep in a bouncy chair or a car seat.

· Baby’s heads will not be covered with blankets or bedding. Baby’s cots will not be covered with bedding.

· Loose bedding, pillows, bumper pads will not be used in cots.

· Babies who are awake will be given supervised ‘tummy time’.

· Toys and stuffed animals will not be allowed in the child’s cot.

· A safety approved cot with a firm fitting mattress and tight-fitting sheet will be used.

· All parents of babies cared for in the nursery will receive a written copy of our sleep policy.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy

Definition of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

Children have SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational needs provision to be made for him/her Children have a learning difficulty if they

1. Have significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age.

2. Have a disability which prevents them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for children of the same age.

3. Are under school age and fall within the definition 1 or 2 or would do so if SEN provision were not made for them.

Statement

Little Treasures is committed to the inclusion of all children. All children have the right to be cared for and educated to develop to their full potential alongside each other through positive experiences, to enable them to share opportunities and experiences and develop and learn from each other. We provide a positive and welcoming environment where children are supported according to their individual needs.

The nursery believes that all children have a right to experience and develop alongside their peers no matter what their individual needs. Each child’s needs are unique, therefore any attempt to categorise children is inappropriate.

Little Treasures is committed to working alongside parents in the provision for their child’s individual needs to enable us to help the child to develop to their full potential. We are committed to working with any child who has a specific need and/or disability and making reasonable adjustments to enable every child to make full use of the settings facilities. All children have a right to a broad and well-balanced early learning environment. We feel it is paramount to find out as much as possible about a particular child’s condition and the way that may affect their early learning or care needs by:

• Liaising with the child’s parents

• Liaising with any professional agencies

• Reading any reports that have been prepared

• Attending any review meetings with the local authority/professionals

• Regularly monitoring observations carried out on the child’s development.

All children will be given a full settling in period when joining the nursery according to their individual needs.

Aims

We will:

• Recognise each child’s individual needs and ensure all staff are aware of, and have regard for, the Early Years guide to the SEND Code of Practice (September 2014), and the Disability Discrimination Act 2010, on identification and assessment of any needs not being met by the universal service provided by the nursery

• Include all children and their families in our provision

• Provide well informed and suitably trained practitioners to help support parents and children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

• Develop and maintain a core team of staff who are experienced in the care of children with additional needs and employ a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) who is experienced in the care and assessment of children with additional needs. Staff will be provided with specific training relating to Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the SEND Code of Practice

• Identify the specific needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and meet those needs through a range of strategies

• Ensure that children who learn quicker, e.g. gifted, and talented children are also supported

• Work in partnership with parents and other agencies to meet individual children's needs, including the health and education authorities, and seek advice, support and training where required

• Monitor and review our practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments, and seek specialist equipment and services if needed

• Ensure that all children are treated as equals and are encouraged to take part in every aspect of the nursery day according to their individual needs and abilities

• Promote positive images and role models during play experiences of those with additional needs wherever possible

• Celebrate diversity in all aspects of play and learning.

We have a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) who works closely with all staff to make sure there are systems in place to plan, implement, monitor, review and evaluate the special educational needs policy of the nursery, always making sure plans and records are shared with parents. Our SENCO is Alison Nicholls.

Methods

We will:

• Provide a Policy showing how we provide for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and share this with staff, parents, and other professionals

• Ensure that the provision for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is the responsibility of all members of staff in the nursery

• Ensure that our inclusive admissions practice includes equality of access and opportunity

• Ensure that our physical environment is as far as possible suitable for children and adults with disabilities

• Work closely with parents to create and maintain a positive partnership which supports their child

• Ensure that parents are informed at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision, and review of their child's education

• Provide parents with information on sources of independent advice and support

• Liaise with other professionals involved with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and their families, including transfer arrangements to other settings and schools. We work closely with the next care setting and meet with them to discuss the child’s needs to ensure information exchange and continuity of care.

• Use the graduated response system for identifying, assessing and responding to children's special educational needs

• Provide a broad and balanced early learning environment for all children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

• Provide differentiated activities to meet all individual needs and abilities

• Use a system of planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing Surrey Support Plans (SSP) for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

• Review SSP’s regularly and hold review meetings with parents at this time

• Ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are consulted at all stages of the graduated response, considering their levels of ability

• Use a system for keeping records of the assessment, planning, provision, and review for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

• Provide resources (human and financial) to implement our SEN/disability policy

• Ensure the privacy of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities when intimate care is being provided

• Use the AET (Autism Education Trust) Early Years Standard Framework where needed

• Provide in-service training for practitioners and volunteers

• Raise awareness of any specialism the setting has to offer, e.g. Makaton trained staff

• Ensure the effectiveness of our SEN/disability provision by collecting information from a range of sources e.g. IPP reviews, staff and management meetings, parental and external agencies’ views, inspections, and complaints. This information is collated, evaluated, and reviewed annually

• Provide a complaints procedure and make available to all parents in a format that meets their needs e.g. Braille, audio, large print, additional language

• Monitor and review our policy annually.

Special educational needs code of practice

It is the duty of the nursery to carry out our statutory duties to identify, assess and make provision for children’s special educational needs. The Code of Practice recommends that our nursery should adopt a graduated approach to assessment through Early Years Action and Early Years Action Plus. Good practice of working together with parents, and the observation and monitoring of children’s individual progress, will help identify any child with special educational needs. Our nursery has identified a member of staff as a SENCO who will work alongside parents to assess the child’s strengths and plan for future support. The SENCO will ensure that appropriate records are kept according to the Code of Practice.

Graduated Approach

• Cause for Concern

The child is highlighted as having a cause for concern – we will monitor and record any issues in partnership with parents and reassess after 6 weeks.

• Targeted Intervention (SSP)

The child will be put onto the SEN Register under “Targeted Intervention”. The child will be given an “SSP” (Surrey Support Plan) The SSP will have targets for the child to reach and it will also state what different resources and activities the setting will be using with the child. The Early Years Team will be notified and will support the setting in writing the SSP, which will be reviewed every 6 weeks in partnership with the parents.

• Intensive Intervention

If the child is still showing difficulties and is not improving with the SSP in place, Intensive Intervention will begin, and this will be highlighted on the SEN register. This is when the setting realise that the child requires further support to further their progression and will make referrals to outside agencies such as Speech & Language. The child may also receive extra funding to have 1-1 support when in the setting. If the child is still not making enough it may be necessary for the nursery, in consultation with the parents and any external agencies already involved, to request an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan)

Education Health Care Plan

If despite input through the Graduated Approach, adequate progress has not been made and the child’s SEND remains significant, a request can be made to the Local Authority to consider for Education Health and Care Needs Assessment – this is a detailed, evidence based and multi professional examination to identify the child’s needs and help required to meet them. It informs people of what needs the child has, what provision will be made for them, the child’s aspirations, how the child’s needs will be monitored and where the child will be placed. This ensures that the child is supported at whatever setting they are at, and once they transition into school.

Initial Assessment of Needs

Each child will be given an initial assessment of their needs where they will be observed and monitored for half a term to determine whether we are able to meet their individual needs. If we feel that their needs are unable to be met, a meeting will be held with their primary care giver to inform them. They will then be advised to find a new setting that is able to accommodate them.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Staff Code

Appearance

Staff should be always neat and tidy, with long hair tied back and jewellery removed for safety of themselves and the children. Little Treasures are not responsible for broken or lost jewellery.

Staff will wear nursery uniform provided which should not be covered by other garments. This consist of a nursery polo shirt (pink for practitioners, black for supervisors), and a black nursery hoodie (zip-up or pullover). This should be accompanied by black or navy-blue trousers which are practical in both style and fabric.

Shoes must be flat and non-slip. Indoor and outdoor shoes must be provided and stored in a safe place.

Nail varnish and false nails should not be worn as this is both a hazard and a hygiene risk.

For more details on this, please refer to our uniform policy.

Conduct

Staff will be always courteous and considerate to other staff, parents, children and visitors. They will speak and act gently and encouragingly towards the children unless the behaviour management requires a firmer tone. Voices must not be raised, under any circumstances. Our firm belief is that there should be a mutual respect throughout the nursery.

Language

Staff are role models for language and behaviour. They will be aware of the language they use which will be correct and clearly spoken to aid the children’s lang aue development. Correct vocabulary will be used, not ‘baby talk’ or slang.

Inappropriate language such as swearing, or negative phrasing is unacceptable and will result in staff potentially being issued verbal or written warnings from management.

Nicknames for children will not be used unless parents specify that they would like their child to be referred to as something else. For example, ‘Thomas’ shortened to ‘Tom’

Punctuality and Attendance

Punctuality and attendance are essential in order to provide the continuity of staffing that children do need for a stable environment and to ensure that the legal requirement for ratios are being met.

Any absences will be notified to the office as far in advance as possible so that cover can be arranged.

Holidays should be within your contracted allocated holiday allowance and should be requested using a holiday form.

Staff need to arrive 5-10 minutes before their shift starts to organise themselves, set up the room and be in place to welcome the children as they arrive.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Students and Trainees Policy

We are pleased to work in association with local training bodies to provide practical experience for those working towards a childcare qualification. There are various options for such placements. These are as follows:

1. Employed by us while training with another body and paid by us at an hourly rate.

2. Practical placement with us while funded by the training body.

3. Short term and part time unpaid practical experience.

There are, however, terms and conditions that must be adhered to for this opportunity to continue as stated below. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the training or placement to be terminated.

Terms and Conditions

· Staff employed by us while training are to be subject to standard contractual conditions in accordance to our scale relating to age, experience and qualification.

· Other trainees will be accommodated on a timetable basis which meets the requirements of their training body.

· All trainee staff should work according to the job description appropriate to their position. They will have experience of the whole range of tasks involved in caring for children and should be properly monitored and advised at all times. This can be done by the supervisor of the group or a senior member of staff of sufficient experience.

· Suitable students on long term placements and volunteers (aged 17 or over) and staff working as apprentices in early education (aged 16 or over) may be included in the ratios at the level below their level of study. Students under the age of 17 and apprentices under the age of 16 are not to be left in sole charge of children.

· Trainees should be given copies of relevant policies and procedures and given a thorough induction in health and safety issues. The first week of the placement must be under the close instruction of managers and supervisors and trainees are expected to ask before carrying out any task with children.

· Trainees will be provided with protective clothing when necessary.

Policy Reviewed - June 2025

Two-Year Progress Check Policy

In accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Guidelines, Little Treasures conducts a progress check for all children when they reach the age of two years old.

The progress check is designed to provide parents with a written summary of their child’s development in the three prime areas of the EYFS, namely:

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development. (PSED)

2. Physical Development

3. Communication and Language.

The aims of the progress check are as follows:

· Review the child’s development in the three prime areas of the EYFS

· Share this valuable information with parents to give them a clear understanding of their child’s progress.

· Enable Little Treasures to identify the child’s needs and plan appropriate activities and experiences within the setting.

· Help parents understand their child’s needs and support their development at home, with assistance from our nursery.

· Recognise areas of strong progress in the child’s development and identify any areas where progress may be slower than expected.

· Describe the actions the nursery intends to take to address any developmental concerns, including collaboration with other professionals when necessary.

Key Aspects of the Progress Check:

The progress check will be conducted by a member of staff who knows the child well and directly works with them in the nursery, typically the child’s key person.

It will be based on ongoing observations and assessments carried out as part of everyday practice.

The focus will be on the child’s consistent and independent demonstration of skills, knowledge, understanding and behaviours.

Parents’ and if appropriate, the child’s views and contributions will be considered.

Input from other teachers and professionals involved with the child will also be considered.

Little Treasures Aims for the progress check to be:

· Clear and truthful while sensitively reflecting the child’s capabilities and achievements.

· Identifying areas where the child’s progress may be slower than expected.

· Incorporating parent’s observations and comments to explain how the child’s learning and development may be supported at nursery.

Factors Considered and Timing

The progress check will be carried out after the child has been at the setting for a minimum of 8-10 weeks, allowing for a settling-in period for teachers to gain a good understanding of the child’s development and interests.

If the child has had periods of non-regular attendance or significant life events, the progress check may be appropriately delayed, and parents will be invited to contribute to the check.

Children Attending multiple Settings:

If the child attends more than one setting, the progress summary will usually be completed by the key person at the setting where the child spends the most time each week. The views of other practitioners from different settings may be sought if deemed helpful.

Children with Disabilities or additional Educational Needs:

For children with identified disabilities, medical needs or additional educational needs, input from other professionals involved will be considered with parents’ agreement.

The focus of the check will be on the child’s abilities, unique characteristics and overall development rather than emphasising their needs or disabilities.

Information Sharing:

Ads part of the child induction progress Little Treasures shares the child’s health visitor contact details and the child’s red books. The progress check is a statutory requirement of the EYFS and parental permission is sough for sharing relevant information with professionals as needed.

Policy Reviewed – June 2025

Unconscious Child Policy

Primary survey

Firstly carry out a scene survey, ensuring the immediate area is safe.

When approaching the child an initial casualty assessment needs to be conducted. Identify and deal with immediate or life-threatening conditions. Casualties should be placed in an order of priority and treated accordingly. Practitioner should always wear gloves and check for, breathing, bleeding, bones/burns and other conditions.

If the child is responding:

· Talk to the child, reassure them.

· Gently stimulate the child. And ask loudly if they are ok.

· If a response is gained check for further injuries and call 999 for the ambulance.

· Contact Parents.

If child is unresponsive:

· Place the child onto their back.

· Open the airway using the head tilt/chin lift method.

· Place your hand on their forehead and gently tilt back the head with your fingertips under the point of the child’s chin, lift the chin to open the airway.

· After opening the airway look, listen and feel for normal breathing for 10 seconds.

If in any doubt that the child’s breathing is not normal prepare to start CPR.

If the child is breathing normally, but still unresponsive, check for further injuries. This is known as a secondary survey.

· If safe to do so place the child in the recovery position .

· Check breathing regularly, if the child deteriorates or stops breathing normally, prepare to start CPR.

Always ask a helper to call 999, whilst you stay with the child.

CPR

5 INITIAL RESCUE BREATHS

30 COMPRESSIONS

2 BREATHS

COMPRESS THE CHEST BY AT LEAST ONE THIRD OF ITS DEPTH.

APPROX 4CM FOR AN INFANT AND 5CM FOR AN OLDER CHILD.

100-120 COMPRESSIONS PER MINUTE.

If the child is unresponsive, but breathing normally.

· Look at the child’s head and face for any obvious signs of injury or trauma. Remove spectacles if they are wearing them. Gently feel around the head, face and scalp for any bleeding, welling or depressions.

· Loosen any restrictive clothing. Gently feel around the spine area and back of the neck to check for any bleeding, swellings or deformity.

· Gently feel around the shoulders to check for signs of deformity and bleeding. Check the chest for normal breathing movement and check for any bleeding.

· Check along the arms. Feel for signs of deformity, swelling and bleeding. Check rest of body without moving the child.

· Put child in recovery position if injuries allow. Ask someone to call 999 for an ambulance and contact Parent/carers.

Whistleblowing Policy

Whistleblowing refers to the act of raising genuine concerns about mis conduct or malpractice within the organisation.

At Little Treasures, we are dedicated to upholding a high standard of service, fostering organisational accountability and maintaining the trust if the public.

This policy is designed to provide protection to individuals in the workplace who raise legitimate concerns about misconduct occurring within the nursery. it is grounded in the principles of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which encourages people to report concerns about misconduct or malpractice to promote good governance and accountability in the public’s interest.

The Act covers various behaviours, including but not limited to:

· Criminal offenses

· Failure to comply with legal obligations

· Miscarriages of justice

· Hazards to the health and safety of individuals and/or the environment

· Deliberate concealment of information related to any of the above

It is important to note that this policy does not replace the grievance or complaints procedure. Instead, it fosters a culture of openness and transparency within the nursery, making it a safe and acceptable environment for employees and volunteers to raise concerns in good faith about mis conduct or malpractice.

Any disclosure made in good faith will be protected and confidentially will be maintained whenever possible. Individuals who raise genuine concerns will not suffer any personal detriment as a consequence of their actions.

Reporting Concerns

Concerns should typically be reported to either of the joint managers, who will take appropriate action in response. Investigations and resolutions of concerns will be carried out as promptly as possible.

If, for any reason, the matter cannot be addressed internally, you may call LADO to report the allegation.

Call on 0300 123 1650 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm)

At Little Treasures, we encourage a culture of responsibility and openness, where all concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly, ensuring the well-being and integrity of our organisation

Policy reviewed – June 2025

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Additional Educational Needs/Inclusion Policy

Absent Child Policy

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Adverse Weather Conditions Policy

Allergy Policy

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Behaviour Management Policy

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Children’s Rights Entitlement Policy

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Children’s Walking Policy

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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy

Staff Code

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