Our Policies

[Acorns toileting] [Admissions policy] [Behaviour management] [Behaviour management procedures] [Birth to Three] [Complaints] [Confidentiality] [Equal Opportunities] [Foundation Stage] [Health] [Healthy Eating] [Lost or Uncollected children] [Management and Administration] [Nappy Changing procedure] [No Smoking] [Outings] [Parents as Partners] [Pippins toileting] [Safeguarding children] [Safeguarding children staff procedures] [Safety] [Safety and Emergency Procedures] [Severe weather] [Settling in] [Suitable person] [Sun protection]

ACORNS TOILET POLICY:

Aim: To ensure the safety of staff and children and to develop the independence skills of children when using the toilet.

Objectives: Through careful procedures children will use the toilet either independently or with support gaining skills and understanding and practicing good hygiene routines.

• All children during a play session who wish to use the toilet must tell a member of staff that they are going to use the toilet. For those requiring support staff are to accompany children assisting with clothing and bottom wiping as required.

• The member of staff nearest to the toilet, must be made aware a child has gone to the toilet and should be aware that the child has come out of the toilet.

• When children are using the toilets en mass, a member of staff should be in attendance.  Children should be encouraged to use the toilets sensibly and assist any children that may need help with bottom wiping.   Make sure that all children wash their hands with soap and dry their hands and place paper in the bin.  Make sure that all toilets are flushed, that toilets are in a clean condition and that all children have vacated the toilet before the member of staff leaves the toilet area.

• After lunch, a member of staff to spray toilet handles and seat and put toilet cleaner down toilet.

• Sign chart each mass useage of toilet – snack, lunch, snack, tea.

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ADMISSION  POLICY:

Aim: To support those wishing to attend Birch Farm.  

Objective:To operate a fair procedure where by those children wishing to attend Birch Farm are admitted into the room most appropriate for their age and stage of development, Subject to availability.

• A registration form must be completed and signed by a parent/carer for the relevant section, this will be deemed as acceptance of our Fees & Conditions. All information on this form will be treated in the strictest confidence. This registration form must be submitted with £50 to secure your child/s place at Birch Farm, unless you have moved up from another section or already have a sibling within the nursery.

• Inoculations are not a specified requirement at Birch Farm.

• Discount is available to those children with siblings already at Birch Farm.

• No child will be refused admission to Birch Farm in accordance with our ‘Equal Opportunities’. Should a place not be available a child would be placed on a waiting list. This is operated on a first come first served basis and parents carers will be contacted when a space becomes available.

• Children are required to attend a minimum of two sessions per week. A session comprises a morning or an afternoon.

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BEHAVIOUR:

Good manners and self-discipline are encouraged and praised at every opportunity.

Positive reinforcement of good or sensitive behaviour is vital.

There is no punishment area, corner or naughty chair, however a child may be removed from the main body of a group to calm down and talk through the situation. Staff will not use any form of physical intervention, eg. Holding, unless it is necessary to prevent personal injury to the child, other children, an adult or serious damage to property. 

Aggressive behaviour, bullying or discriminatory remarks directed at individual children will not be tolerated. Encouragement is given to share and to consider the ‘other persons’ point of view. Where necessary an individual ‘behaviour plan’ may be instigated to provide a consistent pattern of management. Parents advice will be sought in this matter.

Aggressive behaviour or discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated from a child towards any member of staff. Children will be taken to a quiet area to listen to and discuss their behaviour individually.

Physical and corporal punishments, or the threat of them, are never used.

Acceptable and non acceptable behaviour patterns are discussed and addressed throughout our planned activities and form part of the process of enabling children to discriminate right from wrong.

Any incident occurring will be reported to the parent/carer on the same day.

Birch Farm has a named member of staff who is responsible for behaviour management issues and will support staff and parents/carers as necessary and will recommend expert advice if ordinary methods are not effective.

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BEHAVIOURAL PROCEDURE:

Aim: To support all children and ensure safety and security during their time at Birch Farm.

Objectives: To use a variety of strategies and support methods to support both children and staff when dealing with behavioural management.

Children will be discouraged and distracted to help avoid stressful situations (see our behavioural policy)

Should a child on site become a concern due to their behaviour and/or threaten the welfare of either staff or their peers, the following procedure should be followed:

Keep calm and remove either the individual child or the other group members from the room/area.

Call Mini, Diana or Richard to support.

If the situation does not ease contact the parents / carers.

Develop a long term support plan for the individual child in the following way:

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BIRTH TO THREE POLICY:

Aim:To support children during their first three years of life, to provide the opportunity to develop each child to the best of their individual potential. 

Objectives:To observe children on a regular basis and use this information to form planning and developing of activities.

Keyworkers get to know their children and use this knowledge to develop an individual child profile.

Through the use of the daily diary and daily parent/carer chats, parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s progress at Birch Farm and create positive home/nursery links

Weekly short term plans ensure children’s present stage of development is supported.  Individual observations feed in to ensure activities coincide with this. 

Staff are encouraged to attend training to support and extend their knowledge.

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COMPLAINTS  POLICY:

Aim: Birch Farm believes that everyone has a right to be treated fairly and with respect and takes seriously any person complaints regarding any part of their experience at Birch Farm.

Objective: Where possible to resolve any difficulties quickly and efficiently and to make changes to the running of Birch Farm where deemed necessary.

Any parent that feels the need to complain regarding any matter at Birch Farm, should first direct their complaint to the head of the section involved. 

If the situation has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the parent, a written complaint should be sent to Mini Shakespeare – Nursery Manager of Birch Farm.

Any complaint received, whether written or verbal will be recorded by the nursery manager.  Complaints will be recorded within our complaints log and these may be reviewed at any time.  Following a complaint the nursery manager will investigate thoroughly. The results of the investigation along with any action taken will be given to the complantive within 28 days. 

Parents may at any time contact OFSTED with whom Birch Farm is registered:

Telephone:  0845 6014771

Our complaints log is held in the Birch Farm Reception.

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CONFIDENTIALITY  POLICY:

Aim: To ensure all information received by Birch Farm is only used as intended and all information is stored safely and securely and disposed of appropriately. 

Confidential information is required regarding all children when registering at Birch Farm.  All this and any subsequent information is treated with the strictest of confidence. All information is kept on site at Birch Farm for the duration of the time the child attends. Following children leaving all registration forms are kept for a further year once, Accident forms are kept for 7 years.

All staff are aware for the need of privacy and confidentiality regarding any family whilst at Birch Farm. Staff know that they may not give out any information relating to a child, or disclose any information, including telephone numbers, regarding a family at Birch Farm without prior consent from the family. Staff and student induction specifically includes an awareness of this.

Observations are regularly undertaken by all staff and these observations are used to inform us of children’s developmental stages and help us plan activities appropriate for their needs. These observations are kept confidential by staff in the child’s individual file. Files are available for parents to view either at parents evenings or on request.

In line with legislation should a concern be raised over a child's safety information would only be shared with those who needed to know and all reports who be kept in a secure location on site.

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EQUAL  OPPORTUNITIES:

We are committed to taking positive steps through daily experiences to provide a positive safe environment, free from discrimination for all who use our facilities. We will do this through use of policies, procedures, employment and training for staff and through appropriate resources and activities for the children. Reference is made to the Race Relations Act 2000, Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Special Needs and Disability Act 2001.

Birch Farm promotes equal opportunities for all staff with regard to employment and  training.  Everyone has the opportunity to apply for positions and information can be translated if this is required. Adverts are placed in a variety of areas to ensure the equality of opportunity. All of the staff are aware and understand the importance to implement equal opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice at Birch Farm.

All children are given an equal opportunity to register at Birch Farm. When required places are unavailable parents/carers will be offered other spaces or given a chance to go on a waiting list for that space. Waiting list is operated on a first come first served basis, unless the child is in receipt of Early Years Funding where we have an obligation to offer these children first spaces according to our agreement with Suffolk County Council.

Birch Farm actively promotes equality of opportunity for all children and staff to participate in a wide variety of experiences through the activities on offer for. All children are treated with equal concern and value. Birch Farm will liaise with parents to ensure that any relevant information is known to enable appropriate care. Through planning and family liaison we will help children to express and celebrate their individual cultural and religious identities.

Birch Farm will not tolerate any negative or derogatory comments regarding race, gender, physical or medical disability directed at either staff or children.

Every child will be encouraged to listen, learn and appreciate the cultural, physical and emotional needs of his fellow man.

Our Equal Opportunities Statement is regularly reviewed and updated and is consistent with current legislation and guidance.

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FOUNDATION STAGE POLICY:

Aim: To ensure all children who are within the Foundation Stage gain the support needed to achieve their personal best whilst attending Birch Farm and to support their move onto their next setting.

Objectives: Children will be supported to achieve their individual best by staff completing a Foundation Stage Profile individual to them.

All staff will undertake ongoing observations of individual children. These will be used to develop the weekly plans.

We will use the support of our Early Education Support Teacher, who visits our setting to develop and improve our practice.

Termly parents evenings are held when staff and parents can exchange information and look at their child’s profile together. 

Staff are encouraged to attend training and Foundation Stage events held by Suffolk County Council and other bodies. 

A handover document is produced and sent directly to the child’s next setting. 

Where possible, contact is made directly with schools and teachers are encouraged to visit Birch Farm.

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HEALTH  POLICY:

The premises at Birch Farm are cleaned on a daily basis. All staff are aware of the importance of good hygiene practice and are kept up to date with hygiene procedures.

Children are constantly reminded of good hygiene practices, especially when using the toilet. Children are taught to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. All children are highlighted to the fact that outside there may be germs – dirt, cats, pets and must always wash their hands on re-entering the nursery. Good hygiene is reinforced through activities and positive images at the nursery. This applies to all nursery staff as well.

Parents/carers must complete the ‘Dietary needs’ and ‘Medical conditions’ section of the Registration Form, which is completed before a child starts. Any condition is then transferred to a ‘dietary’ or ‘medical’ chart which is displayed in the kitchen. All staff handling food at Birch Farm have attended a Food Safety and Hygiene course.

In accordance with the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988, should 2 or more children fall ill from food poisoning, or if any child is reported to have meningitis or should Birch Farm have an outbreak of a notifiable disease identified as such in the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, any such case will be reported to the relevant authority.

All medicines must be handed to a supervisor, or deputy in their absence and a parent/carer must complete a Birch Farm ‘medication form’ before any medicine may left and administered. Two staff must initial acceptance of the medicine and be responsible that it is administered at the appropriate time. The medicine must be labelled and stored as necessary in the kitchen away from the children.  At the end of the day the parent/carer must check and sign the medication form and take the medicine home. Should a child require Calpol during the day, a parent/carer will be contacted before any may be administered.

There is a First Aid box located in each section, as well as a First Aid box in Reception for staff only. A list of contents is regularly checked by a nominated member of staff. The majority of our staff have current training in first aid procedures as well as Birch Farm providing staff with refresher courses.

No child may be accepted into Birch Farm while ill with an infection or contagious disease, and no child may be brought back into Birch Farm until the child has been fit and well for 24 hours.  Should a child fall ill whilst at Birch Farm, parents will be contacted and collection will need to be effected as soon as possible.

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HEALTHY EATING POLICY:

Aim:  To ensure that all children at Birch Farm Nursery have healthy and nutritious meals to support both their physical, emotional and cultural development.

Drinks: Birch Farm will ensure all children have access to water throughout the day and staff will encourage children to access this, particularly after physical exercise or during hot weather. During meal and snack times, children have access to a choice of milk or water and staff encourage the children to drink throughout the meals/snack times

Food:  All food is cooked on site using fresh ingredients prepared daily. Children are offered two vegetables with lunch and further fruit and vegetables as part of morning/afternoon snacks and our light tea. Here at Birch Farm we help children to work towards a large percentage of their daily intake of 5 portions of fruit and vegetables. We do not add extra salt or any additives to our meals. The food is delivered to the different sections to serve out, prepared according to the requirements of the children.

Babies and children are fed in accordance with the child’s individual needs. Should a child be asleep at lunch they will be fed when they wake. Babies are normally held whilst bottle feeding to enforce a feeling of love and security. All highchairs are equipped with safety harnesses which are used every time a child uses a highchair. 

In Catkins, all necessary equipment is sterilised before using and a daily record kept of the child’s food/drink intake. 

We provide a lunch/tea chart for Pippins and lunch chart for Acorns so that parents carers can see how well their child has eaten during the day.

We also encourage new food tasting as part of our topics and cookery. We also have a small garden area where children are involved in growing a variety of vegetables and herbs.

Servings in Pippins and Catkins are kept moderately small to encourage those who are not confident at meal times, and encourage second helpings for those who wish for more. Acorns children are encouraged to serve themselves at least part of their meals this encourages fine motor and social skills. Children are encouraged to try all meals but never forced to eat anything they do not wish to and should a child not eat any main course, dessert will still be offered. Fresh fruit is always available if an alternative is needed

Lunch boxes: During the school holidays, children who bring in lunch boxes are encouraged to:

• have no sweets/chocolate bars.

•  always eat savoury first.

• not share or swap their food with others.

We suggest the following items to go in lunch boxes:

•  bread sticks/ crackers.

•  vegetable sticks, such as carrot, cucumber or tomatoes.

• pasta salad/tub of salad.

• fruit either fresh or dried.

• yoghurt.

• sandwiches /pittas.

Dietary Requirements: Birch Farm are able to cater for special requirements although may ask parents/carers support to do this, such as suggested meals their child likes or ingredients to avoid.  We are also able to offer a vegetarian alternative should it be required. All dietary needs are recorded in the child’s room, servery and main kitchen.

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Health & Safety:

Equipment Check list

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LOST OR UNCOLLECTED CHILDREN:

Aim: To ensure safety and security of all children in our care.

If a child is not collected at the end of a session/day, we implement the following:

•  The daily register/diary is checked for any information about changes to the normal collection routine. If no information is available, parents/carers are contacted at home or at work. If this is unsuccessful the emergency contacts authorised by the parents/carers on their registration forms will be contacted. 

• The child would be kept at Birch Farm, until collection effected.

•  In extreme cases we would contact known friends, family and finally the police.

•  Should this still not effect a collection, we will contact our local authority social services department, telephone number 08456 023 023 or main switch board 01473 583000.

•  A written report of the incident is recorded.

•  Depending on circumstances, we reserve the right to charge parents for the additional hours worked by our staff. 

 If a child is lost we implement the following:

• All attempts to locate the child would be exhausted through staff searching the local area, buildings an last known location. Thereafter the police would be informed and parents /carers contacted.

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MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION:

Birch Farm is a family run business and endeavours to provide an excellent childcare service to the immediate community, forging close links with the school and the surrounding rural and urban communities. The day to day administration of the site is managed by Mini Shakespeare, supported by Diana Bryce and the deputy manager Sarah Sharman. There is also an accounts administrator on site part-time. The development and maintenance of the site is managed by Richard Bryce. Regular management meetings are held to discuss the ongoing and forward planning of Birch Farm.

There is a supervisor in charge of each of the section in nursery, who are responsible for the day to day management. Regular meetings are held between management to help maintain and improve the high standards offered at Birch Farm.

Our insurance for Birch Farm is reviewed and renewed annually.  A copy of our Employers Liability is displayed in Reception. We have public liability cover for up to £10 million.

All our policies are developed and used for the efficient and safe management of Birch Farm and are regularly reviewed. These are as detailed in our Operational Plan. Parents and Ofsted will be informed of any significant changes to our premises or our Operational Plan. Ofsted and The Child Protection Agency will be informed of any allegations of abuse which have taken place on the premises and a full investigation undertaken by management. Ofsted would also be informed of any other significant events.  We inform The Early Years & Training Unit of any changes in staff.

Our advertising and marketing strategy is directed at the local area for both working and non-working parents. Permission will be sought individually before any photograph may be used for advertising purposes.

Following a successful interview, staff will be subject to our comprehensive staff policies and procedures, which includes a satisfactory CRB Police check. Any allegations of abuse by a member of staff or volunteer alleged to have taken place on the premises will be brought to the attention of Ofsted forthwith.

All sections at Birch Farm have short, medium and long term planning objectives which are constantly monitored and evaluated.  Records are kept for individual children and are administered on a daily, weekly, monthly and half termly basis as required. These will be kept confidential and safe at Birch Farm. Once a child leaves these records are retained for a minimum of 1 year. These records are always available for parents to see.

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NAPPY CHANGING PROCEDURE: 

Aim: To ensure the safety and security of all staff and children during the nappy change procedure.

When changing nappies:       

•  make sure that you wear a new pair of gloves for each child.

• use correct size of nappy.

• only use cream if they are allowed.

• make a note of any new marks on the child’s body if you spot any that have not been reported by the parents – inform supervisor and complete a ‘Existing injury form’ which must be shown and signed by the parent/carer on collection. 

• complete the nappy chart. 

• spray the napping changing mat after each child is changed – therefore always left clean for the next child. 

• dispose of nappy in the nappy bin and leave nappy area clean and tidy.

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NO SMOKING:

A no smoking policy operates at Birch Farm. Should a member of staff wish to smoke during the day, they must do so in the designated zone, which is outside away from the children. They must also ensure that they do not smell of smoke as a consequence.

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OUTINGS POLICY:

• All outings from Birch Farm are arranged and confirmed in advance with parents.

• All parents are given the choice as to whether their child/ren attend.

• All vehicles used are fitted with seat belts and have a current MOT certificate.

• All vehicles are taxed and insured as a business to carry children.

• Only named drivers on the insurance policy with a current, clean licence are allowed to drive vehicles.

• Key workers are responsible for a small number of children and extra parental help may be required for a trip to take place to ensure our staff: child ratio is appropriate.

• An attendance register is checked regularly throughout the trip to ensure children are accounted for at all times.

• Should a child go missing, the senior member of staff will be informed and the management of the venue advised to start their ‘lost child policy’. The police will be informed should this become necessary - parents will be contacted at this point.

• All staff will submit a written report of the incidence and the procedure reviewed.

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PARENTS AS PARTNERS:

Aim: In order to fully support children Birch Farm believes in a comprehensive parent partnership and uses a variety of methods to develop this.

Parents must complete a Registration Form before a child may start at Birch Farm. All information disclosed at by parents/carers will be treated in the strictest confidence. These records will be kept at Birch Farm at all times and will be kept for 1 year after a child has left. All records are available for inspection for the Early Years Child Care Inspector.

We have displayed a poster from Ofsted giving all parents the opportunity to telephone them with any comments regarding our nursery. Ofsted no longer give any warning before an inspection. This is now one inspection covering both the care and the pre-school. Parents will be issued with a copy of the report once issued.

Parents are provided with a ‘Welcome Pack’ for each section so that they familiar with the daily routine, activities provided, etc before they start. Parents are asked to complete a Family Information Sheet when they start so that we have a fuller picture of the family as a whole. 

Parents are prime carers and as such their views and concerns are greatly valued and acknowledged.  We operate an Open Door Policy and parents are always welcome to see their child/s work/records at any time. A written daily diary of information is kept in Catkins and Pippins and shared with parents/carers each day. In other sections information is verbally shared at the start and end of a session and if necessary written notation made. There are Parent Sharing Forms available where they sign in/out, should they wish to make any comments regarding the nursery or their child’s care named or anonymously. 

Each section prepares short, mid and long term planning schedules to help ensure every day is well balanced and meets the necessary learning goals. These are displayed in their foyer for parents/carers to see. Wall displays are updated regularly with new work and form a very important part of the nursery’s daily routine.

There is a parents area in reception, which has a variety of information – booklets/leaflets for them to look through. Should any parent require a copy of any information, they may ask at reception.  This area also contains a Birth to Three pack and a Foundation Stage Guidance document. These are the curriculum documents that the nursery follows. Should you wish to borrow a copy please sign it out at reception. Birch Farm keeps parents informed on a regular basis via newsletters and have ‘parents evening’ in Acorns termly and Pippins and Catkins 6 monthly. Each section has a foyer where information is displayed, both current and long term.  Parents and carers skills are always welcomed, please share these with us. All our policies are kept in Reception and parents/carers are welcome to look at these at any time.

Children are only released to persons named on the Registration Form. Should another person need to collect a child, a password plus a description is used to verify the validity of the collection.

If a child is identified as a ‘child in need’, appropriate information will be given to the relevant referring agency, usually with the parents’ permission.

Should any parent/carer who wishes to make a complaint about our nursery should follow the Complaints Procedure as documented. A record of all complaints with be kept at Reception and is available for any parent/carer to see on request and if requested we undertake to provide Ofsted with a list of complaints and any action taken subsequently for any period.

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PIPPINS TOILET POLICY:

Aim: To ensure the safety of all children and staff during the toilet procedure and to make the use of the bathroom as positive experience for children.

Objectives: Through careful procedures listed below children will learn to use the bathroom in a safe and confident manner developing their independence.

Staff will support children helping them to use the toilet and supporting them with clothing as required. Staff will also encourage and display positive role model of the hand washing procedures to develop good hygiene practices.

• All children visiting the toilet must be accompanied by an adult.

• Children who are using the potty must be helped to sit correctly and bottoms wiped.  Potty to be emptied and sprayed after each use.

• Children who are using the toilet:  make sure they are helped to pull down their clothes as necessary to use the toilet.  Assist with bottom wipe as necessary and flush toilet when finished. 

• Make sure ALL children wash their hands after using the toilet/potty.

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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN:

All staff at Birch Farm have been checked by the CRB (Police) and managers have completed a health Declaration (Ofsted).  All staff have an ongoing responsibility to declare any offences which may affect their suitability to care for children or be left unsupervised with the children.  Birch Farm has a designated member of staff in each section who is responsible for liaison with child protection agencies in any child protection situation. Their names are listed in Reception and individual sections of the nursery they are responsible for.

Protection of a child at Birch Farm is our first priority. All staff are aware of child protection issues and have regular training to ensure this is up to date. All staff are made aware of the Safeguarding Children’s Policy through their induction process. Staff are made aware of the booklet ‘What to do if you are worried about a child being abused’ and a copy of this booklet is available in each section of the nursery or reception. We operate an on going policy that all staff observe and listen to the children and where there is cause for concern regarding a child’s safety, the parents/carers of that child will be contacted, except in exceptional circumstances where the child’s safety is threatened. Should this situation arise we would immediately inform the Suffolk Safeguarding Children’s Board and Ofsted on 0845 6014771 and any necessary action adhered to.

Birch Farm staff are all made aware that vigilance is needed with respect to the conduct of our staff with the children. Should there be cause for concern we would immediately inform the Suffolk Safeguarding Children’s Board and Ofsted on 0845 6014771 and any necessary action adhered to.

A ‘known’ person must always collect a child from Birch Farm. If circumstances prevent this from happening, a letter or telephone call to implement a password comes into effect.

Estranged parents must notify the supervisor of their relevant section if a court order is in force regarding the care of a child.  All information received will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN:Staff Procedure

Every member of staff has to have a police check when working at Birch Farm.  Until received clear staff will not be left unattended or be able to do nappies. All staff should make themselves aware of the booklet ‘What to do if you are worried about a child’ a copy of which is in each section and reception and will be asked to attend regular training.

A minimum of 2 staff must always on duty at any time. Staff are to observe and listen to all children, where staff consider there is cause for concern for the child’s safety, report findings back to your immediate supervisor. This will then be taken further if necessary. Where needed a written report of any incidents/marks, etc, should be made by staff (body picture), these will be kept in a secure file and management informed. Any child protection issue will immediately  be reported to Suffolk Safeguarding Children’s Board and  also Ofsted on 0845 6014771 and any necessary action adhered to.

Staff must only let children leave Birch Farm with a ‘known’ person. Should a collector be a ‘new’ person, they must have had permission from the parents via phone or letter. Should there be no such evidence, then the child must be kept at Birch Farm until the ‘new’ person has been verified safe to take the child home.

Estranged parents must notify Birch Farm if a court order is in force regarding the care of a child - all staff must be made aware of such an action (supervisor to inform staff). Unless a court order is in place, Birch Farm are unable to prevent either parent collecting their child.

Staff are to challenge anyone entering the Birch Farm Complex to verify their reason for being on site. Should they be unwilling to give a name or satisfactory reason for their presence, they are taken to the house to talk with Richard or Diana Bryce. Should they still be unwilling to co-operate – DO NOT CHALLENGE FURTHER:  retreat back into the building, sound the alarm, lock all doors/windows and call for the police.

Should staff be accused of abuse, they will be immediately suspended and a full investigation will be undertaken by the management.

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SAFETY:

Birch Farm ensures at all times that staff: child ratios are maintained as registered with Ofsted.  Birch Farm ensures at all times that the correct number of children are allowed to attend as per our registration with Ofsted.

Children are never left unsupervised.

Children in Catkins are checked every 10 minutes and Pippins checked every 15 minutes whilst they are sleeping. Documented sleep charts are kept daily, and parents are informed of their child’s sleep/s each day. Should a child fall asleep whilst in Acorns , they are monitored in the same way as Pippins.

Birch Farm has a ‘Health & Safety’ file compiled detailing all the possible risks/hazards and their control measures for both children and staff. These are reviewed on a regular basis by the nominated person responsible.

A ‘risk assessment’ has been carried out for each section, which is displayed in the relevant section.  This will be reviewed as necessary.

All fire equipment is installed to meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Officer at Babergh District Council in compliance with our registration with Ofsted. All fire equipment is checked annually, supported by a ‘Certificate of Maintenance’ displayed in Reception.  All fire doors and fire exits are clearly marked and always kept clear. Fire drills are held every three months involving all sections of which a record is kept. All fire drills are assessed in accordance with the recommendations implemented by the Fire Officer.

When children are using the pool facilities there is always a qualified teacher or lifeguard in attendance. Staff make sure that the children are aware of the safety procedures involved.

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Safety & Emergency Procedure:

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Severe weather:

Aim: To ensure the safety of all users during severe weather.

On the rare occasion that adverse weather conditions arise, Birch Farm management will make a decision by 7.15am based on the current weather condition and forecast for the day in our region.

This decision will reflect the welfare of our staff and children for their journey to and from nursery.

We will endeavour to notify SGR and Suffolk Radio if we are closed.

Should Birch Farm close you may either swop the cancelled session or have a 50% refund – please advise Mini.

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Settling in Policy:

Aim: To ensure that children and families starting at Birch Farm are helped to ease into the new routine in their lives, ensuring as little emotional discomfort as possible. 

Objectives: Using a variety of strategies children and families are gradually eased into the daily life at Birch Farm in a friendly caring way.

Prior to starting at Birch Farm parents/ carers as encouraged to complete 'All about me' and 'Our Family' forms these are designed to help the staff to have a comprehensive starting point from which to build on with each child and their family and support and acknowledge each child's individuality.

Any child starting Birch Farm is offered two trial sessions prior to their first day. These are usually in the week preceding their start date. At this point children and their families will be introduced to a member of the team who will be their keyworker. These sessions are designed to give the child a short experience of nursery life and enable them to get to know the staff briefly, before being left for a whole session. It also allows parents/ carers the opportunity to discuss their child with staff and ease the concern parents may have about leaving their child for a whole session.  Parents / carers receive comprehensive ‘Welcome Packs’ for each section, to make sure they have a clear picture of how the section operates. Parents/ carers are welcome to start their children on our 2 x 3hour short sessions and gradually build up to longer days.

Children move from Catkins into Pippins at approximately 18 months. We discuss this with the parents/ carers, but is determined by the physical mobility and emotional development of the child.  They need to be walking confidently on their own before the transition can occur. In the month leading up to their move to Pippins, children will attend a few short trial sessions initially accompanied by their keyworker or other familiar staff, gradually building up the time they spend at each trial . If at this stage both staff and parents/carers are happy with the progress of their child, the transition will occur.  Parents/ carers will be issued with a welcome pack for Pippins so they may become familiar with the different set up of this section.

Children move from Pippins into Acorns pre-school from 30 months. Parents/carers receive information about our pre-school the month before they are due to start. Parents /carers are able to come along to the termly Open Week and  are welcome to meet with the Supervisor to discuss their child’s involvement in the pre-school. The children have ‘taster’ sessions, firstly with their keyworker or other familiar staff member and then on their own.  Parents /carers are informed of these sessions. If at this stage both staff and parents/carers are happy with the progress of their child, the transition will occur. Parents/ carers will be issued with a welcome pack for Acorns so they may become familiar with the different set up of this section. We offer an ‘open week’ and ‘parents evening’ once a term, so that parents may see and discuss their child’s progress.

We endeavour to make any transition a child makes as easy and enjoyable as possible.  Children’s progress charts are transferred at each move along with a handover document, so that the next section has a picture of where the child is and the areas that may need further development.

Every child and family that joins Birch Farm are unique and we aim to treat them accordingly, offering support and help whenever needed. We offer an ‘open door’ policy where by parents may visit at any time to see their child and parents are at liberty to view their progress folders at any time. We listen and act, when necessary, to any comments or concerns raised by parents and operate a parents comments form system should you wish to make written comments either named or anonymously. We are happy to work with parents where appropriate to resolve any concern they have with regard to ensuring the happiness of their child at nursery.

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Suitable Persons:

Aim: To ensure the suitability of all persons working at Birch Farm.

Objective: Using the system as set up by Ofsted all those in contact with the the children will be checked through the relevant procedures. Until such time as clearance has been received they will remain supervised at all times.

We as the registered persons have satisfied all the prescribed checks necessary to qualify for registration. We undertake to inform Ofsted if this should change in any way.

In accordance with the National Standards, any new member of staff or person living or working on the premises, will go through the following checks to ensure their suitability to look after children or be in contact with them:

•  CRB check to be carried out as soon as possible, using the agent Nestor Criminal Records Agency with whom we are registered.  Until such time that a CRB check has been completed successfully, no new member of staff will be left alone with the children.

•  Proof of identity in the form of a passport, birth certificate and evidence to support their current address.

• Two referees – one professional and one personal (not family member).   These to be contacted, as soon as possible, for confirmation of suitability of person to work with children.

• All persons have been informed of their ongoing responsibility to declare any offences or orders which may affect their suitability to care for children or be left unsupervised with the children, unless such disqualification has been waived by Ofsted. This is checked annually at Staff appraisals.

We will notify Ofsted if any staff, subsequent to meeting all the above criteria, for any reason, fail to continue to meet the above.

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Sun protection:

Aim: To protect children from the harmful sun rays.

Objective: Through a comprehensive policy of care children will be protected from the harmful suns rays.

Sun’s rays can damage children’s skin, and could lead to skin cancer later in life. As a consequence we will apply sunscreen before the children go out to play on sunny, warm days and will encourage them to wear a sun hat.  Please provide a factor 50 sunscreen in a named container. If parents do not provide suncream we will apply nursery suncream.  Parents need to provide their child with a named sun hat – preferably with a wide brim or a legionnaire style.

We would request that parents/carers apply sunscreen before they bring their child into nursery and staff will apply extra sunscreen as necessary throughout the day.

The hours between 11am and 3pm will be avoided for long outside play times and instead will use our barn to play in during these times.

The importance of sun protection will be discussed with the children and will be engaged in activities to promote this issue at the beginning of the summer.

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Last modified: Monday, 17. May 2010