Toileting

Children will be encouraged to go to the toilet independently while under supervision. They will be taught how to ask politely and to wash their hands in an appropriate manner. The staff are always on the lookout for signs that a child needs the toilet but does not like to ask.

If your child is still wearing nappies/pull-ups we will work together to help in potty training.  Please supply pull ups, wipes and nappy sacks. It is more comforting for the child if they can go to the toilet on their own.

Snack Time

Milk or water will be provided for all children. If your child has special dietary needs, we may ask you to provide their drink and snack. Healthy snacks will be offered daily. Different snacks will also be provided connected to themes that we are working on. We celebrate birthdays and special occasions but ask that parents do not send sweets into Pre-school as we are promoting the “good oral health of children” which is a new addition to the welfare requirements EYFS 2021.

Fresh drinking water is available to children always. 

Important Information Regarding Data Protection

To comply with GDPR we need to request your consent and explain what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, the control you have over your personal data and the procedures we have in place to protect it.

When we refer to “we”, “us”, or “our”, we mean St. Gabriel’s Pre-school Staff and Voluntary Management Group.

Record Keeping

Parents are required to complete registration forms and an entry profile when their child joins the Pre-school. If these details change, it is vital you let us know, especially changes in:

• Addresses,
• Emergency contacts
• Parental responsibility
• Mobile phone numbers
• People authorised to collect your child(ren)

Any information that you have given us is confidential. We will only share it with people directly involved in your child’s care.

We keep individual records of all children to record the progress that they are making and to ensure that they are all working at their own level. We will share this information on a regular basis with parents. The development and cultural needs of children will be identified through the continuous cycle of observation; their key person may be interested to know more about the children’s learning styles and capabilities. 

Parent Consultations

Parents are regularly given verbal reports. Staff are available at the beginning and the end of the session. Opportunities for a lengthier discussion will be given at parent consultations. These are within the academic year to discuss your child’s progress. Please try to attend. Pre-school newsletters will contain dates of these days.  Parents information will be displayed weekly on our notice board  and on Tapestry (learning journal) to let you know what your child(ren) will be learning and how you can support at home.

We would like you to feel that you can discuss any aspect of your child’s education and well-being. As the child’s parent or carer, we value your views.

Parent Volunteers

Parents are always welcome at St. Gabriel’s Pre-school and are   invited to join our Friends of St. Gabriel’s Group. We may also need help with trips and parties that we have throughout the year; an extra pair of hands is always welcome.

Special Educational Needs

Inclusion

A child will never be refused a place at St. Gabriel’s Pre-school   because of any Special Needs, as long as all interested parties’, parents and professionals agree that it is the most appropriate place to educate the child.

We liaise with professionals across the range of Special Needs. Children identified as having Special Educational Needs will have an Individual Support Plan drawn up.  We will carry out regular reviews through careful monitoring and evaluate the child’s progress. Parents will be involved at every stage.

Equality of Opportunities

St. Gabriel’s Pre-school operates an Equality of Opportunities Policy. All children and their families are treated equally. The Pre-school welcomes values and respects all children, families, staff and        volunteers. The equipment available to the children features positive images of people both male and female from a range of ethnic and cultural groups with and without disabilities.

We will through activities, attitudes, and mutual respect, seek to create an environment which is free from prejudice and discrimination.

Safeguarding Children

St. Gabriel’s Pre-school recognises its legal duty under Children and Families Act 2014, Education Act 2011, s175 2002 and the 1989 Children Act and takes seriously its responsibilities to protect and safeguard the interests of all children.

Our aims are to create an environment in our Pre-school which encourages children to develop a positive self-image, regardless of race, language, religion, culture or home background. Help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers, and with other adults. Work with parents to build their understanding of and commitment to the welfare of all our children.

We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms - physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.

When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, this may be demonstrated through changes in their behaviour, or in their play. Where such changes in behaviour occur, or where children's play gives cause for concern, the Pre-school investigates.  Where, a child shows signs and symptoms of 'failure to thrive' or neglect, we make appropriate referrals, to Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support Service   0300 111 8007

If there is concern about a child, we will make a referral with or without your consent.

Our policy has regard to the statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2024’,   

Working together to safeguard children - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and is in keeping with Staffordshire Safeguarding Board (SSCB) ‘local safeguarding partners’

www.staffsscb.org.uk/professionals/procedures/

Complaints Procedure

St. Gabriel’s Pre-school believes that children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. We welcome suggestions on how to improve our Pre-school and will give prompt and serious attention to concerns about the running of the Pre-school. We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff. If you do not achieve the desired outcome, you should refer the complaint either verbally or in writing to the Pre-school Manager theresa.miller@st-gabriels.staffs.sch.uk

The complaint and subsequent process will be completed within 28 days from the date the complaint was first made.

We are registered with Ofsted (raising standards improving lives) as a provider of childcare on non-domestic premises on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the     voluntary part of the Childcare Register.  Our Registration Number: 218233. You can get in touch with Ofsted on 0300 123 1231 or 0300 123 4666 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk/early-years-and-childcare

Mobile Phone Policy/Camera, Photographs and Smart Watches

To ensure the safety and welfare of children in our care the Pre-school operates a mobile phone policy which stipulates that:

Members of staff, committee members, parents and visitors are not to use mobile telephones on pre-school premises.

Visitors to the premises may be asked to leave their telephone in a secure location.

Staff should leave their personal mobile telephones in a secure location (staff room/office). The setting telephone number can be given as an emergency contact number 01827 250903. Staff must never use personal mobile telephones to photograph children within the setting.

Mobile telephones must not be used in any environment where children are present. This policy supports Safeguarding Policy.

Camera and Photographs

Photographs taken for recording a child or group of children participating in activities or celebrating their achievements is an effective form or recording their progression in line with the New Early Years Foundation Stage that came into effect from December 2023. Only the designated Pre-school devices are to be used to take any photographs within the setting or on outings. Permission is obtained from parent.

Smart Watches

Staff can wear smart watches to receive notification of calls or messages. Their mobile phones are kept in their bags in a cupboard. If the smart watch has a camera, this is not to be used.

Social Networking Policy—Online Safety

The Voluntary Management Committee recognises the right of every member of staff, committee member and parents to enjoy their personal time and to use social networking websites as part of this personal time. It also recognises that it is inappropriate for Pre-school business to be discussed online.

As a result:

 Staff and committee members must not discuss Pre-school business via social networking sites.

The discussion of any confidential information relating to families, their children or the financial situation of the group will be deemed to be gross misconduct and will result in appropriate action being taken. (Cross reference Confidentiality Policy, Data Protection, Safeguarding).

Pictures of children within the Pre-school setting must not be posted on social networking sites. (Cross reference Safeguarding Policy).

Staff and committee members should be mindful of posting photographs and posts which may bring the Pre-school into disrepute.

Parent must not post any Pre-school pictures of other children on social networking sites.

This policy should also be considered within the context of other policies and documents relating to our work with children.

Facebook

St. Gabriel’s Pre-school has its own Facebook page.

We regularly post photos of our activities so parents can share with family.

We respect that some parents/carers do not want their child’s photograph on social media. Please be reassured that children’s photographs will only be put on Facebook if we have your signed permission.

Tapestry Learning Journal