Pre-School Additional Information

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.

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.

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 2018’,    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/

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 any 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 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk/early-years-and-childcare

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 encouraged 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 September 2021.

• Only the designated Pre-school camera is to be used to take any photographs within the setting or on outings.

• Permission is obtained from parent.

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.