Policies and Procedures
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
HAPPY DAYS CHILDMINDING SERVICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES LIST OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1. ACCIDENT&INCIDENT POLICY 2. ADMISSION POLICY 3. ALCOHOL&OTHER SUBSTANCES POLICY 4. BULLYING POLICY 5. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 6. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 7. CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY 8. DEPARTURE POLICY 9. DROPPING OFF&COLLECTIONS POLICY 10. EMERGENCY BACK UP POLICY 11. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY 12. FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURE 13. FIRE POLICY 14. HEALTH&SAFETY POLICY 15. HEALTHY EATING POLICY 16. HYGIENE POLICY 17. LANGUAGE POLICY 18. LOST CHILD POLICY 19. MANAGING BEHAVIOUT POLICY&HOUSE RULES 20. MEDICINE POLICY 21. MOBILE PHONE AND CAMERA POLICY 22. OBSERVATION, ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING PROCEDURE AND PAPERWORK 23. OUTINGS POLICY 24. PAMENT POLICY 25. PERSONAL POSSESSION POLICY 26. PHYSICAL CONTACT POLICY 27. PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS&SHARED CARE POLICY 28. RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY 29. SETTLING IN POLICY 30. SICKNESS POLICY 31. SLEEPING BABY/CHILDS POLICY 32. SMOKING POLICY 33. LATE&UNCOLLECTED CHILD POLICY As an OFSTED registered Childminder I am restricted to the number and ages of children that I can care for at any one time. These details are on my OFSTED REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE, which is displayed during my minding hours. I am happy to take on any baby/child within my registered numbers and will not discriminate against children or their families for reasons such as race, religion, sex or ability. However, I will inform that I am unable to take any more children due to already reaching the capacity set by OFSTED. All children are welcomed and encourage other children in my care to support me in this. I request four-week settling in period on the contract, so if any party (parents, child or me) is not happy with the arrangement it can be terminated easily. When taking on new child I take into consideration all the children already in my care who are happy and settled. ALCOHOL & OTHER SUBSTANCES POLICY As a responsible childminder it is my duty to protect all children; to be available to their needs and to be able to respond appropriately to any issues, causes for concern or dangers whilst children are under my care. In order to do this I ensure that neither I, nor anyone else who has contact with the children whilst at my setting, is under the influence of alcohol or any other substances which may affect our ability to care for children. I ensure that I or anyone who has contact with the children in my care whilst at my setting is taking medication which may affect their ability to care for children seeks medical advice and only work directly with children if it is confirmed that their ability to look after the children are not be impaired If I or anyone else who has contact with the children in my care whilst at my setting is prescribed medication, other than routine antibiotics, I must inform OFSTED who will make a decision as to whether I can continue to mind whilst taking them. If parents have been drinking alcohol during the time their children are under my care, I would advise if the parent arrange for another responsible person to collect the child, especially if they plan to drive home. Alternatively, parents can call me and discuss a delayed pick up if possible. CHILDREN As drugs and alcohol are now far more available to younger children, I must remain vigilant at all times. If I have any concerns with regards to a child being involved in alcohol, drugs or any other substances, I immediately will discuss the matter with the parents. I work with parents to support any matters relating to children. However, I do reserve the right to terminate the contract with immediate effect, if I am concerned that other children in my care might be placed at risk. ACCIDENT & INCIDENT POLICY It is my absolute priority to keep children safe while they are in my care. However, occasionally accidents and incidents do occur. As a registered childminder, I ensure to comply with all legal and statutory requirements. I have attended Paediatric First Aid Course and now hold a valid certificate. I am trained to administer basic first aid treatment should a need arise. I possess a first aid box that is clearly labelled and easily accessible. All parents’ emergency contact numbers are kept with the first aid box. I hold signed written permission from parents on the Child Record Form to give first aid or seek emergency treatment for their child if it is needed. If there is an accident, I will follow the below written procedure: First and foremost I will reassure the injured child. I will ensure that the other children in my care are safe and can be observed. This may mean strapping a baby in a buggy or sitting an older child somewhere safe where they can be seen. Then I will assess the extent of the injuries and if possible I will deal with the injuries carrying out the first aid procedures necessary and for which I am trained. If not, I will ring 999 for help. If I have to accompany or take child to hospital I will contact the child’s parents as soon as possible requesting that they meet me at the hospital. If the child does not require hospital attention I will wait until the child is more settled and then I will contact the child’s parents to inform them of the accident/incident If there is an accident/incident which your child is not involved with but results in me leaving the childcare setting to attend doctors/hospital, my emergency back up cover will take over the care of your child and may contact you to collect your child straight away. If I have the accident, I will get the nearest responsible adult to help, while my emergency back up people are being contacted. They may then contact parents to collect their children. I will always do my best to make sure all children under my care are safe, reassured and kept calm. All accidents/incidents, however minor will be recorded on an accident report form and parents will be asked to read and sign them. A copy will be given to the parents. If there is an accident/incident where medical treatment is required I will inform OFSTED and my Insurance Company. I would request if parents keep me informed regarding their child’s condition following the accident/incident and if further medical advice has been sought. BULLYING POLICY Bulling is not tolerated on my premises and I endeavour to achieve a non-bulling environment ! Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face- to-face or through cyberspace, and comes in many different forms: Verbal: Name calling, persistent teasing, mocking, taunting and threats. Physical: Any form of physical violence, intimidating behaviour, theft or the intentional damage of possessions. This includes hitting, kicking and pushing. Emotional: Excluding, tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation, setting people up and spreading rumours. Cyber: Cyber bullying is the misuse of digital technologies or communications to bully a person or a group, typically through messages or actions that are threatening and/or intended to cause offence, anxiety or humiliation. Being bullied can result in the victim having depression, low self-esteem, shyness, poor academic achievement, isolation and in extreme cases threatened or attempted suicide. If a bully is left unchecked they will learn they can get away with violence and aggression. A bully has a higher chance of acquiring a criminal record and not being able to have good relationships when they become an adult. If I have any concerns that a child in my care is being bullied at (pre-) school or is bullying, I will discuss the matter with the parents immediately. I will work with parents to support their child to resolve the problem. If a child is being bullied: I will have open conversation and I will follow these guidelines: Speak in private: I will find a quiet time when we won't be disturbed to discuss the different types of bullying. Be patient, calm and understanding: I will put my feelings aside and really listen to what the child is telling me. Reassure them: I will make it clear that the bullying is not their fault and praise them for being brave enough to confide in me. Give support and trust: I will let the child know that I will need to talk to the school, but promise not to take action without discussing it with them first. We will openly explore the options together, and come to an agreed course of action. I will work with parents to help the child to develop techniques to deal with the bully- assertiveness, walking away etc. If a child is the bully: I will reassure the child that I still care about them but it is their behaviour I don’t like and I will work with them to help change this I will work with the child to find ways to make amends for their actions I will develop a reward structure for good behaviour I will discuss the matter with the parents, not in front of the child, to see if there are any problems that may have triggered the bullying. Suggested further reading: Preventing Bullying a Parent’s Guide & You can beat bullying a guide for young people Both these publications are available here www.kidscape.org.uk CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY According to the Data Protection Act all information about a child and his/her family is confidential and must not be disclosed or shared with third party unless parental permission is obtained, or the welfare of the child is concerned.