parent information handbook (2014 2015)

JIN Parents Handbook – Updated April 2015 of 36

Parent Information Handbook

2014 - 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

Welcome …………………………………… 3

Administration Staff and Classes …………………………………… 3

Nursery Philosophy …………………………………… 4

Framework / Principles …………………………………… 5

General Information …………………………………… 8

Settling In Policy …………………………………… 18

Health and Safety Policy …………………………………… 19

Picky Eaters …………………………………… 20

Safeguarding Policy …………………………………… 21

Lost/Missing Child Policy and Procedure …………………………………… 21

Uncollected Child Policy …………………………………… 22

Discipline Policy & Procedure …………………………………… 23

Behaviour Management & Child Handling Policy …………………………………… 23

Equal Opportunity Policy …………………………………… 24

Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Policy …………………………………… 25

Transition Policy …………………………………… 26

Complaints Policy and Procedure …………………………………… 27

Media and Photography Policy …………………………………… 28

Road and Safety Policy …………………………………… 29

Childhood Illnesses …………………………………… 31

Biting Information …………………………………… 33

Reminders and Helpful Tips …………………………………… 35

Items for Nursery …………………………………… 36


WELCOME

Jumeirah International Nurseries Group Owner : Mrs S. Mankani Managing Director : Mr S. Mankani Executive Director of Fortes Education : Ms Janet O’Keeffe General Manager of Nurseries : Ms Samina Khanyari

Nursery Administration Staff Bursar : Ms Annette de Klerk

Admin Officer : Ms Armi Garcia Nursery Nurse : Ms Yngellie Jomadiao

Nursery Coordinator : Ms Hannah Ristuccia

Little Learners

Baby Bears – Ms Letitia

Curious Beginners – Coordinator: Ms Letitia Wall

Cuddly Pandas – Ms Mariya Little Lions – Ms Karla

Inquisitive Adventurers – Coordinator: Ms Letitia Wall Stripy Zebras – Ms Suzanne Jolly Giraffes – Ms Safa Terrific Tigers – Ms Jelena Swinging Monkeys – Ms Nami Cheeky Cheetahs – Ms Natasha Jumping Kangaroos – Ms Rachael Confident Explorers – Coordinator: Ms Nazima Buch Racing Camels – Ms Sara Happy Hippos – Ms Samruddhi Stomping Elephants – Ms Sandy

Active Discoverers – Coordinator: Ms Nazima Buch

Sunbeams – Ms Hannah Clouds – Ms Nahid Rainbows – Ms Nazima Snowflakes – Ms Neha Roaming Rhinos – Ms Irma

Aftercare Coordinator : Ms Nahid Quraishi Language Teacher : Ms Mai El Sakhawy Music Teacher : Mr Rami Bautista


NURSERY PHILOSOPHY Jumeirah International Nurseries are based on the philosophy that high quality childcare is of the greatest importance. As educators of young children, we endeavour to assist each child in achieving their potential in all areas of development.

This philosophy is reached through the following goals:

Families:

To provide support to families through the provision of high quality care, resources and education.

To allow Parents to feel comfortable asking questions, participating in the days activities

and observing interaction. To be part of the local community, accessing local resources so that the children have a

sense of connection and belonging. To ensure the experiences, family backgrounds, interests, abilities and cultural heritage

are positively celebrated and reflected across the services.

Staff:

The provision of excellent care and education is reliant on quality staff. Every effort is made to employ experienced, highly qualified staff whose primary role is to give secure, loving care while providing a well-planned framework.

For staff to work together as part of a team through effective communication and respect.

To promote on-going training and professional enrichment to all staff with opportunities for career advancement wherever possible.


FRAMEWORK Developmental Framework Overview We believe that ‘Every Child Matters’ and our Early Education Programme is based on five basic learning outcomes:

Staying Safe Being Healthy Enjoying, Learning and Achieving Making a Positive Contribution Achieving the Well Being of the Whole Child

As educators of Early Years, we provide quality learning opportunities for children from 6 weeks to 4 years of age, to cover all learning outcomes within the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The developmental objectives achieved by children are based on their age and, therefore, the Nursery Programme is divided into five clusters: Little Learners (0 – 1 year): Routines are followed to keep the consistency in their lives; Opportunities are provided to cater to the overall development of the babies. Outdoor play, music and movement, story time, puppet shows, and sensory and exploratory play are encouraged to develop motor skills. Curious Beginners (1 – 2 years): In addition to focused activities, child-initiated play is encouraged. Children with their curious minds learn about themselves and their environment through a variety of topics and they develop language, and gross and fine motor skills enabling them to move about confidently. Inquisitive Adventurers (2.1 – 2.5 years): Independence, love for learning and role-play are the key words in this cluster. Children learn through role modelling and simulation, and opportunities are provided to help develop their social skills. Assembly, interactive music, story sacks and song-a-longs are used which help children develop positive attitudes and allow them to enjoy their learning. Confident Explorers (2.6 – 3 years): At this stage, the focus is on the child’s individual interests, keeping them intrigued, motivated and enthusiastic to learn and investigate further. Free flow, messy play, music, cooking and creative crafts are some of the fundamental activities children will experience. Active Discoverers (3+ years): The children are provided with opportunities and encouraged to use their skills in a range of situations and for a variety of purposes. Support is provided for children’s emotional well-being to help them know themselves and learn what they are capable of. Children are encouraged to explore their world through ICT, free flow, assembly time, trips and cooking.


The commitments of JINS are focused around fostering a sense of belonging, being sensitive and responsive to your child’s needs, feelings and interests, in addition to supporting and stimulating learning, as well as building on your relationship and role.

FRAMEWORK The guiding principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) which shape the learning and development in the early years practice at Jumeirah International Nurseries include:

A Unique Child

The commitments of Jumeirah International Nurseries staff are focused around understanding and observing the child’s development and learning, identifying any needs for additional support, inclusion, safety, health and well being.

The commitments of our JINS staff are focused around valuing all people and their learning by offering stimulating resources and rich learning opportunities.

JINS staff teach children by ensuring challenging, playful opportunities across the prime and specific areas of learning and development.


There are seven areas of learning that shape our educational programmes based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. These are categorised into two groupings.

3 Core Prime Areas of Learning The prime areas build the foundations for children’s success in other areas of learning. Communication and Language: Giving children the opportunities to experience a rich language

environment, become skilful communicators, express themselves, and to speak and listen in a range of situations, such as ‘show and tell’ or role play.

For children with English as an additional language, extra tools such as story sacks, felt stories and flash cards are used to facilitate language and communication.

Physical Development: Providing opportunities for children to be active and interactive, as well

as to develop their coordination. Helping children to understand the importance of physical activity,

encouraging them to make healthy choices. Outside play is used to build confidence, cooperative skills and

increase social awareness. Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Helping children develop a positive sense of themselves and others. To form positive relationships and build respect for others. Develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings to help

Understand appropriate behaviour in groups. To have confidence in their own abilities.

4 Specific Areas of Learning Literacy: Giving children access to a wide range of reading material to ignite their

interests, such as books, poems and other written materials. Mathematics: Involves developing the mathematical skills used in a broad range of contexts. Developing skills, such as counting, understanding and using numbers, and

describing shapes, space and measures. Understanding of the World: Guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. Opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places,

technology and the environment. Expressive Arts and Design: Encouraging children to experiment with media and materials, finding out

about their properties whilst learning to manipulate and modify them. Exploring sounds, patterns, movement, as well as different tools and techniques.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Nursery Hours and Terms

Nursery hours are from 8:00am until 1:00pm. The Nursery provides an additional non-compulsory Early Class (7:15am or 7:30am) and Aftercare Programme until 6pm.

Each day, Teachers will be in the classrooms to welcome children from 8:00am. There are three terms in a year: Term 1: September to December Term 2: January to March Term 3: April to June Please note that there is no Aftercare provided on the last day of the Academic Year and all the children in the Nursery, including All Year Programme, will end their day at 12:30pm. All Year Programme

The ‘All Year Programme’ gives Parents an opportunity to enrol their children for all three terms, inclusive of all holidays throughout Winter, Spring and Summer. The programme has proven to be very popular, offering Parents a wide variety of options and substantial discounts. Currently, children attend Nursery for approximately 180 days a year. In comparison, the All Year Programme offers approximately 255 – 260 days a year. In addition, you can register for Aftercare until 6:00pm inclusive. The Nursery will only close for public holidays, including Christmas Day, and one week for Inset Training prior to the start of the Academic Year, and Ramadan timings will be put in place during the Holy month. There will also be no Aftercare at the end of the Academic Year. Please contact the Bursar for further information.

Payment of Fees

All enquiries regarding fees should be directed to the Bursar. Final dates for full payment of fees are as follows:

Winter (September-December) before the first day of the term Spring (January-March) before the end of Term 1 (before the Winter holidays) Summer (April-June) before the end of Term 2 (before the Spring break)

Please notify us if you are unable to pay the fees on time. Early Class, Aftercare and Transport fees must be paid with the term fees. If your child attends Early Class or Aftercare on a demand basis, the invoice

will be sent out to Parents at the end of each week and must be paid on receipt of invoice. Fees not paid within two weeks will be subject to a 10% surcharge.

For any cash or cheque payments to the Nursery, kindly ask for a receipt for all transactions no matter how small.

We require three months notice if your child is leaving the Nursery. We request that you provide us with written notification which will be treated confidentially.


Should you withdraw your child without notice, you will still be liable to pay the full fee as per the JINS Terms and Conditions that were signed on enrolment in the Nursery. Term fees are non-refundable if you decide to withdraw your child earlier. Singing In and Out Procedure

Parents arriving at the Nursery, for any reason, between 8:30am and 12:00pm, after Registration has taken place, should first sign in at the Front Office and carry a visitor sticker while on the premises.

When leaving the Nursery, please ensure you sign out. This procedure is in place to ensure the safety of everyone at the Nursery. It

is vital that the Front Office is kept fully informed, at all times, of who goes in and out of the Nursery.

Drop-off / Pick-up

Should you arrive before your Teacher opens the classroom door, you may take your child and play on the grass at the side of the main building, under your supervision. All other areas are out of bounds both in the mornings and after Nursery hours, and may only be used by the Teachers during Nursery hours.

It is important that Parents/Carers “hand over” their child to a member of staff when they arrive at Nursery for their session.

When collecting your child at 1:00pm, please knock and wait. The Teacher will open the door to allow Parents to collect their children.

Authorisation Pick Up Form

Parents must inform the Class Teacher and Front Office in advance if someone other than the Parent/Carer will be collecting their child from Nursery.

An ‘Authorisation Pick Up Form’ is included in this Handbook and must be filled in and returned to the Bursar/Front Office. The person(s) specified on this form must be able to produce some form of identification to prove that they are authorised person(s) to collect the child (e.g. Driver’s license with photograph or Emirates ID card).

Collection of Children Policy

The following guidelines are to be adhered to at all times to ensure the safety of the children: Staff will refuse to hand over the child should an unknown adult come to

collect the child regardless of the person’s claims. Our staff will inform the person of our Nursery Policy regarding the collection of children so that the reason for refusal to hand over the child is understood.

Every effort will be made to contact you in order to report the incident.


Please note that it is the Parent’s responsibility to ensure the ‘Authorisation Pick Up Form’ is completed and handed in. It is important to update the Nursery with all emergency numbers and contact details on a regular basis.

No child will be released into the care of any person(s) not known to staff unless an ‘Authorisation Pick Up Form’ has been completed by the child’s Parents. The person must be able to produce some form of identification to prove that they are the authorised person to collect the child (e.g. Driver’s license with photograph).

Parents must give prior notice of any variation in the person picking up the child. If the notice is not given and the staff cannot contact the Parents, the child may not be released into the care of that person.

Children are not to be released into the care of persons not authorised to collect the child (e.g. Court orders concerning custody and access).

No child will be released into the care of a person under the age of 18 years unless special arrangements have been made with the Nursery Manager.

Non-custodial Parents will not be given access to children under any circumstances. The Nursery must have a copy of the court order, in Arabic and English, with the stamp of the Court to verify custody in the child’s file and only the necessary, concerned staff will be made aware of its existence.

Strict adherence to the Policy above must be maintained by all the JINS Parents/Carers and Staff. Early Morning/Aftercare Class

If you would like to make use of the Early Morning Class, 7:30am – 8:00am or the Aftercare Class, 5pm – 6pm, please register with the Bursar.

Children who are not collected at their scheduled time at 1pm/2pm/3pm/4pm/5pm will be taken to the Aftercare Class and a charge will be made.

Late pick ups from Aftercare and Early drop-offs will be charged accordingly.

Early and Aftercare classes are charged at half hourly rates.

Daily, weekly or termly options are available. All payments must be settled with the Bursar. Please ask for a receipt for all transactions made. Please ensure you send additional lunch and snack

for your child; facilities to warm cooked lunches are available.

The Nursery day ends at 6pm every day. Any Parents arriving after 6pm will be charged and, if it becomes a repeat occurrence, a warning letter will be issued and, thereafter, the Aftercare service will not be available.

For a detailed overview of our Aftercare activities, please see our Aftercare notices on the Parent noticeboard located by ZZZ.


Aftercare – Sleep Policy

Jumeirah International Nurseries recognise that sleep is a vital need, essential to a child’s health and growth. Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioural problems and mood swings.

All children who attend Aftercare will be provided with a minimum rest period of 30 minutes. A rest will either be a sleep or participating in quiet activities, such as reading a book.

Sleeping children will not be woken up by the Teacher if they have been asleep for less than 1 hour, unless they themselves wake up within this time.

All babies and children are supervised during their sleep. A record of sleep times will be kept to inform Parents/Carers of these times. These can be found on the main Zig Zag Zoom door.

There is an early sleep class for Curious Beginners children sleeping at 9am on the mats in the sleep room. Parents are encouraged to wean them off from morning sleeps so that they can sleep in the afternoon with the rest of our Curious Beginners. Early Departure If your child needs to leave the Nursery early for any reason, please inform the Class

Teacher in the morning or call the Front Office. If you are collecting your child early, please go directly to the Front Office and they

will arrange for your child to be brought to you so that the class is not disturbed.

Attendance Children who attend the Nursery for 3 or 4 days must keep their designated days

only. We ask Parents to adhere to these days so that our staff to child ratios can be properly maintained.

Foundation children are required to attend 5 days to meet the EYFS Framework requirements.

Absenteeism Parents are asked to keep their children at home when they are ill. To reduce the risk

of cross infection, if your child shows any signs of a rash, sore throat, discharge from the eyes or nose, vomiting, diarrhoea, temperature or any contagious/infectious illness, please do not send them to Nursery. Please see the file in the main entrance. Kindly show consideration and responsibility towards other children and Parents.

Please telephone the Office on: 04 394 5567, on the morning of the absence. A medical note may be required in certain circumstances.

The Resident Nurse is on duty from 7:30am – 5:00pm.


Staff Absences

In the event of a staff member being absent due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances, a Supply Teacher will be arranged as a replacement as soon as possible. If a Supply Teacher is unavailable, an additional Teaching Assistant will be arranged.

Communication

We value communication between the home and Nursery on any matters affecting your children and their education.

Please make an appointment at the Front Office to meet your child’s Teacher, between 7:30am – 7:50am or 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

If you have any concerns or suggestions, you are most welcome to contact the Nursery Manager to discuss them.

For children with English as an additional language, it can be very daunting and a scary experience to enter a Nursery where all or most communication is in English. A good idea would be to make a list of frequently used words in the child’s mother tongue. The list will be helpful to enable the Teacher to understand and meet the child’s needs.

A note/telephone call is required in the following cases:

- If your child has fallen sick. - If transportation arrangements

have been changed. - If Parents are travelling. - If you will be late for pick-up. - If you have arranged for someone else

to pick up your child. ‘Home to Nursery’ Folder and Communication Books for Bus Children, Babies, Aftercare Children and Children picked up by Nannies/Drivers

Your child will bring home a Nursery folder with their art work; this must be emptied and returned on a Sunday.

Children who travel on the Nursery Bus, Babies, Aftercare Children and children who are picked up by Nannies/Drivers, need to bring their Communication Books to the Nursery every day as it is used for communication between the Teacher and the Parents.

Nursery Newsletters

These are issued at the end of each term and contain information on Nursery activities and events.

As with all other communication to Parents, the newsletter will be sent out via email in PDF format. Please ensure you keep the Office up to date with your current email address.

Learning for the Topic Newsletter

This is the brief overview of the objectives covered during a Topic that is being followed by each Cluster.

It also shows the important dates for your diary during the term.


Notice Board

The main Parent Notice Board/Aftercare Notice Board is located outside Zig Zag Zoom. Notice boards located outside each classroom provide information for Parents relevant to

your child’s class. Please take time to read the information provided on these boards. It is not always

possible for the Teacher to have a word with you at the end of the day. Academic Calendar / Dates for your Diary

This is issued at the beginning of the Academic Year and contains information on activities, special events, National and other holiday closures.

It is important to keep your calendar for reference during each term. Please be aware that National and religious holidays are announced by the government,

often at very short notice. The duration of Summer Camp is usually advised much closer to the time or at the end of

the Academic Year. Birthdays

Birthdays are important events for children. Parents may send a birthday cake for the class

to share, along with paper plates, spoons and paper napkins. Parents should co-ordinate with the child’s Class Teacher in advance.

Zig Zag Zoom is available for hire from Sunday to Thursday between 2:30pm – 4:30pm for parties. Please see the Bursar/Front Office should you wish to make a booking.

Swimming / Water Play

All children who attend the Nursery are expected to participate in Swimming/Water Play as it is part of the Nursery EYFS Framework.

If your child is unwell, and therefore unable to swim, in most cases they should not be in the Nursery on that day.

If for any reason your doctor advises against swimming, and for the comfort and well-being of the children, please send your child to Nursery after the swimming lesson time.

Our Nursery Doctor believes it is equally as unhealthy for a child to sit beside the pool in the heat and humidity, and wait until the lesson is over.

We cannot place your child into other classes whilst the swimming lesson is taking place due to our numbers, as most of the classes are full to their capacity.

The swimming as an activity is not carried out during the Spring term, due to the weather being too cold for the children.

Suitable footwear should be sent in on these days to walk to and from the pool area. Name Labels

It is compulsory that all belongings: lunch boxes, water bottles, cutlery, painting aprons, spare clothes, hats and “Show and Tell” items have permanent labels with your child’s name. The Nursery Staff cannot be held responsible if the items not labelled are misplaced during the day at the Nursery.


Items Required for Nursery

A Nursery hat is compulsory for Foundation children. Aprons are compulsory for all art activities. A set of spare clothes and a hat (to be kept at the Nursery). For children still wearing nappies, please provide a packet of wet

wipes, a supply of nappies, swimming nappies and nappy sacks. Uniform is compulsory for Foundation and optional for other classes. A Nursery T-shirt

must be worn for trips and Nursery Photographs. Children will need a swimsuit, swimming nappies, towel, and sunscreen for water-play/

swimming. The Class Teacher will inform you which days these items are required. For babies comfort toys or dummies, bottles, formulas, food all need to be clearly labelled. Change of Information

For your child’s welfare, it is essential that your contact information be kept up to date. Please keep us informed.

Safety

Leaving the gates open may endanger your children, especially in the road area. PLEASE CLOSE ALL THE GATES ON ENTRY AND EXIT OF THE PREMISES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THERE IS SOMEONE BEHIND YOU.

Transport (Optional)

The Nursery operates an air-conditioned transport service to various parts of Dubai for children two years old and above. For children from 2-3 years travelling on the bus, Parents need to provide a car seat. Nursery Transport Fees are paid in advance every term along with the Tuition Fees.

Transport Regulations:

To ensure your child reaches Nursery and returns home safely on time, please adhere to the following regulations below.

Children must be 2 years old and above to travel on the bus. It is recommended that any new child should start using the bus approximately one week

after adjusting to the Nursery environment. Parents are requested to contact the Office to confirm date and times.

The first day your child uses the Nursery bus, please bring your child to the Nursery in the morning and he/she will go home by bus in the afternoon.

If your child is not at the pick-up point at the appointed time, the bus will beep twice before leaving. Please be on time so as not to disrupt the schedule for the remaining children. Should your child be consistently late, your child may be removed from the bus service.

If your child is absent for any reason, please inform the Bus Driver or Bus Assistant as early as possible. Please could you also inform the Office, preferably by 7:30am. The bus service will only resume after you inform the Bus Driver or the Bus Assistant and the Front Office.


Should you decide to personally pick up your child from Nursery, please contact the Office

as soon as possible or before 10:00am the same day. Should your child need to be dropped off or collected by another person, please inform the

Office in person by updating the Authorisation Section on the Transport Consent Form giving the person’s details and the duration of the change.

Drivers make every attempt to stick to the timings; however, if there is a delay it can be due to traffic congestion. Should the bus not reach the pick up or drop off point within 10 minutes of the agreed time, please contact the Bus Driver, Bus Assistant or Office.

Please make it a point to know which bus your child is travelling on. The Office will provide you with the contact numbers of the Bus Driver and Bus Assistant.


SAMPLE OF ACTIVITY LETTER At the start of each term, you will be sent an Activity Letter advising you of which days certain activities will be held on, as well as a timetable outlining where your child is throughout their week at Nursery.

Water Play

A fun learning experience. At the start of the term please provide a pack of

swimming nappies (if applicable), sun cream should be applied before Nursery, and a sun hat and a towel ALL CLEARLY MARKED.

Easy to remove sandals are recommended. There will be no water play or swimming during the

Spring Term as the weather is too cold. All classes use the paddling pools and/or the water play area once a week. Water play/swimming is an integral part of the Nursery EYFS Framework. If your child is well enough to come to the Nursery, they are well enough to participate in

all the Nursery activities, including water play/swimming. We need to have a Doctor’s note to state that, due to medical reasons such as grommets

or allergies, the child is exempt from swimming. Please ensure that you only bring your child to the Nursery after the swimming/water play

lesson as we will not be able to accommodate the child if they are not participating. As our Nursery Doctor believes it is just as unhealthy for children to sit outside and watch the other children swim.

Creative Play

Children work with a wide variety of materials and mediums, which enable them to develop their imagination, creativity and talents, encourage individual expression and develop a sense of accomplishment.


Music

The children enjoy singing with our Music Teacher on a weekly basis and develop an appreciation for music and a sense of rhythm through the use of percussion instruments and singing. Music and movement also takes place every day in class. Library

The Confident Explorers and Active Discoverers classes use the Library twice a week. They are taught to treat books with respect and how to handle them correctly. We have felt packs and story sacks to compliment our topics. Inquisitive Adventurers and Curious Beginners use the same resources in terms 2 and 3. Activities

Below are additional activities we offer at the Nursery provided by outside providers at no extra cost:

We have weekly Swimming Lessons for Confident Explorers and Active Discoverers with a fully qualified Swimming Instructor and all children are expected to participate.

In the Spring Term an external Ball Skills Instructor comes to the Nursery on a weekly basis to teach Confident Explorers and Active Discoverers children basic ball skills.

Cooking is once a week as per the topic. French and Arabic language is taught by a specialist Arabic Teacher once a week for

Confident Explorers and Active Discoverers children. Inquisitive Adventurers children also start Arabic lessons in the Spring Term which is taught through stories and songs.

Music with the piano/guitar Teacher is held twice per week. Free flow is organised for each Cluster on a weekly basis. ICT: The Interactive Board for Mathematics, stories and Beebots will be used by

Foundation.


POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Settling In Policy Rationale

Jumeirah International Nurseries recognise that each child is an individual and will settle into a new routine or situation at their own pace. We ensure the children receive individual guidance and attention in order to facilitate a smooth transition into the Nursery. Aim

To ensure a smooth and settled transition into the Nursery for both the children and their Parents or Carers. Procedure

Informal Introduction for New and Returning Children – Day 1

Parents/Carers and children are invited into their new class to meet the Teacher and Teaching Assistant and familiarise themselves with the classroom. This will take approximately one hour. Teachers will ensure that all relevant information is given to Parents and Carers such as routines of the day, timings, food and drinks and change of clothes. This informal introduction also provides Parents/Carers with the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns they may have. Aftercare will not be provided during the informal introduction day. Staggered Timing Schedule – Day 2 Onwards

The second day is the official first day of term which will follow a ‘Staggered Timing Schedule’. Please see your child’s Teacher about the ‘Staggered Timings’ that will be in place until your child has settled. The children joining our Active Discoverers department will follow normal Nursery timings unless there is a need to revise the hours. Aftercare for our returning children will start on the official first day of term for the children enrolled in the Aftercare programme. Create a Separation and Reunion Ritual

The way the day begins and ends for your child is so important. It sets the tone for the day and supports the task of learning to separate and reunite. By establishing a predictable way to separate and reunite with your child, you can help them feel comfortable in the transition process. It also prevents children from using arrival and departure times as an opportunity to manipulate Parents and Teachers. If this is made a positive experience now, it will prepare your child for similar situations in the future. To ease the separation process you have to establish a trusting relationship with your child’s Teacher and, like wise, the Teacher with your child and yourself.


Individual Children

Sessions can become longer if the child is settling in well or they can be kept to shorter times if the child is still distressed or upset. These changes are made at the discretion of the Teachers and Parents. The time span of each child’s settling in period will vary. Based on our experience, after two weeks the majority of children are settled in happily. Children who join part way through the term will also follow this process. The policies outlined here are a brief overview of the procedures we follow at JINS. A more detailed version is available from the Nursery upon request.

Health and Safety Policy Rationale

At Jumeirah International Nurseries, we recognise that the provision of a healthy and safe environment is essential to the well-being of all children and adults. Quality care includes taking steps to prevent illness and accidents, being prepared to deal with emergencies if and when they occur and educating children about health and safety matters. We recognise that it is the duty of all staff to manage activities involving significant risk. We aim to do this by carrying out suitable and sufficient assessments of those risks and to ensure that suitable control measures are used. Persons Responsible

General Manager: Samina Khanyari Nursery Coordinator: Hannah Ristuccia Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are an important step in protecting everyone who is on the Nursery premises. They take into account staff, children, Parents and visitors. They will consider the rooms and areas being used, the activity taking place, the equipment and the adult-child ratio. Staff conduct daily risk assessments to ensure a safe learning environment, from the classrooms to the outdoor play areas.

Smoking

Jumeirah International Nurseries are a non-smoking environment. At the Nursery we believe all children have the right to a smoke-free environment and ensure that nobody smokes on the premises, including the outdoor areas. All Staff, Parents and Visitors must adhere to this, and encourage others to observe and take note of the signs around the Nursery.

Jewellery

For safety reasons, the Nursery does not allow children to wear jewellery, especially bracelets, neck-chains, hoops and dangling ear rings. The Nursery cannot accept responsibility for loss of such items or injury resulting from wearing them.


Food and Drink Each child is encouraged to bring a healthy snack

e.g. sandwiches, fruit, vegetable sticks, yoghurt etc. This should also include juice or water.

Extra food should be included if your child is to stay in Aftercare. A food warming facility is available for heating lunches.

Water is provided throughout the day for each child. Children are not permitted to chew gum or bring it

into the Nursery. Children are not allowed to bring fizzy drinks, nuts

and sweets. They are not allowed to share food and drinks for medical reasons. This is very important as some children have serious food allergies e.g. peanuts, eggs, fish, etc.

Picky Eaters: Helping Your Child Eat Healthily! Many Parents report that eating behaviour during the toddler years is very problematic. Either children don’t eat enough or they eat too much. Both are serious problems for Parents. A few tips! Offer new foods, one at a time, and offer them several times in a row.

Sit with your toddler when he or she is eating meals or snacks; taste new foods; comment on how new foods taste.

Make meals a shared family time. Turn off the television and enjoy eating with your child.

Toddlers need to control their own intake – a powerful experience with independence.

Eat at regularly scheduled times; don’t offer snacks in between these times.

Toddlers need to eat more frequently than adults, perhaps 5 or 6 times a day. Three meals and two snacks will help children get enough nutrients across the day.

If your toddler regularly avoids one type of food, such as vegetables or milk, introduce it in an interesting or different way. For example, if he or she isn’t drinking milk, substitute other foods high in calcium, such as yoghurt, cheese, or dried beans.

If you are frantic about eating behaviour, your toddler will feel like he or she has to continue the behaviour that is problematic. If you avoid making a fuss and allow the child to control his or her nutritional intake, your toddler will learn to listen to the cues from his or her body about when and how much to eat – avoiding over and under eating.


Safeguarding Policy

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aims of this policy are to set out working guidelines and guidance to safe guard and promote your child’s welfare whilst they are at the Nursery. We ensure that: All our staff are approachable, friendly and good

listeners to support your child and their individual needs. The safety of your child is paramount and all Health and

Safety policies and procedures are followed.

Named Child Protection and Safeguarding Coordinator

The General Manager, Samina Khanyari, has overall responsibilities for the management of child protection procedures and is the designated Child Protection and Safeguarding Coordinator.

Ms Jelena Stancevic is the Deputy Child Protection and Safeguarding Coordinator. Toilet Training

All our Active Discoverers children will be expected to enter the department already toilet trained. Parents are requested to please assist us and use the holidays to train your child before returning to the Nursery in September. Head Lice Guide

A ‘Bug Busting Day’ is carried out termly at the Nursery. The idea behind the ‘Bug Busting Day’ is that every child in the Nursery will get their hair checked on the same day. Then if any lice are found they will be treated on the same day, eliminating any infestations.

Lost/Missing Child Policy and Procedure

Jumeirah International Nurseries ensure the well-being and safety of all children within the Nursery at all times.

In the very unlikely event that a child becomes lost or missing, we shall: Search the immediate area that the child was last seen in Widen the search to the rest of the Nursery grounds After 10 minutes of the child not being found the police

need to be alerted and the child’s Parents contacted

Once the child is found and safe, a written report will be completed explaining what had happened including times the child had last been seen and what they were doing, the reason if known why the child was lost/missing and also where the child was found. The report will be dated and signed by the relevant person and also by Ms Samina Khanyari, the General Manager. This report will be used in cases of complaints and allegations made.


Uncollected Child Policy and Procedure

Jumeirah International Nurseries will ensure that children are collected by Parents/Carers or a designated, authorised person. If for some reason a child is not collected at the allocated times, the following procedures will take place: Children who attend the Nursery until 1:00pm and are failed to be picked up

At 1:00pm the child will be taken by their Teacher to an Aftercare class and added onto the Register. The child must be signed out by the Parent upon collection.

The Teacher will then contact the Parents to find out who is coming for the child and when. Parents/Carers will be charged an additional fee for the time their child has stayed in the After Care class. If they have a valid reason for being late, an After Care charge will not be asked for on such occasion.

Children who are in After Care and are failed to be picked up by 6:00pm

The Nursery Manager will telephone the Parents/Carers of the child. If the Parents/Carers cannot be contacted all emergency numbers will be tried.

If there is no response from any of the Parents/Carers or emergency contacts, the Head Teaching Assistant will contact the General Manager, Samina Khanyari, to inform her of the situation.

If after 15 minutes there still has been no contact from the child’s Parents/Carers or emergency contacts, the police will be called and advice will be followed from them.


Discipline Policy and Procedure Aims and Objectives

We aim to encourage and teach children to behave in a socially acceptable manner and to understand the feelings of others, recognising that children may sometimes not be aware that their actions are of unwanted behaviour and that they can hurt others.

If a child displays unwanted behaviour which can cause harm to themselves or others and is also affecting the daily routines and learning environment for the other children, this will be discussed by the Cluster Coordinator and Nursery Manager with the child’s Parents.

In circumstances where another child has been physically hurt, the incident will be documented and both sets of Parents informed but giving no names of the other party involved. Parents will be asked to sign the incident form and it would be placed on file.

Behaviour Management and Child Handling Policy Policy Statement All staff within Jumeirah International Nurseries aim to help children take responsibility for their own behaviour. This will be done through a combination of approaches which include:

Positive and consistent role modelling Providing a range of stimulating, interesting and challenging activities and environments Setting and enforcing appropriate boundaries and expectations Providing positive feedback Working with you as Parents to build an understanding of, and commitment to, the

principles of Safeguarding all the children attending the Nursery Aims of the Policy The policy aims to help your child grow in a safe and secure environment and become a positive, responsible and increasingly independent member of the Nursery community. Our Nursery rewards good behaviour as it believes that this will develop an ethos of kindness and cooperation. The policy is designed to promote good behaviour rather than merely deter antisocial behaviour. However, there are very occasional times when a child’s behaviour presents particular challenges that may require require physical handling. All accidents, physical handling and near misses will be reported by all the adults at the Nursery to the appropriate person promptly. The incident and accident register for the Academic year is maintained by the Nurse within the Nursery.


Principles for the Use of Positive Handling

Various methods and guiding principles are implemented to show appropriate behaviour, including distraction, praise and rewards. Children are given three warnings to show appropriate behaviour. Any problems will be handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, respecting individual children’s level of understanding and maturity. If a child smacks or hurts other children or an adult, a member of staff will explain to the child/children that what they have done is wrong and possibly remove them from the situation. In the unlikely situation that the unwanted behaviour continues, they are given a period of “Time out” (1 minute per year). The child’s Parents would be informed about the inappropriate behaviour at the end of the session. Complaints

Jumeirah International Nurseries collaborate actively with Parents so that your child receives consistent messages about how to behave at home and at the Nursery. Where anyone (child, Parent/Carer, staff member or visitor) has a concern, this is dealt with in line with our complaints policy. Monitoring and Review The Nursery Manager monitors the effectiveness of this policy on a regular basis and reports to the team on the effectiveness of the policy and, if necessary, makes recommendations for further improvement based on the observations and suggestions from the staff.

Equal Opportunity Policy Rationale

Jumeirah International Nurseries are committed to equal opportunities within their grounds and believe their staff have a responsibility to oppose or challenge any form of discrimination.

The Nursery will have respect for all individuals, as we believe that everyone should be supported to reach their full potential. We believe all children are entitled to high quality of care and education, which will reflect their race, ethnicity, culture, disability, gender, beliefs, lifestyles and family structure.

The Equal Opportunities Nursery representative is our SEN Coordinator, Ms. Sandy Smith. Aims and Objectives

All children, Parents, visitors and staff are individuals who need to have equal respect and opportunities while at the Nursery. Jumeirah International Nurseries do not discriminate because of race, gender, religion, disability or social status.


We aim to do this by: Valuing Parents as their child’s first educators and staff working closely with you to share

information, experiences, conversation and quality time, promoting positive role models. Challenging and dealing with inappropriate practices and attitudes promptly. Celebrating a variety of festivals and special events each year from cultures represented

within our community and outside. Monitoring, adapting and planning activities on a regular basis to ensure that every child

has freedom of choice, time for discovery and support, when it is necessary. Encouraging children to respect and value each other through play and circle times. Including all children and their families into the Nursery regardless of special needs or

abilities, where possible. Bilingual and multilingual families being valued and their languages recognised in the

Nursery. Staff will make every effort to pronounce and spell children’s names correctly. Equipment such as books will reflect a variety of cultures and promote self-identities that

will enhance your child's self-image and home/life experiences. Providing a range of equipment and play materials to extend children's knowledge and

developmental skills. The equipment will be used in a way that will not stereotype according to gender and will reflect the multi-cultural/multilingual community in a positive way.

Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Policy Rationale

Jumeirah International Nurseries will integrate and include children with special educational needs and disabilities, where it is clear that the Nursery can effectively meet the needs of the child. The Nursery will have regards to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2001, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Children’s Act 1989 and the Education Act 1996. Ms Sandy Smith is the designated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Definition of Special Educational Needs:

Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty, which calls for special educational provision to be made for them. Children have a learning difficulty if they:

Have a significant greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age; or

Have a disability, which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for children of the same age in our Nursery.

For example a child may have a learning difficulty in one or more of the following areas:

Cognition and learning; Emotional, behavioural and social development; Communication and interaction; Sensory and physical development.


Aims and Objectives

Jumeirah International Nurseries will ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to engage in the Framework and routines. We will develop practices to ensure that all children who have a special educational need are identified, assessed and the Framework is differentiated to meet individual needs. Individual Play Plans (IPP) and Individual Educational Plans (IEP) will be put in place by the SENCO, based on the observation of the child and the feedback of the Parent, Teachers and the therapist.

Transition Policy Rationale

This policy describes how Jumeirah International Nursery supports a child through the physical movement between the daily routines, classrooms and other settings. Jumeirah International Nursery does not see transition as a purely physical event but firmly believes that if the physical process is correctly managed then the emotional consequence of transition will be supported. We define these movements as: Within Settings:

- Frequently visited locations/ areas within the setting

- Different rooms for different activities Between Settings:

- From Parent to JINS - Developmental appropriate,

permanent transitions i.e. to a new class - Moving to other countries - Children coming into our settings

from another setting other than home Jumeirah International Nurseries also recognise that transition for a child may also be initiated by an emotional event i.e. alteration in family structure due to separation, bereavement or the arrival of a new baby or other siblings. Policy Aims

The aims of this Policy are to set out guidance for organisational frameworks and practice to:

Ensure that we create and maintain a smooth and supportive transition process for every child and their family in accordance with the remit of the Every Child Matters framework.


Ensure seamless continuity between settings, and in doing so minimise disruption to the child’s development.

Ensure that notifications are made to all multi agency professionals involved with a child, at the time of a child’s transition to another setting.

Policy Objectives

We ensure that you as Parents and your child are fully involved in and prepared for transition to another setting.

We also ensure that settings which children are progressing to have timely and accurate information about the child.

Complaints Policy and Procedure

Rationale

Jumeirah International Nurseries are committed to providing children and their families with a safe, stimulating and consistent environment. The Nursery aims to provide a quality service at all times but understands and accepts that Parents/Carers may not be happy about something. In these circumstances we need to know the cause of concern to enable us to take the appropriate action needed for the problem to be resolved. Aims and Objectives

Under normal circumstances, the Class Teacher, Nursery Coordinator, Hannah Ristuccia or General Manager, Samina Khanyari will deal with the complaint. All complaints made will be recorded in the complaints record. If the Parent or Carer has a written complaint about some aspect of the Nursery or a particular Teacher or Teaching Assistant it will often be possible to resolve the complaint with the individual and/or with the Nursery Manager. Jumeirah International Nurseries welcome all comments, concerns and views from Parents/Carers regardless of whether they are positive or negative. Procedure

Parents/Carers are encouraged to speak directly to the relevant Teacher if they feel comfortable doing so but if not, then the Nursery Coordinator can be approached to discuss any concerns or issues. If this approach does not work then step 2 will be followed.

If the informal discussion with the relevant Teacher and/or Coordinator has not produced a satisfactory result then the Parents/Carers should be referred to the Nursery Manager. The complaint can also be put in writing. The Nursery Manager will acknowledge receipt of the complaint as soon as possible, either in writing, email or by telephone and will begin an investigation immediately. Parents/Carers will be kept up to date with the investigation and will receive a report regarding what action has been taken.

If the Parents/Carers remain dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, the Nursery Manager will contact or the Ministry of Social Affairs for Nurseries.

In the event that the Nursery Manager feels that the situation has child protection implications, she will follow the Safeguarding Policy and contact the Ministry of Social Affairs for advice and support.


Media and Photography Policy

Rationale Jumeirah International Nurseries use photographic images to record your child’s progress and development during their time with us. At Jumeirah International Nurseries, we feel it is vital that achievements are recognised and that all children feel valued, proud and happy. We aim to use photographs at Jumeirah International Nurseries for:

Assessments, planning and recording Observation tools Information for Parents and Visitors Training purposes Language extension Teaching and Learning resources

(with particular links to ICT) Advertising and Marketing

The word photography is used in this policy to include traditional photographs and digital images of any kind, still or moving. This policy details the procedures we have in place to safeguard children and adults and to ensure that images are not misused. The policy is based on the key principles of the right to privacy and safeguarding children. It covers still, video, electronic and phone photographic images wherever they are used. The good practice outlined below is intended to protect our children whenever photographs are taken and used. In addition, we have a duty under Human Rights Legislation and the Data Protection Act 1998 to respect the right to privacy of people in photographs. All Parents are asked to give their consent for photography of their child by completing a permission form at the time of enrolment or, in the case of existing Parents, by completing a photograph consent form. A register is kept of children who must not be included if the Parents consent is not obtained. Aims and Objective Photographs are used extensively throughout Jumeirah International Nurseries for a variety of purposes. Generally, staff take photographs of your child throughout the year to capture a particular learning experience that they have achieved. In addition, we use photographs for:

Photographs Purpose

Displays of children’s work A record of ideas and topic references for future use

Examples of the children’s activities

As a part of an individual child’s report given to Parents at the end of the year.

Classroom areas To showcase the range of activities available to the children to visitors and Parents

Learning Journeys For Parents and children to look at and talk about showing their learning and development

Nursery Folders/Brochures To explain the work of the Nursery to Parents and Visitors

Special events and festivals As a record of the Nursery year and for children and Parents to look at and talk about

Visual Resources Used in the class for transitioning to the next activity


Consent Jumeirah International Nurseries seek Parental permission for children’s photographs to be used hence children are only photographed with the consent of Parents/Carers. Written permission is obtained when your child joins the Nursery and the level of consent; including where the images may be used (e.g. personal records only, advertising and media purposes and website) is noted for each child. The Nursery office is responsible for ensuring that all staff are aware of any children who may not be photographed or where there is limited consent. Parents Photographing and Videoing Children at Nursery Parents may take photographs of Nursery events subject to ordinary courtesies, such as not obscuring the view of other audience members or distracting the children. It is, however, important to note (and to advise Parents if necessary) that photographs/video footage should not be published in print or digitally (e.g. on websites) without the approval of the Parents of all the children featured in the photograph/video. This applies both to individuals and the Nursery. Addresses should never publish in association with photographs. It is very important to note that staff cannot post children’s photographs on any electronic media unless authorised by the Nursery’s admin office.

Road and Safety Policy

Parking

Please find our Parking Plan below showing exactly how you should park, to ensure maximum use of space. It is also requested that all Parents abide by the following Road Safety Procedures:

Double-parking on either side in front of the gates or down both sides of the road is totally unacceptable and shows no regard for the safety of our children.

The front of the Nursery needs to be kept clear at all times for the Nursery Buses and Emergency purposes. No stopping or parking under any circumstances.

Parents MUST park in an available parking space on the side of the road or on the sand area as per the Parking Plan below.

No parking outside our designated areas. No speeding! No three-point-turns in the road in front of the Nursery at drop off and pick up times. This policy also applies to drivers, taxis and maids who you wish to drop off/pick up your

children from the Nursery. It is your responsibility to provide them with this information. Please make sure that you adhere to these rules at all times.

To reduce the amount of traffic incidents, Traffic Police will issue traffic fine tickets to drivers who do not obey the Road Safety Policy. Safety of children is paramount and it is important that everyone realises the severity of this issue. The road outside the Nursery is a high risk traffic zone and we need you to think of the safety of our children and yourselves.


HELPFUL INFORMATION

Childhood Illnesses When is my child too sick to go to Nursery? How long should they be kept home from Nursery?

Infectious Disease or Illness Minimal Exclusion Period

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting 48 hours from last episode of diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Typhoid Exclusion is important – discuss with GP

Dysentery Exclusion is important – discuss with GP. Exclusion from swimming will be 2 weeks after the last episode of diarrhoea

Flu Exclusion until recovered

Tuberculosis Consult with GP and declared free from infection

Whooping Cough 5 days from commencing antibiotic treatment or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment

Chicken Pox 5 days from onset of rash

German Measles (Rubella) 5 days from onset of rash

Hand, Foot and Mouth Child may return once recovered

Impetigo Exclusion until lesions fully healed

Measles 5 days from onset of rash

Ringworm Exclusion until treatment has commenced

Scabies Can return after last treatment

Scarlet Fever 5 days after commencing antibiotics

Slapped Cheek/Fifth disease Child may return once recovered – discuss with GP

Shingles Exclude if rash is weeping and cannot be covered – discuss with GP

Conjunctivitis Usually 24 hours after treatment has commenced – Doctor’s clearance letter is required

Diphtheria Exclusion is important – discuss with GP

Head Lice Once treatment has commenced and there are no live lice

Hepatitis A Exclusion is important – discuss with GP


KEY: Denotes a notifiable disease. The Ministry of Health and Education will be

informed of an outbreak of these diseases. Denotes a Doctor’s Clearance Letter may be requested by our Nurse.

GREEN NOSE It is our Policy that a child with a green runny nose when accompanied by other symptoms such as a cough, fever, sneezing, vomiting, lack of appetite and tiredness will be excluded until a recovery has been made. The Nurse will determine if they feel the child is unwell and call the Parents/Carer to collect the child. It is firmly believed that this is in the best interests of the child and also their classmates. The Nursery will abide by the Nurse’s decision regarding the exclusion of children during the illness. If your child has a temperature, they shall need to remain at home for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to Nursery. A Nursery Class Teacher cannot give the one-on-one care that a child needs when they are not feeling well and the Nursery class is not an environment for an ill or recovering child. If any of the above symptoms are due to allergies we need a doctor’s note to verify this. In most cases, our Nurse may request a doctor’s clearance letter before the child can return to Nursery (see above). Apart from keeping your child at home when he/she is ill, good hygiene will go a long way towards preventing the spread of infection. Frequent, thorough hand washing is important for your child, the Nursery staff and other children. This is especially important after changing diapers, blowing noses, and before and after preparing food. REMEMBER! Children who require Paracetamol or similar medication in the morning should not be sent to Nursery, as by mid-morning the medication has worn off and the child feels unwell. Please do not hesitate to contact our Nurse if you have any concerns about your child.

Meningococcal meningitis Septicaemia

Exclusion until fully recovered – discuss with GP

Meningitis viral Until recovered

Mumps Five days from onset of swollen glands

Tonsillitis Until fully recovered – discuss with GP

Common Cold

Exclusion only when runny/blocked nose is accompanied by sneezing, headache, vomiting, tiredness, temperature, lack of appetite.


Biting Information

As a Parent/Carer with a child in Nursery, you may begin to experience or may already be experiencing your child biting others or being bitten by another child. This is more commonly experienced with children in Curious Beginners. What is it? Biting is a behaviour that can result from feelings of frustration, overstimulation, hunger and pain related to teething. Often children bite as a way to meet their needs, they do not yet have more appropriate methods of communicating what they want and biting gets a strong response from others. Whatever the reason for biting, this behaviour evokes strong emotions from all those involved, including the child who bites, the bitten child, the Parents of both children and the child’s Teacher and Teaching Assistants within the Nursery.

Biting is common between the age of 14 months and 36 months. A Plan of Action Biting is a difficult and uncomfortable situation/issue for all Parents to deal with. If your child has been bitten, you may feel angry, upset and outraged. If your child is the biter you may feel embarrassed and frustrated. Most toddlers who bite do so usually only for a short while.

Observe to find out when biting is likely to happen: If we watch the instances in which a child is likely to bite, we can gain understanding about the causes of biting and the situations to watch for in the future. For example, if the child bites at certain times of the day or in a certain place or area. It is helpful for Parents to liaise with the Teacher as to when biting is happening outside of the Nursery as well.

Provide close supervision and prevent biting whenever possible: If we know that a child might bite in certain situations, it is important to stay close enough to that child to prevent whatever bites you can.

Support your child's Nursery: If your child is biting at Nursery you will need to work with the child care staff on coming up with strategies. If the child is biting regularly, it may be necessary to designate a member of staff to "shadow" the child, staying close enough to keep all the children safe. Parents may be able to support the programme by volunteering to help in the Nursery for a period of time to allow a member of staff to offer special attention to the biting situation. Parents and Teachers working together for a solution can provide the extra resources needed to get through this difficult, though normal, developmental behaviour.

Explain to the child: Children do not automatically know that biting hurts. Telling them that biting hurts and allowing them to observe the bite mark and the crying friend will help them learn, over time, that biting is hurtful to others.


Provide redirection and alternatives: When we are aware of a child’s behaviour and see that a situation may lead to somebody being bitten, the child can be redirected to another activity or given something else as an alternative to distract them away from what is happening.

Avoid shaming: Often in our frustration we could find ourselves shaming or blaming children who are biting. This is not helpful to the child in overcoming their behaviour. Explaining to the child that biting is not acceptable and encouraging them to help the other child feel better will, in time, be effective to help them understand that biting is wrong and hurts. Offer children a chance to help: If we encourage the child who is biting to help the bitten child, this will teach them that when you make mistakes, you can also help to rectify them. Although it is helpful for children to say they are sorry, a more effective response is to ask children if they could do something to help the other child feel better. Children can bring ice, a cold cloth, a special blanket or cuddle the bitten child, if this child is receptive.

Stay calm, firm and clear: Biting is a frustrating situation for any adult caring for the children. It is important that when a child is biting the adult remains calm and does not cause a “scene” by shouting. The child who is biting will pick up on these reactions and possibly continue because of the attention their behaviour has caused. The adult should immediately comfort the child who has been bitten and provide any necessary first aid (as mentioned in the last point, the child who has bitten could become involved here). It is important to explain to the child who has bitten why it is wrong.

Give it time and get help if necessary: Despite our best efforts, biting does not always disappear immediately. Some children bite one or two times and never try it again. Others may bite on and off for a few months. If you feel like your child's biting is not just developmental in nature, but is connected to some other emotional issue they are dealing with, it might be useful to get some professional help such as speaking to a speech and language therapist or educational psychologists.

Your child’s Class Teacher will work alongside you to try and help prevent this behaviour from happening further and discuss helpful strategies that can be applied at home and within the Nursery as it is important to remain consistent with these approaches.


REMINDERS AND HELPFUL TIPS Please look at the main notice board outside Zig Zag Zoom and outside your child’s classroom daily.

Please do not enter the classroom before 8:00am. If you need to arrive earlier we do have an early drop off class from 7:15am.

Please be prompt in collecting your child. No child likes to be last on the mat. The Nursery closes at 6pm and there will be no staff available to look after the children if the Parent fails to arrive promptly at 6pm, and a late fee will be charged. If this becomes a repeated occurrence, the After Care facility will be withdrawn.

Please label everything – Clothing, Lunch Boxes, Bottles, Cups, etc.

Any left over snacks are sent home in their lunchbox, so that you are aware of what your child has eaten at Nursery that day.

If your child has not had breakfast, has had an unsettled night, or you think that they maybe coming down with something, please let the Teacher know in the morning.

Should you have any concerns regarding your child, please make an appointment to see your Class Teacher in the afternoon once all the children have gone home.


Items for Nursery

Please bring the following compulsory items to Nursery for your child:

Spare set of clothes

Art Apron (can be purchased from the Nursery Office)

Nappies (if necessary)

Swimming Nappies (if necessary)

Sun cream (also applied before coming to Nursery)

Hat/cap

Wet Wipes

Healthy snack

All Children to bring one (6x4) photograph for the classroom

door.

PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL BAGS, BOTTLES/SNACK BOXES ARE ALL CLEARLY LABELLED

parent information handbook (2014 2015)

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