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Sleaford New Life Preschool

New Life Centre

Mareham Lane

Sleaford

Lincolnshire

NG34 7JP

Telephone / Fax (01529) 304281

Email: preschool@nlcm.org.uk

Website: www.nlcm.org.uk

Sleaford New Life Preschool

Summary of Policies

For Parents

Please note that all of our policies and procedures are available to view in hard copy format in the

yellow file in the Preschool entrance foyer

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Our aims are:

1. To support the Church’s mission of exemplifying love, faith, generosity, life in the Spirit and sharing the Word of God, espe-cially in relation to young children.

2. To enhance the development & education of children under statutory school age in a parent-involving, community-based group.

3. To work within a framework that ensures equality of oppor-tunity for all children & families.

4. To provide a child-friendly environment that is safe, caring & stimulating.

5. To accommodate the interests of individual children through personalized play plans.

6. To implement a system of Key Persons, so that parents and children have a personalized point of contact.

7. To encourage children to develop self confidence and self es-teem and to feel valued as an individual.

8. To promote children’s social, intellectual, physical and spiritual development through play and activities, with a balance be-tween those initiated by the adults and those initiated by the child. This approach is recommended by current research and is part of the philosophy behind the High/Scope approach that is used in this setting.

9. To recognise that the children themselves do not choose to come to our setting. As such we aim to provide an environ-ment that is welcoming and friendly which will encourage the child to return.

10. To honour parents’ trust that we will nurture their child and give them quality care.

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11. To work fulfil the requirements of the Early Years Founda-tion Stage for all children.

12. To follow the guidelines and requirements of the register-ing bodies.

13. To maintain an adult/child ratio of at least 1:4 for under threes, and 1:8 for threes and over, giving children a high level of adult support.

14. To work as partners with parents/carers and offer flexibil-ity that allows each child’s individual needs to be met.

15. To make parents/carers feel welcome and provide an at-mosphere where both children and adults feel happy and comfortable.

16. To provide parents with regular information about our provision and early years developments.

17. To be open to parents' comments, criticisms and sugges-tions.

18. To develop links with our local schools and community, particularly with the aim of achieving smooth transitions between one setting and another

19. To create a non-discriminatory atmosphere by introducing appropriate toys, books and games to encourage the de-velopment of positive attitudes to all in society.

20. To regularly observe the children and record their devel-opmental and intellectual progress

21. To regularly renew our resources to provide ongoing stim-ulation and interest.

22. To keep up to date with early years developments, new legislation and thinking.

23. To regularly update staff training.

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E1 ADMISSIONS It is our intention to make our setting accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community. We aim to ensure that all sections of our community have access to the setting through open, fair and clearly communicated procedures. All poli-cies are regularly reviewed. Procedures • We ensure that the existence of our setting is widely advertised

in places accessible to all sections of the community. • We ensure that information about our setting is accessible, in

written and spoken form and, where appropriate, in more than one language. Where necessary, we will try to provide infor-mation in Braille, or through British Sign Language. We will also try to provide translated written materials where language needs of families suggest this is required as well as access to an interpreter.

We arrange our waiting list taking into account: The age of the child. (Priority will be given to children eligible for Early Years Entitlement EYE). Once all children on the waiting list have been offered funded hours EYE, subject to availability, we will consider offering additional hours at our standard specified cost per hour. The vicinity of the home to the setting; Siblings already attending the setting or who have previously attended the setting. Particular circumstances affecting the family

The balance of the group as a whole Forces families moving into the area (our support of the forces

covenant) Funded places will be offered in accordance with the code of practice for Ear-ly Years Entitlement and any local conditions in place at the time. If children are not already attending our Preschool, we strongly encourage parents to start their child at the beginning of the term after they turn 3

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Our waiting list is monitored and reviewed regularly.

• We keep a place vacant, if this is financially viable, to accommodate an emergency admis-

sion.

• We describe our setting and its practices in terms that make it clear that it welcomes fa-

thers and mothers, other relations and other carers, including childminders.

• We describe our setting and its practices in terms of how it treats each child and their family,

having regard to their needs arising from their gender, special educational needs, disabilities,

social background, religion and ethnicity or from English being a newly acquired additional

language.

• We describe our setting and its practices in terms of how it enables children and/or parents

with disabilities to take part in the life of the setting.

• We monitor the gender and ethnic background of children joining the group to ensure that

our intake is representative of local social diversity.

• We make our Equality and Diversity Policy widely known.

• We are flexible about attendance patterns to accommodate the needs of individual children

and families, providing these do not disrupt the pattern of continuity in the setting that pro-

vides stability for all the children.

• Toilet training is not a prerequisite for being offered a place.

• We are registered to take children from 2 years. Places are subject to availability as described

above.

• In order to accommodate children on our waiting list, in certain circumstances we reserve the

right to limit the places a child may attend. This is mainly applicable to those in receipt of Ear-

ly Years Entitlement who are taking more than their 15 hours of entitlement.

• We do not require children in receipt of Early Years Entitlement to attend extra days, unless

their parents elect to do so.

• We reserve the right not to offer a place to any child whose parents still owe significant fees

from a previous child, or those who have been rude or abusive in any way.

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E3 PAYMENT POLICY

At Sleaford New Life Preschool, we are committed to equal opportunities for every-

one, ensuring it is accessible to all families in the community, whilst providing high

quality care and education. Whilst we aim to keep fees as competitive as possible, in

order to maintain sustainability, quality of care prices, for it to be possible to pay staff

according to their qualifications and experience and to meet rising costs of services

etc., we carry out a review of our charges on an annual basis. Should it be deemed

necessary to increase the fees, you will be given the minimum of one month’s notice.

We recognise that families have differing needs & therefore endeavor to meet the in-

dividual needs of all families.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Sleaford New Life Preschool has a strong Christian ethos and as such, compassion

and understanding in its dealings with parents and children underpin its day--to--day

operation. The guiding principles in handling cases of late or unpaid fees are:

• The financial stability of the Preschool

• The number of children involved

• The educational needs of the child/ren

• The personal circumstances of the parents/carers and the ability to pay

• The payment record of the fee payer

The treatment of each case on its individual merit

CONFIDENTIALITY

Only the Preschool Manager, Deputy Manager and the New Life Church Ministries

(Sleaford) Board (Governing Board) officers are to be aware of the names of parents

whose case is being considered under this policy.

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

The following, non--exhaustive, list of factors are to be considered in reaching a

settlement of outstanding fees:

• Family circumstances e.g. employment situation, such as redundancy, illness, num-

ber of children in Preschool, special educational needs.

• Size of outstanding invoice

• Previous payment history

• Willingness of the parent/carer to reach an agreement

• Cost to Preschool in financial or reputational terms

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Non-payment

Where parent/carer’s fail to establish contact or maintain arrangements, recov-

ery action may continue as follows:

The Preschool will:

• Contact the parent/carer within 7 days after the payment due date has ex-

pired.

• A payment reminder letter will be sent out within 14 days after payment due

date has expired and the parent/carer will be encouraged to discuss any difficul-

ties they may be experiencing with payment. All information collected is strictly

confidential and governed by the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Preschool’s

Confidentiality policy.

• The Preschool Manager/ Deputy Manager will advise the parent/carer to

commence and maintain payments immediately.

• Should non-payment of fees continue, and no contact has been made from a

Parent/carer, then Sleaford New Life Preschool has the right to suspend the

child’s place until such time the outstanding amount is paid.

•Sleaford New Life Preschool reserve the right not to offer a place to any child

whose parents still owe significant fees from a previous child, or those who

have been rude or abusive in any way.

APPEALS

Where children are excluded for reason of non--payment of fees the parents

may make a formal representation to the New Life Church Ministries (Sleaford)

Board (Governing Board) officers requesting a review of decision.

RECORDING AND REPORTING

All cases subject to this policy are formally recorded and records held by the

Preschool Manager.

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B1 CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS Policy statement • We promote children's right to be strong, resilient and listened to by creating an

environment in our setting that encourages children to develop a positive self im-age, which includes their heritage arising from their colour and ethnicity, their languages spoken at home, their religious beliefs, cultural traditions and home background.

• We promote children's right to be strong, resilient and listened to by encouraging children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence.

• We promote children's right to be strong, resilient and listened to by enabling children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches.

• We help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their fam-ilies, with peers, and with other adults.

• We work with parents to build their understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of safeguarding all our children.

What it means to promote children’s rights and entitlements to be ‘strong, resilient and lis-tened to’

B2 SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND CHILD PROTECTION—see separate policy booklet

B3 SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY Policy statement Sleaford New Life Preschool realises that social networking has now become an integral part of everyday life and that many people enjoy membership of social network sites such as Facebook or Twitter. However, we are also aware that these sites can become a negative forum for slander, victimisation and bullying and care must be taken not to breach our confidentiality policy or offend anyone when using these sites. This policy has been designed to give staff members clear guidelines as to what we expect of our staff when accessing these sites. B4 LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN Policy statement We are committed to providing high quality provision based on equality of opportunity for all children and their families. All staff are committed to doing all they can to enable “looked after” children in their care to achieve and reach their full potential.

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B5 CONFIDENTIALITY AND CLIENT ACCESS TO RECORDS Policy statement Definition: ‘Confidential information is information of some sensitivity, which is not al-ready lawfully in the public domain or readily available from another public source, and which has been shared in a relationship where the person giving the information under-stood it would not be shared with others.’ (Information Sharing: Practitioners’ Guide) In our setting, staff and managers can be said to have a ‘confidential relationship’ with families. It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their parents and car-ers, while ensuring that they access high quality early years care and education in our setting. We aim to ensure that all parents and carers can share their information in the confidence that it will only be used to enhance the welfare of their children. There are record keeping systems in place that meet legal requirements; means of storing and sharing that information take place within the framework of the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act.

B6 INFORMATION SHARING Policy statement We recognise that parents have a right to know that information they share will be re-garded as confidential as well as be informed about the circumstances, and reasons, when we are obliged to share information. We are obliged to share confidential information without authorisation from the per-son who provided it or to whom it relates if it is in the public interest. That is when: • It is to prevent a crime from being committed or intervene where one may have

been or to prevent harm to a child or adult; or • Not sharing it could be worse than the outcome of having shared it. • The decision should never be made as an individual, but with the back-up of man-

agement committee officers. The three critical criteria are: • Where there is evidence that the child is suffering, or is at risk of suffering, signifi-

cant harm. • Where there is reasonable cause to believe that a child may be suffering or at risk

of suffering significant harm. • To prevent significant harm arising to children and young people or serious harm

to adults, including the prevention, detection and prosecution of serious crime.

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B7 UNCOLLECTED CHILD Policy statement In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of a session/day, the setting puts into practice agreed procedures. These ensure the child is cared for safely by an experienced and qualified practitioner who is known to the child. We will ensure that the child receives a high standard of care in order to cause as little dis-tress as possible. We inform parents/carers of our procedures so that, if they are unavoidably delayed, they will be reassured that their children will be properly cared for.

B8 MISSING CHILD Policy statement Children’s safety is maintained as the highest priority at all times both on and off prem-ises. Every attempt is made through carrying out the outings procedure and the exit/entrance procedure to ensure the security of children is maintained at all times. In the unlikely event of a child going missing, our missing child procedure is followed. B10 MAINTAINING CHILDREN’S SAFETY AND SECURITY ON PREMISES Policy statement We maintain the highest possible security of our premises to ensure that each child is safely cared for during their time with us.

B12 MAKING A COMPLAINT Policy statement

Our setting believes that children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. We welcome sugges-tions on how to improve our setting and will give prompt and serious atten-tion to any concerns about the running of the setting. We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff. If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns. We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our setting to a satisfactory conclusion for all of the parties in-volved. We keep a 'summary log' of all complaints that reach stage two or be-yond. This is to be made available to parents as well as to Ofsted inspectors. Parents may approach Ofsted directly at any stage of this complaints proce-dure. In addition, where there seems to be a possible breach of the setting's registration requirements, it is essential to involve Ofsted as the registering and inspection body with a duty to ensure the Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are adhered to. The number to call Ofsted with regard to a complaint is: Tel: 0300 1231231.These details are displayed on our setting's notice board.

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B13 USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) (see also NLCM IT policy) Information Technology, Information & Communication Technology Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are the computing and communi-cations facilities and features that variously support teaching, learning and a range of activities in education. Information Technology (IT) is the knowledge, skills and understandings needed to em-ploy information and communication technology (ICT) technologies appropriately, se-curely and fruitfully in learning, employment and everyday life. ICT (principally but not exclusively computers) is used in many ways for the presenta-tion, analysis and storage of information, but also to model, measure and control exter-nal events, to solve problems and to support learning in a variety of contexts, including use of the Internet, across the whole curriculum. It is now common practice to refer to ICT in such a way as to incorporate IT. Aims Our aims in using Information Technology are that all children will enjoy using ICT and tackle appropriate applications with confidence and a sense of achievement, develop practical skills in the use of ICT, be able to apply these skills to the solving of relevant and worthwhile problems and understand the capabilities and limitations of ICT and the implications and consequences of its use. Principles for the use of Information and Communication Technology Currently do not have children access to the internet. ICT is important because its use is widespread in the modern technological world and is likely to continue to grow. IT skills are recognised as cross-curricular within the EYFS and their use supports and enriches children's learning. It is also a knowledge and skill area in its own right. As in other areas of the curriculum we incorporate the requirements and recommendations of the EYFS into our planning. This policy may be superseded by part or all of any IT Policy instigate by NLCM, as the Preschool is constituted as part of the church and computers across the NLCM site are networked, with the exception of the two for the children’s exclusive use in Preschool. Strategies for the use of Information and Communication Technology Children will have experiences of a variety of software and equipment that allow staff to provide for progression of skills, concepts and applications. The software and items to be used in preschool are monitored by management and appropriate for the age of children who may use them. Children will have the opportunity to work individually, in pairs and in small groups, and will experience the frequent use of ICT. Increasingly, the children will become more independent in their use of ICT and the choice of software. This aim should be kept in mind from the earliest contacts children have with computers, by informing them clearly why they are using a computer for a particular activity.

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Equality of Opportunity All children should develop positive attitudes towards ICT; they should devel-op an understanding of the potential of ICT and show confidence and enjoy-ment in its use. Priority will be given to ensuring equality of access and quality of experience for all children according to need and irrespective of race, gender, disability, age and class. Those who are most proficient with the technology will be encouraged to share their expertise and confidence. The use of a computer and other equipment will be regarded by all staff and children primarily as a tool not a toy, with access as a right not a reward. Children who experience difficulty with mastering the technology or just work more slowly will be allowed extra time or opportunities to work with ICT. Access and Privacy The NLCM’s server must not be used at any time for storing illicit or offensive material, nor may any user attempt to install any software of any kind onto the network. If a member of staff wishes to have software installed the agree-ment of the Manager should first be sought, the licence checked and the rele-vant media handed to the network administrator to arrange for installation. Staff wishing to install software on the curriculum network must first seek the authorisation of the Manager. No-one other than those authorised by man-agement may install software on this network. Health and Safety The same precautions taken with any electrical equipment apply to all ICT equipment. Children will be encouraged from the earliest age to consider and adjust their posture when using the keyboard in order to avoid strain to the arms, neck and back. Children will not use computers for long periods of time and certainly not longer than 20 minutes. Staff will supervise children’s use of computers.

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B16 VALUING DIVERSITY AND PROMOTING EQUALITY Policy statement Sleaford New Life Preschool states clearly in its Mission Statement that it is a Christian Preschool, seeking to ‘further social, spiritual and educational development --- within a framework of Christian beliefs and in an atmosphere of love and welcome’. We incor-porate Christian principles, stories and festivals into preschool life and planning as well as festivals and events from other cultures and religions. When relevant to the children and families currently attending, we include input from them and that they are invited into the setting to share their first-hand experiences with the group. B16a PROMOTING FUNDAMENTAL BRITISH VALUES Policy statement At Sleaford New Life Preschool we recognise the requirement from the Department for Education to ensure children are protected from radicalisation by those wishing to un-duly or illegally influence them. We create an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued and children are engaged with the wider community. We clearly state in our Mission Statement that it is a Christian Preschool, seeking to ‘further social, spiritual and educational development --- within a framework of Christian beliefs and in an atmosphere of love and welcome’. We incorporate Chris-tian principles, stories and festivals into preschool life and planning as well as festivals and events from other cultures and religions. When relevant to the children and fami-lies currently attending, we include input from them and that they are invited into the setting to share their first-hand experiences with the group B17 SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Policy statement We provide an environment in which all children, including those with special educa-tional needs and/or disabilities, are supported to reach their full potential. All children have the right to the Early Years Foundation Stage and all staff have a duty to meet the needs of all the children attending the setting. • We have regard for the DfES Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2014) • We ensure our provision is inclusive to all children with special educational needs

and/or disabilities. • We support parents and children with special educational needs (SEN) and/or dis-

abilities. • We identify the specific needs of children with special educational needs and/or

disabilities and meet those needs through a range of assessment and support strategies.

• We work in partnership with parents and other agencies in meeting individual children's needs.

• We monitor and review our policy, practice and provision and, if necessary, make

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B18 ACHIEVING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR – INCLUDES DEALING WITH BULLYING BEHAVIOUR Policy statement Our setting believes that children flourish best when their personal, social and emotional needs are met and where there are clear and developmentally appropriate expectations for their behaviour. Our named behaviour manager is Stacey Staples Children need to learn to consider the views and feelings, needs and rights, of others and the impact that their behaviour has on people, places and objects. This is a developmental task that requires support, encouragement, teaching and setting the correct example. The principles that underpin how we achieve positive and considerate behaviour exist within the programme for promoting personal, social and emotional development. Physical punishment such as smacking or shaking is never used. We expect all members of our setting - children, parents, staff, volunteers and students - to keep to the guidelines, re-quiring these to be applied consistently.

B19 BITING POLICY AND PROCEDURES Policy statement Many children go through stages in their development that others find unacceptable. Biting in particular is a very unpleasant form of behaviour that is particularly prevalent in children whose language skills are only just developing and can often be an expression of frustration that they have not yet acquired the skills to express what t they are feeling. Temper tantrums are another form of behaviour that most children of a similar age or developmental stage go through. Happily, just as temper tantrums eventually diminish with age so usually does biting.

B20 ANIMALS IN THE SETTING Policy statement Children learn about the natural world, its animals and other living creatures, as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. This may include contact with animals, or other living creatures, either in the setting or in visits. We aim to ensure that this is in accordance with sensible hygiene and safety controls.

B21 ADMINISTERING MEDICINES Policy statement While it is not our policy to care for sick children, who should be at home until they are well enough to return to the setting, we recognise that there may be times when children re-quire medication to be administered as part of maintaining their health and well-being or when they are recovering from an illness. Often children’s GPs to prescribe medicine that can be taken at home in the morning and evening. If a child has not had medication before, it is advised that the parent keeps the child at home for the first 48 hours to ensure no adverse effect as well as to give time for the medication to take effect Aspirin or medication containing Aspirin will not be administered to any children unless it is prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition

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B22 MANAGING CHILDREN WHO ARE ILL, INFECTIOUS, OR HAVE ALLERGIES OR IN-TOLERANCES [including notifiable diseases] Policy statement We provide care for healthy children through preventing cross infection of viruses and bacterial infections, through identifying allergies and intolerances and preventing con-tact with the allergenic and intolerances. • It is in the interest of all who attend the Preschool that children who are unwell

should stay at home. We include in this symptoms such as sickness, diarrhoea, stomach ache, headache, fever, chestiness, fatigue/tiredness and generally being out of sorts. It should be remembered that children and staff are exposed to a wide range of illnesses. Because infection can spread so quickly there is a possibil-ity that the majority of the staff group can become ill, which can significantly affect the operation of the Preschool. So children who are unwell must remain at home, even if they want to come to Preschool, to reduce the risk of infection spreading.

• We will refuse admittance to any child we feel is not well enough to attend Pre-school or may pose a risk of infection to others. In particular this applies to those who have a temperature, sickness and/or diarrhoea, and contagious infection or disease.

• There are exclusion periods for many illnesses, including a child with a tempera-ture [24 hours since last feverish] sickness and diarrhoea [currently 48 hours since the last attack] and impetigo. Details of these and other exclusion periods are displayed on the Notice board and can be found on www.patient.co.uk

• Parents should inform the Preschool if their child has an infectious illness such as chickenpox, German measles etc. This is because these illnesses, although usually fairly mild for most children, occasionally cause problems to vulnerable groups etc.

• Some illnesses are notifiable. These include the various forms of meningitis, food poisoning, measles and mumps. There is a list on the Notice board and it is availa-ble on-line at www.patient.co.uk In the unlikely event of cases being reported we will inform OFSTED, and act upon any advice given by the Health Protection Agen-cy, which may include distributing information about action being taken to stop infection spread etc.

• Parents have a duty to ensure all registration records, including medical details and emergency contact details, are up to date. They must also make sure that they or their nominated carer for the day can be contacted at any time.

• The Preschool has a duty to contact parents/carers immediately if a child appears ill or becomes ill while at Preschool. We will also ensure that there is a First Aider of Paediatric First Aid on duty at any time and that any sick child receives due care and attention until they go home. The Sick Child Procedures will be followed.

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B25 ASTHMA Policy statement This policy is aimed to help ensure the health and safety of children in our pre-school. • We welcome all children with asthma, encouraging children to reach their full potential by having a clear policy and procedures that are understood and imple-mented by staff and parents. We particularly draw this policy to the attention of new and relief staff • We recognise that asthma is an important condition affecting many children. By working closely with parents of children with asthma we aim to ensure that their children are in a safe, caring environment. We ensure the group environment is favourable to children with asthma, by raising awareness of possible triggers such as pet fur, pollen and smoke. • We encourage and help children with asthma to participate fully in activities • Children may always have immediate access to reliever inhalers. We ensure any spare medicines stored by the group are labelled and have not passed their expi-ry date. • As a group we discuss asthma so that other children group understand that asthma can be serious. • First Aiders are available at every session. Their training in Paediatric First Aid includes training on asthma. We provide guidance for all staff on what to do if a child has an asthma attack to ensure the child’s welfare in the event of an emer-gency. • We promote action by parents and staff to actively support the policy in the group. • We seek to update our knowledge and understanding of asthma regularly, through training and consultation. B26 NAPPY CHANGING Policy statement No child is excluded from participating in our setting who may, for any reason, not yet be toilet trained and who may still be wearing nappies or equivalent. We work with parents towards toilet training, unless there are medical or other develop-mental reasons why this may not be appropriate at the time. We make necessary adjustments to our bathroom provision and hygiene practice in order to accommodate children who are not yet toilet trained. We see toilet training as a self-care skill that children have the opportunity to learn with the full support and non-judgemental concern of adults.

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B27 FIRST AID Policy statement In our setting staff are able to take action to apply first aid treatment in the event of an accident involving a child or adult. At least one member of staff with current first aid training is on the premises or on an outing at any one time. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children. B28 SMOKING AND SUBSTANCES (ALCOHOL OR DRUGS) Policy statement • The Preschool recognises that many people in our society smoke and drink alco-

hol. We are aware that smoking and drinking alcohol is lawful and a matter of choice for adults. We are aware that some substance abuse is unlawful.

• All the premises within the confines of the Preschool building and grounds are designated as a smoke-free and substance-free area. No one is permitted to smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal substances at any time on Preschool premises.

• Children will not be released to any adult who appears to be under the influence of excess alcohol or other substances; their second contact will be telephoned and asked to come and accompany the adult and child. We will seek to provide information and support for anyone struggling with these issues upon request.

B29 FOOD AND DRINK Policy statement We regard snack and meal times as an important part of the setting's day. Eating repre-sents a social time for children and adults and helps children to learn about healthy eating. We promote healthy eating using available resources and materials. At snack and meal times, we aim to provide nutritious food, which meets the children's individu-al dietary needs.

D9 SUN PROTECTION POLICY Policy statement At Sleaford New Life Preschool we are aware of the importance of sun protection and want all staff and children to enjoy the sun safely. We aim to work closely with staff and parents to achieve this. D10 SELECTING EQUIPMENT/TOYS Policy statement We acknowledge and understand the impact that a well planned and resourced physi-cal and emotional environment can have on a child’s learning and development. We take current research into consideration in planning our layout e.g. Communication Friendly Spaces. The toys and equipment in preschool provide opportunities for chil-dren to develop new skills and concepts in the course of their play and exploration, with adult scaffolding, whether indoors or outdoors

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E2 EMERGENCY CLOSURE PROCEDURES Policy statement • There may be occasions when the Preschool has no alternative but to effect an

emergency closure. Circumstances may include staff illness, contagious or infec-tious illness amongst the children, damage to the premises, failure in the heating, power or water supply or extreme weather conditions. Should closure become necessary after the session has started we will contact the first-named person on a child’s Registration Form to ask that they be collected as soon as possible. In the event that the first-named person is unavailable we will contact the other named persons in the order stipulated on the Registration Form.

• Should we have sufficient notice of an Emergency Closure (e.g. the night before or before 8.00 am, or 12 noon for the pm session) we will endeavour to telephone as early possible so that parents know not to bring children to Preschool on that day and can make alternative arrangements where necessary.

• Parents have a responsibility to ensure that the contact numbers we hold are up to date.

• Parents should be assured emergency closure will only happen in extreme circum-stances and after very careful consideration.

•

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E6 THE ROLE OF THE KEY PERSON AND SETTLING-IN Policy statement • We believe that children settle best when they have a key person to relate to, who

knows them and their parents well, and who can meet their individual needs. Re-search shows that a key person approach benefits the child, the parents, the staff and the setting by providing secure relationships in which children thrive, parents have confidence, staff are committed and the setting is a happy and dedicated place to attend or work in.

• We want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the setting and to feel se-cure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents to have confidence in both their children's well-being and their role as active partners with the setting.

• We aim to make the setting a welcoming place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circum-stances of children and their families.

• They key person role is set out in the Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

E7 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Policy statement • We believe that children benefit most from early years education and care when

parents and settings work together in partnership. • Our aim is to support parents as their children's first and most important educa-

tors by involving them in their children's education and in the full life of the setting. We also aim to support parents in their own continuing education and personal development.

• Some parents are less well represented in early years settings; these include fa-thers, parents who live apart from their children but who still play a part in their lives as well as working parents. In carrying out the following procedures, we will ensure all parents are included.

• When we refer to ‘parents’ we mean both mothers and fathers; these include both natural or birth parents as well as step-parents and parents who do not live with their children, but have contact with them and play a part in their lives. ‘Parents’ also includes same sex parents as well as foster parents.

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10 TRANSITION POLICY Policy statement In this policy we use the word 'transition' to mean the movement of children from one learning environment to another. A child who goes to a nursery or childminder may start attending Preschool. A child may leave Preschool to move to another one, either locally or far away. Children leave Preschool and start 'big' school. At our Preschool we realise that transition to new settings is a major event in the lives of young children and can be an anxious time for both the children and their parents/carers. We endeavour to ensure that such moves are made as smooth as possible with as little disruption to the child as is feasible. E11 CHILDREN’S RECORDS Policy statement There are record keeping systems in place that meet legal requirements; means of storing and sharing that information take place within the framework of the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act. This policy and procedure is taken in conjunction with the Confidentiality Policy and our procedures for information sharing. E12 PROVIDER RECORDS Policy statement We keep records for the purpose of maintaining our business. These include: • Records pertaining to our registration. • Any contractual documentation pertaining to amenities, services and goods. • Financial records pertaining to income and expenditure. • Risk assessments. • Employment records of staff. The Preschool is part of New Life Church Ministries (Sleaford) so some of this documentation is held in the Church Office rather than on our premises. Our records are regarded as confidential on the basis of sensitivity of information, such as with regard to employment records and these are maintained with regard to the framework of the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act. This policy and procedure is taken in conjunction with the Confidentiality and Client Access to Records policy and Information Sharing policy.