Zara’s Childminding Service, Bellair, Clonaslee, Co. Laois.Zara’s Childminding Service, Bellair, Clonaslee, Co. Laois.Zara’s Childminding Service, Bellair, Clonaslee, Co. Laois.Zara’s Childminding Service, Bellair, Clonaslee, Co. Laois. Mobile: 087-7745812

E.Mail: zaraschildmindingservice@gmail.com www.zaraschildmindingservice.com

Zara’s Childminding ServicesZara’s Childminding ServicesZara’s Childminding ServicesZara’s Childminding Services Offering a home away from home for your little ones!Offering a home away from home for your little ones!Offering a home away from home for your little ones!Offering a home away from home for your little ones!

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Welcome to Zara’s Childminding Service Zara’s Childminding Service Zara’s Childminding Service Zara’s Childminding Service and our vision of quality and excellence

for early years care within Clonaslee and the surrounding areas.

Looking for childcare provision is never an easy task for parents and they have some very

difficult decisions to make when choosing a childcare provider. Parents need to be confident and

rest assured in the knowledge they have chosen the very best place for their child.

As parents we all know that the early years of a child’s life are vitally important and what we at

Zara’s achieve is setting firm foundations for learning, through play, which will help support

your child’s future capacity for learning.

Our setting provides the best possible start for any child in an environment that is warm, friendly,

safe and nurturing. We aim to offer a “home away from home” for your little ones.

OUR CURRICULUM:OUR CURRICULUM:OUR CURRICULUM:OUR CURRICULUM:

Play is at the heart of Zara’s curriculum and we follow the National Curriculum framework set

out by Aistear and the National Quality Framework set out by Siolta. We firmly believe a child

who is happy, safe and secure develops and learns with ease. Through daily routines and well-

planned programs of, both child and adult initiated activities, we ensure each child works at a

level appropriate to their needs and abilities.

At Zara’s we plan all activities and learning around the areas of learning and development within

the national framework.

We understand how important the early years are in education for your children. We ensure that

in this key stage of their early academic years we prepare them for the years of schooling and

education ahead.

At Zaras we operate a ‘Monthly Topic Program with a new topic being introduced every

month. Some of our topics include: All About Me, My Family, Cooking week, Construction

Week, Senses Week, Creepy Crawlies Week, Gardening Week, Space Week ….and lots more

fun filled and educational topics.

During our academic calendar most of our art and crafts and learning activities are based around

our topics. All classes follow the same topic, just at a different level catered to suit each age

group.

TEAMTEAMTEAMTEAM

At Zara’s we believe that qualification alone does not make a good teacher or caregiver. All of

our staff have the drive, commitment and motivation to work with young children. Working with

young children is a vocation; you need patience, understanding and tenacity as well as warmth

and understanding. All of these qualities are what we look for in our staff which in turn creates a

warm and inviting environment where children feel valued and motivated to learn. Furthermore

we encourage and promote ongoing training and certificate for all staff.

FACILITIESFACILITIESFACILITIESFACILITIES

At Zara’s we have quality facilities which support learning and development in young children

and to allow them learn in a safe and secure environment.

The facilities we offer in our nursery include:

• Fun themed, colourful, bright and welcoming classrooms

• Quality resources

• Large outdoor play areas (Grass, Soft Play Area, and lots more)

• Sand and water play area

• A separate sleep room

NURSERY HOURS & TERM DATESNURSERY HOURS & TERM DATESNURSERY HOURS & TERM DATESNURSERY HOURS & TERM DATES

Regular opening hours are from 8.00am – 6.00pm, with the option of full day care or half day

care Monday through Friday.

Daycare is offered on a 5,4,3,2,1 day per week. Where fulltime care is not chosen, parents can

choose which days are best suitable depending on availability. This will be offered on a first

come- first served basis. A waiting list will be in operation so you can opt to have your name

placed on a particular day’s waiting list should you request.

AGE GROUPS:AGE GROUPS:AGE GROUPS:AGE GROUPS:

We offer childcare for children from 6 months of age to afterschool care. We also offer a

preschool preparation class, Early Preschool Class, for children from 2 – 4 years which offers a

program which is driven by key developmental milestones specific to toddlers and 3 year olds

preparing to enter preschool.

As all children learn, grow and develop at their own pace, and in their own unique way, our

program is designed and tailored with your child’s needs and abilities in mind.

We will help your child with understanding routines and we offer fun and interesting activities

designed to develop mental and physical co-ordination. We place a lot of emphasis on

communication and social development to help build self esteem and confidence in young

children.

EARLY EARLY EARLY EARLY PRESCHOOLPRESCHOOLPRESCHOOLPRESCHOOL CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS (2 – 4 years) PRESCHOOLPRESCHOOLPRESCHOOLPRESCHOOL PREPARATION CLASSPREPARATION CLASSPREPARATION CLASSPREPARATION CLASS

Our early preschool class is specially equipped to suit children from 2 – 4 years.

Sample Daily Routine:

9.30 – 9.50 am Greeting children, Goodbye to Parents followed by supervised free play

9.50 – 10.10am Circle Time: Teacher brings the class together for morning routines,

songs and nursery rhymes, alphabet and numbers, shapes and colours,

topic of the month, discussion of the days planned activities and

sharing of stories.

10.10 – 10.30am Outdoor Play Time (Weather Permitting)

10.30 – 10.45pm Wash Hands/Toilet Visit/Nappy Changes

10.45 – 11.15am Snack Time

11.15 – 12.00pm Group activity linked to the Topic of the Month/Art & Craft/Music &

Movement/Show & Tell

12.00 – 12.30pm Tidy Up/Shoes On/Bags Ready & Story time while waiting on parents

to arrive

In addition, one session per week will be allocated to P.E. (Physical Education) which will include

running, football and other sporting activities. (Outdoors – Weather permitting)

CLOTHINGCLOTHINGCLOTHINGCLOTHING

Children should be dressed comfortably and wear inexpensive clothing as accidents can happen

and although we use washable supplies, these can at times, leave stains on clothing.

Children will also be asked to wear comfortable clothing and trainers on our allocated P.E days.

(Physical Education)

PARENTS AS PARTNERSPARENTS AS PARTNERSPARENTS AS PARTNERSPARENTS AS PARTNERS

At Zara’s we welcome parental interest and involvement as we believe parents know their

children best. We want to work in partnership with you and your child to provide the very best

education and care.

We at all times want to keep the communication between staff and parents informal by keeping

an open door policy for parents. Parents’ comments and suggestions are invaluable to us.

PARENT COMMUNICATIONPARENT COMMUNICATIONPARENT COMMUNICATIONPARENT COMMUNICATION

Our staff will work alongside parents to ensure all children receive the best possible care. Our

parents’ notice board, will be updated regularly to keep parents informed of our activities and/or

any issues within the nursery.

In addition, each child will be given a communication book which will travel between home and

the daycare to optimize communication between staff and parents.

COMMENTS & COMPLAINTSCOMMENTS & COMPLAINTSCOMMENTS & COMPLAINTSCOMMENTS & COMPLAINTS

Any minor comments or complaints which can be easily rectified amicably should be taken up

with your child’s carer after class. More serious comments or complaints should be addressed to

the manager, either verbally or in writing at an appropriate time. We will endeavor to answer all

initial comments or complaints within 48hrs but more detailed responses may take up to one

week.

MEDICAL & ILLNESSMEDICAL & ILLNESSMEDICAL & ILLNESSMEDICAL & ILLNESS

Parents must complete a medical form upon completing registration. Parents must inform us of

any changes to this information.

Zara’s has a clear infection control policy so in order to minimize the spread of infections, please

do not send you child to nursery with any of the following:

• A fever

• A skin rash

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

• A heavy nasal discharge

• A persistent cough

• Conjunctivitis

• Infectious diseases e.g. Chicken pox etc

Please Note: Children with a light cough or clear nasal discharge are permitted to attend.

If a child has an infected sore or wound, this must be covered with a suitable dressing. The

nursery promotes the policy that ‘the best place for a sick child is at home’.

ADMINISTRATING MEDICATIONADMINISTRATING MEDICATIONADMINISTRATING MEDICATIONADMINISTRATING MEDICATION

We do not have authority to administer medication but we may need to give your child non-

prescribed medicine such as Calpol/Adol or Nuerofen, if necessary.

If your child has a condition such as asthma etc, we will make suitable arrangements in

agreement with the parent, for administering and storing of medication.

MINOR ACCIDENTSMINOR ACCIDENTSMINOR ACCIDENTSMINOR ACCIDENTS As parents and carers we are all aware that children have minor accidents resulting in bumps,

bruises and small scrapes. In the event of any accident that occurs at the nursery an accident form

will be filled out and the parent notified at the end of the day. The form will include the

following:

• The child’s name

• Time and Date

• Where the incident happened

• How the incident happened

• What the nature of the injury is

• What action was taken

• Signed by the parent and staff

BIRTHDAYSBIRTHDAYSBIRTHDAYSBIRTHDAYS

We are happy to acknowledge and celebrate each child’s birthday. We will sing happy birthday

in class to the child. Parents can send a cake to daycare and we will organize a small party for the

birthday girl/boy. Please send food which is easy to share and is nutritious for the children, no

nuts please. Parents may also send a camera in the child’s school bag where staff will be happy

to take photographs on behalf of the parent.

PHOTOGRAPHOTOGRAPHOTOGRAPHOTOGRAPHSPHSPHSPHS

Zara’s may include some photographs or images of pupils in promotional material such as the

prospectus, facebook and website. No written or personal information will be included with the

images. Parents will find a photography release form in this pack, please read it carefully, sign

and return.

LIABILITYLIABILITYLIABILITYLIABILITY

Unless negligent or guilty of some other wrongdoing causing injury, loss or damage, Zara’s does

not accept responsibility for accidental injury or other loss caused to the pupil or parents or for

loss or damage to property.

BEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINEBEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINEBEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINEBEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINE

At Zara’s we encourage appropriate behavior through positive reinforcement techniques. We

believe that discipline is the single most important means that a child has in helping them make

the correct decisions in his or hers life. Our policies are therefore designed to help children

develop their own internal disciplines. For repeated disruptive and unacceptable behaviors, we

give age appropriate children ‘time out’ to reflect on their actions, usually one minute per year of

age. It has been proven that children respond very well to this simple but firm approach.

SCHOOL OUTINGSSCHOOL OUTINGSSCHOOL OUTINGSSCHOOL OUTINGS

At Zara’s we believe that the risk is too high to take the children on outings. Instead of bringing

the children on outings, we will arrange special visitors to our school such as dentists, fire

officers, members of the police and other professionals to talk to the children about their jobs etc.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND TO WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND TO WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND TO WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND TO DYACAREDYACAREDYACAREDYACARE WITH YOUR CHILDWITH YOUR CHILDWITH YOUR CHILDWITH YOUR CHILD

Below is a checklist of items you may need to send to nursery with your child:

• A spare set of clothes, including underwear, in case of any accidents.

• Nappies

• Baby wipes

• Nappy cream, if necessary

• A sun hat/winter hat (to be kept at the daycare)

• Sun cream

• Lunch and/or snacks including a water beaker / baby bottle

SETTLING IN POLICYSETTLING IN POLICYSETTLING IN POLICYSETTLING IN POLICY

It is our aim to make the whole process of settling in, a positive and easy transformation for both

children and their parents. We accept that all children are different and we will work with each

child individually with what suits them best.

While some may wave goodbye to parents from day one, for others it may take days and even

weeks. We understand that it is extremely important to allow children time to settle in to their

new surroundings and new routine. The process of settling in will be discussed with parents and

we will work together to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible for all parties involved. We

would encourage parents to come and stay for a short while, each day, for the first week, to allow

children time to become familiar with their surroundings.

DROP OFF & COLLECTION (SAFETY & SECURITY)DROP OFF & COLLECTION (SAFETY & SECURITY)DROP OFF & COLLECTION (SAFETY & SECURITY)DROP OFF & COLLECTION (SAFETY & SECURITY)

All children must be signed into the daycare on arrival and signed out upon departure. Only

authorized persons will be allowed to collect a child from the nursery, details of which are

recorded on the registration form.

Please collect your child on time. If a child is not collected on time, the teacher/caregiver will

contact the parent by telephone to get an update on the collection arrangement. If the parents are

not contactable, the emergency contact will be notified. In cases of family emergency or

unexpected situations, the staff will do all possible to assist the family where they are informed.

If you require care for the child outside the hours in which the child is registered please inform

us and we will try to facilitate you as much possible.

SNACKS & LUNCHSNACKS & LUNCHSNACKS & LUNCHSNACKS & LUNCH

We ask that all parents adhere to our healthy eating policy and provide a healthy lunch and snack

for children.. A healthy beverage should accompany the lunch, such as milk or juice. In addition,

a water bottle/beaker must be sent which each child which will be topped up all day.

Children at breakfast club will be provided with a small morning snack.

As applies to all the child’s personal items, the lunch box and beaker should be clearly labeled

with the child’s name.

Nuts, crisps, chocolate, fizzy drinks and other unhealthy foods are not permitted.

FEES STRUCTURE AND PAYMENTFEES STRUCTURE AND PAYMENTFEES STRUCTURE AND PAYMENTFEES STRUCTURE AND PAYMENT

A schedule of fees is available upon request or can be downloaded from our website. Fees are

payable, in full, on the last day of each week and should be placed in an envelope marked with

your child’s name and given to a member of staff.

Holiday periods outside the closure dates of the childcare service should be paid for in full. Two

weeks holiday period per year, at the discretion of the parents, will be applicable where no fee

should be paid. Prior notice should be given to Zara as to when these free weeks will be applied.

Bank holidays and public holidays should be paid for in full.

Days missed due to illness or personal circumstances should be paid in full.

If you require a monthly payment schedule, a holding deposit of 50% will be required upon

starting, which will then be deducted from your first months fees.

Allowances will be made for but must be agreed with Zara for unforeseen circumstances or

emergency situations where no payment will be necessary.

Important Note:

It is not permitted to change hours or days or to look for additional days/hours, free of

charge, in lieu of sick days. Places are paid for and days and hours are allocated based on

these bookings so please do not ask as refusal may offend.

In emergency or unforeseen circumstances, changes may be considered and agreed with

management.

ADMISSION PROCESSADMISSION PROCESSADMISSION PROCESSADMISSION PROCESS

We welcome new registrations all year round. Places will be allocated based on available spaces

and will be at the discretion of the manager where the decision will be final.

Parents are invited to visit us at any time but it is advisable to make an appointment if you wish

to avail of a guided tour and to discuss your requirements with the manager. We have a full

timetable of activities for all ages within our daycare, ensuring your child’s learning journey is a

truly wonderful experience

If you would like any further information or wish to visit us we would be delighted to hear from

you, please contact us on

087-7745812

Email: zaraschildmindservice@gmail.com

Website www.zaraschildmindservice.com

PROCESS

In order to register your child you will need to submit the following:

• Completed registration form

• Signed acceptance of terms and conditions form.

• Completed Medical Form

• Signed photography release form

• Fee payment if applicable

Zara’s Childminding ServicesZara’s Childminding ServicesZara’s Childminding ServicesZara’s Childminding Services Offering a home away from home for your little ones!Offering a home away from home for your little ones!Offering a home away from home for your little ones!Offering a home away from home for your little ones!

Parental agreement

I confirm that I have read, and am in agreement with, the terms and conditions set out in Zara’s

Childminding Services Handbook.

Parent / Guardian Name ……………………………………………………….……… ……..

(Please Print)

Signed ............................................................................................................

Childs Name ............................................................................................................

Date ….......................................................................................................

REGISTRATION FORM

Family Name/Surname of Child………………………………………

Childs First Names.………………………………………………………………………………...

Date of Birth………………………………. Boy Girl

Home Address …………………………………….. ………………………………………………

Residence Telephone No………………………………. Mobile No………………………………

Main E-Mail For Correspondence………………………………………………………………….

______________________________________________________________________________

Select Days Required Per Week:

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Select Timings per day:

08.00am – 6.00pm 09.00am – 2.00pm Early Preschool

Other: (Please state)

______________________________________________________________________________

Parents Information:

Fathers Name……………………………………………………………………………………….

Work Telephone No………………………… Mobile Telephone No……………..……….

Mothers Name………………………………………………………………………………………

Work Telephone No…………………………… Mobile Telephone No………………………

Emergency Contact Information: (If parents are not contactable)

Name………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Address……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Mobile Telephone Number…………………………………………………………………………

Home Telephone Number…………………………………………………………………………..

Relationship to child………………………………………………………………………………..

______________________________________________________________________________

Authorization for someone else to collect your child;

Name: Relationship to Child: Phone No:

……………………….. ……………………………………… ………………………

……………………….. ……………………………………… ………………………

Apart from the child’s parents, your child will only be allowed home with a person from the authorized list above.

The authorized persons above must be over 18years of age and may be asked to provide ID card upon collection of the child.

______________________________________________________________________________

How did you hear about Zaras? ……………………………………………….

We request that our above named child be registered as a pupil at Zara’s:

Parents Name……………………………………………………………………………………….

Parents Signature……………………………………………………………Date…………………

CHECKLIST:CHECKLIST:CHECKLIST:CHECKLIST: (Documents required to complete registration)

Completed Registration

Completed Medical Form

Signed Parents Terms & Conditions Form

Signed Photography Release Form

Official Use Only:

Date Starting: Class Starting: Date Paid: Form of Payment: Receipt No:

MEDICAL FORM

BASIC INFORMATION:

Childs Full Name ..………………………………………………………….

Date of Birth………………………………. Boy Girl

_____________________________________________________________________________

MEDICAL HISTORY: Please provide us with your child’s medical history and any relevant information which the

nursery needs to be aware of, including any allergies your child may have:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

______________________________________________________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

Mothers Name .……………………………………………. Tel………………………………….

Fathers Name ……………………………………………… Tel…………………………………..

Emergency Contact Name………………...……………….. Tel……………………………….....

Relationship to Child…………………………………………………………………………….....

Family Doctor Name ………………………………………………………………………………

Family Doctor Telephone ………………………………………………………………………….

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent ……………………………………………………. Date…………………………

Please Note: Children have a low resistance to infection. If your child is ill, he/she should not attend nursery

until fully clear of illness/infection. If called to collect your child, please endeavor to get to the daycare within

one hour if possible. Parents must not hold Zara’s liable and must bear all costs in the event of an emergency

whereby we are unable to contact the parent and confirm the course of action.

PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE FORM

Dear Parents,

At Zara’s we use our website, facebook page and blog to keep parents of children attending our

daycare updated online. We also use this as a means to help illustrate our services and

curriculum to parents hoping to choose Zara’s Childminding Services for their child.

We publish photographs and/or videos taken at the daycare on our website, facebook page and

also on our blog. Please fill out the below form so we understand your decision regarding your

child. Please note that at no stage will a child’s private details appear alongside their picture.

Please tick the appropriate box below:

I do give permission for my child ________________ ‘s

picture to be used by Zara’s Childminding Service for their website,

facebook page and/or blog.

I do not give permission for my child _______________ ‘s

picture to be used by Zara’s Childminding Service for their website,

facebook page and/or blog.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________

Print Name: _______________________________________________

Date: ____________________