Oatlands Pre School Harrogate North Yorkshire

Oatlands Pre-School Forthcoming Events For 2007

We will ensure that Oatlands Pre-School is widely known to our local community, placing notices advertising the pre-school in various locations, and will do our best to accommodate families new to the area wherever possible.

Our admissions policy is based on a waiting list system and children are invited to attend on reaching 2 ½ years in date of birth order. Wherever possible we aim to offer preferred sessions.

We have two groups at pre-school and try to ensure children are in the year groups which move onto school in September.

GROUP ONE: 3½ - 4years +
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9.00am - 11.45am
Tuesday, Thursday
1.00pm - 3.30pm
GROUP TWO: 2½ - 3½ years (approx)
Tuesday, Thursday
9.00am - 11.45am
Friday
1.00pm - 3.30pm
MIXED: 2½ - 4years +
Monday
1.00 - 3.30pm

These age ranges are approximate and dependent upon places becoming available within the groups. Movement within the group is in date of birth order.

Emergency admissions will be catered for where possible in consultation with the Local Authority.

A full information booklet is provided prior to admission

At Oatlands we want a child’s early years learning experience to be a happy one. To facilitate this we aim to create a partnership with parents.

Before starting at pre-school families are welcome to join in sessions which the child will be attending to allow both the child and the parents/carers to become familiar with the group before joining.
On joining the session, parents/carers are encouraged to stay at least for the first session to help settle the child in, and thereafter are welcome to stay as many sessions as are preferred until the child is comfortable with the surroundings, the staff and the other children.
By encouraging parents, where appropriate, to separate from their children for brief periods at first, gradually building up to longer absences.
By providing the necessary information about our pre-school, verbally and in written form
Ensuring that a staff member discusses the pre-school aims and routines with parents/carers prior to starting or on the child’s first day
Ensuring children become comfortable with all staff
Ensuring all staff are approachable to parents/carers and available to answer any further questions
Encouraging parents to be involved with the duty rota system and management committee

Children cannot play or learn if they are anxious or unhappy. Staff aim to provide a safe, secure, caring and stimulating environment where each child is valued as an individual and is offered the same opportunities to encourage self-confidence, independence and positive self esteem.

Oatlands Pre-School is committed to equal opportunities for all, ensuring it’s accessibility to all families in the community and, whilst providing high quality care and education, aims to keep fees as low as possible.

We recognise that families have differing means. We will aim to meet the individual needs of all families and, if required, a flexible payment structure can be arranged with the Playleader.

We accept funding for 3 and 4 year olds, where the child is eligible.

Any changes to fees are fully discussed with the parents/carers of the group and are agreed prior to implementation.

A Fees Treasurer is elected onto the Committee to oversee the collection and banking of fees.

Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with our Confidentiality Policy.

At pre-school we recognise that parents/carers are the first educators of the child, and value any contribution given.
The pre-school is owned by the parents of the children currently attending the group. The group is made up of the children, parents and staff. A Committee of parent representatives has overall responsibility for the running of the group and consists of elected members. The Committee employs staff members to take responsibility for the day to day running of the group and to ensure that appropriate child:adult ratios are maintained. Parents/carers are required to help on a duty rota system.
Before and on joining the pre-school, parents/carers are invited to participate fully in the session and, if they want to in addition to their rota duties, are welcome to come in as often as they wish. We encourage parental involvement by:

involving parents/carers in shared record keeping about their own child and ensuring these records are accessible
ensuring parents/carers who wish to speak to staff about their child’s progress or any concerns, can arrange a meeting
ensuring that all parents/carers have the opportunity to share their skills, knowledge and interests
informing new parents of the group’s systems and policies and welcoming contributions
encouraging parents/carers to play an active part in the management of the group
informing parents/carers of meetings, workshops etc
welcoming the contribution of parents/carers
encouraging parents/carers to be aware of the group’s policies, inspection reports, suggestions procedures etc

We are committed to achieving the active involvement of all our parents/carers by:

maintaining a friendly and welcoming ‘open door’ approach
ensuring parents are kept informed of relevant proposals through their group representative, the posting of daily notices,invitations to relevant meetings, letters home, newsletters and access to Committee members and staff.

The quality and efficiency of Oatlands Pre-School depends upon the support of parents/carers (or other family members) willingly offering their presence as helpers on the duty rota. For both groups this means at least two duties per half-term. In the case of twins they would be classed as one child in this instance, but we may ask you to do an additional duty if the need arises.

If you cannot do your duty date, it is your responsibility to contact another parent/carer to arrange a swop. A group list of names and contact numbers is given out each term (for which your consent is sought on the Registration Form). For those parents unable to do any duties due to other commitments (work, babies etc) we have a list of parents willing to cover your duty for a small fee (£7.80 per normal session and £8.50 per lunch club session).

Our pre-school aims to have regard to the DfEE Code of Practice on special educational needs and also to the guidelines supplied to private and voluntary providers of pre-school education. We aim to provide a safe, secure, caring, stimulating and welcoming environment to all children.

Oatlands Pre-School is an equal opportunities group and no child will be discriminated against on the grounds of disability or special educational needs.
We recognise that there is a wide range of needs in the community of both families and children and aim to meet those needs wherever possible.
During the planning of activities and visits, care and consideration will be taken to ensure the needs of all the children within the group are addressed.
We aim to ensure that all the children in the group are afforded the same opportunities and work alongside each other and staff
We recognise that parental/family involvement is of paramount importance and welcome and encourage this within our pre-school
We will liaise with outside bodies where necessary to ensure that special needs of a child are met effectively and will welcome visits where appropriate
If deemed necessary we will pursue the possibility of additional adult cover to meet the special need of any child
The needs and progress of the children within our group who have special educational needs will be monitored by our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
All children will be encouraged to experience a wide variety of resources and experiences to enable them to achieve new developmental skills

Our staff whenever possible attend training courses on the special needs of children.

At Oatlands we aim to provide a pre-school experience in which all children can feel safe, secure and cared for, and can develop self discipline and self esteem.

Corporal punishment is unacceptable at Oatlands Pre-School. We do not permit smacking, slapping, shaking or any punishment which humiliates a child, nor is it threatened.

When children behave in unacceptable ways we:

Use explanation – encouraging the child to realise why certain behaviour is unacceptable and explain other positive methods to achieve what the child wants.
Methods of distraction
Positive reinforcement of good behaviour
Be consistent – set a positive example
Time out – if applicable
Handle situations in developmentally appropriate fashion

We recognise that building self esteem and self confidence can encourage a child to display positive behaviour, as can encouraging mutual respect, kindness, politeness, thoughtfulness, sharing, tolerance and all areas of positive social behaviour. Positive behaviour will be praised and encouraged.

Carpet time discussions on ‘rules and routines’ of group and what is and is not acceptable behaviour will be held regularly and introduced in a developmentally appropriate way.

Racial and other types of abuse and bullying are unacceptable and this will immediately be made clear to the children. Parental participation will be requested to ensure socially acceptable behaviour.

Physical restraint will only be used to avoid a child or other children being hurt, or serious damage to property. Any such event will be reported to the child’s parents/carers. Consistently extreme behaviour would be discussed with parents/carers.

All staff will be encouraged to attend Behaviour Management courses and training will regularly be updated.

At Oatlands Pre-School we believe in learning through play. We are committed to providing an enjoyable learning experience encouraging the development of physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills within each child’s developmental capability. Care is taken to ensure that the equipment will enable all children to have experience of the six areas of learning as set down by the DfES.

The toys and equipment we provide:

is appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children
offers challenges to develop experiences in the six areas of learning
reflect our diverse and multicultural society
are offered to all children, and all children are encouraged to use the available resources
avoid stereotypical images
avoid objects of violence, eg guns, knives, swords etc
includes a range of raw materials which can be used in a variety of ways
encourages creativity
conforms to relevant safety regulations and is regularly checked.

We aim to offer the children a wide and varied assortment of resources which are rotated on a regular basis allowing enjoyment and exploration.

Pre-School endeavours to provide a varied range of snacks for the children.

Parents/carers are required to fill in a registration form, on which details of dietary needs, allergies, the dietary needs of religious groups, vegetarians, vegans etc are requested. Pre-school then aims to meet those needs/requirements.

Drinks of milk or water are provided at snack time with a small amount of food. Children are made aware of the availability, if required, of a drink at other times.

Lunch club – parents will be advised about safe storage of packed lunches. Lunchboxes will be kept away from direct heat

Children will be encouraged to wash hands before eating food.

At pre-school we value the chance to take the children off the premises to gain different experiences. We generally have one main outing per term and various impromptu trips to the local park, school and local shops.

With all outings the following procedures are followed:

High child:adult ratios. On main trips out of the local vicinity, all parents/carers are encouraged to attend along with their child to gain a 1:2 minimum adult:child ratio
On local walks at least 1 adult to 4 children is expected
All helpers are expected to be responsible for the child/ren in their care
Procedures re missing children will be followed as per the policy contained within this document
An itinerary will be provided for the helpers
Permission for impromptu walks is obtained through the registration form
Permission for trips out of the vicinity is sought by signature tick list on noticeboard – no child will be taken without permission
A risk assessment is carried out of the destination beforehand by the Visits Co-ordinator
On coach trips, only coaches with toilets and individual seatbelts will be used

A first aider will always be with group outings

A mobile phone, registration forms, basic first aid kit, register will be taken to allow access to emergency details

The register will be taken prior to setting off and regular headcounts made throughout the visit

At the end of a session if an adult fails to collect a child, the following procedures would be followed:

Phone calls will be made to the parents/carers home and work. If contact cannot be made then emergency contact numbers as listed on the child’s registration form would be tried.
If contact hasn’t been made, staff will stay on the premises for up to half an hour whilst another staff member goes to the child’s home. A note will be posted through the door informing parents/carers of arrangements (see below).

If after half an hour no contact has been made:

The child will remain at pre-school for the afternoon session (where applicable)
Where no afternoon session is run, the child will be taken to the Playleader’s home and a note would be put on the outer door of the pre-school. If the Playleader is not at pre-school, the child will be taken to another staff member’s home and ensure the Playleader is informed

Phone calls will continue to be made to the child’s home number, parents/carers work numbers and emergency numbers until contact can be established.

All possible steps are taken to avoid children leaving the building alone (see Safety Policy). However, in the unlikely event that a child does become missing the following procedures will be put into action.

As soon as a child appears to be missing a systematic search of the premises will be carried out by the Playleader and one or two other staff members, dependent upon number of staff on duty. One staff member to search upstairs, one the Church area and one the outdoor play area.
One staff member and helpers will gather remaining children into book corner area and have a story.
Adults must not appear to panic for the emotional well-being of the other children.
Without alarming them, the other children will be asked if they know the child’s whereabouts.
If other groups are using the building, one person to check with them if they have seen the child and seek their co-operation.
If the child cannot be found, the parents/carers will need to be informed to warn that the child may be attempting to go home, whilst a staff member travels on foot to the child’s home.
If the above steps do not locate the child, the police will then be called.
When the child is found, regardless of anxieties of staff and other adults involved in the search, it is imperative that
The child is reassured – s/he may be frightened and in need of comfort
The child is not admonished – s/he may be unaware of the concern caused

At home-time, other parents will need to be given a brief, accurate resume of events.

A discussion would be held at carpet time to ensure children are made aware that they must not leave the premises until a suitable adult arrives to take them home.

Oatlands pre-school will observe the recommended child/adult ratios and will strive to achieve:

2 ½ - 3 year olds 1:4
3 – 5 year olds 1:6

Both Groups 1 and 2 will be supervised by the Playleader (or Deputy Playleader in the Playleader’s absence) and at least one Play Assistant (usually 2/3) with 2 voluntary adult helpers.

We use a keyworker system with each child/family being allocated a particular member of staff.

Regular staff meetings provide opportunities for staff to discuss the children’s progress, undertake curriculum planning and ensure the smooth day to day running of the group

Staff will adopt anti-racist, anti-discriminatory practices and adhere to all the policies contained within this document. Staff deemed not to adhere to any of the above will be disciplined and in certain circumstances, their contract would be terminated.

We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation.

No candidate will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, gender, sexuality, class, means, family status, disability, colour, ethnic origin, culture, religion or belief.

The pre-school’s Equal Opportunities Policy will form part of a job description for all workers.

Staff will be committed to anti-racist, anti-discriminatory practices and adhere to the policies contained within this document. All staff should provide a positive example to the children.

Oatlands Pre-School follows guidelines from the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA) with regard to employment and contracts.

We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation.

Any vacancies will be advertised and the pre-school will appoint the best person for the job and will treat all applicants fairly.

Oatlands Pre-School will exclude known child abusers and will ensure the correct guidelines are followed to ensure all staff members are checked. All posts are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

In order to ensure that the best possible care and education be provided for the children in our care, staff are encouraged to regularly attend training courses to update their knowledge.

We support the work of our staff and identify their ongoing training and development needs by means of regular monitoring/appraisals.

At least one staff member in each session will hold a relevant childcare qualification and current basic first aid certificate.

Where unqualified staff are employed, childcare training will be considered a priority and arrangements made to facilitate this training.

Oatlands Pre-School is committed to providing equal opportunities for all children and families and to take positive action to avoid/eliminate discrimination in all areas of our work. We work with all relevant legislation including The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, The Race Relations Act 1976, The Sex Discrimination Act 1986, The Children Act 1989 and The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 .

Where possible all groups activities will be open to all children and their families and to all adults committed to their care and education

We aim to ensure all who wish to work in, or volunteer to help with, our pre-school have an equal chance to do so

No child/family/staff member or visitor will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, class, culture, religion, gender, disability or age.

We aim to avoid the stereotyping of any individual with regard to race, gender, disability or learning difficulties:

Each child will be treated as an individual who is unique and will be valued unconditionally
Each child will be given opportunity and encouragement to develop their physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills within their developmental capabilities.
Each child will be given opportunity and encouragement to have experiences covering the six areas of learning as set down by the DfES
Children will be provided with positive images which are non-discriminatory and reflect all aspects of society
Children and parents for whom English is an additional language will be welcomed and staff will ensure they become familiar with some aspects of the family’s first language
Toys, equipment, activities and books reflecting our multicultural society are offered to all children, and all are encouraged to use the available resources.
All children will be given opportunity to develop awareness of our wider society, leading to deeper understanding of the need to respect others
All discriminatory actions and remarks are unacceptable and should the need arise, action will be taken to address this.
Respectful awareness will be shown to festivals which are celebrated in our area and within our families. Other festivals will also be introduced through activities and stories
Children will be encouraged to show respect for others and for themselve

Due to the nature of our work at pre-school, it is likely that we will be in contact with confidential information about children and their families.
To ensure confidentiality:

Only parents/carers of a child will have access to their child’s records, along with staff.
Staff will not discuss individual children with anyone other than the child’s parents/carers, or with each other for planning and curriculum purposes. In the case of outside bodies being involved, parental permission will be sought.
Any information given by parents/carers will only be shared with the Playleader, who will then only share with others on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Issues regarding staff will remain confidential to the Playleader and only shared on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Any concerns regarding child safety will be dealt with as per our Child Protection Policy/Safety Policy.
Students will not be given access to children’s records unless permission has been gained from a child’s parents/carers, and will be required to read and respect our Confidentiality Policy.

At Oatlands Pre-School the safety and welfare of each child is of paramount importance.

The Pre-School is governed by Local Authority procedures and has a responsibility to follow Child Protection guidelines.

It is extremely important that parents/carers inform staff of any accident or injury that has happened outside pre-school hours to their child and how it has occurred. This is to allow staff to observe the child throughout the session, ensuring their comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Any child showing significant changes in behaviour or appearance will be investigated. Parents/carers will be the first point of contact and records will be kept to monitor the situation, which will only be accessed by relevant persons and parents/carers of the child. In such situations, pre-school endeavour to help and support the family and child. In exceptional cases, advice will be sought from the Social Services Department. All information will be kept confidential and only shared on a ‘need to know’ basis.

Pre-School staff will inform parents/carers of any accident during a session, the circumstances of the accident, any injury and action taken. Parents/carers will be asked to sign the accident book.

All Pre-School staff will have the required checks made to ensure their suitability to work with children and adults, and known abusers will be excluded. All posts involved are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Only staff will be left alone with children to facilitate small group work or time out situations, and then only for short periods, when a door will always be left ajar. Only staff will assist children to visit the toilet.

If a volunteer or staff member is accused of any form of child abuse, s/he will be interviewed immediately by the Playleader, or if the complaint is against the Playleader, by the Chair of the Committee.

All staff will have training opportunities in Child Protection matters.

SAFETY

At pre-school the safety of all the children is of paramount importance. Every measure is taken to ensure this and practices are regularly reviewed:

All exits from the building are locked during session times, other than arrival and departure times when an adult is on the door
An accurate and up to date register is kept including both adults and children
A visitors book will be kept up to date
Parents/carers and especially children will be the shown the areas which the pre-school use
All children will be told the ‘rules and routines’ of the group and be reminded regularly at carpet times
Notices will be posted to alert staff, helpers and visitors of the need to keep some doors closed and the pre-school entrance door on the chain
Only staff to open the door to visitors
Safety checks, both indoors and out, will be carried out daily and a risk assessment sheet filled in
The outdoor gate must be double locked
Fire Drills will be carried out on a regular basis, alternating the available exits and at least twice per term
All dangerous materials will be stored out of reach of children
Stairgate on stairs
The kitchen is ‘out of bounds’ to children
All equipment is regularly checked
Children will never be left alone and will always be within sight of an adult
Adequate child:adult ratios will be provided
On outings the necessary safety precautions will be taken (see Outings Policy)
Adults will not walk about with hot drinks or place within reach of the children
There is a no smoking policy at pre-school
A correctly stocked first aid box will be provided at all times
Fire extinguishers will be checked annually

Oatlands Pre-School is a member of the North Yorkshire Early Years Partnership (NYEYP) and encourage all children in our care to work towards the Early Learning Goals (ELG) as set down by the DfES.

We accept funding for eligible 3 and 4 year olds and therefore have regular inspections by OFSTED to ensure that the care and education standards at the pre-school are adequately covered within the government guidelines. Any recommendations to improve services/practices are fully considered and implemented.

Copies of all inspection reports are available upon request and are permanently displayed on the pre-school noticeboard.

We welcome the opportunity to enable students on early years courses to come into pre-school to gain first hand experiences in the career for which they are studying.

However, the needs of the children in our care are our first consideration and students will only be accepted if:

engaged in bona fide early years training
In small numbers – usually singly or in pairs

Students will:

be encouraged to read our policy and procedures document
be expected to pay particular attention to confidentiality
seek parents/carers permission to observe single children
not have unrestricted access to children
be monitored closely be a member of staff

It is in the best interests of the children, families and pre-school that complaints are taken seriously and dealt with fairly and in a way which respects confidentiality.

At Oatlands Pre-School it is important that the service is deemed to be of a high standard. We welcome family partnership within our pre-school and strive to consider the individual needs and wishes of all our parents/carers and children. If you are unhappy with any aspect of pre-school provision, we would encourage you to:
In the first instance, discuss your concerns with the Playleader. Many problems can be sorted out quickly and effectively.
If you feel this is inappropriate, or the outcome unsatisfactory, or the problem reoccurs, please put your concerns in writing to the Playleader and Chair of the Committee. A meeting can then be arranged with yourself, the Playleader and the Chair of the Committee. By this stage a mutually satisfactory outcome can often be achieved.
If you feel the outcome is still unsatisfactory, inform the Playleader or Chair of the Committee how you feel.
If an agreement still cannot be reached, it may be appropriate to consult an external mediator, acceptable to both parties (this may be a mediator from the Pre-School Learning Alliance, a Staff Member or someone else who is acceptable to both parties).
In extreme cases it may be necessary to contact the Local Authority responsible for registration (eg if you feel your child is at risk, possible breeches of registration requirements etc)
It is hoped that early discussions will resolve any concerns and provide a satisfactory outcome for a parent/carer and the pre-school.

All discussions will be kept confidential in accordance with our confidentiality policy.

Oatlands Pre-School, Mount Street, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG2 8DQ. Tel: 01423 871846 Reg Charity No. 1042535