• To Play • To Learn • To Develop •
Southcourt Baptist Church Playgroup is part of the work of Southcourt Baptist
Church and its care for the community.
The group exists to provide a safe and secure environment for children aged 2 ½
to 5 years in which they can learn and develop through play.
We aim to encourage each child to reach their full potential and to meet their
individual needs, equipping them to learn and develop through play.
Long Term Plans
For our Long Term Planning we use the New Early Years Foundation Stage
Curriculum.
This curriculum covers all areas of children’s development enabling us to work
through Foundation Stage Principles, A Unique Child, Positive Relationships,
Enabling and Environments, Learning and Development and work towards achieving
the Early Learning Goals.
Medium Term Plans
The Group Leaders and the Supervisor meet at the end of each term to draw up
Medium Term Plans for the following term. This planning is done in the light of
the current terms plans, and the observations and assessments we have made
during that term. Some Key Learning Intentions will appear for each term because
they are basic and are being constantly worked on, e.g. Number recognition and
Colours, others will be specific to the particular term, e.g. Know what vehicles
travel on the road.
Short Term Plans
The Group Leaders meet weekly to assess the current week’s plans and to draw up
plans for the following week. These plans reflect the children’s different
stages of development and individual needs. We will usually follow a theme for a
Term or Half Term but the planning will be from the focus of the children not
the current theme. Weekly planning may reflect particular training that members
of staff are doing.
As a group we aim:
•above all to show the love of Jesus to all who come into the group, by the way
we live and the way we are with those around us.
•to accept that Parents are the child’s first educators, therefore, we aim to
develop an effective partnership with parents and to build on what children
already know and can do.
•to build positive relationships with parents which will help all children to
feel secure, included and valued.
•to show respect for all parents beliefs and ideas.
•within a secure, supportive environment, to offer equal opportunities, to be a
partner in the development of children’s experience, knowledge and
understanding, awareness of moral values and capacity for enjoyment, in order
that they can achieve their individual potential.
•that each child will know that they are accepted and valued by the group.
•to include children from all cultures, religions, language and backgrounds and
to include children with Specific Needs.
•we accept that children develop rapidly and at their own rate in the early
years; physically, emotionally and socially and aim to provide a curriculum that
will encourage and enhance their development.
•to provide well planned activities with appropriate intervention from adults to
engage children in the learning process and help them progress in their
learning.
•to create a firm basis for children’s learning by providing a rich and
stimulating environment which will help them explore, experiment, plan and make
decisions for themselves, thus enabling them to learn develop and make good
progress.
•to underpin all future learning by supporting, fostering, promoting and
developing children’s ability to achieve the Early Learning goals.
1. We operate an open waiting list divided into Spring, Summer and Autumn
intakes. All children’s names will be accepted onto the waiting list at any
stage after their first birthday, they will be entered along with other children
whose birthdays fall in the same term.
2. We are open to all families, whatever their background, race or religion and
will include children with Specific Needs or a complex or long-term medical
condition.
3. A place at Playgroup will be offered to commence the term following becoming
2 ½ years old, or as soon as a place becomes available after that date.
4. In the case of limited space being available priority will be given to when
names were put on the waiting list, not age, with the exception of people moving
into the area. All children on the list will be offered a place prior to
children whose birthdays fall in the next term. When a child of 3 years plus is
put on the waiting list a place will be offered as soon as it is available.
5. If shortage of space means all children of eligible age cannot be offered a
place failure to accept the place within two weeks of the offer will mean the
place will be forfeited, as stated in the starting letter. A new place will then
be offered as soon as it becomes available.
6. If you accept a place for your child and they do not attend within two weeks
of the start date, you will be charged for these sessions if you have not
informed us of the absence.
• The Playgroup staff and in particular the Group Leader will work in
partnership with the parent/carer to settle the child into the setting.
• When a place is offered to a child they will be invited to make at least one
visit prior to starting the group. This will familiarize the child with the
environment and the adults’ and children.
• On the child’s first session the parent/carer will be required to stay for the
whole session to give the Group Leader a chance to fill in all the paperwork and
to get to know the child. The Group Leader will bring any information they feel
to be significant to the attention of the Supervisor and make a record of any
allergies.
It will also enable the child and the parent to begin to build up a relationship
of trust with the Group Leader and other staff.
• On the first session the Group Leader will fill in all the paperwork with the
parent/carer which will give us all the emergency information we need. If the
child needs medication which is to be administered regularly in playgroup they
will get the parent/carer to fill in a medication form.
• Within the first couple of weeks the Group Leader will also fill in the Child
Profile form which will help us to get to know the child.
• During the first few weeks the parent/carer will be welcome to stay for
sufficient time for the child to feel settled and for the parent/carer to feel
comfortable about leaving the child. However we will endeavour to establish at
least a short separation as soon as possible even if only for the parent/carer
to go downstairs for two minutes and then return.
• For the first few sessions parents/carers will be asked to return a little
early (they may stay with the child until 12.00 if they wish or take them home
early) to build up the child’ confidence that they will return.
• No child will be taken on an outing from the Playgroup without a parent/carer
unless the Group Leader is happy that they are completely settled. We will ask
the parent to accompany any under 3 on outings if the parent wishes them to
attend.
• When the child is settled in playgroup the Group Leader will make an
appointment with the parent/carer, to complete the Settling In Assessment so
that we can monitor how we and the parent/carer feels the child and they are
settling into the group, and to share any initial assessments or concerns with
the parent/carer.
1. The Playgroup believes in practicing an approach which supports children’s
development of self discipline. We believe children who acquire the ability to
be disciplined learn to balance their needs with those of others, feel good
about themselves and become increasingly independent.
2. Staff always treat children with respect. A child is never smacked, shaken or
treated roughly. There are no circumstances where such punishment can be
justified.
3. Playgroup staff and volunteers are expected to model behaviour that they
would expect from children. Furniture and equipment will be moved quietly and
carefully when setting up activities or snacks-time. Careful consideration will
be given to the way that equipment and furniture are arranged, ensuring that
they layout is one which encourages appropriate behaviour e.g. position of messy
activities in relation to books.
4. Playgroup rules are concerned with safety, care and respect for each other
and property. Children will not be allowed to physically abuse another child or
an adult, or to engage in verbal or mental abuse.
5. We acknowledge that some limits need to be set in order to help children
control their own behaviour. These limits will only be those that are truly
essential, because too many rules for young children are confusing and easily
forgotten. The limits imposed by this Playgroup will always be clear and a
reason for that rule will always be stated.
One example of a rule is: Children climb UP THE CLIMBING FRAME GO DOWN THE SLIDE
ON THEIR BOTTOMS to avoid collisions and see any obstructions.
6. Our approach will always be one that helps children to see the consequences
of their actions. We will provide opportunities for them to learn how to
interpret feeling, by listening to them and offering necessary support that will
enable them to verbalise their own frustrations, hurts and disappointments.
7. Children will be shown that they all have equal rights and that those rights
will be protected, i.e. if a child is playing with a toy and another child
snatches it, an adult will help them preserve the right to finish using it; the
other child will be helped to find a duplicate or assured of a turn later.
8. If a child needs ‘time out’ from activities or others because of unacceptable
behaviour he will be removed from that area but remain within the room; eye
contact will be avoided. If there is a victim, then extra attention will be paid
to that child. ‘Time out’ will be indicated by the use of the egg timer and when
the sand runs out the time out is finished.
9. How a particular type of behaviour is handled will depend on the child and
the circumstances. It may involve the child being asked to talk and think about
what he or she has done. It may be that the child will not be allowed to make
his or her own choice of activities for a limited period of time.
10. The child will also be asked to see if the person they upset is all right
and, if they mean it, to say that they are sorry.
11. Our ultimate aim is that we work in partnership with parents to lay
foundations from which children will grow into happy, self-confident well
adjusted individuals. To this end parents will be informed if their child is
being persistently unkind to others or if their child has been upset. In all
cases inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with at the time, serious incidents
will be appropriately recorded and parents will be informed later. Parents may
be asked to meet with staff to discuss their child’s behaviour so that if there
are any difficulties we can try to work together to ensure consistency between
home and playgroup. In some cases we may request the involvement of other
professionals.
Outline of Policy Guidelines
•Appropriate rules are set for children and consistently maintained by all staff
•Playgroup staff will not say ‘No’ to a child without offering a reason or an
alternative
•Directions and warnings to children must always be followed by action
•Staff should not shout at children, they will use intonation of voice rather
than volume.
Obviously for the safe and happy running of Playgroup sessions there are certain
rules that must apply.
1. Walk indoors - children are required to walk around the room. Any child
running is asked to walk and we explain to them why running around is dangerous
indoors and how others can easily be hurt when we run.
2. Up the climbing frame and down the slide on your bottom Children must come
down the slide feet first, enabling them to see where they are going and spot
any obstacles.
3. Only one child is allowed on the trampoline at a time and they must hold the
rail when they are jumping.
4. Say sorry if you have hurt someone - when a child hurts another child,
whether it is deliberate or accidental, we talk to them about what has happened
and the result of their behaviour and we encourage them to say sorry to the
other child.
5. No snatching or hitting - many young children find the concept of sharing
toys and equipment very difficult so there are occasions when a child may snatch
or hit to get a toy they want. On these occasions we require the offender to
give back the toy and talk to them about sharing and we either help them to find
another toy the same or assure them they will be able to have a turn later.
6. On occasions a child may hit out, spit at or bite another child; this
behaviour is never acceptable whatever the reason. A child presenting this
behaviour will be talked to about what is going on and more appropriate
behaviour will be suggested. The child will always be asked to say sorry to the
child they have hurt (this may be a while later when the situation has been
defused and the injured party has been comforted).
When a child presents behaviour that is unacceptable we talk to them about
appropriate ways of expressing themselves. They may be withdrawn from the
situation and directed to another area or activity. On occasions a child may be
withdrawn from a situation to sit quietly and calm down if this is appropriate,
they will remain within the main room if possible. If a child is withdrawn to
another room two adults will accompany them. There may be occasions where it is
necessary for a child’s own safety or the safety of others or of equipment, that
a child is restrained. Undue force will never be used, and on occasions when it
has been necessary to restrain a child in this way a record will be made and the
parent or carer will always be informed of the situation at the end of the
session and asked to sign the record when it has been completed.
1. The Group Leader and the parent/carer will fill in the admission paperwork on
the child’s first session.
2. When the child has settled in playgroup a review meeting will be arranged
between the parent/carer and the Group Leader to look at how the child is
settling and to discuss any initial development record.
3. Staff will regularly update parents on child’s progress in an informal way.
Parents are welcome to request an appointment for a more formal discussion at
any stage.
4. Developmental/progress records are maintained and kept up to date by the
Group Leaders. Parents are welcome to review these records before we send them
on to their next setting.
5. The staff will normally be available at the end of sessions to deal with any
queries from parents/carers.
6. Group Leaders are available at the start of sessions for brief or urgent
matters but their priority must be the care of the children arriving and being
settled.
7. Appointments can always be made usually at the end of a session by
parents/carers to speak to the Group Leader, staff or the Supervisor about any
issues concerning their child’s development.
1. A child will only be allowed to leave the playgroup with their parent/carer
unless we have been previously notified of a different arrangement.
2. If the person collecting the child is not known to us they will be required
to bring some form of identification or a letter signed by the parent/carer.
3. If somebody else arrives to take a child from Playgroup and we cannot verify
this request with the parent/carer we will contact Social Services.
4. A daily checklist will be kept of all children present and they will be
crossed off as they leave so that we are always certain of who has left.
5. Children in the playgroup setting are covered by our insurance between 9.30
am and 12.00 p.m. Children not collected by 12.00 pm are not covered.
6. If a child has not been collected from playgroup by 12.15 pm we will try to
contact the parent/carer.
7. If we are unable to contact them or their emergency contact by 12.30 pm we
will ring Social Services.
8. Funding covers from 9.30 am - 12.00 pm. If you are regularly late collecting
your child we are entitled to charge you to cover for the wages of two members
of staff.
As a group we will work with a view to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing
of all employees and anyone else who enters the setting during a session. We
will work within the Church’s Health and Safety Policy and comply with the
Health and Safety at Work Act as far is reasonably practicable.
•All staff and volunteers regularly present will be subject to the normal safety
checks at the commencement of their contract.
•All staff will take steps to ensure the safety of others entering the setting
e.g. entrances and fire exits kept clear and accessible.
All other adults present are made aware of safety rules.
•A register will be kept of all those present, visitors signing in and out of
the visitor’s book, the children will be crossed off a checklist as they leave.
•Children will be with regular staff at all times.
•Either the Supervisor or her Deputy will normally be present at all sessions.
•Child: Adult ratios will be maintained at all sessions.
•Confidential records will be kept on all children and staff giving emergency
contact numbers and parents will be informed of any problems if it is possible
to contact them.
•All adults working, staff and volunteers will know the Fire/Evacuation Policy,
this policy will be displayed at both exits and practiced regularly. A record
will be kept.
•All indoor and outdoor equipment will be regularly checked for safety.
•All staff will know the procedure for use and storage of cleaning materials.
•A fully stocked and regularly checked First Aid Box will be accessible at all
sessions.
•A First Aider will be present at all sessions.
•An accurate dated record of any significant incidents will be made in the
incident book. The parent or carer will be required to sign that record as
evidence of their being informed.
•Staff will adhere to the procedure for changing and washing children at all
times.
●The setting will ensure the temperature, heating and lighting will be adequate
at all times
•Staff will be aware of safe use, movement, lifting and storage of equipment.
•Staff will observe all safety rules, procedures and codes of practice as far as
is practicable.
•It is the responsibility of each staff member to report any concerns to the
Supervisor immediately (and to the Church Health and Safety Officer if
appropriate). A record of any such report should be kept.
1. A general eye is kept on the condition of all equipment when getting out,
tidying away and when in use and any equipment found to be faulty is removed
immediately.
2. A specific check is carried out on all indoor toys and equipment at the end
of each term, the toys are sorted and checked for any damage and any presenting
a hazard are withdrawn.
3. All toys and equipment are washed or soaked in a sterilising solution, as
appropriate, regularly to ensure they are clean.
4. The bikes and outdoor toys are given an annual safety check by a suitable
person and a record of checks kept.
5. Any electrical equipment is checked regularly by a qualified person under the
church’s checking system.
1. In Playgroup we are required to keep information about the children relating
to their family and their health. This enables us to be able to contact the
appropriate people and to manage any emergency situation should it arise. Any
such information will be regarded as completely confidential. Such records will
be kept on the premises, they will be available for easy access should they be
required during a session and will be locked away at other times.
2. The information disclosed in these records will not be given to a third party
for any reason, unless legally required. They will not be stored in any form on
computer.
3. From time to time parents’ or carers’ may disclose information relating to
their family as affects the child in our care, this information will only be
shared with those staff working directly with the child and will never be
discussed by staff except in relation to their working with the child and aiming
to address the child’s needs.
4. Any records or information kept relating to staff will be treated in the same
manner and will not be disclosed to anybody unless legally required.
5. For the protection of the children and staff, all matters of a confidential
matter will be discussed only in the playgroup setting and not outside.
1. As a group it is our policy to provide a safe and secure environment for all
the children in our care and for those adults caring for them.
2. All those working with the children, including regular parent helpers will be
required to complete the statutory checks for suitability.
3. Forms will be kept detailing health and emergency information on all staff
members, parent helpers and children attending. These will be kept at the
administration table during each session and locked away at all other times.
This information will be checked and updated annually.
4. We will respect the privacy of all children in our care at all times and will
ensure that the children are given as much help as they require but not intruded
upon.
5. Permission will be sought from the parent or carer, via the admission
paperwork, to change a child’s clothes if necessary and to wash them if they
soil themselves.
6. If it is necessary for an adult to change a child for any reason this will be
done in the cloakroom with a second adult to observe.
7. We will change and wash a soiled child only if they are happy for us to do
so. If they are not happy we will contact the parent or carer.
8. No adult will be left alone with either an individual or group of children.
Where a member of staff is involved in a specific activity with one or more
children there will always be another adult present or they will be visible to
others.
9. Staff will not allow any one child to manipulate them or to engage in
excessive attention seeking.
10. Staff will only cuddle a child at the child’s request, if a child is hurt or
upset an adult will gain their permission before cuddling them.
11. If at any time an accusation is made concerning a member of staff, that
staff member will be suspended immediately on full pay until investigations have
been completed.
12. Staff will use the toilets downstairs only using the upstairs toilet if
there are no children using them.
13. Adults will be aware of the correct procedure when lifting children and when
escorting them down the stairs.
•On discovery of a fire the person in charge will sound the alarm (a blast on
the whistle)
•The person in charge will give clear instructions on the route to be used to
leave the building and the assembly point
•The person in charge will lead the exit from the building, taking with them the
registers and the Emergency Contact Forms
•The second in charge will check that all areas have been cleared and nobody is
left in the playgroup area
•The second in charge will ensure that all other people in the building are
aware of the situation and that the Fire Service has been called
•All other staff will escort the children out of the building by the announced
route making sure that there are staff available to hold open doors and direct
the children to speed up the exit
It is essential that staff escort the children out as they arrive at the exit
point not wait for all the children to assemble before proceeding
•On reaching the assembly point the children should be sat down and the
registers taken to check that everybody is present
•We need to be aware of traffic in and out of the car park and be prepared to
stop traffic to ensure safe exit
Should we have to leave the building and be unable to get back into any part of
the premises we have an agreement with Bambinos Day Nursery, Beech Green, that we can take any
children whose parents cannot be contacted along there.
1. A register of people present . Visitors will be required to sign in the
visitors book. A register will be kept and marked daily as the children arrive,
a checklist will be kept as children leave to ensure we are always certain about
who is present at any time. The person in charge will sound the alarm, a single
blast on the whistle (this is the only time a whistle is used in Playgroup). The
Supervisor and the Deputy both have a whistle on their keys and there is one
hanging at the far corner or the window nearest the coat-pegs.
2. The person in charge will give clear instructions on the route to be used to
leave the building and the assembly point.
3. The person in charge will lead the exit from the building taking with them
the registers and the Emergency Contact forms.
4. The second in charge will check that all areas have been cleared and that
nobody is left in the Playgroup rooms.
5. All other staff and volunteers will escort the children out of the building
by the announced route, making sure there are members of staff available to hold
open doors and direct the children to speed up the exit.
It is essential that staff escort the children out as they arrive at the exit
point and not wait for the children to assemble before proceeding as on other
occasions.
6. On reaching the assembly point the children will sit down and a register will
be taken to check that everybody is present.
7. The second in charge will ensure that other users of the building are aware
of the need to evacuate and that the appropriate emergency services have been
called.
8. This procedure will be practiced with all staff at least once a term to
ensure that all staff are familiar with their roles.
9. If it is not possible to return to any part of the premises, we have an
arrangement with Bambinos Day Nursery, Beech Green, to take the children there. A member of Playgroup
Staff or Church Personnel will remain at Southcourt Baptist Church to inform any
parents/carers arriving where they can find their children.
•If a child is ill while in Playgroup the parent/carer will be contacted and
asked to collect the child as soon as possible. If the parent/carer cannot be
contacted a decision will be made whether to call their emergency contact, this
decision will depend on the nature of the illness.
•If a child is sent home unwell a record will be kept in the group register of
the nature of the illness and the advice offered.
•A list is attached for communicable diseases and exclusion periods.
•A notice will be displayed on the entrance door for all parents/carers to read
when there is an outbreak of Chickenpox, German Measles (rubella), Measles or
Mumps.
•If a child has had sickness or diarrhoea the parent/carer would be required to
keep them off for at least 24 hours after the last bout of illness. If a parent
brings a child into playgroup who has had sickness/diarrhoea within the last 24
hours we will ask them to take the child home.
•If a child has had chicken pox the parent/carer would be required to keep them
off for at least 5 days after the spots have appeared.
1. Whilst Parents are made aware of their responsibility for their younger
children in Playgroup it is understood that the Playgroup must have overall
responsibility for all children on Playgroup premises whether registered,
visiting, attending with a Parent Helper or collecting another child from
Playgroup.
2. This includes all children while actually in the Playgroup room. We cannot be
responsible for children waiting downstairs or on the stairs, when the Parent or
Carer must be responsible for their safety and well-being.
3. The Person in Charge at each session, who will normally be either the
Supervisor or the Deputy, accepts responsibility for any under 2 ½ year olds
present but another member of staff or the Parent may be designated to take the
child into the separate room which is available for younger children should it
be felt necessary.
4. There will be a maximum of 2 under 2 ½ year olds present by prior arrangement
at any session.
5. While Playgroup has some toys for younger children the Parent or Carer will
be responsible for providing toys, refreshments, nappies etc. for their child.
6. The Parent will be responsible for providing a suitable buggy or pushchair
for the child to sleep in should the need arise. All pushchairs will be placed
in the designated room and under constant supervision via a safety gate while
they contain a sleeping child.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure we do not lose the children.
•The doors have high security latches so the child cannot open them.
•The car park is made secure when we go outside to play.
•The children are closely observed when we go up and down the stairs to play.
•An adult keeps an eye on the door at dropping off and picking up time to ensure
no unaccompanied child leaves the room.
•When we go on outings the children wear a label with contact details and each
adult will be responsible for no more than 2 children.
In the event that a child is lost we would:
1. Make a brief thorough search of the immediate area.
2. Contact the police and the parents/guardian or emergency contact.
3. We would give the police a description of what the child is wearing.
4. We would then follow the instructions the police give us.
Any incident will be fully recorded and kept.
1. This SEN Policy is written in response to the Code of Practice 2001. Our
setting has regard to this code and has written this policy outlining our
practices and procedures.
2. Southcourt Baptist Church Playgroup values every child equally, regardless of
age, ability, culture or religion and recognises that every child has individual
needs. We will work towards helping each child realise their full potential by
meeting their needs through a differentiated curriculum and adapting activities
where necessary.
3. Southcourt Baptist Church Playgroup recognises the Department for Children,
Schools and Families definition of Special Educational Needs: - “A child has a
special educational need if he/she has a learning difficulty which calls for
special educational provision to be made for him/her”.
4. SENCO :- (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator )
The appointed SENCO for this setting is Rosey Dowding with additional support
from Claire Trimnell.
Qualifications: Cert. Of Education
3 day SENCO Training
Language Delay and Disorders in Early Years Course
Cluster group Meetings -
The Role of the SENCO
Inclusion
The SEN Policy
The Portage Service and Home Liaison
Looked After Children
The New Code of Practice
Buckinghamshire Developmental Curriculum Record
The Disability Discrimination Act
Presentation on Defining and Identifying Dyspraxia
Speech and Language
Identifying Children with Special Needs
5. We recognise that parents / carers know their child best, therefore, we will
listen to any information or concerns expressed concerning their child.
We will discuss any concerns we have about a child with the parents / carers at
a mutually suitable time and in a confidential environment.
For a child with a recognised SEN We will meet with the parents / carers on a
regular basis to discuss progress and exchange information. Records will be kept
of all such meetings.
For a child with a recognised SEN prior to starting Playgroup we will carry out
a home visit prior to starting the group.
6. The SENCO will:-
• know where all information regarding each child is located
• have a list of all children who have a SEN stating the level of intervention
and dates when reviews are due
• ensure parents are kept up to date and involved in all meetings
• keep notes of meetings held, concerning a child, which will be signed by those
present
7. We keep records on all the children in Playgroup, starting with the Settling
In and an initial assessment record and followed by the child profile that is
updated termly.
For a child with SEN an additional record will be kept detailing the special
provision set up for the child and the progress made. It will also include a
copy of any I E P’s set up for the child.
8. The SENCO will liaise with other settings by;
• Attending Link and Cluster Group Meetings
• Attending Training Courses
• Possibly by visiting a setting prior to transfer
The parent will have prior knowledge of any liaison specifically relating to
their child.
9. The SENCO will liaise with the LEA through:
• The Early Years Partnership
• The Area SENCO
• The Home Liaison Teacher if appointed
• The District Fora and
• Cluster Group Meetings
10. The SENCO may liaise with other professionals, who are working with the
child, through the parents or directly with the Parents consent.
11. As stated in the Code of Practice consideration will be given to the child's
views and opinions by;
• Communication with the child
• Observation of the child's reaction to activities and resources
• Making judgements about the child's reactions with support from staff and
parents. The child's views will be recorded on the IEP
12. The SENCO will support colleagues with SEN matters by:
• Discussing issues through
• Identifying colleagues needs and accessing appropriate training
• Supporting colleagues planning for a child with SEN
• Being the focus for outside agencies
• Advising colleagues about strategies that can be put in place
• Seeking outside help when necessary
13. The SENCO will attend and disseminate appropriate training.
The setting will enable the SENCO to access and attend appropriate training to
enable them to fulfil their role and keep up to date with relevant legislation
and requirements.
14. All staff have a role to play within provision for children with SEN
"Provision for children with special educational needs is a matter for everyone
in the setting In addition to the settings head teacher and the SEN co-ordinator
all other members of staff have important responsibilities.”
Code of Practice pg. 13 1 : 29
The confidentiality of such children will be respected at all times.
15. The group Leader and ‘The Pastoral Leadership Team' as the registered body
have a responsibility to ensure that the necessary time and finance is available
for the SENCO to fulfil their role
16. The Playgroup Leader will be present at all meetings with parents and kept
informed of developments enabling them to support the SENCO in their role.
17. We work with a ratio of 1 staff to 4 or 5 children, which enables us to give
attention to children with SEN
We have a wide range of equipment available to encourage and support the child
with SEN in their learning and progress. We will give consideration to the needs
of each child with SEN in relation to the equipment and resources available and
required.
18. The procedure for resolving complaints relating to children with SEN and
provision for their needs is the same as for any other complaint; refer to the
complaints procedure.
19. Funding is available for the provision of SEN
The group will allow time and finance for the SENCO to fulfil their role.
20. This policy will be reviewed annually by the staff team at a staff Inset
Day. The Pastoral Leadership Team as the registered body will be informed of
this review and of any changes made to the policy. Parents will be informed of
the review and copies of the updated policy will be available on request.
What do we mean by physical restraint?
It is an act to legitimately physically ensure compliance from the child, to
prevent risk of injury to themselves, other children or adults, or serious
property damage.
When do we use physical restraint?
Only after trying to defuse or avoid a critical incident:
•try to calm the situation by giving help and reassurance
•address the causes of behaviour by removing or reducing them
•be aware of the triggers for a particular child and work towards the child
learning to deal with them for themselves, e.g. giving them a time and a place
to calm down.
•holding the child in a supportive way e.g. taking them by the hand, or,
touching them on the shoulder.
What should we do if it comes to restraint?
REMEMBER
•Is there a risk to people, property or good order?
•Can I restrain using minimum restraint?
•Is another member of staff aware of the situation?
•Do I need help?
•Am I sure I am not punishing the child?
•Consider the consequences of not restraining.
•Do not restrain for longer than is absolutely necessary.
What should I do when restraining?
•Ensure you have been clear about your expectations.
•Ensure, wherever possible, that there are no observers who are not part of the
process.
•Maintain the dignity and self respect of the child.
•An approach from the side or the back is safer and less confrontational. Talk
calmly and quietly to the child. The aim is to “calm down”.
•Ensure that holding the child does not restrict breathing.
•Constantly remind the child that you will let go when they have calmed down.
What happens afterwards?
•The child’s release from restraint should be planned, agreed and gentle. Close
supervision of the child will be necessary.
•If other children are distressed they should be offered support.
•There should be a debriefing for all members of staff.
•A record should be made and parents informed at the end of the session, being
required to sign the record.
What should be recorded?
•All incidents or behaviour intervention where restraint has been used.
•Record will include: Who was involved
What physical contact was actually made
Where did it happen
When did it happen
How long did it last
What led up to the restraint being necessary
What steps were taken to de-escalate the situation
What support was given to the child and staff following
the incident
•The Supervisor will be made aware of any incidents.
PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN RESTRAINT
It is the policy of this playgroup to provide a secure and safe environment for
all children.
In order to achieve this we will:
1. Do the normal safety checks on all staff and others working on the premises
that may have contact with the children.
2. Encourage all staff to attend Child Protection Training to ensure that they
recognise the symptoms of possible physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse and
sexual abuse.
3. Adults will not be left alone for long periods with a child or small group.
Adults working in a separate room with a child or small group will either have
another adult present or leave the door open.
4. Only adults who have been checked and passed as ‘fit’ will be allowed to
toilet children.
5. Children will be encouraged to develop a sense of autonomy and independence
through adult support in making choices and in finding names for their own
feelings and acceptable ways of expressing them. This will enable children to
have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches.
6. Respond appropriately to suspicions of abuse in the following way:
a. The first concern will be the child.
b. Children whose behaviour or condition has given cause for concern will be
listened to, reassured and helped to understand that they are valued and
respected.
c. Parents will normally be the first point of reference, but if they are not in
a position to ally any legitimate anxieties, the matter will also be taken up
with the Social Services Department.
d. In exceptional circumstances, the Social Services Department may be the first
point of reference.
e. All such concerns and investigations will be kept confidential, shared on a
need to know basis.
If a volunteer or member of staff is accused of any form of child abuse s/he
will be interviewed immediately by the person in charge. The person against whom
an allegation has been made will be suspended on full pay while an investigation
is made.
7. Whenever worrying changes are observed in a child’s behaviour, physical
condition or appearance a specific and confidential record will be set up, quite
separate from ongoing records of children’s’ progress and development. The
record will include:
•The child’s name, address and DOB.
•Timed and dated observations, describing objectively the child’s
behaviour/appearance, without comment or interpretation; where possible the
exact words spoken by the child.
•The date, name and signature of the recorder.
Such records will be kept in a separate file and will not be accessible to
people other than the Supervisor, Group Leader or other involved staff.
8. Confidential records kept on children about whom the Playgroup is anxious
will be shared with the Social Services Department if it is felt that reasonable
explanations for changes in the child’s condition have not been provided.
9. The playgroup will take every step in its power to build up trusting and
supportive relationships between families and staff and volunteers in the group.
10. Where abuse at home is suspected, we will continue to welcome the child and
family while investigations proceed.
11. Confidential records kept on children will be shared with parents.
12. With the proviso that the care and safety of the child must always be
paramount, we will do all in our power to support and work with the child’s
family.
13.We ask for permission to take photographs of the children in playgroup on the
Starting Paperwork. When taking photographs only the camera of the setting will
be used
14. During any special events parents/carers will be asked if they have any
objections to use of cameras/recording equipment.
1. We will obtain a signed permission slip for all children being taken out,
whether accompanied by their parent or not.
This slip will detail:
a. Contact details of the parent/carer on that date
b. An emergency contact number in the case of parent/carer being unavailable.
c. Child’s Doctor’s name, address and telephone details.
d. Any allergies.
e. Permission to administer basic First Aid.
f. Permission to sign hospital forms should no contacts be available.
g. Who will be collecting the child at the end of the outing.
2. We will have emergency contact details for all adults attending.
3. We will provide a ration of 1 Adult to 2 Children on all outings.
4. All adults will be made aware of their responsibilities.
5. All adults will be made aware of boundaries and expectations of behaviour for
the outing.
6. We will have access to at least 2 mobile phones.
7. The Church Office will be aware of our itinerary and expected times of
departure and arrival.
8. The Church Office will have a mobile number on which we can be contacted.
9. Parents will be given the Church Office Number to contact us in an emergency.
10. A full risk assessment will be made for each outing undertaken.
•At least one person who has passed the appropriate First Aid Course will be
present at each session.
•Permission to administer First Aid and details of any allergies are contained
in children’s profiles.
•If a child needs to be given any medication in Playgroup we will refer to the
Managing Medicines Policy.
MAJOR ACCIDENT
If a major accident occurs the procedure is as follows:
In any event staff should wear protective clothing (disposable gloves)
1. Before moving the child an assessment is made as to whether they should be
moved.
2. The Person in charge will be notified of the accident.
3. The Person in charge will assess the situation and decide whether the child
needs to go immediately to hospital or whether the child can wait for the parent
or carer to arrive.
a. If the child needs to go straight to hospital an ambulance will be called.
The parent/main carer will then be contacted and arrangements will be made to
meet the parent/carer at the hospital. A member of staff will accompany the
child to the hospital, but will not sign for any treatment to be carried out.
(if the parent/carer or their representative cannot be contacted a member of
staff can sign for treatment but this would only be in an emergency situation
and after repeated attempts to contact parent/carers or their representative.
Such permission is signed for on the Child Profile when a child starts
Playgroup).
b. If the child can wait for the parent/main carer to come, then the
parent/carer will be contacted and the child will be made as comfortable as
possible and a member of staff will stay with them until the parent/carer
arrives.
It will then be for the parent/carer to decide whether to go to the hospital or
not (the member of staff involved can advise but not insist on a hospital
assessment).
4. A report of the accident will be written in the Accident Book and the
parent/main carer will be asked to sign it. A record will be made of the advice
given to the parent/carer regarding a hospital visit.
MINOR ACCIDENT
If a minor accident occurs the procedure will be as follows:
In any event staff should wear protective clothing (disposable gloves)
1. The child is taken to a suitable place.
2. The injury is assessed by a member of staff with First Aid and if necessary
the Supervisor is informed.
3. The injury is treated.
4. The child is then resettled back into the main room and observed.
5. The incident and treatment given is recorded and the parent/main carer or
their representative is informed at the end of the session and required to sign
the Incident Report.
The parent may be called to inform them of the incident but not required to come
in unless they feel that they should.
If a parent/carer has an issue either involving their child or the Playgroup as
a whole, they should in the first instance raise this issue with the child’s
Group Leader. If the parent/carer feels unable or unwilling to raise the matter
in this way they can approach either:
a. the Supervisor
b. the Church Pastoral Care Leader to whom Playgroup is responsible.
c. Any member of staff they feel comfortable to talk to.
In the first instance every effort will be made to resolve any matters within
the setting of the Playgroup.
Issues raised will be dealt with within the following framework:
1. A matter relating to an individual child should be discussed between the
parent/carer, the Group Leader and the Supervisor.
2. Should the matter not be resolved at this level the parent/carer will bring
the issue to;
a. The Leadership of the Church i.e. Mr. Michael Hulcoop the leader of the
Pastoral Leadership Team with responsibility for playgroup.
b. Ofsted or Social Services.
3. If the matter raises concerns about a policy or practice that policy will be
reviewed.
4. If a serious complaint is made against a member of staff that person will be
suspended on pay until the matter has been fully investigated and resolved. A
volunteer would be required not to attend until the matter has been resolved.
The appropriate authorities may be informed.
5. The contact number for Ofsted will be displayed on the notice board.
Aim Statement
Within a secure, supportive environment, this group aims to offer equal
opportunities, to be a partner in the development of children’s experience,
knowledge and understanding, awareness of moral values and capacity for
enjoyment, in order that they can achieve their individual potential.
We believe all children are equal and therefore discrimination on the basis of
colour, culture, origin, gender, ability or social status is unacceptable in
this Setting.
As regards staff see attached Church Equal Opportunity Policy
The Playgroup staff are committed to:
All users of the setting are encouraged to:
1. Ensure every pupil and adult will endeavour promote acceptance by personally
contributing towards a happy and caring environment and showing respect for and
appreciation of each other as individuals.
2. Encourage positive role models, displayed through toys, imaginary play etc.,
that promote such images of both men and women, boys and girls.
3. All activities are available to all children i.e. dressing up, dolls,
home-corner, train set, large apparatus, bikes etc.
4. Regularly review our child-care practice to recognise and prevent
discrimination of any kind.
5. Ensure respect for cultural and religious restraints which prevent any child
partaking in any event or activity. While we respect the religious beliefs of
others we are a Christian group which comes under the authority of Southcourt
Baptist Church and we will not, therefore, celebrate Festivals or include any
teaching from any other faith.
6. We will respect any religious or cultural dietary requirements or eating
procedures.
Parents are the first educators of young children. We aim to support and
encourage them in their essential role by:
1. Welcoming parents/carers to the group at any time.
2. Building up good relationships with parents/carers when their child starts
the group.
3. Listening to what parents/carers say about their child.
4. Ensuring parents/carers have the opportunity to regularly review their
child’s progress.
5. As far as is possible, being available to discuss parents/carers concerns
about their child, or being willing to make an appointment for a meeting.
6. Encouraging parents/carers to take an active role in the group by being a
Parent or Library Helper.
7. Listening to parents/carers views about policy and practice and if
appropriate reviewing such policies.
8. Making all Policies and Procedure Statements available to parents/carers.
9. Sending out termly newsletters giving information and dates.
10. Inviting parents/carers in to special Playgroup Events e.g. Coffee Morning.
11. Invite parents/carers to Church Events e.g. Mums’ Night Out.
1. We will need written agreement from parents for medicines to be administered
to their child.
2. We will administer only prescribed medication in its original packaging
clearly marked with the child’s name, date of birth and dosage.
3. •It is the parents responsibility to bring the child’s medication into the
setting and also to take the same home at the end of each session. Prescribed
creams may be kept in playgroup and taken home for each playgroup holiday
•It is the parents responsibility also to let us know of any change in the
child’s prescription or dosage of medication.
• Any medicines brought into playgroup must be given to an adult who will
then be responsible for storing the same appropriately.
4. •Two members of staff will be involved in administering any medication in
order to check the dosage given. A Record of the Medication Administered form
will be filled in.
•Staff will be trained on the correct administration of medicines, specific
training will be sought for specialized treatments.
•All staff will have regard to our First Aid and Accident Procedure
Policies.
5. As a setting we will support children with complex or long-term medical needs
by drawing up a Healthcare Plan and working with the parents to ensure the
child’s medical needs are met.
6. A prescribed medicine will not be given to another child.
7. If a child refuses to take their medicine they will be encouraged to do so
but not forced. If they do not take their medicine their parent/carer will be
informed.
8. Children with medical needs will have the same rights of admission as other
children.
9. A regular risk assessment will be carried out on storage and administration
of medicines.
1. Parents will be required to sign an Agreement to pay fees when the child
starts in Playgroup.
•Fees will be charged in accordance with our New Starters Letter.
•Fees will be payable for all children under the qualifying age for
educational funding.
•Fees may also be charged for a child starting part way through a term if
educational funding cannot be accessed.
2. A bill for each months fees will be given to the parent/carer with the date
for expected payment clearly marked.
• All fees for the month must be paid no later than the end of that
month or the child’s place may be forfeited.
• Fees may be paid weekly by arrangement with the person in charge.
3. If a family is receiving benefits e.g. income support, fees may be charged at
a lower rate for the second session but proof of benefit will be needed.
4. If a parent is finding it difficult to pay the fees a Payment Plan may be
discussed to enable the child to retain their place in playgroup.