To maintain quality care and good practice the playgroup will communicate with parents, children and staff as outlined below:

 

 

 

The Leader and staff must work in conjunction with parents to ensure that all children are happy, secure and well cared for. The well being of the child is paramount and for this to happen it is vital for staff to build a trusting relationship with parents/carers. The sharing of information is the corner stone of working with parents/carers. Parent’s/Carers must be made to feel free to approach staff on any matter concerning their child or the running of the Playgroup. Information must be passed on regarding each child’s individual progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being a small group with only five staff, the communication of ideas, concerns, and problems are dealt with as they arise. We also communicate through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If at any time a parent has any concerns or complaints about the quality of care that we are providing at the playgroups, parents should feel comfortable in being able to report and discuss any complaint with the Leader.

 

Parents can be assured that every complaint will be given prompt and serious attention.

 

We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved by an informal approach to the appropriate staff member.

 

Allcomplaints will be documented, and a complaints form will be completed by parents who will be asked how they would like to see the complaint resolved.

 

If a complaint cannot be resolved parents are entitled to contact the local Care Standards and Social Inspectorate for Wales.  The contact details for the CSSIW are outlined in the Playgroups information brochure. Contact details are:

 

 

Care and Social ServicesInspectorate for Wales

Vale and Valleys RegionalOffice

4-5 Charnwood Court

Heol Billingsley

Parc Nantgarw

Nantarw

CF15 7QZ

 

 

 

 

The group wanted to develop the book corner area with new bookcases and books.

The group aimed, through fundraising, to buy all weather clothes. These would enable the children to access the outdoors in all weathers.

Through early years funding the group aimed to erect permanent canopies in our outside play area.

 

Child Protection Course to be attended by all staff 

Food and Hygiene Course to be attended by all staff

Foundation phase training to be attended by all staff

 

As a result of the development plans made for the year Sept 07 to July 08, the playgroup bought a new bookcase, books and comfy cushions and chairs for our new book corner

We also acquired five all weather suits for use outdoors in muddy or wet conditions.

Unfortunately we were unable to erect permanent canopies for our outdoor area, as we were not allocated the funding to do this. However, we did purchase two gazebos to provide shade for the children during hot weather.

raining Need

 

 

 

Due to a number of Foundation Phase training events which had to be attended in readiness for the Introduction of the Foundation Phase this September 2008, we were unable to book staff on to Child Protection and Food and Hygiene course.

This must be treated as a priority and addressed during the year Sept 08 –July 09.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The playgroup has a duty of care to all children who attend. The Leader and staff must work in conjunction with parents to ensure that all children are happy, secure and well cared for. The well being of the child is paramount and for this to happen it is vital for staff to build a trusting relationship with parents/carers. The sharing of information is the corner stone of working with parents/carers. Parent’s/Carers must be made to feel free to approach staff on any matter concerning their child or the running of the Playgroup. Information must be passed on regarding each child’s individual progress.

 

·       Relevant information regarding each child must be collected from parents/carers on entry to the Playgroup. (In the form of our registration document)

·       Parents must be given the Playgroups information brochure and parents invited to see the Playgroups policies and Annual Inspection Report.

·       Parents/Carer wishes, regarding the needs and care of their child must be taken into account at all times.

·       Opportunities for Parents/Carers to discuss any matters regarding their child in confidence must be given. (Confidentiality policy to be followed)

·       Parents will be made aware of any written assessments made of their child and these will be shared with them whenever they wish to see them. An informal written report will be given nearer the end of the Summer Term.

·       Parents should be welcomed into the playgroup to share activities with their children. Theme planning will be shared with parents and any ideas or involvement actively encouraged.

·       Parent’s questionnaires will be given in the Summer Term and feedback from them will be shared with parents.

·       Any information regarding referrals from outside agencies that is passed on to staff will be treated confidentially and staff will work with parents/carers and the relevant agencies to ensure that the needs of the child are catered for.

 

All parents/carers should have the opportunity to organise and attend any social fund raising activities the playgroup holds.

 

 

 

Written assessment records of individual children’s progress must be kept during the time the child attends the playgroup.

 

This information must be shared with parents/carers, with opportunities given for them to discuss the progress with the child’s key worker.

 

Parent’s/Carers may be given verbal/written information regarding their child’s assessment and progress

 

The Playgroup works closely with Cwmlai Primary School, and a moving on document outlining your child’s development, likes, dislikes etc will be shared with them.  Please be advised that this document will not be passed onto the School without your written consent and neither will we discuss your child with the school without your consent.

 

A short written report will be given to each parent/carer near the end of the Summer Term, along with the child’s record book.

 

 

 

If at any time a parent has any concerns or complaints about the quality of care that we are providing at the playgroups, parents should feel comfortable in being able to report and discuss any complaint with the Leader.

 

·       Parents can be assured that every complaint will be given prompt and serious attention.

 

 

·       We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved by an informal approach to the appropriate staff member.

 

 

·       All complaints will be documented, and a complaints form will be completed by parents who will be asked how they would like to see the complaint resolved.

 

 

·       If a complaint cannot be resolved parents are entitled to contact the local Care Standards and Social Inspectorate for Wales.  The contact details for the CSSIW are outlined below:

 

 

Care Standards and Social Inspectorate for Wales

Vale and Valleys RegionalOffice

4-5 Charnwood Court

Heol Billingsley

Parc Nantgarw

Nantarw

CF15 7QZ

 

 

The group will create an environment in which children are safe from harm and abuse: in which the welfare of the children is paramount and any suspicion of abuse is responded to promptly and appropriately.

 

In order to do this the group will:

 

It will be made clear to applicants for posts, both paid and unpaid, within the group, that they will be asked to sign a statement giving details of any conviction for criminal offence against children, including any “spent” convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and to give permission for checks to be made for any criminal records. 

Any persons applying for work within the group, both paid and unpaid, will be interviewed before appointment and asked to provide at least one reference from someone who has experience of their work with children. All references will be followed up. All staff must be subject to an enhanced criminal records disclosure being made. No staff will be employed without this.

 

All appointments, both paid and unpaid, will be subject to a probationary period and will not be confirmed unless the group is confident the applicant can be safely entrusted with children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever worrying changes are observed in a child’s behaviour or physical condition, or if there is an injury, a confidential record should be set up. The record will include (in addition to the child’s name, address, age and date) observations of the child’s behaviour/appearance, without comment of interpretation. Exact words spoken by the child may also be recorded, times dated, and signed by the recorder.

 

Such records will be kept confidential and should not be accessible to anyone in the group other than the Leader and other members of staff as appropriate.

 

The group will operate within the local authority guidelines. Confidential records kept on children about whom there is concern, should be shared with the Social Services Department if it is felt that adequate explanations for the child’s condition have not been provided, or if the Social Services Department request access.

 

The group will do all in its power to build trusting and supportive relationships between families, staff and volunteers within the group.

 

Where abuse is suspected at home or elsewhere, the group will continue to welcome the child and family whilst investigations proceed.

 

Confidential records on a child will be shared with thechild’s parents.

 

The group believes the care and safety of the child are paramount and will do all it can to support and work with the child’s family.

 

 

The group will ensure all staff and volunteers have knowledge of, and access to, Wales Pre-School Playgroups Association Child Protection Guidelines. Staff and volunteers will be encouraged to attend child protection training sessions to enable them to recognise signs of abuse.

 

Any accusations against a member of staff will be fully investigated. The staff member will be suspended until the investigation is complete. CSIW and Social Services will be informed immediately. Contact telephone: 01443 486731

 

 

Good behaviour and discipline are essential to ensure the smooth and safe running of the group. The foundation is provided for the development of morals and values whilst advocating acceptable behaviour in children. Deliberate bad behaviour is never acceptable.

 

Adults involved in the group are aware of their role in promoting acceptable behaviour and will:

 

 

Bullying is never acceptable, and bullying by peers will be dealt with immediately. Parents will be contacted and the necessary action will be taken in consultation with the parents of children concerned.

The group’s work with children and families will sometimes bring contact with confidential information.

 

To ensure that all who use and work in the group can do so with confidence, confidentiality will be respected in the following ways.

 

 

 

As member of Wales Pre-School Playgroups Association we are fully committed to the active promotion of equality of opportunity for all children and families in the group.

 

Equal Opportunities does not mean treating everyone the same. This policy is intended to provide and maintain equality of opportunity for all children and parents/carers within the group and will reflect the needs of members and future members of the group by:

 

The group will ensure that everyone in the community has access to information about the group.

 

This will be done, by informing the local health visitor about the group, so that information can be passed on to parents/carers. Information posters will be displayed in the local Doctors’ Surgeries and Post Office, and Library, in the languages appropriate to the community, when possible.

 

The group will be open to every family in the community.

 

The individual needs of each child and family wishing to join the group will be considered. Wherever possible the group will do its best to be flexible in providing sessions to suit the majority of parents/carers and children. The child’s first language should be used, and the use of other languages will be encouraged, as appropriate.

The group will appoint the best person for the job. Commitment to implementing the group’s Equal Opportunities Policy and will form part of the job description for all workers.

 

Advertisements will be in the languages appropriate to the community, when possible. Advertisements will be placed externally in the local paper and job centre, and internally on the notice board.

The existence of an equal opportunity policy will be highlighted. It will be ensured, at interview, that the candidate agrees with the policy and will do their best to uphold it, by treating every child and parent/carer as individuals.

 

Only questions relevant to the job will be asked, and each candidate will be asked broadly, the same questions. A welcome and professional approach to interviews will be ensured.

 

All applicants will have copiesof any relevant information.

 

Each candidate will be treated as an individual in compliance with current employment legislation.

 

The group will encourage the involvement of parents/carers by making them welcome and by respecting the differences in families, their language and culture and by encouraging them to contribute in whatever way they can.

 

The group will ensure all families have an equal opportunity to be involved with the group. Any information written or spoken will be clearly communicated as appropriate. All parents/carers and staff will be encouraged to understand the effects of stereotyping and discrimination, and any discriminatory remarks will be challenged.

 

The group will ensure that all children are respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. The needs of children in the community will be provided for, including those children with special needs.

 

The children will be given the opportunity to learn to respect cultures, language and celebrations other than their own. Children growing up in all white areas need the opportunity to see they are part of a multi-racial society.

 

The children will be offered activities to give them the opportunity to explore acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children with special needs will be included in the group. Any discriminatory remarks will be challenged and children will be encouraged to understand the effect of any such remarks or behaviour.

 

 

Books, posters and all resources will be checked regularly to ensure they positively and accurately reflect a multi-racial society.

 

Boys and girls will have the opportunity, and be encouraged, to use all activities.

 

 

 

 

The group will have regard to the Department for Education Code of Practice (1993) on the Identification, Assessment and Education of Children with Special Educational Needs. It aims to provide a welcome with appropriate learning opportunities for all children (and adults). The group will co-operate with, and seek the advice and support of the Referral Scheme, where available. And all relevant agencies whilst respecting the rights of children and their families at all times.

 

Children with special needs, like all other children, should be admitted after full consultation between parents/carers, group staff, Referral Scheme Coordinator and any other relevant agency workers involved.

 

Records of the child’s progress will be maintained and reviewed regularly. Parental permission will be obtained before records are released on admission to any agency.

 

The group will request assistance via the Referral Scheme for one to one help, assistance with fees and travel, when necessary.

 

Full cooperation will be given to all appropriate agencies, i.e. therapists, social workers, health visitors, medical staff, psychologists, portage workers etc. In order to meet the specific needs of each child.

 

Group staff, whenever possible, will attend appropriate special needs training by Wales Pre-School Association and other agencies.

 

Staff, helpers, parents/carers and visitors who have special needs will be welcomed and supported by the group, in keeping with the Equal Opportunities Policy, with the needs of the children being of paramount importance at all times.