Policies
All of our Policies are available to view at the setting at any time upon request. Please ask Mrs Rebecca Stonier for more details. Our Policies are reviewed annually in accordance with current legislation.
Our Aims
Our pre-school is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA) and has adopted their constitution which enables us to run as a charity. We are a non-profit making organisation which is run by a dedicated committee of parents/carers/grandparents or friends who are elected annually; we employ all staff members directly and ensure the smooth running of the pre-school.
We aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment in which the children can play, whilst improving their social awareness, irrespective of gender, race, social group, religion, family background or disability.
We encourage parent/carers or grandparents to assist at sessions; it's a very informal way of getting a chance to see how we work with the children and not forgetting it's fun too!
We aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment in which the children can play, whilst improving their social awareness, irrespective of gender, race, social group, religion, family background or disability.
We encourage parent/carers or grandparents to assist at sessions; it's a very informal way of getting a chance to see how we work with the children and not forgetting it's fun too!
The Committee's Role
The committee's responsibilities are to manage the business side of the pre-school:-
- To check that records and procedures are up to date.
- To inform OFSTED of any changes to our staff or organisation.
- To check the safety of the building and equipment and to maintain adequate insurance.
- To employ and manage all staff.
- To ensure staff keep updated on training courses.
- To ensure all staff have been police checked through the Disclosure & Barring Service.
- To manage the pre-school finances and organise fund raising.
The Manager's Role
- To plan and organise the session activities and supervise the setting, assistants/students and volunteer helpers.
- To maintain a safe and caring environment for the children to play in.
- To keep the daily register and basic records for each child.
- To ensure good and safe practices are observed at all times, and all safety procedures i.e. fire drills and accident reports are carried out.
- To notify the committee of any safety issues or problems that may be causing concern.
Confidentiality
All members of staff, committee, Volunteers & Students have agreed and signed a contract of confidentiality.
Admissions
We admit children from 2 years. Our minimum staff ratios are as follows:
We have a list of children waiting to be admitted and for those requesting extra sessions. this operates without any prejudice on any basis.
- Under 3 years ~ 1:4
- Over 3 years ~ 1:8
We have a list of children waiting to be admitted and for those requesting extra sessions. this operates without any prejudice on any basis.
Safe Recruitment
Stepping Stones will ensure that adults looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so. All applications for jobs within the provision are clearly informed that positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We request a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS), in respect of all people who work directly with children, only people who have been confirmed suitable will have supervised contact with children on our premises. We will employ persons based on their suitability and will also request two written references, qualification evidence & identity checks as necessary. New staff will be issued with a temporary contract - to be reviewed after one term.
An annual appraisal and regular supervision system is in place to support staff.
We request a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS), in respect of all people who work directly with children, only people who have been confirmed suitable will have supervised contact with children on our premises. We will employ persons based on their suitability and will also request two written references, qualification evidence & identity checks as necessary. New staff will be issued with a temporary contract - to be reviewed after one term.
An annual appraisal and regular supervision system is in place to support staff.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival the children will be delivered to pre-school by their parent/carer. The register will be marked as each child arrives. On departure the children will leave with their parent/carer or a specified ADULT. A list of adults authorized to collect each child must be supplied, this authorisation form is contained in the "Child Entry Record"pack, please remember to keep us informed of any amendments and to keep telephone numbers updated. AN IMPORTANT NOTE: NO person under the age of 14 will be authorised to collect a child
The daily number of children and adults present at each session is displayed on a board in the main room.
The daily number of children and adults present at each session is displayed on a board in the main room.
Security
We maintain the highest possible security of our premises to ensure that each child is safely cared for during their time with us.
Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children.
The front door remains locked at all times.
The out door play area is fully enclosed and any gates securely padlocked.
Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children.
The front door remains locked at all times.
The out door play area is fully enclosed and any gates securely padlocked.
Appointments with Staff:
If you need to speak to either the Manager or your child's key-person it is recommended you make an appointment.
Attendance
If a child is unwell or unable to attend for any reason you should call us on 01260 297 924 on the first day of absence. or register the absence on Parentmail. If you are planning a holiday during term time you should inform us in advance so this can be recorded on our register. Fees remain payable during periods of absence.
If your child is permanently leaving the pre-school then we kindly request that 4 weeks notice be given in writing. Failure to do this can result in fees still being charged,
If your child is permanently leaving the pre-school then we kindly request that 4 weeks notice be given in writing. Failure to do this can result in fees still being charged,
Healthy Eating
During each of our sessions we have a "snack time" where we offer a drink of milk or water and a variety of healthy snack choices to eat. We use snack time to help the children develop social skills, make choices, serve food and feed themselves.
Fresh drinking water is available at all times.
Fresh drinking water is available at all times.
Outings
Children benefit from being taken out of the setting to go on visits to enhance their learning experience.
Extra staff/volunteers will accompany us on each visit.
Named children are assigned to individual staff members/volunteers.
A list of children and emergency contact numbers are taken.
A risk assessement will be completed for each visit.
Extra staff/volunteers will accompany us on each visit.
Named children are assigned to individual staff members/volunteers.
A list of children and emergency contact numbers are taken.
A risk assessement will be completed for each visit.
Equality of Opportunity
We will ensure that our pre-school is fully inclusive in meeting the needs of all children regardless of age, gender, race, culture or disability. Our setting is committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all children and families.
Special Education Needs and Disabilities
Staff work together with parents and other relevant parties to organise the environment and plan activities to ensure all children take part at a level appropriate to their needs. Our comprehensive SEN policy is available to view in the Pre-school. We have a fully qualified designated member of staff, Ms Tracey Dale who can be available to speak to you should you have any questions
Missing Child
If a child is found to be missing, a member of staff will immediately search the premises. If the child is not found, the Supervisor will call the police, parents/carers and the committee chairperson. A member of staff will continue searching until the child is found or until further instructions are given by the emergency services.
Staff will take control of the other children to ensure they are not alarmed or frightened. Staff should remain calm throughout.
Staff will take control of the other children to ensure they are not alarmed or frightened. Staff should remain calm throughout.
Safeguarding Children
All children receive knocks, scrapes and bruises from time to time which are usually explainable. However, if a member of staff suspects that a child is being abused or neglected then that person has a duty to report this to our Safeguarding of Children Co-ordinator or directly to ChECS (Cheshire East Consultation Service). Our Safeguarding Children policies/procedures are available to view under the "Policies' tab above and also available to view in the pre-school.
Our Safeguarding of Children Co-Ordinator is Mrs R Stonier, our Deputy is Miss H Morrey and they are both supported by Heather Dale , Chair person.
Our Safeguarding of Children Co-Ordinator is Mrs R Stonier, our Deputy is Miss H Morrey and they are both supported by Heather Dale , Chair person.
Allegations Of Mistreatment By Staff Member
After consultation with the child's parents, an internal investigation will be held between the staff member and the committee member responsible for Safeguarding and the chairperson. The Local Authority, Safeguarding of Children and OFSTED will be informed.
Pre-school will comply with all stages of "Safeguarding Children" procedures.
Confidentiality shall be upheld at all times.
Pre-school will comply with all stages of "Safeguarding Children" procedures.
Confidentiality shall be upheld at all times.
Behavior Management and Discipline
Stepping Stones believe children thrive best when their personal, social and emotional needs are met and when there are clear and developmentally appropriate expectations for their behaviour. We use positive language and strategies for handling inconsiderate behaviour. We require all staff and volunteers to be positive models by treating children, parents and one another with care and courtesy. We don't use physical punishment, and will only use physical restraint to prevent injury to others. Where a child has recurring inconsiderate behaviour, we will work with parents to address this and to decide jointly how to manage this.
Bullying in any form will NOT be tolerated.
Bullying in any form will NOT be tolerated.
Health and Safety
The committee of Stepping Stones Pre-School will provide and maintain safe and healthy play and working conditions for all children and employees. We aim to make children, staff and parents aware of any health and safety issues and to minimize the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment. We carry out a daily risk assessment to ensure all children and adult remain safe within the premises. All children are under adult supervision at all times.
Minor Injuries
In the event of an accident a first aider will administer an first aid required and the child's parent/carer will be contacted if necessary At least one member of staff with a current first aid certificate relevant to young children is on the premises and on any outing at any one time. Any injury will be recorded in the accident book, the parent/carer will be informed at the end of the session and asked to sign the accident book. For minor injuries we may use antiseptic wipes and hypo-allergenic plasters.
Administering Medication
Your child may need to take medication whilst in our care, you will be asked to fill out a medication record form by the supervisor. Only prescribed medication will be administered. It must be in date and prescribed for the current condition. If medication has been administered your signature will be required at the end of the day. Please keep us informed of any changes in medication. All medications are stored safely in a locked cupboard or refrigerated.
Emergency Medical Treatment
In the event of a child requiring emergency medical treatment, an ambulance will be called whilst first aid is being administered. The parent/carer will be contacted an asked to meet the ambulance at the hospital. The supervisor will stay with your child at all times. The signed emergency medical statement will be taken with your child to the hospital.
Head Lice
Staff and parents are encouraged to be particularly vigilant to help combat head lice. If a member of staff notices a living, moving louse on a child's head, the parent/carer will be advised on collection and asked to start treatment. A notice will be displayed to advise other parents.
Observations
A record of each child's achievement is maintained as they progress through pre-school, these will be maintained by their key person and are available to parents at any time. Your child will have their own learning journal with work completed by them and photographs of them at play. Parents can arrange to view in pre-school. A home link notebook will be used to enable parents to comment and contribute to their child's development.
Uncollected Children
In the event of a child not being collected, the supervisor will make all reasonable attempts to make contact with the parents or an authorised adult. The child will remain at Pre-school with 2 members of staff until collected. If after 45 minutes the child still hasn't been collected and no contact has been made, we will call the Duty Officer at ChECS (Cheshire East Consultation Service) for advice.
If Parents/carer is Unfit to Collect Child
If a parent/carer is deemed to be incapable of taking charge of the child, due to being under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, the supervisor will contact an authorised adult to collect the child. If no one can be contacted then the ChECS (Cheshire East Consultation Service) will be called.
Clothing
Our extensive outdoor facilities allow for all year round outdoor play, therefore appropriate named clothing is essential.
From time to time small accidents do happen; A member of staff will be on hand to change your child's underwear/clothing as and when required. Although a small amount of spare clothing at pre-school, we would suggest a named bag containing a set of spare clothing along with a change of nappies and wipes if appropriate to your child each day.
From time to time small accidents do happen; A member of staff will be on hand to change your child's underwear/clothing as and when required. Although a small amount of spare clothing at pre-school, we would suggest a named bag containing a set of spare clothing along with a change of nappies and wipes if appropriate to your child each day.
No Smoking
Daven Primary School, the Health Centre and Stepping Stones all adhere to a strict NO SMOKING policy in all grounds and buildings, this includes all playgrounds and car parks.
Sun Protection
Outside play supports all aspects of your child's learning. During the hotter weather, please ensure that you apply sunscreen before your child arrives at Stepping Stones. If your child is attending for the full day please provide a named bottle of sunscreen and hand to a member of staff. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE SUNSCREEN IN THEIR SCHOOL BAG. Parents are requested to provide a sun hat, making sure it is named inside.
Photography
Photographs taken during the pre-school session are used for internal displays and the children's learning journals. Photographs are occasionally taken for use in newspaper reports and local advertising. Parents /carers are asked to sign a photography statement agreeing to this.
Fire Evacuation
On discovering a fire, the supervisor will give instruction for immediate evacuation and checking of the building for children or staff.
Copies of this procedure are displayed within the setting.
The children and staff will congregate at the safe area designated by the fire officer. The register will be taken to ensure everybody is safe and present.
Fire drills are carried out regularly and a record is kept in the pre-school.
Copies of this procedure are displayed within the setting.
The children and staff will congregate at the safe area designated by the fire officer. The register will be taken to ensure everybody is safe and present.
Fire drills are carried out regularly and a record is kept in the pre-school.
2 Year Old Funding
If your child is 2 years old you may qualify for 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks/year, starting the term after their 2nd birthday. Please read the poster displayed on the notice board in the entrance or ask a member of staff for details.
3/4 Year Old Funding
Stepping stones pre school is in receipt of the "Free Early Years Education Entitlement" for 3 and 4 year olds, starting the term after their 3rd birthday. Each child is entitled to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks/year, we will try our best to offer as many hours as we can. Parents will be required to complete a contract between you (the parent) and Stepping Stones Pre school (the Provider). This contract is signed at the beginning of each term. Invoices will be issued for any additional hours.
3/4 Year Old Funding
Stepping stones pre school is in receipt of the "Free Early Years Education Entitlement" for 3 and 4 year olds, starting the term after their 3rd birthday. Each child is entitled to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks/year, we will try our best to offer as many hours as we can. Parents will be required to complete a contract between you (the parent) and Stepping Stones Pre school (the Provider). This contract is signed at the beginning of each term. Invoices will be issued for any additional hours.
Payment for Additional Hours
1. Bills will be issued on the 1st day of each month. Payment will be due by the date stated on the Bill
2. If payment is not received within that time, a FINAL DEMAND will be issued, we MUST have FULL payment within the next 7 days
3. If fees still remain unpaid after this, Stepping Stones Pre-school reserves the right to immediately reallocate your child’s additional sessions (other than those funded) and or lunchtime supervision until full payment has been received, in which time your child will be added to the waiting list.
4. Reinstating sessions will be subject to availability and may require payment in advance of any session booked
5. Full balances MUST be paid each term and not carried over.
6. Payment can be made via Cheque (Payable to Stepping Stones Pre-School), cash handed to the supervisor in a named envelope or via Bank Transfer. Our Details are:
Account Name: Stepping Stones Pre-school, Account No. 11 48 74 95,
Sort Code 16 17 12.
Please ensure you use your child’s name as reference to help us match any payment made.
7. Fees are periodically reviewed by the committee and parents/carers will be given reasonable notice in writing of any changes.
8. There will be no reduction for periods of sickness or holidays taken during normal sessions
9. In the case of a child’s legitimate long term illness, the committee will consider the circumstances and come to an arrangement with their parents/carer regarding fees
10. There will be no reduction in fees if a parent/carer has more than one child attending the pre-school
11. If the pre-school is unable to open due to unforeseen circumstances i.e. severe weather, parents/carers with children that are due to attend on that occasion will not be charged.
12. Fees will be calculated each term (6 terms in every year). The fees should be paid in full within the given date, unless prior arrangements are made with the Setting Supervisor.
13. A parent/carer must give 4 weeks’ notice in writing of any cancellations they wish to make to a child’s pre-school sessions.
14. Receipts will be issued as a proof of payment, and it’s the parent/carer responsibility to check these and keep them in case of dispute.
15. Any payment disputes should be raised within 7 days with the Setting Supervisor, who may ask the treasurer to look into these to resolve.
Parental Involvement
It is our aim to encourage parents/carers to become involved with Stepping Stones, we welcome your contribution. In order to achieve this we invite parents/carers to:
- Accompany your child to the pre-school for an initial visit where they will be shown around by a member of staff.
- Stay with your child as long as necessary for them to settle in during their initial sessions.
- Parents/carers are invited to join the committee, which involves informal meetings that are socially fun too! Please use the contact form should you require any information on joining the committee.
- Parents/carers are kept informed of fund raising and general pre-school news through our website, Facebook page, newsletter and also by checking the outside notice boards.
- Parents/carers are invited to help at sessions; a rota is available in the pre-school entrance.
- Parents/carers are invited to donate, help at and suggest fund raising events.
- Parents/carers are invited to join us at the pre-school for the Christmas production, Easter bonnet parade, sports days, stay and play days and other such events.
- Parents are invited to "Stay & Play" mornings 3 times a year to play and interact with their child (children enjoy showing their parents their favourite activites), to chat to their child's key-person and look at their child's learning journal.
** Should you require any more information on any of the above please do not hesitate to ask using the contact form via our website or call Stepping Stones on 01260 297 924 **
COMPLAINTS
Stage One:
Any complaints should be addressed initially to the Manager.
Any information given will be bound by our confidentiality Policy.
Stage Two:
If the complaint has not been resolved at stage one, the complaint is put in writing to the Pre-school Manager and Chairperson of the Committee, who will then try to resolve the problem.
Stage Three:
If the complaint is still not resolved a meeting will be arranged with the parent(s)/carers, Pre-school Manager and Chairperson of the Committee. Parent(s)/carers can have a friend for support, an agreed written record of proceedings is signed by everyone present.
in addition to the above, you may contact OFSTED at any time to discuss your concerns
OFSTED
Piccadily Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD
Tel: 0300 123 1231
Eail: [email protected]
Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk
Our OFSTD registration No. is 305341
Stage One:
Any complaints should be addressed initially to the Manager.
Any information given will be bound by our confidentiality Policy.
Stage Two:
If the complaint has not been resolved at stage one, the complaint is put in writing to the Pre-school Manager and Chairperson of the Committee, who will then try to resolve the problem.
Stage Three:
If the complaint is still not resolved a meeting will be arranged with the parent(s)/carers, Pre-school Manager and Chairperson of the Committee. Parent(s)/carers can have a friend for support, an agreed written record of proceedings is signed by everyone present.
in addition to the above, you may contact OFSTED at any time to discuss your concerns
OFSTED
Piccadily Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD
Tel: 0300 123 1231
Eail: [email protected]
Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk
Our OFSTD registration No. is 305341
Privacy Notice
Privacy Notice (How we use pupil information)
The categories of pupil information that we process include:
Why we collect and use pupil information
We collect and use pupil information, for the following purposes:
How we collect pupil information
We collect pupil information via registration forms
Pupil data is essential for the schools’ operational use. Whilst the majority of pupil information you provide to us is mandatory, some of it requested on a voluntary basis. In order to comply with the data protection legislation, we will inform you at the point of collection, whether you are required to provide certain pupil information to us or if you have a choice in this.
How we store pupil data
We hold pupil data securely for the set amount of time shown in our data retention
Who we share pupil information with
We routinely share pupil information with:
Why we regularly share pupil informationWe do not share information about our pupils with anyone without consent unless the law and our policies allow us to do so.
Department for Education
The Department for Education (DfE) collects personal data from educational settings and local authorities via various statutory data collections. We are required to share information about our pupils with the Department for Education (DfE) either directly or via our local authority for the purpose of those data collections, under:
All data is transferred securely and held by DfE under a combination of software and hardware controls, which meet the current government security policy framework.
For more information, please see ‘How Government uses your data’ section.
Requesting access to your personal dataUnder data protection legislation, parents and pupils have the right to request access to information about them that we hold. To make a request for your personal information, or be given access to your child’s educational record, contact Mrs R Stonier
You also have the right to:
If you have a concern or complaint about the way we are collecting or using your personal data, you should raise your concern with us in the first instance or directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/
ContactIf you would like to discuss anything in this privacy notice, please contact:Mrs Rebecca Stonier, Stepping Stones Pre School, New Street, Congleton. CW12 3AHHow Government uses your dataThe pupil data that we lawfully share with the DfE through data collections:
The categories of pupil information that we process include:
- personal identifiers and contacts (such as name, unique pupil number, contact details and address)
- characteristics (such as ethnicity, language, and free school meal eligibility)
- safeguarding information (such as court orders and professional involvement)
- special educational needs (including the needs and ranking)
- medical and administration (such as doctors information, child health, dental health, allergies, medication and dietary requirements)
- attendance (such as sessions attended, number of absences, absence reasons and any previous schools attended)
- assessment and attainment (such as key stage 1 and phonics results, post 16 courses enrolled for and any relevant results)
- behavioural information (such as exclusions and any relevant alternative provision put in place)
Why we collect and use pupil information
We collect and use pupil information, for the following purposes:
- to support pupil learning
- to monitor and report on pupil attainment progress
- to provide appropriate pastoral care
- to assess the quality of our services
- to keep children safe (food allergies, or emergency contact details)
- to meet the statutory duties placed upon us for DfE data collections
How we collect pupil information
We collect pupil information via registration forms
Pupil data is essential for the schools’ operational use. Whilst the majority of pupil information you provide to us is mandatory, some of it requested on a voluntary basis. In order to comply with the data protection legislation, we will inform you at the point of collection, whether you are required to provide certain pupil information to us or if you have a choice in this.
How we store pupil data
We hold pupil data securely for the set amount of time shown in our data retention
Who we share pupil information with
We routinely share pupil information with:
- schools that the pupils attend after leaving us
- our local authority
- the Department for Education (DfE)
- Health visitors / Social Workers
Why we regularly share pupil informationWe do not share information about our pupils with anyone without consent unless the law and our policies allow us to do so.
Department for Education
The Department for Education (DfE) collects personal data from educational settings and local authorities via various statutory data collections. We are required to share information about our pupils with the Department for Education (DfE) either directly or via our local authority for the purpose of those data collections, under:
All data is transferred securely and held by DfE under a combination of software and hardware controls, which meet the current government security policy framework.
For more information, please see ‘How Government uses your data’ section.
Requesting access to your personal dataUnder data protection legislation, parents and pupils have the right to request access to information about them that we hold. To make a request for your personal information, or be given access to your child’s educational record, contact Mrs R Stonier
You also have the right to:
- object to processing of personal data that is likely to cause, or is causing, damage or distress
- prevent processing for the purpose of direct marketing
- object to decisions being taken by automated means
- in certain circumstances, have inaccurate personal data rectified, blocked, erased or destroyed; and
- a right to seek redress, either through the ICO, or through the courts
If you have a concern or complaint about the way we are collecting or using your personal data, you should raise your concern with us in the first instance or directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/
ContactIf you would like to discuss anything in this privacy notice, please contact:Mrs Rebecca Stonier, Stepping Stones Pre School, New Street, Congleton. CW12 3AHHow Government uses your dataThe pupil data that we lawfully share with the DfE through data collections:
- underpins school funding, which is calculated based upon the numbers of children and their characteristics in each school.
- informs ‘short term’ education policy monitoring and school accountability and intervention (for example, school GCSE results or Pupil Progress measures).
- supports ‘longer term’ research and monitoring of educational policy (for example how certain subject choices go on to affect education or earnings beyond school)