T.A.G. Childcare
T.A.G. Childcare aims to support the community and regeneration in the East End of London by providing accessible and affordable childcare and family support service to the community.
The Kid’s Club was set up 11 years ago, the area was crying out for somewhere where parents could send their children where they would be safe and off the streets. When we started there was nothing going on in the area for kids, but word soon caught on and numbers have grown from 10 to over 30 and recently over 50. This number could easily be higher, we already have a waiting list, yet with more funding, and we will be able to meet demand.
T.A.G. Childcare aims to support the community and regeneration in the East End of London by providing accessible and affordable childcare and family support service to the community.
We believe that our core value is what makes us distinctive from other childcare providers and every child matters.
Our staff team are trained to encourage every child to reach their full potential by supporting and challenging their development and learning.
Staff are highly qualified, well supported and have regular access to further training and professional development.
Every project has a trained Special Educational Needs worker. Our facilities are designed to offer a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children are offered a wide range of child-centred experiences and activities.
Our younger children learn by doing and through play, whilst older children learn through activities planned under the guidance of the early year’s foundation stage.
It is very prominent in our curriculum and we have a strong tradition of encouraging children’s creative talents motivation of skills. We aim to regularly work with local artists on special projects to encourage creative confidence in the children and young people and staff in areas such as art, dance, drama and environmental awareness.
We encourage integration, inclusion and also cohesion in our services, which reflect the rich cultural and economic mix of the communities in which we work. Being a not for profit organisation, we are able to reinvest funds for the benefit of children and families which allows us to offer subsidised and free places to children and a package of supporting activities for vulnerable families.
Staff and parents are key partners and we encourage their participation in all areas of the organisation and the wider community.
They are encouraged to be involved in our parents and management groups and to join in on our calendar of social and fundraising events. Because we work in partnership with a wide range of organisations in the voluntary and statutory sector, we are able to develop initiatives, which offer in-depth support for the whole family working with all partners and organisations.
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T.A.G. Childcare is a charitable organisation and is open to all. Our ethos is to offer affordable childcare. We operate a mixed economy of small fees for our out of school places. T.A.G. childcare operate a central waiting list for places, which are operated on a first come first served basis depending on the spaces available and the age of the child. Whilst no one will be refused a place on the waiting lists, priority may be given to referrals, families who have particular needs (working parents or larger families with three or more children in junior school etc). A selection panel will have the responsibility of reviewing applications and they will meet regularly when places become available. The panel will include the manager, a member of the board of trustees, and a community parent representative. In all cases, the waiting lists are administered by the managers of the projects. Any problems can be referred to the manager for T.A.G. Childcare or the director who reserve the right to refuse a child a place or to ask parents to remove a child.
Statement of Intent We want all children to feel safe, stimulated, and also happy in all activities and feel secure with the staff. We also want parents to have confidence in both their child/ren, well being and their role as active partners with staff members. Aim We aim to make our childcare a welcoming place where children will settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstance of the child/children and their families. Methods Before a child starts to attend childcare activities, we use a variety of ways to provide his/her parents with information. These include written information (including our prospectus), a visit for parents to see the facilities and meet with staff, a centre visit where company policies and practices are shared and an induction is taken place. When you are offered a place, you will need to attend for a settling in period with your child which will normally last no longer than 30 minutes.
On the first day, you will need to remain on the premises with your child. You will then be able to leave your child as long as they are settled. We endeavour to prevent children from being left in a stressful state; therefore we encourage parents to stay until their child/children are happy for you to leave. When a child starts to attend, we work with the parents to decide on the best way to help the child to settle, this applies to all children even when English is a second language.
T.A.G. childcare is not for profit organisation. Our fees are set at the lowest possible rate that we can charge in order to meet our expenditure costs. Therefore, it is vitally important that fees are paid on time.
• Fees are payable on a weekly method payment of cash and are the easiest and most cost-effective way to administer.
• We will accept payment by cheque or cash for monthly’s fees only, although this is not encouraged and we will charge a fee for administration.
• If a cheque is returned unpaid, we will add a charge of £15.00 to your account and no further cheque payments will be accepted. Fees are due every month regardless of whether or not your child/children are absent for any reason or if the project is closed due to annual closures. If you intend for your child to leave, you must give a written notice of your intention. If you choose to leave before the notice period expires, fees will be due for the remainder of that period. Fees will be subject to periodic reviews at the discretion of the board of trustees. Any fee increases will be notified at least one month in advance. Failure to pay fees. Any monies not paid by the due date or if your fees remain unpaid for any longer than 3 days without prior agreement with the manager, action will be taken as follows:
1) If your account is not settled within 5 days, you will receive a letter asking you to make arrangements to pay the outstanding balance immediately. LETTER FOR PARENTS
2) If your account is still not settled, you will receive a written notice of the suspension of your child’s place, until such time that your outstanding account is settled in full.
3) If your account were to fall into arrears for a second or further time, you will receive a written notice of the immediate termination of your child’s place.
4) T.A.G childcare reserves the rights to seek legal advice in the recovery of all outstanding fees.
PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN DISCUSS ANY ISSUES YOU MAY HAVE WITH THE MANAGER AFTER CLUB FINISHES AT THE END OF THE DAY.
Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees and to provide as much information, training and supervision as they need for the purpose. We also accept our responsibilities for the health and safety of the children, parents and visitors to the projects run by T.A.G. The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements that we will make to implement the policy are set out below. The policy will be kept up to date, in conjunction with the Health and Safety standards. The policy will be reviewed annually Responsibilities Overall and final responsibility for health and safety for T.A.G. childcare is that of the board of trustees with delegated responsibilities to the director and managers of each individual project. Risk assessments of all operational areas will be carried out and reviewed every 6 months by site managers. This will be monitored by the director and managers. The managers are responsible for this policy being carried out within all projects run by T.AG. Childcare.
All employees have the responsibility to co-operate with the board of trustees and senior staff to achieve a healthy and safe workplace and Childcare environment; to take reasonable care of themselves and others. Whenever any Staff and volunteers notice a health and safety problem, which they are not able to put right, they must straightaway tell the appropriately named responsible person.
The senior staffs are responsible for ensuring the contents of the first aid box in areas. Should an accident take place and need reporting to an inspecting authority, this will be the responsibility of the named Manager.
An accident record book is kept by each project and is used for children, staff and visitors etc. The Manager and Deputy Manager must ensure that it is correctly completed.
The Manager and nominated fire safety staff (please see notices displayed at each site) are responsible for ensuring that:
The local health and safety inspectors are based at the Council Office. Advice can also be sought from the Fire Brigade and OFSTED
The senior staff team is responsible for ensuring that all staff, students or volunteers have appropriate induction training in the health and safety requirements of the project.
The Area Manager, Director, Board of Trustees must ensure that adequate training is provided in the following:
Fire and emergency drills
First Aid
Manual handling and lifting
HIV Awareness
Food health safety and hygiene
A two-year cycle and training are planned in the above to ensure awareness levels for all staff. The review of the health and safety policy will also check that the awareness levels for staff are also satisfactory. All staff will receive information on the above as part of their induction.
T.A.G. childcare is committed to ensuring that accurate information around HIV/AIDS is given to all workers, trainees & volunteers by providing training and other relevant factual information as necessary.
Whilst peoples concerns and anxieties about HIV/Aids may lead to demands to know about the HIV status of the people they come into contact through their links with our projects, the nature of the transmission of the HIV virus is such that the legitimate need to know is limited.
We do not require staff, carers, volunteers, parents or children to disclose their HIV status, and expect this information will be treated supportively and in confidence.
This means that unless an individual wishes such information to be shared with a third party, it will be confidential.
All visitors to T.A.G. childcare and its projects are asked to sign the visitor’s book. And given a visitors badge, all visitors are to remain accompanied by a member of TA.G. Childcare staff unless express permission is given. All visitors are asked to respect the authority of the staff and follow their instructions on evacuation etc as necessary. VISITORS BADGES IN THE SHOP
All senior staff have had prevent training. If you require any further information please speak to the manager.
Please see the attached risk assessment sheets and COSHH analysis at end of the policy. Additional copies are kept in the project offices and next to cleaning materials as appropriate.
Cleanliness: A cleaner is employed to ensure that all premises operated by T.A.G. childcare are kept to a high standard of cleanliness. Cleaning provision may form part of a lease agreement on premises used by T.AG and its projects.
All staff must help to ensure that these standards are maintained, as the buildings are in constant use by children.
In addition, the senior staff must ensure that regular cleaning and maintaining of toys, equipment also furniture are carried out for their project. The senior staff must also ensure that the premises are kept tidy for reasons of safety such as trip’s slips hazards, stacking and storage or emergency escape routes.
Meals will be freshly prepared on site by a qualified and experienced member of staff. The domestic & senior staff should hold a food and hygiene certificate. All staff will be offered a short training session on food hygiene and awareness. This will be repeated on a three-yearly basis with new staff and volunteers receiving information as part of their induction
At all sites food temperatures should be checked on arrival such as frozen and cold foods). Any food within the project should not be saved for too long and dated labelled.
Food stored may be hygienically refrigerated and maintained at around 5oC and no higher than 8oC. Any freezers must be between 15oC and 20oC. These temperatures should be taken and recorded (daily for refrigerators and weekly for freezers).
Senior staff must ensure that there are adequate rubbish bins for their project areas and that bin liners are used. All rubbish must be removed daily to the designated refuse area, either by a cleaner or other staff member.
Staff changing nappies are provided with disposable gloves which are kept in the nappy changing area. Hand washing facilities are nearby. All nappies are put into a nappy disposal system container, which is emptied a minimum of once a day. The liner bag from the disposal system container should be placed into another bag or bin liner before placing in the outside rubbish bin. Please note all information regarding children wearing nappies must be logged and the name of the child is given to a member of staff.
All projects heating systems are to be serviced annually. The managers of the projects have the responsibility to ensure this been arranged.
All electrical equipment will have a monthly visual check by the senior staff. A qualified electrician will be engaged to check and certify the equipment is safe and pat tested every year. This will be the responsibility of Poplar Harca.Tag to record when it is done.
The power supply to the premises must be checked on a yearly basis and receive an IEE wiring certificate. This will be the responsibility of Poplar Harca.
Any necessary repairs and maintenance must be reported to a senior member of staff. A maintenance record book is kept in the office of each project. This will be the responsibility of Poplar Harca.
Working with VDU’s and Computers: – Workstations for computers should have suitable features such as adjustable seats, covering screens and suitable lighting. People using VDU’s must also plan their work to have regular breaks. For further details see the Working with VDU’s leaflet which is kept in the office for each project. Please also see the policy for children using the computer equipment.
T.A.G Childcare has a separate sickness and medical policy. The childcare and projects will exclude any child with sickness, diarrhoea, or other contagious illness. Adults are also required to remain at home if poorly from sickness, diarrhoea or other contagious illnesses.
Staff induction- Health and safety awareness forms are very important parts of the staff induction programmes. All staff will be provided with a copy of this policy and a short session covering the contents as well as any other specific training as indicated. i.e manual handling, lifting etc.
T.A.G. childcare and all projects have a no smoking policy in all projects and areas. Parents are asked not to smoke in or around the immediate building area.
In case of a fire, the alarms sound and the centre is evacuated in a planned and organised procedure. The staff has registers which include all your child/ren details. In the unlikely event of the centre not being safe to use after an evacuation, then alternative arrangements will have been made for your child and you will be notified of this as soon as possible by either letter or by telephone or both.
Statement of Intent T.A.G. childcare is committed to developing an effective Equal Opportunities Policies which promotes a caring and welcoming atmosphere so that all individuals can recognise and achieve their full potentials
As a community childcare facility, as well as an employer/employee T.A.G. childcare actively promotes equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination for all ethnicity’s.
This policy has been developed to ensure that the service is free from discrimination and that everyone is treated with equal concerns and that instances of anti-discriminatory practice are dealt with efficiently and sensitively, and that positive images are promoted throughout all of T.A.G. childcare and projects.
This policy is written within the framework and guidelines of the following legislation. Equal Pay Act 1970 Sex Discrimination Act 1975 Race Relations Act 1976 The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 T.A.G. childcare is committed to ensure equal opportunity regardless of their Age, Sex Gender Ethnic Origin, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Social background, or marital status.
The projects aim to be welcoming to everyone with the hope that all employees, users, visitors and volunteers will take responsibility to encourage this. Children Whilst respecting other differences in cultural attitudes towards gender, T.A.G. childcare will aim to provide an environment where all children have the opportunity to experience every type of activity and interest as it arises. We aim to prevent sex stereotyping by providing the children with the experience and materials that show men and women in non-traditional roles.
This applies to all areas of the curriculum therefore we seek to provide books, puzzles, posters and pictures etc, that are specifically non-sexist. and reflects on the equal opportunity of the Children this will be encouraged not to limit their horizons or restrict their choice through gender roles, for while many boys may seem to prefer more activity pursuits like riding bikes or building blocks, it is equally important for them to experience more quiet activities such as domestic play, to prepare them adequately for the real world in which they are growing up.
Similarly while many girls seem to prefer passive activities, it is equally important for them to experience more active play For instance football or playing with a garage full of cars. T.A.G. childcare will seek to provide a friendly and caring environment in which all children can freely express their feelings. We aim to encourage children to feel good about them and to value their own background and culture.
The projects will celebrate, in an age-appropriate way, a number of different festivals and religions throughout the year The projects aim to provide foods from different countries on a regular basis, dress and education. Staff All staff is expected to continually examine their own attitudes and practices to develop an anti-sexist philosophy for the projects.
Staff employed in the projects should wherever possible reflect the ethnicity of the local community and be able to demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity for all children, colleagues’ parents/carers and visitors. T.A.G. childcare recognises the importance of continually improving the skills and abilities of its employees and volunteers and aims to offer and encourage training opportunities.
Through individual supervision individuals should be supported in recognising their own training needs. T.A.G. childcare will aim to encourage all employees to partake in the following training as essential to their working role; FGM Health & Safety First Aid Equal Opportunities Basic Food Hygiene Manual Handling Child Protection Recruitment & Advertising Advertisements will be placed where it is felt that they will reach the maximum number of people. This will include local mainstream and specialist press as appropriate.
Advertisement should state the most basic minimum requirements both in terms of qualifications and experience. It should also state that the organisation intends to treat all applicants equally without prejudice. T.A.G. childcare is aware that the process of application, short-listing and interviewing is an alienating experience for many people.
We are committed to adopt a process of recruitment that does not discourage people from applying. Assumptions will not be made about an applicant’s abilities based on personal information not relevant to the demands of the job. The Recruitment panel will be representative of different backgrounds, where possible. This panel should be involved in the whole recruitment process from agreeing the job description and person specification to short-listing then interviewing the candidate.
It is the responsibility of the recruitment panel to put the interviewees at their ease and enable them to give the best possible performance during the interview. T.A.G. childcare is opposed to harassment and discrimination and is committed to providing an environment in which dignity of all individuals is respected.
Any employee, volunteer, parent/carer or visitor who feels that they are being subjected to harassment or discrimination is encouraged to and has the right to discuss the issues with any member of staff or management whom they feel most approachable for their own need (refer to grievance procedure for more information).
Child Protection statement and Procedures. Child Protection Statement T.A.G. childcare believes that:-
• The needs of every child are paramount
• That all children deserve the right to achieve to their full potential
• That all children have the right to be safeguarded from harm and exploitation whatever their race religion, ethnicity gender or sexuality, age, health or disability, location or placement, and criminal behaviour or political or immigration status.
We are committed to working in partnership with Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (SCB) and multi agency team to ensure that all children in our care are safeguarded and protected from harm.
Responsibility for the protection of all children in our care will be shared with (SCB) and multi-agency safeguarding children teams because children are safeguarded only when all relevant agencies and individuals accept responsibility and co-operate with one another.
T.A.G. childcare is aware of their obligation to ensure that staff working with the children, are appropriately trained and aware of our child protection procedures and that we report any concerns of child protection. The aim of this policy is to raise awareness and explain procedures that would be followed if any disclosure of any abuse is made.
The projects would also wish to take into account the views and wishes of the parent/carers whilst putting the needs of the child first. We acknowledge that if we suspect or know that a child is at risk of being abused, physically, emotionally or sexually, or is suffering from neglect, we are responsible for following the guidelines laid down in the Ofsted Child Protection Procedures.
Action to be followed if staff has concerns. Staff will make an immediate written record of their concern or injury to the child, including the child’s name, date, time, place and precise details of the injury.
Any verbal or non-verbal communication from the child as well as any comments made as a response by the staff member. Staff are to draw attention to the child protection officer/managers if any situation or concern around a child as soon as they become aware of it. The Manager will immediately look into the situation and after taking the appropriate advice.
They will make a decision as to whether it should be monitored, discussed with the parents, of whether it is a reportable concern. The manager will take into account the views of the member of staff and will consult with other professionals if it is appropriate or necessary. If in any doubt please contact the child protection officer or emergency duty team.
Confidentiality and subsequent sensitivity of the situation will be respected and support offered to the parent/carers and staff members involved. Any discussion with the parent/carer must be undertaken with a witness and all details of the discussion and any action noted accurately and signed by all parties.
Any contact with the Borough’s Area Child Protection Committee must also be logged. Information will be shared on a strictly confidential and need to know basis. In instances where the child is already on the child protection register, the CPO/Manager and all staff would need to know.
Child protection information does not form part of the child’s open record and is not available to parent/carers. Allegation against a member of staff/trainee or volunteer: It is important that any allegation of any form of abuse made against any member of staff, trainee or volunteer (by a child, another member of staff or by another adult or parent/carer) is dealt with seriously and in the correct manner.
The safety of the child would always be the first priority and no allegation would be disregarded. The procedure below would be followed. • A line Manager for the project and an impartial witness (if requested by either party) would obtain as much information as Possible from the accuser, regarding the allegation (when, where, who, details of the complaint, and witnesses involved).
This information would be formally logged and placed in a secure file.
• The Manager for the project and an informal witness (if requested by either party) would then obtain as much information as possible from the accused regarding the allegation.
• The Manager would then seek advice from the Area Manager, or Director who would then take the necessary action in reporting the incident further. (if there is any doubt as to whether a situation is reportable or not. This should be concern enough to discuss it with the duty social worker or Emergency duty Team,
• If after taking advice the allegation is found to be serious enough to investigate further, the company’s disciplinary procedure would be implemented.
The aim of the policy
This policy has been produced to set clear and workable guidelines relevant to all situations. To encourage and promote consistency amongst staff and parent/carers involved in the care of children at all T.A.G. childcare and projects.
Ground rules
All people deserve to be treated with respect whether staff, visitors, parents or children.
All adults, even those visiting other activities or projects are expected to behave in a positive way and be aware of their position as role models for the children. The staffs are to act in a professional way at all times.
Unacceptable behaviour/Causes for concern
We aim to be realistic in our expectations of the children in our care and behaviour displayed by a child should be acceptable to their age and stage of development. E.g. spitting by a baby would be acceptable, but not by a five-year-old. We are aware that there might be cultural differences that could influence individual’s views of unacceptable behaviour. The projects would like to respect everyone’s views but feel that it could not endorse instances of unacceptable behaviour as listed above.
Behaviour Management Guidelines
Be firm, fair & consistent- we will aim to be aware of any child’s behaviour problem and all try to be consistent in the approach that we use to deal with it.
Set Good Examples- we recognise that children learn by example, so we should always be aware of our actions and strive to behave in the way that we would expect of others.
Criticise the action rather than the Child – by explaining that it is the behaviour which is unacceptable and needs to be changed and by offering reassurance, praising positive behaviour.
Encourages Positive Behaviour- Children should be offered positive play experiences which should include positive images of posers, literature, self-image toys etc. This is in line with the project’s curriculum should recognise good practise guidelines. Play experiences should be offered that promote teamwork and co-operation between the children. Group play and turn taking opportunities should appropriate to the children’s age and abilities.
Give appropriate outlets for self-expression- by providing the opportunity for physical activities, music & movement and by encouraging children to talk about and act out their feelings.
Praise and Encourage –by offering praise and encouragement, children will gain confidence and a feeling of self-importance.
Unacceptable behaviour
Whilst we accept that people have different views on behaviour, any instances of unacceptable behaviour, as outlined previously, within our projects will need to be challenged.
Whose decision will be final? They will make recommendations on that person’s future attendance at the project.
By Children- Any instances of unacceptable behaviour should be seen within the context of their age and developmental stage. At all times it should be remembered that they are children.
Dealing with Unacceptable Behaviour
Working with Parent/Carers
By working and communicating closely with one another we would hope to be able to overcome any problems. In instances of further and regular unacceptable behaviour, we would ask that the child’s parent/carer and Key-worker have a meeting to discuss the situation and devise an action plan. This meeting should look at positive ways of moving forward and sharing information between all parties. The manager will be kept informed. If it is felt necessary; we will seek advice from outside agencies. Education welfare, educational psychologists, speech therapists etc and work together to implement any plan of action they recommend. In extreme cases of unacceptable behaviour and where all efforts made have failed to overcome the problem, a report will be made to the board of Trustees whose decision will be final.
Confidentiality
At all time, and regardless of the situation, confidentiality must be maintained. No information should be shared with any party other than those directly involved.
All information shared should be done with confidence. Parent/Carers and staff are asked to respect one another’s views.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
T.A.G. childcare will integrate children with Special Educational and support Needs where it is clear that our service can effectively meet the needs of individual children. All staff has regard to the Special Education Needs (SEN) Code of Practice, and will when necessary call upon the help of outside specialists.
Aims of our Policy for children with Special Educational Needs.
T.A.G. childcare welcome children with Special Educational and support Needs and we ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to engage in all activities.
The importance of early identification and assessment of children with Special Educational Needs is particularly important in the area of early year’s education. We will develop practices and procedures, which will aim to ensure that all children’s Special Educational Needs are identified, assessed and the curriculum will be planned to meet their individual needs.
We recognise that some children will need additional support to ensure access to the whole curriculum. We will ensure that the needs of the children are identified and assessed and we will aim to provide the appropriate support strategies. Where possible, in addition, if specialist advice and support is necessary, we will contact the appropriate external agencies with the consent of the parent.
The role of parents/carers is vital in the identification, assessment and response to their children’s Special Educational Needs. We will work in true partnership with parents/carers, valuing their views and contributions and keeping them fully involved in.
Admission arrangements
We actively welcome children with Special Educational Needs to our activities. Admission arrangements for children with Special Educational Needs are the same as for all other children. Our admission policy states that the places are allocated according to the position on the waiting list and the balance of numbers in age groups.
Parents of a child with Special Educational and support needs can apply for a Childcare place without any fear that their child will be discriminated against or refused a place on grounds of their needs.
Definition of Special Educational Needs:
Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty, which calls for special educational provision to be made for them.
Children have a learning difficulty if they:
For children of the same age in our organisation settings
For example, a child may have learning difficulty in one or more of the following areas:-
Co-ordination and learning:
Emotional, behavioural and social development;
Communication and interaction; Sensory and physical development.
Children will not be regarded as having a learning difficulty solely because the language or form of the language of their home is different from the language in which they will be taught.
For further reference see section 1.
The role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Each setting will have a designated person who has responsibility for the coordination of Special Educational Needs (SENCO)
The designated person has responsibility for:-
The day-to-day operation of the clubs Special Educational Needs policy.
Co-ordinating provision for children with Special Educational Needs.
Ensuring liaison with parents and other professionals in respect of children with Special Educational Needs.
Advising and supporting other practitioners in the setting.
Keeping the parent updated on the development of the child.
Statement of Intent
It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their parents and carers while ensuring that they access T.A.G. childcare.
Aim
We aim to ensure that all parents and carers can share their information with the confidence that it will only be used to enhance the welfare of their children.
Methods
To ensure that all those using and working in the childcare can do so with confidence, we respect confidentiality in the following ways:
Maintaining the TAG Special Educational Needs register, this will ensure that the relevant background information about individual children with Special Educational Needs is collected recorded and updated.
Identification, assessment and provision.
T.A.G. Childcare places great importance on identifying Special Educational Needs early so that we can help our children as quickly as possible. When a child has been identified with Special Educational Needs, the organisation will adopt the following procedure.
When a child first starts the club and throughout the period that they remain in the setting, the child’s key person will observe and monitor regularly their progress, their responses and their behaviour.
The outcomes of these observations will give important information to the type of need the child is presenting.
Where a child appears not to be making progress it may be necessary to advise different opportunities or use alternatives approach to learning. It is recognised that children make progress at different rates and have different ways in which they learn best.
The key-person will discuss their findings and concerns with the SENCO. This information will be shared with the parent/carer, whose views will be taken seriously. Together we will move forward in a shared partnership to support the child.
The child’s key person will work with the SENCO to set up interventions that are different or additional from those provided as part of our setting‘s planned activities. The responses of the child will be recorded and monitored.
Our aim will be to include the child in the day-to-day activities of the tag organisation.
If the child makes little or no progress through an individual programme, other methods will be tried. If the child is not responding the we will arrange a meeting with the parents/carers, key-person and SENCO to discuss and initiate the involvement of the Local Authorities through the Inclusion team.
Once the Inclusion Team is involved we will work together to devise a programme of intervention called Individual Educational Programme (IEP) to address the child’s individual needs.
Parents will be consulted throughout the whole process.
THE STAGED APPROACH
The SEN Code of Practice recommends that those children with Special Educational Needs are worked with in stages known as Early Years Action and Early Years Action Plus. Please check
EARLY YEARS ACTION
This is the first stage of concern about a child’s difficulties. The SENCO will:-
Discuss with the child’s parents/carers their involvement and ask them about any health or physical problems
Ensure they have as much information as possible from parents about the problem, including for example observations baseline or test result.
Ensure the child’s key worker has observed the child’s behaviour and performance and recorded as much information about
Their concerns
Liaise with the child’s parent/carers, where possible, the child, to plan and implement an IEP.
Make sure that the IEP focuses on a maximum of three or four targets and records only strategies that are additional to or different from the normal differentiated curriculum.
EARLY YEARS ACTION PLUS
This is the stage when the child continues to have difficulties and becomes necessary to involve outside specialists. Outside specialists will offer support and help with advice on new IIEP’S provide more specialists assessment and suggest new strategies.
The SENCO will discuss the situation with the child’s parents/carers at a review meeting arranged by the SENCO
Collect any relevant information, such as assessment results, the IEP’s and records from other professionals who may be involved such as social workers or medical staff.
Plan a new IEP with outside specialists, the key worker, the parents/carer and the child, and where possible agreeing appropriate targets with teaching strategies.
Set the next review date making sure that the parent/carer and all involved professionals are invited and involved.
The allocation of resources for children with Special Educational Needs.
We believe that every child is entitled to have their needs recognised and addressed within the Nursery provision. We will aim wherever possible to provide appropriate equipment and resources to support children with Special Educational Needs. We will draw on resources form our services and other agencies to ensure that we help all children to reach their full potential with the help of additional or specialised resources. In those cases where we know that a child needs specialised help, we will ensure that the relevant agencies and professionals are contacted. We will seek advice and work alongside.
Curriculum
The organisation Tag aims to ensure that all children have equal access to our provision and receives a broad and balanced curriculum whatever their educational status may be. The curriculum is planned to meet the known individual needs of all children with Special Educational Needs. The curriculum is planned to meet specific individual needs of children with Special Educational Needs. Weekly and daily plans differentiate learning programmes and activities for specific groups and individuals.
Individual Learning programmes or Individual Educational programmes may be devised as part of Special Needs working Records.
In those cases where children need extra support across the curriculum, the SENCO and the children’s key person will plan to meet this need and ensure that the child has specific times during the week where this additional support is given. The staff will use grouping strategies of different types and sizes to ensure that the needs of individual children are catered for and that they receive the additional attention necessary to make progress. Additional human resources may be received from various students including those in childcare training, work experience, and nursing training. They will support the nursery workers with the children under supervision.
All children, including those with Special Educational Needs, have access to all areas of the centre there are quiet spaces inside and outside where the individual programmes can be addressed.
Integration arrangements
We aim to give the children the best start to life and education by facilitating an environment which encourages children to respect and tolerate each other in a caring and non-aggressive manner. Children are encouraged to co-operate and work together.
Children with Special Educational Needs will have full access to all range of materials, equipment and activities available in the centre. We offer equal opportunities to all children for participation in play and focus experiences with support where necessary and relevant.
In our weekly and term time plans we include programmes of learning that are meaningful and relevant to meet the needs of individual children with Special Needs.
The layout of the centre is in such a way, that areas can be set up or altered to carry out the necessary programmes of support for children with Special Educational Needs
Children eat in small groups, in the company of the key person to ensure that enough time and attention is given to their needs.
The SENCO works with the key-person and the rest of the staff to support the needs of individual children.
Staff Training in relation to Special Educational Needs
The organisation tag is committed to training in the area of Special Educational Needs for their staff. Annually we will access the training needs of the clubs and organisation tag and of the individual staff as part of our annual policy review.
This will include opportunities for training from the Local Authority and other relevant SEN bodies. The Staff can further have access to Special Educational Needs training through the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. We will also call on those agencies for further advice and expertise where necessary.
Partnership with parents
We welcome and value the views of parents at our activities. Parents hold key information about their child and have a critical role to play in their children’s education. Our aim is to encourage parent/carers to participate fully in their child’s education. Parents/carers will be involved from the start in the identification, assessment and subsequent reviews of children with Special Educational Needs. Regular meetings will be held o discuss their child’s progress and to review the effectiveness of the learning programmes in place. We aim to promote a culture of co-operation between parents and the organisation tag We recognises that working in partnership with parents is vital to enable children with Special Educational Needs to reach their full potential.
T.A.G. Childcare is committed to working under the guidance of the curriculum
EVERY CHILD MATTERS OUR AIM FOR THE CHILDREN IS AS FOLLOWS
T.A.G. Childcare hope to meet these curriculum aims by:-
Curriculum Aim
Offer a home visit if appropriate and to keep observation records on their children.
The staff feel good about themselves they can help the children to develop their own self-worth.
Opportunities as often as possible.
Turn-taking being part of a team
Co-operating
Decision making
Meeting different people in the rest of the Centre
Statement of Intent
We believe that high-quality care and education is promoted by providing children with safe, clean, attractive, age and stage appropriate resources, toys and equipment.
Aim
We aim to provide children with resources and equipment which help to consolidate and extend their knowledge, skills, interests and aptitudes.
Methods
In order to achieve this aim:
T.A.G childcare believes outdoor play is essential for all aspects of a healthy child’s development. It can provide children with experiences which enable them to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. In doing so it provides a rich context for the development of their language and encourages positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle.
Outdoor play is seen as an integral part of our provision at T.A.G childcare. Whilst children are involved in self-chosen activities, they move freely between indoor and outdoor areas using the resources which best met their needs. The aim of both indoor and outdoor play is to provide a stimulating environment for children’s learning in all areas of the centre curriculum. Close observation is essential in order to assess children’s ability and to ensure appropriate planning and continuity for the outdoor curriculum.
The provision and planning of outdoor play, just as the indoor play, will reflect the diversity and richness of to experience and developing interests of the children.
“Some opportunities for learning can only happen outside. The experience of a change in the weather, finding a colony of ants under a big stone,
Making a large-scale construction with huge cardboard cartons or painting on great long strips of wallpaper – all of these motivate children into mental and physical engagement, and can only be done outside.”
“The outdoor space is viewed as an essential teaching and learning environment which is linked with the learning that goes on inside, but with even greater status because it allows for children to learn through movement.”
Our Objectives
We aim to:
The staff will:
This policy supports staff in consistently promoting the Foundation stages curriculum frameworks and supports children in making progress in the key aspects of the curriculum.
T.A.G Childcare is committed to the protection and safeguarding of all children and staff in our care. We will take maximum precautions to ensure that children do not become lost or missing whilst in our care.
We will only ever take children on outings if parent/carers have signed the relevant consent forms and we will strictly adhere to adult/child ratios for outings (see separate outings policy) as recommended by OFSTED regulations.
Outings will only be undertaken if a senior member of staff is leading and the deputy manager/manager or area manager has given written authorisation.
Records will be kept for all outings and visits, including information regarding staff and children, date, time, place o visit and mode of transport. A full risk assessment of the outing and venue will be carried to by a senior member prior to and on arrival to the destination and any risks addressed will need to be manageable for the outing to proceed. Any risks identified, should be immediately reported to the manager and advice took on whether to abort the outing. All staff going on outings will carry a company mobile phone so as to be to make immediate contact if necessary.
Lost Child on external outing
All children on outings will wear a company wristband or Tag hat with the company contact telephone number on. Children and staff would be given a designated meeting place to go if they became lost.
We will take every precaution we can against losing a child but if a child is found to be missing whilst on an outing, we will take the following action IMMEDIATELY;
The Manager or designated senior officer on duty should IMMEDIATELY refer to the company policy and
If the child remains unfound
When the child is found staff should:
If the child remains unfound.
On return to the project
Lost child policy
We will take every safety precaution in our power to ensure children cannot escape from our premises without being detected. If a child is found to have left the premises undetected, we will take the following action IMMEDIATELY.
Seek advice from the Area Manager, Director of Trustee.
From time to time T.A.G. Childcare will organise outings for the children.
We will only ever take children on outings if parent/carers have signed the relevant consent forms and we will strictly adhere to adult/child ratios for outings as recommended by OFSTED regulations. The supervision of all children going on an outing is of paramount importance to us.
Definition of Outings:
An outing is any visit that takes place outside of the immediate centre kids club building and garden, pitch. A visit to an adjacent park or supermarket, for instance, should be deemed as an outing and all ratios, policies and procedures as defined below applied. This includes the visit to the adjacent parks at each site.
Check radio also special need children’s ratio
During an outing, safe & recommended adult child ratios will be adhered to. These will differ depending upon the ages of the children and are as follows.
Outings will only be undertaken if a senior worker is leading and the Deputy Manager/Manager or Area Manager has given authorisation. (Written, email, fax, logged telephone permission) Records will be kept for all outings and visits, including information regarding staff and children, date, time place of visit and mode of transport.
Prior to every outing:
There must always be a minimum of 2 staff members, one of which must be a senior worker and one of which is first aid trained on every outing.
Before leaving the building for an outing
Emergency, Accident, or illness.
If whilst on an outing, a child, member of staff, student or volunteer has an accident or becomes ill, the following action should be taken.
External Emergency Incident.
If whilst on an outing an external emergency incident such as a terrorist attack, bomb alert or fire or similar should occur. Staff should take the following action
Remain calm and gather all children, staff and volunteers together
Behaviour of Children
If the behaviour of any child taken on an outing becomes a problem and is deemed as a risk to others, the manager will be contacted immediately for advice. The child may have to be returned to the project if staff ratios and the safety of all other children can be maintained. if this is not possible, the parent of the child will be contacted and asked to go to the outing venue to collect their child. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the child concerned may not be able to attend future outings if the behaviour issue cannot be managed appropriately.
Annual Outing
It is a tradition to have and annual project outing during the summer months depending on funding. Everyone is invited and it is an ideal opportunity for parent/carers, children and staff to spend a relaxed and enjoyable day together outside the project setting. The outing date and destination will be discussed at the project management group meeting so that parent/carers have the opportunity to contribute their ideas.
No normal service will be provided on this day and we request that parent/carer make every effort to accompany their children.
The annual outing date and destination will be notified at least two months in advance.
T.A.G. Childcare projects have strict closure times and expect that parent/carers will adhere to their contracts and collect their children at the agreed times.
We do, however, recognise that on occasion, problems can occur that may disrupt or affect the collection of a child in this instance the procedure should be followed as below.
Parent/carers are expected to adhere to the agreed drop off/collection times for their child/children. We do recognise that problems can occur and will give recognition if the procedure for the uncollected child is followed as below.
However, if there are regular occurrences. (More than once per month), of a late collection of child/children, without good reason or respect for the project rules, the following procedure will be followed.
To be checked and changed
This policy incorporates and respects any policy or requirements implemented by the relevant London Boroughs for the registration and provision child care and those of the Children Act 1989.
Infectious Diseases and common infections
Medication.
Long-standing medication e.g. inhalers should be administered only with the specific written agreement of the parent. Staff will receive training as necessary.
Medication procedure.
Sunscreen
In line with early years recommendations, the manager or another senior member of staff should discuss with each parent if they wish sunscreen to be applied to their child when playing outside. If they do, the parents should provide the sunscreen, which should be clearly labelled with the child’s name. Written permission for a member of staff to apply the screen should be provided by the parent.
Healthy children grow up into healthy adults. The basis of adult good health is laid down in a child’s early years. We recognise that feeding young children a nutritionally adequate diet is of lasting importance.
Our policy is to provide nutritionally balanced meals that follow current dietary recommendations for pre-school children. Our meals are freshly produced using quality ingredients, and our aim is to offer children a wide variety of foods and to help them enjoy a healthy balanced diet as they grow. We provide menus for special diets and we take advice from dieticians on the balance of our menus’ and on the review of this policy.
We will aim to ensure that:
All staff should have an awareness of safe food handling and hygiene and should promote good practice to children by example.
Social Skills.
Parents will be consulted about our Healthy Eating and Snack Policy and their contributions and comments will be valued.
ENVIRONMENT
T.A.G. childcare is committed to the protection and promotion of the environment.
We are committed to fostering an environmental ethic among our employees, children and parent/careers and aim to do so by enhancing awareness and social responsibility of the environment and by supporting environmental health and education conservation and community-based programs.
We will promote awareness of the environment by incorporating environmental activities into our curriculum, by using the outdoor classroom as a learning environment. We will make use of outside play areas and seek to give children growing up in an urban environment, the first-hand experience of the natural world and “will play” through a seasonal programme of visits to parks, conservation areas and other locations of interest.
TAG SECURITY POLICY.
We have taken a number of steps to ensure your child’s safety whilst at CENTRE
There is an intercom door entry system at the main door of our entire centre. All outdoor areas are securely fenced and gateways fitted with secure locks.
Prior to your child joining the centre, you will be requested to complete a ‘Collection of Child Authorisation Form’. This records details of persons other than parents/guardians that you have authorised to collect your child from the centre.
We also ask that as apparent you do not let any other person into the hall that you are not familiar with, even if you believe it to be another parent. This may appear rude but, we feel it is a necessary take these steps to protect your child.
It is very important we keep the records of your child up to date. If any details you originally give upon registration change throughout the year, please pass them on to the manager so the registration documents can be amended. We will send our change of circumstances form every year. Please ensure you complete and return this.
T.A.G. Childcare Ltd aims to provide a service to a high standard that can be flexible to met individual needs. It is recognised however, that from time to time disagreements in standards, misunderstandings or errors may occur.
Procedure to follow in instances of Complaint or Grievance
Guidelines for Conducting Complaints/Grievance Hearings.
Appeals.
If after following the procedures laid down above, you feel that your complaint has not been dealt with to your satisfaction, you can make a complaint to OFSTED Complaints and enforcement department on 0845 601 4772.
These policies have been reviewed and updated in April 2007
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