Glór Na NÓgCreche & Playschool
Parent Handbook
WELCOME
Glór Na NÓg Creche and playschool is committed to providing a high-quality, accessible and affordable childcare service to the local community. All aspects of child development are encompassed in our curriculum to ensure the development of the whole child. We are notified to and inspected by Tusla - The Child and Family Agency. Children are provided with opportunities to explore, be creative and develop social and cooperative skills in a safe, developmentally appropriate and nurturing environment. Please let us know if there are any changes to the information provided by you so we can ensure our records are up to date. (e.g. your address, phone numbers, change in those authorised to collect your child). We endeavour to be as inclusive as possible and therefore encourage parents to share with us any cultural festivals that you celebrate so that we can incorporate these into our curriculum. The fundamental rights of each child who attends Glór Na NÓg creche and playschool are recognised:
*To be valued as an individual
*To be treated with dignity and respect
*To be in a safe and loving environment Thank you for choosing our service.
MANAGEMENT Our Service is managed by Lorraine Casey
Mission Statement
Glór Na Nóg is a community-based childcare facility that aims to provide high-quality care and education for Children aged between 18 months and 15 years of age in a safe, happy, respectful, and stimulating environment. We are committed to working in collaboration with parents and families to support each child to reach their full potential. Our aim is for children to become confident, independent, and valued, to support each Child's identity and sense of belonging, and to be respectful of others. We base our curriculum around the interests of the child, involving them in planning and decision-making. Children are involved in problem-solving and encouraged to show empathy to others; we encourage this by referring children to each other when a child needs help or assistance with a task. We offer a play-based emergent curriculum. Glor Na Nog recognises and respects the individuality of all children and adults involved in our service and Staff lead by example to promote positive attitudes to differences of culture, race, gender, disability, language, and economic circumstances, to minority groups and members of the traveller community. We promote diversity by being conscious of each person's culture, attitudes, and values and how this influences our working with children, parents, staff, and the community. The number of children using the service at any one time will not exceed 92. This number is covered by our insurance policy. Staff/ child ratios will be adhered to at all times. We open at 8 am daily for breakfast club and full day care and close at 5,45pm each evening. We offer ECCE playschool sessions, full daycare, half daycare as well as afterschool and breakfast club. We are open 49 weeks of the year. We have 3 rooms in our service and a sleep room in our early years’ service, and we use the community centre for school aged services.
The adult-child ratio for each room is as follows:
Sessional 1:11 Over 2.5 years
Full Day Care 1:6 Over 2 years
Full Day Care 1:5 Over 18 months
Full Day Care 1:8 3 – 6 years
School Aged services 1:12 4-15 years
All ratios remain the same for outdoor play and supervision. We have this statement displayed in the centre in a child-friendly format.
REGISTRATION At registration, you will be asked to complete a number of forms. Please take your time and read and sign all forms in your welcome pack. A deposit of €100.00 will be required once your booking is confirmed and will be deducted from your first week’s fees. You will be given a copy of our policies in brief in your welcome pack but full policies can be found both at the reception area and on our website www.glornanog.com. By registering your child in our service, you are agreeing to comply with all of our policies. You will also be asked to read this Parent Handbook and agree to adhere to its content.
OUR SERVICES • We are open from 8 am – 6.00 pm • We offer a service to children from aged 18 months to 15 years • We are offering the FREE preschool programme for children qualifying for the ECCE scheme • The Free Preschool programme operates over 38 weeks. A calendar will be given to parents at the beginning of the school year.
Please note: Our full daycare calendar will be sent to you each August for the coming year. This calendar is subject to change by giving you four weeks’ notice.
Our Facilities:
The environment is designed in such a way as to meet the developing needs of each child. The children are guided through a range of educational and play activities at their own pace. Our staff team create a positive and secure environment where children feel confident in exploring their surroundings.
OUR AIMS
Our qualified team aims to provide a high-quality, play-based and child-centred approach to learning, where each individual child is valued for his/her uniqueness. We believe our centre will provide a home away from home environment for your child, which is safe and stimulating while offering parents every opportunity to be involved in the care of their children.
OBJECTIVES • Our ethos and practice values diversity and promotes equality.
• We aim to select friendly, dependable and professional staff through our rigorous recruitment and selection policy.
• To ensure that the developmental, educational, emotional and social needs of each child are met daily.
• The voice of the child is heard, respected and contributes to our programme.
• We aim to deliver a quality preschool curriculum which addresses children’s well-being, identity and belonging, communication and exploring and thinking, along the principles of Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework
• We aim to make our centre accessible to all members of the community, regardless of race, gender, family status, age, disability, or religious belief.
• We aim to work with ‘Síolta’ The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, by following its 12 principles of quality and the 16 standards within its framework.
• We operate within the Childcare (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006 and The National Standards for Pre-Schools.
• The environment is planned and well organised in a way that suits the different needs of individual children while keeping in mind the importance of Safety and Hygiene
• Parents are welcome in our centre. We endeavour to share information and communicate with parents directly, in order to give feedback at the end of each day about their child. We will also ensure that they are made aware of ongoing developments in policies and procedures.
• We wish to promote a positive atmosphere where children, staff and parents are treated with respect.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES To help us provide a quality, safe and happy environment we have developed a comprehensive range of policies and procedures. All staff and parents are required to adhere to these policies; they can be found in the main reception or on our website www.glornanog.com.
ADMISSIONS
• Parents/carers are required to complete the registration form. Please complete this form fully. All sections should be completed and signed. Please note that you must provide the dates of immunisations on the form. If you cannot access the dates, you should confirm this is writing or contact your GP who will provide dates for you. If your child is not vaccinated, you should put a note to this effect on the registration form. Children that have not been vaccinated attend at their own risk.
• Your place will not be confirmed until a non-refundable deposit fee is paid.
• A waiting list is established when all places are taken up and the child at the top of the list is given the first available place depending on availability for the type of place required. We have an admissions policy which is strictly adhered to during the selection process. This can be found with all other policies on our website.
• We operate an open-door policy, especially during the settling in period. The child may stay for a shorter day until the staff and parents agree the child has settled in.
• Children with additional needs and disabilities are welcome.
• We offer a free pre-school programme for children eligible for the scheme. Children outside this age range can avail of a place based on parents paying the appropriate fee.
• In the event of places being over-subscribed, the Manager reserves the right to select places according to admissions policy.
• The main point of contact for parents is Lorraine Casey (manager) or Regina Doyle (Administrator)
• Within the room setting each child is allocated a key person who will carry out observations on your child.
• We reserve the right to terminate our services due to extenuating circumstances
• Parents should familiarise themselves with our policies and procedures; they will be reviewed and changed accordingly to incorporate any new developments from the Tusla, the Child and family Agency.
• No uniform is required. However, a purple jumper is available at Forde’s in Ballyhaunis if you wish to purchase for preschool. Children wear suitable, comfortable clothes, ideal for artwork and outdoor messy play. (No ‘good’ clothes please). Velcro shoes are preferable and crocs or flip-flops are not permitted. The following are required with the child’s name clearly written on all items
• A change of clothes at the beginning of the year. Replaced as needed throughout • Creams, wipes and nappies if necessary
• Wellingtons, coat, hat (if weather requires)
• Sun cream, sun hat (if weather requires)
ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
If your child is involved in an accident or incident (which has resulted in them being hurt) a record will be written up and shared with you. You will be asked to sign these records. Staff members are trained in First Aid and will treat minor injuries. If a child needs to attend hospital a staff member will travel and parents will be contacted immediately. Please see policy for full details.
ATTENDANCE, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE It is essential to the efficient running of The Service that you inform management if your child is unable to attend the service. Please follow up with a telephone call or message to inform the Manager when the child will be returning. A register of the times and days that children attend is kept. Arrivals
• Parents must accompany their child to their room
• Parents must accompany their child on departure and ensure safety is a priority at all times
• Please ensure that all external doors are securely closed for the safety of all the children when you leave. You will be admitted to the service by a staff member
Collection Policy
• Parents/guardians must collect their child by the agreed collection time. Parents will be asked to give the names of any other people who are authorised to collect the child on their registration form. We can not accommodate late collections so if you can not collect your child by their finish time, please arrange an alternative named person to collect them for you.
• Children will not be released into the care of a person under the age of 18 years or to a person who appears to be incapable of caring for the child. Should this situation arise, the staff will contact an authorised collector. If no one is available to collect the child then the Manager will contact the Tusla social work child protection team.
• We ask that parents do not collect their child from the service while under the influence of alcohol. This can lead to embarrassment and worry within the team. If parents feel that this situation may arise, they should arrange for an authorised collector to collect their child. A child will never be handed over to anyone who is clearly under the influence of alcohol.
• We MUST be informed, in writing, if anybody other than the persons named on the collection details are to collect your child. Your child will NOT be allowed leave without written permission from a parent)
• Please ensure that you park safely and do not cause an obstruction, even for a very short time.
• In the event of a parent collecting another child a prior arrangement must be made. • In order to comply with childcare legislation which determines the staff/ child ratios and in the best interest of the children (children can become distressed when no-one comes for them when all the others have been collected) it is important that children are collected on time from the service.
Late Collection of Children
Children must be collected promptly at the end of their session. We understand that sometimes a parent is unavoidably delayed when coming to collect their child. In this case the parent must arrange an alternative named person to collect their child by the end of their session. Children are only released to individuals named by the parent.
Late Collection Fees
Management reserves the right to collect a late collection fee for persistent lateness. €1 for every minute (e.g. €5 for every 5 minutes that you are late). This is to cover the cost of childcare staff having to wait on because of child-adult ratios.
Early Collection of Children
We ask that parents let us know if you will be picking up your child early so that we can have the child ready for you and to minimise disrupting the rest of the group.
Late Drop Off We ask parents to drop children off at the correct time to avoid disrupting the group once they have started and so that your child benefits from our full daily programme.
Separated and Divorced Parents
• We cannot refuse either parent to collect their child unless a court order is in place. • We ask that parents give us information on any person that does not have legal access to the child.
• Where custody of a child is granted to one parent, we would ask you to clarify the circumstances with us. This information will remain confidential and will only be made known to the relevant staff. If there are any legal documents i.e. custody order, barring order we would ask you to provide us with a copy to keep on file. Attempted collection by a parent who has been denied access in a court order
• A parent who has been denied access to a child through a court order will not be permitted on to the premises
• If the parent who has been denied access becomes threatening or violent and insists on removing the child from the service this will be viewed as trespassing. The service will in this event contact the Local Gardai.
CAR PARKING
• We cannot accept responsibility for cars parked, or damage done while parking.
• We ask parents to show consideration to our neighbour’s and observe local speed limits.
• Parents must accompany their child into the service.
• We request that parents do not park in front of neighbouring property or cause obstruction when parking.
• Parents are advised not to leave their car running while dropping off or collecting a child.
• We suggest that parents do quick drop off/and pick up to avoid road and parking congestion.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
It is widely accepted that children develop holistically and to enhance their whole development we must provide them with a comprehensive programme that gives them active learning experiences. All children should be supported in their learning and their experiences extended in a variety of ways that are appropriate to their stage of development. The Childcare (Preschool Services) Amendment Regulations, 2006 apply to the operation of a childcare service since September 2007. Part II Section 5 of the 2006 Regulations together with the Whole Child Perspective as set out in the National Children’s Strategy are the references used in relation to child development. The Service is committed to developing a curriculum that incorporates child development, creates a child centred play-based environment, which enables young children to actively pursue their own learning. For more information, please see our full policy.
CHILD PROTECTION
We have a duty to care for every child attending our service. We will follow Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Our Duty to Care published by the Department of Health and Children in this regard. A full and comprehensive child protection policy is available on request. This details our responsibilities and outlines the reporting procedures that we use if we are concerned about the welfare of a child. The Child Protection Designated Liaison Person is Lorraine Casey
CHILDRENS BEHAVIOUR
At The Service we believe that children should be encouraged to grow and develop to their full potential in a suitably planned environment. The children will know what is expected of them, and where clear limits are set, appropriate to their age and stage of development and any special needs they may have.
• We believe in children’s ability to control their own lives, to make choices and accept responsibility for their actions
• We use a positive approach to behaviour management and encourage and praise good behaviour
• We encourage children to respect themselves, each other and property. We aim to provide a happy, caring environment with challenging activities and lots of free play
• In the case of a particular incident or persistent unacceptable behaviour we put a plan in place with parents to e.g. shorten the child’s day or have them collected in order to keep the room safe.
• Any form of corporal punishment will never be used. Children will be respected at all times and will never be humiliated or isolated.
CHILDREN’S CHARTER
Children’s welfare and their rights to secure, healthy and happy childhood are paramount. The experiences children receive in their early years are critically important in terms of future development. Children are entitled to expect that all adults will respect, uphold and preserve their rights and to ensure that their feelings and wishes are taken into account. Children should have the opportunity to make choices and develop a sense of responsibility for their own actions appropriate to their age. Children, parents and carers should not be discriminated against, particularly in relation to colour, age, race, religion, gender, disability medical conditions or background. Parents should be recognised and respected as children’s first and continuing educators.
CHILDCARE CURRICULUM
We are committed to offering the children in its care a comprehensive play-based curriculum based on the principles of free play “Encouraging each child’s holistic development and learning requires the implantation of a verifiable, broad-based, documented and flexible curriculum or programme” Siolta – the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education Our Curriculum Our curriculum is play-based and will follow the child’s interests to support their learning and development. Children are involved in all aspects of our planning. Through the emergent curriculum children will develop a strong sense of what they like, what they know and what they would like to know. In this way they develop a strong sense of self and positive dispositions towards learning. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, be creative and learn from each other. This is supported by practitioners in partnership with parents; Through our curriculum we promote:
• Self-confidence and self-esteem
• A sense of responsibility and self-worth
• A sense of responsibility for themselves and their actions
• Independence and adaptability
• Co-operation with others
• A sense of community respect for the rights and needs of others
• Concentration and persistence in completing a task
• Initiative and self-motivation
Aistear
Aistear is Ireland’s curriculum framework for children from birth to six years. It contains information for parents and practitioners that will help them plan for and provide challenging and enjoyable learning experiences that can enable all children to grow and develop as competent and confident learners in the context of loving relationships with others. Aistear describes the types of learning and development that are important for children in their early years and offers ideas and suggestions on how these might be nurtured. We use the Aistear guidelines to help plan our curriculum
COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS
Glor Na NÓg is committed to providing a quality service to children and their parents/guardians and we regularly evaluate our services in order to ensure this and to monitor the standard of our performance. While this is always our aim, we accept that sometimes things do not always go to plan. In such circumstances, we want to know, so that we can put things right and learn from our mistakes. We welcome all comments on our services, positive or negative. Complaints will be accepted and investigated irrespective of the nature of the complaint or who the person making the complaint is. Glor Na NÓg gives a commitment to resolve complaints as quickly as possible. All complaints will be dealt with seriously, sensitively and appropriately to ensure that the standard of service provided by Glor Na NÓg is maintained at a high level. The quality of the service provided to any child and family will never be adversely affected because a complaint has been made. The complaints procedure is kept as simple as possible. Anyone making a complaint will be supported through the process as needed and given a copy of the ‘Complaints Policy and Procedures’. The complaints policy and procedures are displayed in the reception area of our service as well as on our website.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We respect the right for all information, records and observations to be treated with respect and with due attention to confidentiality and privacy. Information will not be shared with third parties, unless required under law or Child Protection Guidelines. For more information, please see our full policy. DATA PROTECTION Under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 The Service has appointed Lorraine Casey as a “Data Controller” to manage the storage of personal information about staff, children and families in its computerised and manual records. Name of Data Controller (person in charge of data) Lorraine Casey/Regina Doyle Name of Person(s) with access to children’s files Some children’s files all staff will have access to. Others will only be accessible by data controller above Lorraine Casey/Regina Doyle Name of person with access to employee/student files Regina Doyle/Lorraine Casey Name of person(s) with access to PIP files Regina Doyle/Lorraine Casey FEES Glor Na NÓg Creche and playschool operate as a not-for-profit Childcare Service. We strive to set our fees at a rate which enables us to ensure affordability for parents while maintaining the highest standards of childcare, in a happy and safe environment. We are committed to working closely with parents to achieve our goal.
• Fees may be paid by cash, standing order or bank transfer to IBAN IE10BOFI90372849086490 •
Fees are payable if a child is absent because of, but not limited to, illness, appointment, family holidays etc. If a child is absent long-term due to a medically certified illness parents are advised to speak to the Business Manager regarding payment.
• The service will charge for Bank Holidays during the period that the service is open. • In the event of an imposed full-day closure due to adverse weather conditions i.e., Status Red Warning, or other unforeseen circumstances which the service must close e.g. ESB outage normal fees will still be payable.
• A deposit of €100 is required when booking a place in our toddler room. This deposit is refunded when the place is taken up on week 1. If the place is cancelled after the deposit has been paid unfortunately the deposit is non-refundable.
• A ‘late collection fee will apply after allocated collection time, will be charged where children have not been collected at the agreed time. Parents/guardians should note that, due to legislative requirements under the Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Children First - Child Protection, two members of staff are required to remain with the child/ children until collection. Please note that any pattern of late collections may result in us withdrawing our service to you.
• Fees will cover meals for children as well as after-school children who attend the full session. School aged services (breakfast club and afterschool) bookings are charged for 38 weeks regardless of national school closure days. However, full day care may be available on school closure days if there is adequate demand.
• Four weeks’ notice is required should your child wish to leave the service or four weeks payment may be made in lieu of notice. Note: Children who are eligible for the free Early Childcare and Education Scheme (ECCE) are entitled to 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 38 weeks per year. 4 weeks’ notice of leaving must be given for this Scheme. The NCS requires 4 weeks’ notice if you wish to terminate your child’s place. When leaving, any rules and procedures set out by the DCYA (Department of Children and Youth Affairs) in relation to their childcare funding programmes must be complied with to continue to avail of these funding types. For further information in relation to the rules on the DCYA funding schemes please go to www.dcya.gov.ie. Information is also available at Reception.
Non-payment of Fees Procedure:
1. Parents/guardians will receive an informal reminder within 2 weeks from the date of the bill if fees have not been paid.
2. This reminder will be followed by a weekly written reminder if fees were not paid following the initial informal reminder.
3. Debts will not be allowed to accumulate for more than 28 days. Please appreciate that we must enforce this policy to ensure the continuation of our service to you.
4. Should a Parent not have cleared the debt following the 28 days we, unfortunately, will be forced to withdraw our service to you.
5. Persistent late paying of fees could result in withdrawal of our service.
FIRE SAFETY The following legislation governs fire safety The Fire Services Act, 1981, the Childcare (Preschool Services) Regulations, 2006 – Section 27, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. We will ensure that they comply with all the relevant legislation. We will also ensure we follow the ‘Guide to Fire Safety in the Premises used for Pre-school Services’ from the Department of the Environment. This is to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the children, staff and parents who are in the service. The children will take part in regular monthly fire drills.
GARDA VETTING We will ensure that appropriate vetting of all staff, students and volunteers who have access to children is carried out. This requires getting references from past employers and completing Garda vetting through the National Vetting Bureau (NVB).
HEALTHY EATING
We are committed to promoting children’s health and encouraging healthy eating habits. Children are always supervised when eating and drinking snacks or meals
• All snacks and meals are provided
• Children are encouraged to feed themselves as appropriate to their age and stage of development.
• Allergens in food we provide will be listed as under Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (S.I. No. 489 of 2014)
• Children with allergies and special diets will be carefully supervised.
• We do not allow fizzy/fruit drinks, sweets, popcorn, chocolate, crisps, nuts or nut spreads.
• Children will be encouraged to help tidy up after snack time.
• Healthy eating is promoted through an arrangement of activities for the children including play, stories, music, outings, cookery etc ILLNESS Whilst we understand that working parents need to be able to attend work, however, it is important to note that if your child is unwell, they will be better cared for in their own home by a parent particularly if the illness is likely to be contagious.
Full policy can be found on our website www.glornanog.com or in the main reception.
INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
We are committed to:
• Providing all children with the opportunity to access our service regardless of their ability but within the expertise and resources available and in accordance with the best interests of the child
• Respecting the rights of all children to participate in a quality children’s programme. • Providing a family-based approach which recognises that parents know their children best and want the best for their children
• Recognising that families are different and unique
• Recognising that all children learn in different ways and at different rates
MEDICATION
Please speak to us in advance about any medication your child is on so we can take appropriate steps to meet your needs. A administration of medicine form will have to be completed in advance of any medication being administered by staff. In adherence with the Pre-school regulations, we in Glór Na NÓg have established a protocol for the administration of medication. We believe it is essential to have written permission from parents and/or written directions from a GP before agreeing to give any medication, either prescription or over the counter. However, if your child develops a high temperature while in our care, we may call you and ask for permission to administer Calpol to help reduce the temperature while we wait for him/her to be collected. In this case, consent will be given over the phone, and a form will be signed upon arrival.
NATIONAL STANDARDS We operate within the Childcare (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006 and The National Standards for Pre-Schools (2010). Copies of both documents are available at the service for parents to read.
OBSERVATION / RECORD KEEPING AND ASSESSMENT
Observation is a useful tool, which enables the assessment of a number of aspects of the early years setting that are directly relevant to the planning of the curriculum. In order to plan, prepare and organise for good quality care, adults need to observe children, review and evaluate the curriculum regularly and maintain systematic records. By observing how children respond to activities staff will be able to evaluate if the activities and resources they have provided meet the needs of all the children and helps them to plan a broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum. Observations also enable staff to provide challenges and extensions so that each child is able to progress. All observations / records / assessments will be treated with confidentiality. Sharing observations with parents/carers strengthens the partnership between the home and the service, giving understanding and information and allowing staff and parents/carers to do their best for each child. Your children’s records are available to view upon request.
OUTDOOR PLAY
Outdoor play is essential to early childhood development. Children learn social skills by interacting with other children, with adults, and even with objects and natural materials found in the environment. The outdoor environment exposes children to opportunities to explore, question, and develop theories about how things work. Negotiation, language, and cooperation are all skills that develop through a well-planned outdoor curriculum. Outdoor play, physical activity and fresh air are important to children’s overall health and wellbeing. Outdoor play is an important part of our daily curriculum. We aim to ensure that children play outdoors every day. Our intention, through our outdoor programme is to enhance gross motor skills, co-ordination, balance and body awareness. It also gives children opportunities to socialise freely and use imagination and initiative. See also RISKY PLAY
RISKY PLAY
A natural part of children’s physical play involves engaging in play that is challenging and somewhat risky. Providing opportunities for all children to encounter or create uncertainty, unpredictability, and potential hazards as part of their play is extremely beneficial to children’s development. This does not mean putting children in danger of serious harm. Good risks and hazards in play provision are those that engage and challenge children, and support their growth, learning and development. These might include being in touch with the natural environment and loose materials that give children the chance to create and destroy constructions using their skill, creativity and imagination. Bad risks and hazards are those that are difficult or impossible for children to assess for themselves, and that have no obvious benefits. In our setting we are aware of and alert to possible dangers, while recognising the importance of encouraging young children’s sense of exploration and risk-taking. We maintain children’s safety, while not unduly inhibiting their risk-taking.
Clothing
It is important that children are dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Parents are asked to ensure their children have the appropriate attire for the weather including hats and coats. Rain gear should be supplied for each child as well as a pair of wellies and left in the service for the year. Spare clothes and sun cream must be supplied by parents, and everything should be labelled.
PHOTOGRAPHS
We occasionally routinely take photographs or recordings of the children, and these may be displayed within the service. • If you do not want your child’s photo to be taken, please let us know • You will be asked to sign a photo consent form upon registration
RESPECTING INDIVIDUALITY
We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity: We encourage children to celebrate difference and multiculturalism We encourage children to show respect for all cultures, religions, races, abilities, disabilities, and genders We help children to become empathetic and considerate to their peers We foster a sense of fairness and respect and we will challenge any discrimination We nurture each child’s identity and self-concept We try to use our curriculum and equipment to encourage acceptance of all others, irrespective of cultural background Children will be discouraged from gender stereotyping Boys and girls are to have equal opportunity, and be actively encouraged to use all activities. Any discrimination (language, behaviour or remarks) by children, parents/carers or staff/volunteers is unacceptable in our service. We aim to show respect for and awareness of all major events in the lives of the children and families in the service and in the wider society.
SETTLING-IN
Here at Glór na nÓg we are committed to the smooth transition of the child and the parent/guardian into our childcare service. Settling in should be a positive experience as it will enhance children's self-confidence, their attitude to relationships and their social skills and it will lay the foundation for lifelong learning. During the settling in period, we ask the parent/guardian for their co-operation implementing the following procedures to make the transition into the childcare setting as easy as possible for the child. All registration forms must be filled in and discussed with childcare workers prior to official start date. We will be sensitive and empathic towards the needs of both parents and children and are happy to receive calls during the day if a parent/guardian wishes to contact us to see how a child is doing.
STAFF AND MANAGEMENT
We have a rigorous recruitment and selection policy, and all staff have been through Garda vetting. Our staff will work to ensure a very high standard of care for your children and have relevant childcare qualifications and experience. We encourage ongoing professional development for our staff to ensure that they are up to date with current legislation and quality practices.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
“Parents are the first educators of their children and should be involved at all stages in their education and development”. Statement of Intent Recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents/carers to promote the best interests of children and that parents play a key role in the education of their children. The Centre will work in partnership with and support parents in this role. Please read our full policy on our website at www.glornanog.com
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE SERVICE
Parents/Guardians sign up to agree in the Parents Fee Agreement Form that they will: • Give notice, in writing that the child/children are leaving the Centre
• Give us one month’s notice or pay one month’s fees.
• The Management of the Service also reserves the right to request that the Parent/Guardian withdraw their child/children from the Service e.g. if the child does not settle in, unresolved challenging behaviour, or parents not being fully compliant of our policies. The Management agrees to give 1 months’ notice of this to the Parent/Guardian so that they can make alternative arrangements.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS
In early years services we all have our roles and responsibilities regarding our behaviour towards others including the parents of the children we care for. In our service the parents also have responsibilities regarding their behaviour towards the children, staff, volunteers and students in the setting. We expect parents to support the respectful ethos of our service by setting a good example in their own speech and behaviour towards all members of our childcare service. Everybody in the service must be valued, respected and their involvement in the daily lives of the children be recognised. Parents of children involved with our work are also informed of our guidelines, Policies and Procedures.
The following guidelines set out the expected behaviour of Parents/guardians and other persons that may collect or drop off a child to our service:
• Never discuss other parents or children in front of the children.
• Inappropriate social conversations are not permitted on the premises.
• Refrain from bringing family pets/dogs into the services premises or grounds (even if on a lead).
• Parents should be courteous to other parents, staff and children. • Parents must supervise their children on our premises when collecting.
• Parents must supervise their children around parked cars and grounds once their child has been collected.
• Parents should direct any comments or complaints to the Manager, and we will aim to resolve any problems following our complaints policy.
• Parents should correct their own child’s behaviour, especially in public where it could otherwise lead to conflict, aggressive or unsafe behaviour.
• Parents should respect the pre-school environment, including keeping the pre-school tidy by not littering.
• Parents should follow the parking rules when delivering and collecting children from pre-school. In order to support a peaceful and safe pre-school environment, our service cannot tolerate:
• Bad language
• Disruptive behaviour which interferes with the operation of the service.
• The use of loud and/or offensive or racist language or displaying temper.
• Threatening harm or the use of physical aggression towards another adult or child. This includes approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them and physical punishment against your own child on our premises.
• Damaging or destroying our property.
• Abusive or threatening emails, phone or social network messages
• Smoking and consumption of alcohol or other drugs or accessing our premises whilst intoxicated.
The above behaviours on our premises will be reported to the Manager and may result in the prohibition of an offending adult from entering our grounds or premises to safeguard our service and our preschool community.
If at any stage your child is unhappy, please let us know so we can work with you to resolve any issues.
Parental Agreement
I agree to follow this Code of Conduct for Parents and have fully read through the parents’ handbook as well as all policies and procedures and am happy to comply. Parents Name (Block Capitals) and signature(s): 1. __________________________ ____________________________ Dated: _____________