Plympton MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
FROGMORE MONTESSORI
NURSERY SCHOOL
FROGMORE HOUSE,
58 FROGMORE AVENUE,
EGGBUCKLAND,
PLYMOUTH,
DEVON PL6 5RT
TEL; 01752 769704 EMAIL: frogmoremontessori@live.co.uk
WEBSITE: frogmoremontessori.co.uk
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POLICIES
(revised September 2020)
General information about Frogmore Montessori can be found within the Nursery Prospectus (which give details of our admissions /withdrawal procedures, sessions offered, Ofsted, our curriculum, daily routines, and children’s groups/ratios etc.
We also have a Parent Welcome Pack, which provides further information about the Montessori approach and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); our Ofsted Registration number; about what action we would take if a child was not collected at the end of their session; about how accidents at nursery and at home are recorded; about confidentiality and consents and brief summaries of our policies. Also included is information about parent/staff liaison, about how we give you feedback about your child’s progress – and how you can give us feedback on how we could improve our service to you.
Both of the above can be accessed via our webpage, with printed copies available on request. In addition, our various display boards provide information about our Ofsted Registration, about our Public Liability insurance cover, about staff roles and key groups, about termly activities, term dates, emergency fire evacuation, reminders etc
The policies contained here are reviewed regularly and are revised in line with guidance from either the Ofsted, the Local Authority or other professional agencies.
CONTENTS Page/s
Behaviour Management, Bullying & Physical Intervention 3-6
Biting Policy & Procedures 7-8
Child Protection (inc policy for managing allegations against staff & volunteers
and recognizing/reporting incidents where Female Genital
Mutilation or Modern Slavery is suspected) 9-18
Complaints Procedure 19
Data Protection /General Data Protection Regulation 20-24
Emergency Closure Procedures 13
Equal Opportunities 26-28
E-Safety Policy 29-32
Healthy Eating Policy 33
Lost Child Policy 34
Mobile phones, Cameras & smart phone technology 35-36
Nappy Changing, Toileting & Intimate Care Agreement Letter 37-39
Parental Agreement 40
Safeguarding Code of Conduct (for staff) 41-43
Safer Recruitment 44-46
Sickness and Medication Policy 47-49
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 50-54
Whistleblowing 55-58
[pic] FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT – POLICY & PROCEDURES
Review of Policy-This Policy for Managing Behaviour, will be reviewed by the Proprietors or their nominated person on a regular basis. Any changes, updates or amendments will be shared with the staff body and with parents/carers. (Most recent update, Sept 2020)
The aim of this behaviour management policy is to:
• promote good behaviour, self-discipline and respect;
• prevent bullying;
• have an agreed approach to regulating unacceptable behaviour
The Proprietors and staff at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School are committed to a behaviour management policy which is firmly rooted within Montessori principles. As such we believe the following to be true:-
* that childhood is a state to be protected; that children should be rejoiced in;
and that each child’s dignity must be respected;
- therefore, a child is never hit or shouted at, or ridiculed, or bullied
(either physically or verbally), or abused (please refer to the nursery’s
child protection policy):
* that children are active learners eager to discover their environment;
- therefore, adults try to establish an environment which engages a child’s
curiosity by providing lots of attractive, well organized activities:
* that young children have ‘absorbent minds’ i.e. learning language by listening
to others and behaviour through their experiences of life;
- therefore, adults try to set personal examples of ‘good behaviour’, good
manners and courtesy. Children learn by what we do and say – they absorb
and copy adult behaviour:
* that children who have opportunities to select their own activities, to be
‘responsible’ for returning things to their proper place when they have
finished, and who are encouraged to care for plants, animals and their
environment, develop confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline;
- therefore, through Montessori ‘Activities of Everyday Living’ children are
shown how to do things for themselves using the ‘cycle of activity’
(choose/do/put back).
When adults treat children with respect and dignity; provide activities which engage children’s attention; allow children the time and space to ‘do things for themselves’; and set positive examples of how to communicate with others, an environment which encourages good behaviour will have been created.
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Roles and Responsibilities –
* The Proprietors will establish, in consultation with the Nursery School Manager,
Deputies, staff and parents, the policy for the promotion of good behaviour and
keep it under review.
* The Nursery Manager will ensure that all staff read and sign the Behaviour
Management Statement, as part of their Induction process.
* All Nursery School staff will ensure that the policy is communicated to children
and parents, is non-discriminatory and that expectations are clear.
* The Nursery School Manager will be responsible for the implementation and day-to-
day management of the policy and procedures, supporting staff faced with
challenging behaviour.
* All Staff, including trainees and volunteers, will be responsible for ensuring that the
policy and procedures are followed, and consistently and fairly, applied.
* Staff have a key role in advising the Proprietor and Manager on the effectiveness
of the policy and for creating a high-quality learning environment, modelling good
behaviour and implementing the agreed policy and procedures consistently.
* All staff will ensure that children are treated in accordance with our Equal
Opportunities Policy, and as such, will not be subject to discrimination on any
grounds, particularly ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, gender, disability or
sexuality, whilst recognising the needs of the individual.
* Parents and carers will be expected to work in partnership with staff to assist in
maintaining high standards of behaviour (refer to the Parental Agreement, below).
Managing Unacceptable Behaviour
* All staff at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School recognise that when very young children start at nursery, they are often not in control of their behaviour.
* Therefore, staff remain calm and supportive at all times – distracting the child away from a negative situation, by offering a positive alternative e.g. a different toy, room.
* As the young child matures, staff support them in developing awareness of others
and the need to share/ take turns/ wait. Interesting activities focus children’s attention (see reference to Montessori principles, above)
* However, if a child persists in unacceptable behaviour, the child will be given ‘time out’ from the group, with an adult. The child will be given interesting activities to do alongside the adult – or may accompany the adult as he/she moves around the classroom. Occasionally, where a child’s behaviour is causing distress to their peers, the child may spend time in the nursery school office with a senior member of staff, until they are ready to rejoin the group.
* At NO time will a child be physically punished, roughly handled, sent out of the room by themselves, bullied or humiliated.
* Where a child’s behaviour has caused serious concern – or where the behaviour is repeated e.g. biting - this will be recorded on the ‘Incident Sheet’ by a senior member of staff and discussed with the parent on the day, when the child is collected from nursery. Occasionally, if someone other than the main carer collects the child and 4 staff feel it is not appropriate to discuss the matter with them, a senior member of staff may telephone the parent directly.
* If a pattern of unacceptable behaviour continues, parents/carers will be asked to meet with the child’s key worker, in the first instance, to agree a positive way forward. If unacceptable behaviour persists, the Nursery Manager or SENCO may seek advice from support agencies within the Local Authority Early Years team, Medical or Health Care professionals, including those supporting children and adolescent mental health (CAMHS), where appropriate.
* Where behaviour management issues are deemed to arise as a result of a child’s additional needs, the nursery’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) policy will be implemented.
* Frogmore Montessori Nursery School would not seek to exclude any child on the grounds of their behaviour.
NB – In line with Montessori philosophy, we do not operate a system of rewards or punishments. Our aim is to develop children’s self-discipline and self-control - without fear of punishment or expectation of external reward.
However, staff use positive language – e.g. ‘well done, you have really focussed on that activity’ or ‘you did a good job hanging your coat on your peg’ – so that children develop a good sense of what they are doing well.
Training – understanding our approach to behaviour management is integral to Montessori Philosophy and is an essential aspect of Montessori training (refer to staff qualifications information, displayed). From time to time, staff will attend Local Authority training courses and In-house support and training is addressed at regular staff meetings.
BULLYING – Some forms of bullying are illegal and should be reported to the police -
e.g. violence or assault, theft, repeated harassment or intimidation, for example name calling, threats and abusive phone calls, emails or text messages and hate crimes.
In an early years’ setting, bullying may show itself as being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (i.e. emotional bullying); it could be physical (e.g. pushing, kicking, biting, hitting, punching or any use of violence); or racial (racial taunts or gestures; or verbal e.g. name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
Bullying affects adults as well as children.
Here, at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School, we regard bullying as unacceptable behaviour used by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. In other words, unacceptable behaviour which occurs lots of times and on purpose’.
Where children bully others, we will address this through our Behaviour Management Policy. Where adults bully children, this will be addressed through our Safeguarding policies. Where adults are bullied, this will be addressed through our Complaints Policy.
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PHYSICAL INTERVENTION – The Proprietors and staff at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School recognise that there is a need, reflected in common law, to intervene when there is an obvious risk of safety to its children, staff and property. However, we are committed to ensuring that all our staff will deal professionally with all incidents involving aggressive or reckless behaviour, taking into account the age of the child concerned, and only use physical intervention as a last resort to maintaining a safe environment.
* If children are behaving disruptively or anti-socially, our staff will ensure every effort is made to manage behaviour positively, to prevent a deterioration of the situation and to restore a safe, secure environment.
* Our staff understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures. We will always aim to ensure minimal risk of injury to pupils and staff.
Therefore, the following steps will be taken when necessary:-
1 Staff intervening with a child/children will seek assistance from other members of staff as early as possible, since single-handed intervention increases the risks of injury to both parties and does not provide a witness.
2 Where possible, staff who have not been involved in the initial confrontation leading up to an incident may be in a better position to intervene or restrain a child if this proves necessary. Staff should support colleagues by offering to take over the role of ‘holding’ to minimise stress.
3 A child’s behaviour may be adversely affected by the presence of an audience. Wherever possible, the audience will be removed, or if this is not possible, the child will be removed from the audience. The child and member(s) of staff will withdraw to a quiet, but not completely private, place (e.g. two members of staff should be present or a door left open so that others are aware of the situation).
4 Staff will be aware of the need to tell the child being restrained, in a calm and gentle manner, that the reason for the intervention is to keep the child and others safe. Staff will explain that as soon as the child calms down, he/she will be released.
5 The following approaches are regarded as reasonable in appropriate circumstances:-
a. standing between children; b. blocking a child’s path; c. leading a child by the hand or arm;
d. ushering a child away by placing a hand in the centre of the back;
e. in more extreme circumstances, using appropriate restrictive holds, which may require
specific expertise or training.
6 The following approaches MUST NEVER be used:-
a. holding a child around the neck, or in any other way that might restrict the child’s ability
to breathe;
b. slapping, punching or kicking a child;
c. holding a child by the hair or ear;
d. holding a child face down on the ground;
Recording an Incident - All incidents that result in non-routine interventions will be recorded in detail and signed by a witness or witnesses (appropriate ‘Intervention Forms’ are in the Welfare File). Parents will be notified of the incident, by telephone on the day. 6
[pic] FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOLS
BITING – POLICY & PROCEDURES (Most recent update, Sept 2020)
Review of Policy-This Policy will be reviewed by the Proprietors or their nominated person on a regular basis. Any changes, updates or amendments will be shared with the staff body and with parents/carers.
Information on biting
Evidence suggests that up to a quarter of all children will bite others at some stage. This can be a difficult situation for parents whether it is their child that has been bitten or their child biting others.
This policy addresses why biting may occur, how biting incidents can be managed and what steps can be taken to protect children’s health and safety while in the early years provisions.
Why children may bite
▪ Teething – swelling gums can be painful and cause discomfort; this can be relieved by biting or chewing on something
▪ Exploration – babies and young children explore the world around them using their senses, young children do not always know the difference between gnawing on a toy and biting someone
▪ Attention – when children are in situations where they feel they are not receiving enough attention biting is a quick way of becoming the centre of attention
▪ Frustration – children can be frustrated by a number of things, such as; wanting to be independent and do things for themselves and not having the vocabulary to express themselves clearly. This can lead to biting as a way of dealing with this frustration
Procedures for dealing with biting
▪ the named person for behaviour management and/or the child’s Keyworker can work with parents, the child and the staff team to discover why the child is biting, recognising that it may have been an isolated incident;
▪ staff will look at what happened just before the incident to try and identify a possible trigger;
▪ where a trigger is identified, staff will look at making changes to reduce or remove the cause where possible, including how children are grouped;
▪ staff will increase the supervision of a child who is biting, to support them to find different ways to express themselves and to prevent further incidents;
▪ staff will follow the Nursery Schools’ behaviour management policy;
▪ staff will work with parents and encourage them to support any behaviour management techniques in place in the nursery and use them at home.
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[pic] STEPS to FOLLOW WHEN a CHILD BITES
➢ staff will comfort and reassure the child who’s been bitten and may ask the child who did the biting, to help the adult get a cold compress and say sorry to the child they hurt;
➢ staff will give lots of attention to the victim. If the bite was over a toy, they will make sure the biter does not get the toy. If the bite was for attention, they will make sure it does not bring too much attention;
➢ if necessary, staff will clean the bite wound;
➢ if the bite has broken or bruised the skin, a senior member of staff will contact the child’s parents by telephone, so that they are aware that their child has been bitten;
➢ if the bite has broken the child’s skin, under the Heath Protection Agency guidelines the parent will be advised to seek medical attention. This could be through the family GP or an Accident and Emergency department;
➢ in all situations, staff will complete an Accident Form with information about the biting incident and any treatment given. The parents of the victim will be asked to sign the form when the child is collected from nursery;
➢ staff will complete an Incident Form for parents of the biter, with information about the biting incident. They will be asked to sign the form when the child is collected from nursery;
➢ parents of both the child who has bitten, and the child who was the biter, will be given both a copy of our biting policy, if they have not previously had one.
➢ staff will ensure all children are fully occupied throughout this time;
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[pic] FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY and PROCEDURES
The Designated Senior Person at Frogmore Montessori is: Jessany Cruddace
The Deputy Designated Senior Person is: Phaedra Primmer
The Registered Person with overall responsibility for Safeguarding is: Maureen Taylor (Proprietor)
The above-named DSP’s are additionally responsible for any Looked After Children within the setting
This policy was reviewed on October 1st 2020 and replaces any previous policies in this matter.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 1989, in line with the following government publications, local guidance and procedures:-
1.1.1 “Working Together to Safeguard Children” 2018
1.1.2 “Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need & their Families” 2000.
1.1.3 “What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused” 2015.
1.1.4 “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education Guidance” 2011.
1.1.5 “Dealing with Allegations of Abuse Against Teachers and Other Staff. Guidance for Local Authorities, Head Teachers, School Staff, Governing Bodies and Proprietors of Independent Schools” October 2012.
1.1.6 Child Protection in Plymouth, Notes and Information for Designated Persons in schools.
1.1.7 “South West Child Protection Procedures” website (.uk).
1.1.8 Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (the Act)
1.1.9 Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation (updated 2020)
1.10 Home Office guidance on Modern Slavery (updated 2020)
1.2 The Proprietors take seriously their responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (updated 2013) to safeguard1 and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our nursery schools to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.
1.3 We recognise that all staff 2 have a full and active part to play in protecting our children from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.
1.4 All staff at Frogmore Montessori believe that we should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
1 Safeguarding (as defined in the Joint Inspector’s Safeguarding report) is taken to mean “All agencies working with children, young people and their families take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risk of harm to children’s welfare are minimised” and “where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, all agencies take all appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agree local policies and procedures in full partnership with other agencies”
2 ‘Staff’ covers ALL adult staff on site, including temporary, supply and ancillary staff, and volunteers working with children. 9
1.5 THE AIMS OF THIS POLICY ARE:
1.5.1 To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and resilience.
1.5.2 To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties.
1.5.3 To alert staff to their responsibility of having due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
1.5.4 To raise the awareness of all teaching and non-teaching staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse, including Female Genital Mutilation and Modern Slavery (see below).
1.5.5 To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the nursery school, contribute to assessments of need and support plans for those children.
1.5.6 To acknowledge the need for effective and appropriate communication between all members of staff in relation to safeguarding children.
1.5.7 To develop a structured procedure within the nursery school which will be followed by all members of the nursery school community in cases of suspected abuse.
1.5.7 To develop effective working relationships with all other agencies involved in safeguarding children.
1.5.8 To ensure that all adults within our nursery school who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability. Frogmore Montessori does not offer facilities for community users of our premises.
2. PROCEDURES
2.1. Our nursery school procedures for safeguarding children will be in line with the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership (PSCB) Multi Agency Child Protection Procedures (.uk). As such, we will contact the Gateway Team in the first instance for advice, information and support where we have concerns about a child’s safety, and will co-operate with Plymouth’s Multi-Agency Hub, where serious concerns are raised and/or a formal child protection enquiry is instigated.
We will ensure that:
2.1.1. The Proprietors understand and fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.
2.1.2. We have a Designated Senior Person and a deputy for child protection who have undertaken Basic Child Protection Training delivered through the PSCB, and who undertake other training as recommended by the Local Authority every two years. The DSP is also the named person responsible for ‘Looked After Children’ in the nursery.
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2.1.3. We have a member of staff who will act in the Designated Senior Person’s absence who has also received basic multi-agency training, and who will have been briefed in the role.
2.1.4. All members of staff are provided with opportunities every three years to receive INSET training by the Designated Senior Person [or other recognised trainer] in order to develop their understanding of child protection and in particular the signs and indicators of abuse detailed within our Safeguarding File.
2.1.5. The Proprietors, all members of staff and volunteers, know how to respond to a child who discloses abuse, and the procedure to be followed in appropriately sharing a concern of possible abuse or a disclosure of abuse.
2.1.6. All parents/carers are made aware of the nursery schools’ responsibilities in regard to child protection procedures through publication of the nursery school’s Child Protection Policy, and reference to it in our prospectus and in parental agreements.
2.1.7. Frogmore Montessori does not operate a lettings policy at any time.
2.1.8. Frogmore Montessori does not accommodates Community users at any time.
2.1.9. Our recruitment and selection policy includes all appropriate checks on staff suitability including Disclosure and Barring Service checks (formerly Criminal Records Bureau checks).[1]
A minimum of two individuals have completed Safer Recruitment Training (i.e. Proprietor and the Nursery School Manager).
2.1.10. The name of any member of staff considered not suitable to work with children will be notified to either the Disclosure and Barring Service or the relevant Government Department/Agency (where appropriate), depending on the nature of the concern, with the advice and support of Local Authority Personnel and/or the Local Authority Designated Officer.
2.1.11. Our procedures will be regularly reviewed and up-dated, where necessary.
2.1.12. The name of the Designated Senior Person and Deputy Designated Senior Person will be clearly displayed in the nursery school, with a statement explaining the school’s role in referring and monitoring cases of suspected abuse.
2.1.13. All adults, (including cover staff, non-teaching staff and volunteers), new to our school will be given or directed to a copy of the Child Protection Policy, the booklet “What To Do if You’re Worried A Child is Being Abused”, and the name and contact details of the Designated Senior Person will be explained as part of their induction into the nursery school.
In addition, all such staff and volunteers will be made aware of the ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People’ booklet, available for reference within the nursery school office.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES - Children experiencing distress or abuse may seek to ‘tell’ in school (referred to as disclose/disclosure) This is often because this is the place where they feel most safe, secure and listened to. If a child discloses harm to any staff member it must be remembered that the role of that staff member is to recognise and refer abuse, not to investigate.
3.1. We understand that our responsibility to safeguard children requires that we all appropriately share any concerns [as soon as a staff member or volunteer suspects/knows of a concern] that we may have about children.
The first point of contact is the Designated Senior Person for Child Protection or, in their absence, the nominated ‘Person in Charge’.
The Designated Senior Person will inform the Proprietor of the referral. If any staff member is involved, including the Manager, the report is made to the Proprietor. If the Proprietor is involved, then the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be informed.
3.2. The Designated Senior Person is a member of the senior team and is responsible for:-
3.2.1. Referring by telephone a child’s details if there are concerns about his/her welfare, possible abuse or neglect to Plymouth’s Multi-Agency Hub. A written record of the referral will be posted/emailed to the Multi-Agency Hub, (using the multi- agency referral form), within one hour of the telephone call or as soon as possible within the school day.
3.2.2. Ensuring that written records of concerns about a child are kept even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.
3.2.3. Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from general children’s records, with a front sheet listing dates and brief entry to provide a chronology.
3.2.4. Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping (e.g. a separate child protection file) is marked on the child’s records.
3.2.5. Acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns & liaising with other agencies & professionals
3.2.6. Attending (or delegating this requirement to another appropriately informed member of staff) any Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT) meetings, case conferences, family support meetings, core groups, or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributing to the Framework for Assessments process, and providing a report which has been shared with the parents.
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3.2.7. Ensuring that any child currently with a child protection plan who is absent without explanation for two days is referred to their key worker in Children’s Social Care.
3.2.8. Ensuring that all staff are aware of this policy and know how to recognise & refer any concerns.
3.2.9. Keeping up to date with knowledge to enable them to fulfil their role, including attending relevant training provided by the PSCB, or the Local Authority.
3.2.10 Identifying when a girl or young woman may be at risk of Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) and responding appropriately; identifying when a girl or woman has had FGM and responding appropriately; & implementing measures that can prevent and ultimately help end the practice of FGM.
3.2.11 Ensuring all staff undertake appropriate ‘Prevent Duty’/Modern Slavery training.
3.2.12 Providing the Proprietor an annual report, including any changes to the policy & procedures; training undertaken by the Designated Senior Person & by all staff; relevant curricular issues, number & type of incidents/cases/number of children referred to Children’s Social Care subject to a child protection plan (anonymised) etc.
4. SUPPORTING CHILDREN
4.1. We recognise that a child who is abused, who witnesses violence or who lives in a violent environment may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame him/herself, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth.
4.2. We recognise that the nursery school may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.
4.3. We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal, too aggressive or being withdrawn.
4.4. Frogmore Montessori will support all children by:
4.4.1. Encouraging the development of self-esteem and resilience in every aspect of nursery school life including through the curriculum.
4.4.2. Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the nursery school.
4.4.3. Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
4.4.4. Notifying Children’s Social Care as soon as there is a significant concern.
4.4.5. Ensuring that a named member of staff is designated for Looked After Children (LAC) and that an up to date list of LAC is regularly reviewed and updated. The Virtual School for Children and Young People in care will be made aware of all LAC in the school.
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4.4.6. Providing continuing support to a child (about whom there have been concerns) who leaves the nursery school, by ensuring that such concerns and nursery school medical records are forwarded under confidential cover to the Head at the child’s new school or setting as a matter of urgency.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY
5.1. We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential.
5.2. The Proprietor or Designated Senior Person will disclose personal information about a child to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.
5.3. All staff are aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.
5.4. All staff are aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s own (or another child’s) safety or well-being.
5.5. We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Children’s Social Care with their parents/carers consent unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with Plymouth’s Multi-Agency Hub.
6. SUPPORTING STAFF
6.1. We recognise that staff working in either of our nursery schools who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
6.2. We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties and concerns with the Designated Senior Person and to seek further support where necessary. This could be provided by, for example, the Proprietor, by the Local Authority, Occupational Health and/or a teacher/trade union representative as appropriate.
6.3. We understand that staff should have access to advice on the boundaries of appropriate behaviour.
The booklet “Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People” provides advice on this and the circumstances which should be avoided, in order to limit complaints against staff of abuse of trust, and/or allegations of physical or sexual abuse. These matters form part of staff induction and are referred to in the staff handbook.
6.4. We recognise that designated staff should have access to support (as in 6.2 above) and appropriate workshops, courses or meetings as organised or arranged through the Local Authority.
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7. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF (see also Managing Allegations Policy, below)
7.1. All nursery school staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults, whilst providing respect and privacy to the child – e.g. when nappy changing. (See also 6.3 above and the nursery school’s nappy changing and toileting policy)
7.2. All staff must be aware of Frogmore Montessori Nursery Schools’ Behaviour Management Policy
7.3.1. If such an allegation is made, the member of staff receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Manager or the most senior member of staff if the Manager is not present.
7.3.2. The Manager/senior member of staff on all such occasions will immediately discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and follow the process for managing the concern laid down in the South West Child Protection Procedures (.uk) and the Nursery School’s Managing Allegations Policy (see below).
7.3.3. If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the Manager, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Proprietor, who will consult as in 7.3.2 above, without notifying the Manager first.
7.3.4. In all occasions identified in 7.3.2 and 7.3.3 above, the nursery school will follow the South West Child Protection procedures / Local Authority procedures for managing allegations against staff and volunteers.
7.3.5. Suspension of the member of staff against whom an allegation has been made needs careful consideration. We will consult (as in 7.3.2. above) in making this decision.
7.3.6. In line with this policy and other nursery school procedures for incident reporting/recording, staff and children may provide accounts of events which will be stored under our own secure systems and may be produced in the event of any allegation. However, such accounts must not constitute an official statement and the reporting person must not be questioned over their disclosure at this stage.
8. WHISTLEBLOWING
8.1. We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.
8.2. All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues. Refer to the nursery schools’ Whistleblowing Policy’
9. ANTI-BULLYING
9.1. Our policy on the prevention and management of bullying is set out separately, as part of our Behaviour Management Policy. To allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. 15
10. RACIST INCIDENTS
10.1. Our policy on racist incidents is set out separately within our Behaviour Management & Bullying Policy and within our Equal Opportunities Policy. Staff acknowledges that repeated racist incidents or a single serious incident may lead to consideration under child protection procedures.
11 PHYSICAL INTERVENTION/POSITIVE HANDLING
11.1. Our policy on physical intervention/positive handling by staff is set out separately, as part of our Behaviour Management Policy. All such events should be recorded and signed by a witness or witnesses, and staff who are likely to need to use physical intervention will be appropriately trained.
11.2. We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures.
12. DOMESTIC ABUSE
12.1. Our response on Domestic Abuse is set out in the Child Protection guidance from the Local Authority (please see ) and search ‘domestic abuse’. It recognises that exposure to domestic abuse can have a serious impact on a child’s development and emotional well-being and acknowledges that staff themselves can be victims or perpetrators of domestic abuse.
13. PREVENTION
13.1. We recognise that the nursery school plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our children by providing them with effective lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.
13.2. The nursery school community will therefore:
13.2.1. Establish and maintain an ethos, which is understood by all staff, which enables children to feel secure, encouraging them to talk knowing that they will be listened to.
13.2.2. Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the nursery school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
13.2.3. Provide across the curriculum, including PSED, opportunities which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help.
14. HEALTH AND SAFETY
14.1. Our Health and Safety Policy, set out in a separate document, reflects the consideration we give to the protection of our children both physically within the nursery school environment, and when away from the school when undertaking school trips and visits.
Review of Policy-This Child Protection Policy will be reviewed by the Proprietors or their nominated person on a regular basis and any changes, updates or amendments will be shared with the staff body. 16
POLICY FOR MANAGING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
This policy was reviewed on October 1st 2020 and replaces any previous policies in this matter.
___________________________________________________________
The Proprietors of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School recognise their responsibility to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people in accordance with their statutory responsibility under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 and where appropriate under subsequent Children’s Acts.
Therefore, the Proprietors will manage all allegations against staff and/or volunteers in accordance with the agreed South West Child Protection Procedures (.uk) and has a nominated ‘Designated Person’ who will liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on all matters of concern which meet any of the following criteria:-
If it appears that the person has:
• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child, or,
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child, or,
• Behaved towards a child in a way that indicates he or she would pose a risk of harm if they work regularly or closely with children.
In addition, these procedures will be used:-
• If there are concerns about the person’s behaviour towards their own children, or children unrelated to their employment or voluntary work, and there has been a recommendation from a strategy discussion that consideration should be given to the risk posed to children they work with, or,
• When an allegation is made about abuse that took place some time ago and the accused person may still be working or having contact with children.
The Proprietors will not attempt to manage allegations or concerns which meet any of the above criteria through other mechanisms such as the Nursery School’s Complaints Procedure or Disciplinary Procedures, unless written agreement to do so has been confirmed by the Local Authority Designed Officer (LADO).
The Proprietors will provide the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Police and Children, Young People and Families Services with any personal data/information about staff members, children or parents which the said organisation(s) deem relevant to child protection enquires.
At least one of the Proprietors, or a senior designated person from the setting, will attend all strategy meetings organised to discuss allegations made against staff and/or volunteers and will provide the meeting with any necessary reports as required.
17
(Policy for managing allegations against staff and volunteers - continued)
Proprietor’s Responsibility – to appoint a designated senior member of staff with responsibility for Child Protection who will monitor and review arrangements within the nursery school for the delivery of Child Protection and in particular, that arrangements are in place for managing allegations against staff and volunteers.
The designated senior member of staff with responsibility for child protection will have a number of specific duties, including:-
* attending regular safeguarding training and disseminating training where necessary;
* ensuring that Safeguarding is an item on the termly staff meeting agenda;
* that all our Safeguarding policies are reviewed annually at a full staff meeting at which information relating to any safeguarding concerns or issues (without any reference to names/details) will be discussed, including number of incidents etc
The Proprietors will ensure that all members of staff and volunteers have access to a copy of the DfE guidance document entitled “Safer Working Practices for Adults who Work with Children and Young People” and the date it is accessed and read is recorded on staff personal files or volunteer records.
The Proprietors will ensure that Frogmore Montessori operates an incident recording system whereby staff and/or volunteers record unusual incidents, issues or actions involving adults and children/young people which they feel may possibly be misconstrued at a later date.
The Manager/Senior Member of Staff will ensure that any such issues, incidents or actions which are of immediate concern in accordance with child protection or other school procedures, will be actioned in accordance with agreed arrangements and protocols.
Review of Policy-This Policy for Managing Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers, will be reviewed by the Proprietors or their nominated person on a regular basis and any changes, updates or amendments will be shared with the staff body. 18
[pic] Frogmore Montessori - Complaints Procedure
Our aim is to always work in partnership with parents/carers and staff, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy.
This extends to everyone being clear about the procedure for making a complaint - and about how/ when/ by whom, that complaint will be dealt with.
The Complaints Policy aims to help and protect both adults and children. By following the procedure, you are acting to prevent a problem getting worse, possibly safeguarding children and young people and possibly reducing the potential risks to others. Therefore, the earlier you raise a complaint, the easier and sooner it is possible for us to take action.
The procedure will be communicated to all employees as well as Parents/ Carers, Students and others.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
1. If it is clearly a safeguarding issue, the Safeguarding procedure must be followed.
2. In other situations:-
* staff should speak to their ‘line manager’ and/or follow Grievances Procedures
* parents/carers should speak to their child’s key person in the first instance
3. Both verbal and written complaints will be acknowledged and recorded, with a de-
personalised record made in the complaints log.
This log will be kept for a minimum of three years from the date of entry. Copies of the
log will be available to parents on request.
VERBAL COMPLAINTS – will be recorded with the aim of resolving the issue through discussions with the Key worker and/or appropriate Senior Staff (i.e. Group Leader or Deputy). Any action taken will be logged. If complaints remain unresolved or are deemed to be of a serious nature, a request will be made to put the complaint in writing and it will be passed to the Nursery Manager who will report directly to Mrs Taylor.
WRITTEN COMPLAINTS – will likewise be recorded and are thoroughly investigated. All written complaints are acknowledged within 3 – 7 days of receipt. The outcome of any investigations undertaken will be explained and detailed in writing, to the complainant within 28 days of receipt of the complaint. Where applicable, remedial actions will be put in place to address the concerns, with the aim of avoiding the issue occurring again.
*At any stage of a complaint, and /or if parent/carers or others involved are dissatisfied with the way the complaint has been dealt with, they can choose to contact OFSTED (our regulatory body) directly at the following address:-
OFSTED, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD Tel:- 0300 123 1231/4666 or online Web: .uk
FROGMORE’s OFSTED REGISTRATION No. is:- 117 114
19 (Reviewed Sept. 2020)
[pic] FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
Data Protection / Managing Personal Data – Policy & Procedures
Review of Policy-This Policy for Managing Personal Data, will be reviewed by the Proprietors or their nominated person on a regular basis. Any changes, updates or amendments will be shared with the staff body and with parents/carers via our website (Policy introduced Feb. 2018/Reviewed Sept. 2020)
INTRODUCTION -
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU law that will come into effect on 25 May 2018.
It replaced the previous Data Protection Act 1998 and the changes will remain in place even after the UK leaves the EU in 2020.
GDPR will give individuals greater control over their own personal data.
GDPR PRINCIPLES –
GDPR will condense the Data Protection Principles into six areas, which are referred to as the Privacy Principles. They are:
1. Anyone collecting personal data about someone else, must have a lawful reason for
doing so and must do it in a fair and transparent way;
2. Data must only be used for the reason it was initially obtained;
3. Only the data that is necessary must be collected;
4. It has to be accurate and there must be mechanisms in place to keep it up to date;
5. Personal data cannot be kept it any longer than needed;
6. Personal data must be protected.
7. These privacy principles are supported by a further principle – accountability.
This means that Frogmore Montessori Nursery School must not only do the right thing with data but must also show that all the correct measures are in place to demonstrate how compliance is achieved.
AIM -The aim of this policy is to provide you with information about the following:
* What information we collect from you and why;
* How we use this information; and
* How you can access and manage your information.
We are committed to protecting and preserving your information, being transparent about what data we hold and how we use it. We’ve tried to make this Privacy Policy easy to understand. If you have any queries that aren’t dealt with here, please contact Mrs Taylor (proprietor) via email at: frogmoremontessori@live.co.uk This Privacy Policy replaces all previous versions and was updated on 30th Sept 2020.
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MANAGING DATA PROTECTION –
1.1 Frogmore Montessori Nursery School is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Certificates are displayed.
1.2 Frogmore Montessori Nursery School has nominated a Data Protection Officer (DPO) – Mrs Maureen Taylor -whose role will be to ensure our setting is data compliant.
1.3 The DPO will ensure all our staff will be trained on data protection and training will be documented;
2.1 Privacy notices — when Frogmore Montessori Nursery School collects any data, we will tell you exactly how we are going to use it, who we might share it with, how long we will keep it as well as information on consent and complaint.
3.1 Individual rights — anyone we collect data on will have new and enhanced rights on the collection, access and deletion of their data.
3.2 The DPO will ensure our settings have mechanisms to allow individuals to exercise these rights.
4.1 Consent — GDPR will require early years providers to have a legitimate reason for processing any personal data;
4.2 The DPO will ensure that our settings obtain freely given consents for any data we collect and, as such, will ensure those giving consent actively ‘sign-in’;
5.1 Data agreements — Early years providers will now be obliged to have written arrangements with anybody processing data for them;
5.2 The DPO will ensure that anyone processing data will meet GDPR requirements.
6.1 Breach notification — anyone collecting personal data will be obligated to notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) of a data breach within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach – are face possibly hefty fines.
7.1 How to CONTACT US - If you feel we have breached your privacy, or you wish to amend your information, please contact the DPO either:
7.2 By letter to: The Data Protection Officer, Frogmore House, Frogmore Avenue, Eggbuckland, Plymouth Devon PL6 5RT OR
7.3 By email to: frogmoremontessori@live.co.uk
7.3 By text message to the DPO on 07737 614 933. Please use this method simply as a request for the DPO to contact you – do not give out personal information!
8. If you think there is a problem with the way we are handling your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioners Office.
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[pic] FROGMORE AND PLYMPTON MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOLS -
DATA PROTECTION PRIVACY NOTICE
SCOPE - This policy applies to anyone who uses any of the services provided by Frogmore Montessori Nursery School. It also applies to employees, students, trainees or volunteers at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School.
OVERVIEW - We collect information about you when you register your child with Frogmore Nursery School, and about your child. We also collect information about people who volunteer (in whatever capacity), who apply to work and/or are employed at Frogmore. As such, there will be times when your personal information may be shared with others – see ‘How We Use Information’ and Information Sharing’, below
By registering your child with us, or by applying to work within either of our settings (whether as an employee, student, trainee or volunteer), you agree to our use of your information as set out in this privacy policy.
INFORMATION WE COLLECT
* When you register your child with us, we will collect certain information about you and members of your family e.g. your name, private/business email or postal address, telephone or mobile number. We will need to know who has legal responsibility for your child and who has permission to collect them. We will need your child’s name, date of birth, to know about your child’s health record and any medical conditions and or additional needs. We will need to know about other settings or providers your child has attended/is attending. Later on, we will need to know which school or alternative setting your child will attend when they leave us.
* When you apply to work within either of our settings (whether as an employee, student, trainee or volunteer), we will need certain information. This may be information such as your name, private/business email or postal address, telephone or mobile number, date of birth. We will need to know your qualifications, employment history and information about your Enhanced Disclosure and Barring certificate. We will need evidence of your identity and of your right to work within the UK.
* Documentation – to meet our legal and regulatory obligations e.g. records of accidents/injuries, allergies, medication administered etc.
INFORMATION WE RECEIVE FROM OTHER SOURCES.
* If your child is registered with us, we may receive personal information about you and /or your child, from a previous provider, from a Health Visitor, or other professional.
* If you are employed by us, we will request information from a previous employer, college, or other professional body.
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HOW WE USE INFORMATION –
We use the information collected for a range of reasons, for example to:
*confirm your child’s identity, age and particular needs, so that we can provide appropriately for them;
* confirm the identity and contact details of family members to ensure children’s safety;
* monitor children’s progress – information may be shared with other professionals (see Information Sharing below),
* maintain and store specific types of information in order to meet our legal and regulatory obligations e.g. in regard to the claiming of Early Years Education Funding;
* issue invoices and receive payments;
* advertise our provision and tell you about events taking place;
* use your feedback with the aim of improving our provision;
SHARING INFORMATION
We will only share your information with organisations and agencies outside Frogmore Montessori Nursery School –
* with your consent - e.g. where children are eligible for Early Years Education Funding, Early Years Pupil Premium - but within the constraints of our legal and regulatory obligations (refer to our child protection policy).
* where it may be necessary to request the services of support agencies e.g. where a child has a special educational need or disability (refer to our SEND policy);
* for employment purposes e.g. where we have a legal obligation to share financial matters, or where a reference request has been made either from a previous employer or because a new employer has requested a reference. You can request to see any such references;
* to recover any monies you may owe to us for using our services;
* in response to properly made requests from law enforcement agencies for the prevention and detection of a crime, for the purpose of safeguarding national security or when the law requires us to, such as in response to a court order or other lawful demand or powers contained in legislation; or
* in response to properly made requests from regulatory bodies such as the ICO, for example where you contact them asking them to investigate a complaint in respect of the provision of our services to you;
* where we share your information with third parties, they are required to follow our express instructions in respect of the use of your personal information and they must comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 or any other relevant legislation to protect your information and keep it secure.
* we currently do not share information with people/organisations outside the European Economic Area. However, should this change, we will have a contract in place to ensure that your information is adequately protected and we will remain bound by our obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 even when your personal information is processed outside the European Economic Area. 23
PROTECTING YOUR INFORMATION –
We take protecting your data seriously, and will do our utmost to employ appropriate organisational and technical security measures to protect your data against unauthorised disclosure or processing.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the security of transmitting information via the internet. We have tried to create a secure and reliable website and messaging system for all whose data we hold. However, we have no responsibility or liability for the security of personal information transmitted via the internet.
ACCESSING YOUR INFORMATION
The Data Protection Act 1998 entitles you find out what information we hold about you. If you want to find out what information we hold you will need to submit a request in writing FAO The Data Controller, Frogmore House, Frogmore Avenue, Eggbuckland, Plymouth, Devon PL6 5RT, OR email your request to: frogmoremontessori@live.co.uk . A payment of not more than for £20 may be charged (to cover our costs of processing the information).
We may ask you to provide us with proof of your identity to make sure we are giving your information to the right person, particularly if there has been a lapse of time. Examples of proof may be:
- name, address, date of birth, Nat. Ins. No. (in the case of employees)
- child’s full name, date of birth, address, relationship to child, dates the child attended the setting and password (in the case of a child’s parent)
HOW LONG DO WE HOLD YOUR INFORMATION? -
The time period for which we keep information varies according to what the information is used for.
Unless there is a specific legal requirement for us to keep information, we will keep your information for as long as it is relevant and useful for the purpose for which it was collected (and which you agreed to).
SECURELY DISPOSE OF PERSONAL DATA –
Frogmore Montessori Nursery School has processes in place for the for the disposal of personal data that is no longer required or where an individual has asked US to erase it.
We will inform individuals when we are going to dispose of their personal data, by letter or by email, evidence of which will be deemed sufficient notice. It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure we have their up to date contact details.
MONITORING, and CHANGES, TO PRIVACY POLICY
0ur DPO will monitor our compliance with data protection policies and ensure that any revisions to our policy will be notified to staff and parents/carers via our web page and / or via social media. 24
[pic] FROGMORE EMERGENCY CLOSURE PROCEDURES
SENDING CHILDREN HOME - Unfortunately, occasions can arise such as illness, heating failures, floods, bad roads, adverse weather conditions, etc. The main principle governing our procedure will be to ensure the safety of all children. In the event of children needing to be collected early, parents will be contacted by telephone. Phoning all parents or emergency contacts will take a considerable amount of time so we would appreciate it if any parent who is happy to be part of a phone tree advises us as soon as possible. An emergency / short notice closure will be implemented in the following circumstances:
• When the building is unusable through accidental or malicious damage
• Flooding
• Extreme bad weather
• The breakdown of the heating system.
• When the building is unusable due to required maintenance work. We will always endeavour to negotiate scheduled work to be carried out during times of closure.
• When an outbreak of illness within the nursery school community requires closure in line with Public Health England (PHE) and Ofsted guidelines.
• When illness levels within the staff body mean it is impossible to maintain the correct ratios of suitable adults to children.
• When an emergency occurs during the session which requires us to close early.
IF THE NURSERY SCHOOL IS CLOSED
Please can all parents be aware that in cases when we are unable to open e.g. due to severe weather, we will put an announcement on our Facebook page and on our website. Parents will also be contacted by telephone. Please ensure we have up to date telephone contact numbers.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
It is the duty of all parents to ensure that the nursery school has the name and contact details of a relative or a neighbour who will collect their child and accept responsibility for looking after their child in their absence. Parents must provide the nursery with up-to-date emergency contacts.
How do I find out about Emergency Closures out of hours?
* First look on our Facebook page: Frogmore Montessori Nursery School.
* Alternatively, on our website: frogmoremontessori.co.uk
* Telephone Mrs Maureen Taylor (Proprietor) on 07737 614 933
* Telephone Mrs Jessany Cruddace (Nursery School Manager) on 07792 213 511
* In order to help the above procedures to run smoothly, it is essential that all parents keep us informed of both the appropriate emergency contact and their telephone contact number at work. Where parents cannot be contacted, two members of staff will remain with the child for a maximum period of one hour, after which time Social Services will be contacted.
(Policy introduced, Sept 2017/ Updated Sept 2020)
[pic] EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES – POLICY & PROCEDURES
Frogmore Montessori Nursery School bases its equal opportunities policy firmly within Montessori principles, central to which
Dr Maria Montessori emphasized that through education we could achieve knowledge of ‘others’, understanding of cultural diversity and ultimately world peace. Dr Montessori recognized that the early years of childhood are those during which children go through their most rapid period of development in all areas and that this is a period where attitudes to ‘others’ are being formed.
This belief provided the cornerstone for the development of the ‘Cultural Subjects’ within our curriculum and is the foundation on which the nursery’s Equal Opportunities Policy is based.
We are, therefore, committed to promoting Inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff, children and families; throughout all our activities; and to work in accordance with current Equal Opportunities legislation and guidance to eradicate discriminatory stereotypes and attitudes, including attitudes and beliefs within the ‘hidden curriculum’. We aim to achieve this by ensuring that no child, parent, employee or volunteer should be disadvantaged compared to another, because of their social class, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race religion, or disability.
This policy aims to:
• meet our legislative requirements as laid down in the Equality Act 2010 (covering Race Relations, Sex Discrimination and Disability Discrimination);
• model Equal Opportunities and Inclusion in our staffing policies, relationships with parents/carers and the community in order;
• offer equal opportunities regardless of race, culture, gender, academic ability, physical ability or class;
( provide an environment free from social, sexual or cultural prejudice for all
members of our Nursery School community;
( achieve an environment in which members of the Nursery School community
can be respected as individuals and in which the varied experiences of all who
attend /work within our setting, can enrich the life for all of us.
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How do we know that we are aiming to provide EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES?
Inclusion - We recognise that children learn at different rates and that there are many factors affecting achievement, including ability, emotional state, age and maturity. We believe that many children, at some time in their school career, may experience difficulties which affect their learning, and we recognise that these may be long or short term. At Frogmore Montessori we aim to identify these needs as they arise and provide teaching and learning contexts which enable every child to achieve to his or her full potential.
(Refer to our SEND policy)
We are a multi-cultural society – (see Montessori comment above)
( To incorporate a balanced view of the world through a multi-cultural approach. ( To recognise that our pupils are world citizens who will meet a wide variety of
cultures throughout their lives.
Gender – we are working towards the eradication of sexual stereotyping by-
( seeking to promote non-sexist attitudes in both children and staff.
( allowing children equal access to opportunities which will equip them for adult life and to achieve challenging expectations.
Social Stereotyping – we are working towards the eradication of social stereotyping by-
( ensuring children are not be treated in any way differently because of an
assumed social class.
( ensuring assumptions are not be made as regards class difference.
MANAGING EQUALITY IN PRACTICE
Therefore we will ensure:-
1. Admission - we do not permit sex, race, colour or disability to be used as criteria for admission. Our admissions policy is open to all families in the community on a ‘first come first served’ basis entirely on availability (although some priority will be given to siblings of children who are already attending the nursery);
2. Registration – children’s names will be accurately recorded and correctly pronounced. Children will be encouraged to accept and respect names from other cultures.
3. Discrimination - all forms of discrimination by any person within the school's responsibility will be treated seriously as such behaviour is unacceptable.
* Racist symbols, badges and insignia on clothing and equipment are forbidden in
our nursery schools. This applies to staff, parents, visitors and children.
* Homophobic comments or gestures will likewise, not be tolerated. 27
3. Staffing – the Proprietors of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School are equal opportunities employers, providing equal opportunities for all of its employees regardless of disability, religion, sexual orientation, culture, gender, ethnic origin, colour or class:-
* our advertising, recruitment and employment procedures are such that no
employee or job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by requirements or
conditions which have a disproportionately adverse effect on them;
* Staff should be aware of possible cultural assumptions and bias within their
own attitudes, to ensure they do not affect working practices;
* the principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to
the way in which staff must treat visitors, pupils, parents, suppliers and
former members of staff. Therefore, all Job Descriptions require staff,
trainees or volunteers, to maintain and encourage non-racial and non-sexist
attitudes amongst all those who come into contact with the nursery,
especially children, parents, staff & visitors;
4. Curriculum – our curriculum planning and resources reflects our commitment
to promoting equality, cultural diversity, and positive images of all
members of society, with particular reference to race/religious belief,
gender, physical ability and special need, both within our own community and
in the wider world (e.g. when preparing our Xmas Boxes, in supporting
children with English as an Additional Language, through visual displays,
Montessori ‘Continents Folders’ and readily available books);
5. Outside Agencies –through all our interactions with other agencies
connected to Frogmore Montessori, we will try to implement equal
opportunities policies and training in terms of attitudes, behaviour and day
to day working practices, to challenge adult discriminatory practice;
6. Parent/ carer liaison – staff will liaise with parents to ensure appropriate
care is given to all children, including the arrangement of alternative
meeting where required, times to ensure these are accessible and
convenient for all families; support will be given to parents/ children and
families where English is Additional language, should this enable ease of
access
7. Complaints – parents and staff should be aware of the school's commitment to equal opportunities. Discriminatory incidents will be recorded and all
complaints of discrimination or harassment will be promptly and fully investigated. Appropriate action will be taken where necessary (parents and
staff should refer to our Complaints Policy)
28 (Policy reviewed – Sept 2020)
[pic] FROGMORE E-SAFETY POLICY
Introduction
Computing is now an essential resource to support learning and teaching, as well as playing an important role in the everyday lives of children, young people and adults. It covers a wide range of resources including both web-based and mobile learning. It is also important to recognise the constant and fast paced evolution of computing within our society as a whole. Currently the internet technologies adults, children and young people are using include:
• Websites
• Learning Platforms and Virtual Learning Environments
• E-mail and Instant Messaging
• Chat Rooms and Social Networking
• Blogs
• Podcasting
• Video Broadcasting
• Music Downloading
• Gaming
• Mobile/ Smart phones with text, video and/ or web functionality
• Other mobile devices with web functionality
Whilst exciting and beneficial both in and out of the context of education, much computing, particularly web-based resources, are not consistently policed. All users need to be aware of the range of risks associated with the use of these Internet technologies.
We are aware of the great educational advantages that internet access offers, but we also understand the responsibility to educate our children about e-safety issues, teaching them the appropriate behaviours and critical thinking skills to enable them to remain both safe and legal when using the internet and related technologies, in and beyond the context of the classroom.
In addition, our Nursery School holds personal data on children, staff and other people and we are aware of our responsibilities to maintain and process such data sensitively and securely.
Everybody at Frogmore Montessori has a shared responsibility to secure any sensitive information used in their day to day professional duties and even staff not directly involved in data handling are made aware of the risks and threats and how to minimise them.
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This Policy is designed to apply to all technologies provided by the nursery (such as PCs and laptops), and technologies owned by children and staff, but brought onto nursery premises (mobile phones and portable media players).
E-Safety encompasses Internet technologies and electronic communications such as mobile phones. It highlights the need to educate adults and children about the benefits and risks of using technology and provides safeguards and awareness for users to enable them to control their online experience.
The Nursery School Manager will be responsible in the first instance for dealing with all queries, issues and problems relating to e-safety.
Aim of Policy
This Policy aims to protect the interests and safety of the whole nursery school community in relation to use of the internet and associated technology. It is linked to the following policies: Child Protection and Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Behaviour Management.
Use of computers and internet use
Children will not have internet access except under direct adult supervision. All usage by children of computer systems in the nursery school will be strictly supervised by a responsible adult at all times, will include filtering appropriate to the age of children in the setting, and will be time-limited. The Nursery School Manager will have full internet access and will keep a record of all staff who are granted internet access. The record will be kept up-to-date, for instance where a member of staff leaves the setting or has their access withdrawn. Internet access will include filtering appropriate to the level of responsibility within the nursery school.
Where relevant, children will be taught what Internet use is acceptable and what is not and given clear objectives for Internet use. The free use of search engines is not permitted, except under staff guidance and supervision, at all times. Internet access will be planned to enrich and extend learning activities. Access levels will be reviewed to reflect the curriculum requirements and age of children. Staff will guide children in on-line activities that will support the learning outcomes planned for the children’s age and maturity. Children will not be permitted to download files from the internet; this will be carried out by staff, if appropriate.
Children will be educated in the effective use of the Internet in research, including the skills of knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation. Current guidance on the use of wireless technology with children will be adhered to, at all times. The Nursery School will ensure that the use of Internet derived materials by staff and children complies with copyright law. Where possible, children will be taught to be critically aware of the materials they read and shown how to validate information before accepting its accuracy. 30
Any child finding themselves uncomfortable or upset by anything they discover on the internet will be asked to report it immediately to a teacher.
Children will have no access to chat rooms or newsgroups. Children and parents will be advised that the use of social network spaces outside Nursery School is inappropriate for nursery-aged children.
E-mail
Children at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School will not be authorised to use and send emails using nursery school computers or other internet technology e.g. mobile phones, whilst on nursery premises. As part of their awareness of internet safety, children will be reminded that they must not reveal personal details of themselves or others in e-mail communication or arrange to meet anyone without specific permission. Only the Nursery Manager – or a Deputy in certain cases - will be authorised to send E-mails to an external recipient on behalf of the Nursery School. These should be written carefully before sending, in the same way as a letter written on Nursery School headed paper. The forwarding of chain letters is not permitted.
Information system security
Computers used for Nursery School business are password protected, with usage and security reviewed regularly by the Nursery School Proprietors. Virus protection will be updated regularly.
Published content and the Nursery School website
The contact details on the website will be the nursery school address, e-mail and telephone number. Staff or children’s personal information will not be published, with the exception of the Proprietor and Nursery Manager’s contact mobile numbers. The Nursery School will ensure that content is accurate and appropriate.
Publishing children’s images and work
Photographs that include children will be selected carefully and will not be used except with parental consent. Children’s full names will not be used anywhere on the website, particularly in association with photographs. Written permission from parents or carers will be obtained before photographs of children are published on the nursery school website.
Managing filtering
The Nursery School will work with the Internet Service Provider (Talk Talk) to ensure systems to protect children are reviewed and improved. If staff or children discover an unsuitable site, it must be reported to the Nursery School Manager. The Nursery School Manager will ensure that regular checks are made to ensure that the filtering methods selected are appropriate, effective and reasonable. Any material that the Nursery School believes is illegal will be reported to appropriate agencies. 31
Managing emerging technologies
Emerging technologies will be examined for educational benefit and a risk assessment will be carried out before use in the Nursery School is allowed. Mobile phones will only be used in accordance with the Mobile Phone Policy on Nursery School premises.
Protecting personal data
Personal data will be recorded, processed, transferred and made available according to the General Data Protection Regulation (2018).
Assessing risks
The Nursery School will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that users access only appropriate material. However, due to the international scale and linked nature of Internet content, it is not possible to guarantee that unsuitable material will never appear on a nursery school computer. The Nursery School does not accept liability for the material accessed, or any consequences of Internet access. The Nursery School will review computing provision regularly to establish if this Policy is adequate and that its implementation is effective. Methods to identify, assess and minimise risks will be reviewed regularly.
Handling e-safety complaints Complaints of Internet misuse will be dealt with in accordance with our Complaints Policy. Any complaint about staff misuse must be referred to the Nursery Manager in the first instance. Complaints of a child protection nature must be dealt with in accordance with our Child Safeguarding and Protection procedures. The Nursery School will work with parents and children, in partnership with staff, to resolve any issues. Internet issues will be handled sensitively, and parents will be advised accordingly.
Communicating the E-safety Policy
* E-safety rules will be discussed with all children granted access to the internet
on a regular basis.
* Children will be informed that network and Internet use will be supervised and
monitored.
* Staff will be aware that Internet traffic can be monitored and traced to the
individual user.
* Discretion and professional conduct are essential.
* Staff training in safe and responsible Internet use will be provided as required.
* Reference copies of all Nursery School policies, including this one, will be made
available to all staff and parents at each of our premises and on our website, and
copies will be supplied on request.
(Policy introduced, Sept 2017/Updated Sept 2020)
32
FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL~
HEALTHY EATING POLICY
Our aim in developing this policy is to ensure that all snacks and packed lunches brought from home and consumed at nursery provide children with healthy and nutritious food, LOW IN SUGAR and in unhealthy fats. We recognise that the children come from diverse home backgrounds, cultures, ethnic and faith groups. However, we aim to meet the needs of all children and ensure equality of provision whilst taking account of this diversity and difference. In addition, we understand that some children are ‘fussy’ eaters and that it is a major step to get some children to eat anything at all. We would want parents to let us know if this is the case, so that we can respond to such children sensitively and with positive encouragement for what they have eaten.
Whilst it is not our intention to tell parents what and how they should be feeding their children, we want to work with parents to educate our children about healthy dietary choices so that they can make their own informed choices, independently, when they are older. We hope that the following guidelines for snacks and lunchbox contents may help parents to ensure healthy options. If lunchbox contents regularly fall short of these expectations, we may send parents a reminder of our ‘Healthy Eating Policy’.
Packed lunches may include:
- At least one portion of fruit and or vegetable –preferably fresh fruit/raw vegetables
- A sandwich that includes a savoury filling (e.g. egg, tuna, cheese, cooked meat) –
preferably on granary or wholemeal bread
- A starchy food such as bread, pasta, rice, noodles, savoury crackers or breadsticks
- Dairy food such as cheese, yogurt, fromage frais
Packed lunches should avoid:
- Confectionery such as chocolate bars, chocolate coated biscuits, cakes and sweets
- Crisps (unless baked or low fat)
- Juice or fizzy drinks
Nuts and nut products (e.g. peanut butter/Nutella) should never be included because of allergy concerns. Children are not allowed to share food items for this same reason.
Water - it has been recognised that children’s concentration and behaviour improves when children drink water throughout the day. Dehydration can give children headaches and make them tired. Therefore, at nursery, the children have ready access to fresh drinking water and are encouraged to drink water – not juice – at all times throughout each day.
WE WOULD ASK PARENTS OF CHILDREN OVER 2 YEARS, NOT TO PROVIDE DRINKS BOTTLES FROM HOME – unless there is a medical condition requiring specialist fluids other than water.
We hope you will share our commitment to healthy eating and drinking, but as always, we welcome parent comment or feedback.
(Policy introduced - Jan 2016/revised Jan 2017/ Feb 2018/Sept 2020) 33
LOST CHILD - POLICY & PROCEDURES
It is the clear aim and intention that the staff of Frogmore Montessori will never lose any child entrusted into their care. Staff will achieve this aim every moment of every day by constantly and carefully supervising ALL children within the nursery school – not just those children who have been allocated to them - and by following the clearly set out guidelines within the Staff Handbook, in particular:-
a) checking exit doors/gates regularly throughout the day,
b) ensuring that parents do not encourage their child to open the front door,
c) checking that garden exits remain secure at all times – inc. via the kitchen,
d) regularly ‘counting heads’ when children are going to/returning from, outside
play, or leave the classroom e.g. to go to the toilet,
e) supervising children appropriately during periods of outdoor play,
f) following the correct procedure for the collection of children from the
nursery by their parent/guardian/carer,
g) educating children through the curriculum, as appropriate, with regard to the
importance of not wandering off from their parents/carers, not going with
’strangers’, and what to do if they should ever be lost.
However, in the unhappy event that a child is feared missing, the following
procedures will be followed:-
1) staff will raise the alarm, searching for the child where he/she was last seen and ascertain whether the child could have left the building/outdoor play area;
2) if it is believed that the child may have left the premises, a second member
of staff will search the road immediately outside the nursery and beyond the
bollards, the driveway, parking area, shrubs and nearest shops.
If the child has not been found, the senior member of staff present will:-*TELEPHONE THE POLICE to report our concerns;
*Give a clear account of the circumstances in which the child is feared lost;
*Give a clear description of the child-including their age and name;
*Give a contact name and telephone no. at the nursery;
*TELEPHONE Mr and Mrs Taylor and relay the information as above.
* Mr and Mrs Taylor (or the senior staff member) will contact the child’s
parents and OFSTED and inform them clearly of the situation.
Staff will remain calm and professional at all times, ensuring that other children are not put at risk, nor made worried, tearful or anxious by the events. Staff will continue to care for the children in their groups as normal. (Should a child be feared missing whilst on an outing, search procedures similar to those outlined above will be followed, adapted to the location.)
Following any incident of this nature, security and risk assessments will be reviewed as a matter of urgency
34 (Reviewed Sept 2017/Revised Feb 2018/Sept 2020)
[pic] FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
Use of mobile phones, cameras & smart phone technology policy
Frogmore Montessori Nursery School accept that mobile phones (including those with a camera facility) are a part of everyday life for parents, carers and staff. However, as stated within our Safeguarding Policy, the Proprietors and staff at are committed to providing a safe environment for children and this extends to the use of mobile phones, cameras and smart phone technology, as there is a potential for these to be used inappropriately within an early years childcare setting. We are fully aware that having a ‘policy’ regarding the use of mobile phones, cameras and other smart phone technology, will not prevent child abuse from taking place, but it demonstrates our intention to do all we can to safeguard the children in our care. This policy should be read in conjunction with our other safeguarding policies, including Whistle blowing, safer recruitment and social media (in Starting Out Pack).
Mobile phones (staff) –
* On arrival at nursery, staff must TURN OFF their phones, ‘sign’ their phone ‘in’ using the Mobile Phone Log in the office, and deposit their phone in the designated basket on the shelf in the office.
* Any member of staff expecting an emergency call should give the caller the nursery’s landline number, prior to the start of their day.
* Staff can book their phone ‘out’ during their lunch break and take their phone to the staff room /offsite, signing it back ‘in’ at the end of their lunch break, turning it OFF and returning it the designated basket.
* Any member of staff who misuses the trust placed in them, or who fails to adhere to this procedure will face disciplinary procedures.
Mobile phones (parents/carers/relatives) –
* All parents/carers/relatives are required to TURN OFF their phones when they arrive to drop off/ collect their child.
* Any parents/carers/relatives who wish to photograph their child MUST inform a senior member of staff in the first instance.
Mobile phones (visitors/all maintenance staff) –
* ALL visitors are asked to TURN OFF their phone(s) on arrival.
* Maintenance staff are required to deposit their phone /camera/smart phone technology in the Nursery Office on arrival – this includes anyone engaged in general maintenance tasks e.g. electrical, plumbing, fire safety etc
35
(mobile phones, cameras & smart phone technology policy-continued)
Mobile phones (offsite visits) –
* A named senior member of staff will always accompany any offsite visits.
* The named senior member of staff may use a mobile phone which has a camera facility, to enable a photographic record of the activities, to be made (see below). The phone will also be used in case of any emergency.
Cameras and camera phones
* Photographs provide an excellent record of children’s activities and achievements. Therefore, the staff at Frogmore & Plympton Montessori Nursery Schools regularly take photographs of children to support their development and engage parents in their child's learning.
* When new children start, parents are given information about the use of photographs both within the setting and for social media.
*Signed parental consent is always sought both to take their child’s photograph and as to how such photographs will be used and/or shared with others.
* Only the nursery school camera is used and, once photographs have been printed off, they are removed from the computer. Any photographs that are retained on the computer, are authorised by parents for use in local advertising, the nursery school Prospectus and/or social media.
* Additional permission is sought specifically in regard to posting photographs of children engaging in activities on the nursery school web page and/or social media sites e.g. Facebook.
* The use of any sort of camera or ‘smart’ technology by parents/carers, is prohibited within Nursery School premises and/or grounds, including the paths, driveway and garden. This includes both smart phones and watches.
* Occasionally, children take their own photos on our school camera as part of their learning.
Communicating the Camera and Mobile Phone Policies –
When new parents visit, and when new staff are appointed, their attention will be drawn to our camera and mobile phone policy and they will be expected to comply with it.
Written copies will be available on request, where it has not been possible to access it online.
Review of Policy
This Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis.
[pic]
(Last reviewed – Sept 2020) 36
[pic] Frogmore Montessori Nursery School
Nappy Changing Policy & Procedure, including the Handling of Soiled/Wet Clothing
STATEMENT OF INTENT -
We wish to include all children in our setting and understand that children arrive at nursery at varying stages of their development and that some children may still be in nappies or trainer pants.
We aim to work with parents/carers towards toilet training, unless there are any medical or developmental reasons why this would be inappropriate. In such cases,
personal care routines and/or a Health Care Plan will be drawn up in agreement with parents/carers.
BASIC PRINCIPLES -
Children have the right to feel safe & secure
Children will be respected and valued as individuals
Children have a right to privacy/dignity when staff are meeting their needs
A child’s understanding of toileting procedures is designed to lead to independence
AIMS -
* To ensure that children are kept clean and comfortable by being changed and
checked on a regular basis;
* To provide guidance and reassurance to staff who are required to change a child’s
nappy, ensuring all staff are familiar with our Child Protection Policies;
* To assure parents/carers that staff are knowledgeable about personal care and that
Parents/carers individual preferences for their child are taken into account;
* To minimize the possibility of cross-contamination, by following the routines set out
below and by carrying out regular risk assessments of nappy/toileting areas;
* To ensure our Intimate Care Agreement (see below) is understood by parent/carers and staff and that the agreement is signed when the child starts.
In order to care for children’s nappy changing/toileting needs, we ask that parents/ carers:-
• Make sure that wherever possible, children arrive at nursery wearing a clean nappy or trainer pants;
• Provide an adequate amount of nappies, cream, wet wipes and nappy sacks for soiled nappies or clothing, so that if/when it is necessary to change a child, their individual needs can be met;
• Provide a reasonable amount of spare clothing should their child need to be changed, for whatever reason, so that the child can be kept clean and comfortable. 37
PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING A NAPPY
1. When changing a child’s nappy, staff members ensure that health, hygiene and
safety for the child and themselves is maintained at all times.
2. Only staff with relevant police checks will change a child’s nappy or trainer pants –
and in most cases, it will be the child’s keyworker, or another member of staff
whom the child knows well.
3. The member of staff changing a nappy will follow the procedure stated below:-
• Gather all the necessary items needed before each nappy change, for example, nappy, wipes, nappy sack, cream and spare clothes, if necessary,
• Adult to wash hands,
• Clean nappy changing mat, using an anti-bacterial spray,
• Put on a disposable apron and pair of gloves,
• Use the child’s supplied nappies, wipes and cream,
• Depending on child’s age, encourage the child to take off their own clothing and lay on the mat,
• Take off the used nappy and place it in the nappy sack,
• Clean child’s bottom from front to back with the wipes, ensuring the child is clean. Place used wipes and nappy in the nappy sack and tie securely,
• Dress the child, or depending on child’s age, encourage the child to dress themselves,
• Once a child’s nappy has been changed use an anti-bacterial spray to clean the nappy mat and wipe with paper towels,
• Dispose of used aprons, gloves, paper towels and nappy in the designated bin,
• Soiled clothes should be bagged separately and put into the child’s bag,
• Staff members will wash their hands.
• Staff members support children to wash their hands, where appropriate,
• Record that the child’s nappy has been changed.
NB – the child’s privacy will be respected at all times during nappy changing
- during the nappy changing process, staff will interact with children by smiling,
talking, singing, counting fingers/toes etc.
- a child will never be left alone on the changing mat
TOILETING PROCEDURE and TOILET TRAINING :-
The process of toilet training, when/how this should begin, is discussed between parents and children’s key workers. The nursery has low toilets, designed for young children, so generally we do not encourage the use of potties, as these can present health risks. Children are encouraged to tell a member of staff if they need to use the toilet, as this enables toileting to be more closely monitored by staff who are then able to supervise hand washing and give help as required. Where staff need to clean a child’s bottom, toilet paper must be used - if it’s been necessary to use wipes, these must NOT be flushed down the toilet!
Procedures for changing soiled clothing for older children is as described above. 38
[pic] Frogmore Montessori Nursery Schools
Tel: 01752 769704 Email: frogmoremontessori@live.co.uk
Intimate Care Agreement Letter
Dear Parent / Carer-
In order to best meet the needs of your child when they are with us, we would like to set up an individual agreement between yourselves and our nursery school staff, with regard to intimate care.
Intimate care is any care which involves washing, touching or carrying out any self-care procedure which our children are unable to do for themselves arising from the child’s stage of development.
Intimate care may involve helping with drinking, eating, dressing, applying sun-cream, toileting, or comforting. In most cases at nursery school intimate care will involve procedures to do with personal hygiene.
All the staff at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School, providing intimate care, are aware of the need to adhere to good Child Protection practice in order to minimise risks for both the children and themselves. They are supported and trained so that they feel confident in their practice.
In order for us to provide appropriate care, I would be grateful if you could discuss your child’s needs with your child’s keyworker during their settling-in visits, then complete and sign this letter.
Kind Regards,
Maureen Taylor
________________________________________________________________
Name of child (please print) ...................................................................................................
I give permission to Frogmore nursery staff to provide appropriate intimate care to my child. I understand that this will generally be carried out by my child’s keyworker, but may also be carried out by another member of staff.
I have discussed with my child’s keyworker the approach that I would like them to take for this and the details are outlined below.
Signed ........................................................................... (Parent/Carer) .......................................... (date) Signed ........................................................................... (Keyworker) ............................................... (date)
*
*
*
*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proprietors: Mrs M Taylor Cert.Ed.;B.Ed.(Hons); MA; Mont.Dip.(Dist); EYP Mr L Taylor Cert.Ed.; B.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Ed
[pic]FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL – Parental Agreement
I understand that an essential aspect of the aims and ethos of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School is that adults within the nursery and on nursery premises, act as good role-models for the behaviour we hope to see in children’s interactions with each other and with adults.
This includes:-
* using a calm, respectful voice when speaking to children and to adults;
* never shouting at, or physically intimidating, children or adults, including staff;
* resolving conflict in an appropriate manner – in the case of adult interactions, this means talking in a calm, quiet voice and finding a private space away from the hearing of children or other adults should an issue arise;
Our Prospectus and our Vision statement underline that we aim to provide ‘good, inclusive, safe and reliable’ care and education in partnership with parents.
This includes:-
* respecting our groundrules at all times (i.e. using a quiet voice when speaking to children or adults, including members of staff; using positive language when speaking to a child or adult; respecting the child’s concentration by not interrupting them when they’re working; encouraging them to become independent; using furniture properly e.g. not sitting on tables/sills; encouraging your child to respect the groundrules)
* not using mobiles, smart watches or other technology in the building or gardens;
* walking safely on the driveway and parking considerately and safely;
*removing shoes when entering certain rooms and/or ensuring shoes are clean on entering the nursery.
A cornerstone of the Montessori approach is that children are encouraged to become confident, independent, articulate people who are respectful of the needs of others. We achieve this in large part by allowing children to do things for themselves e.g. taking off their own coat and shoes, choosing their activities and returning items to their proper place when they’ve finished, deciding whether to work alone, with a friend or in a small group – and by adults role modelling positive behaviour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By enrolling my child/children at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School, I agree to abide by the above guidelines. I understand that disregard of these guidelines may result in me being asked to remove my child/children from Frogmore - with immediate effect in the case of loud, abusive or aggressive behaviour on my part towards staff, other adults or children. I understand that Frogmore Montessori Nursery School operates a zero tolerance policy in this respect.
Signed ...................................................... Print Name ............................................... Date ...........
40
FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY and PROCEDURES - SAFEGUARDING CODE OF CONDUCT
This policy was reviewed on October 1st 2020 and replaces any previous policies in this matter.
INTRODUCTION - The Proprietors of the above Nursery School have adopted the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for all employees and volunteers.
However, in addition to this Safeguarding Code of Conduct, all staff who are employed by the above Nursery Schools must adhere to the personal and professional conduct required under the Welfare Requirements of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
PURPOSE, SCOPE AND PRINCIPLES
A Safeguarding Code of Conduct is designed to give clear guidance on the standards of behaviour all staff are expected to observe, and all staff are notified of this code and the expectations therein. Nursery School staff are in a unique position of influence and must adhere to behaviour that sets a good example to all the children (and to other adults) within our community.
The Safeguarding Code of Conduct applies to:
• the Proprietors and all staff who are employed by the above Nursery School, including the Nursery School Manager
• all volunteers engaged to work in the above nursery schools
The Safeguarding Code of Conduct does not apply to:
• peripatetic staff who are centrally employed by the Local Authority
• catering and cleaning staff employed by Plymouth City Council or by an external contractor
• employees of other external contractors and providers of services.
(Such staff are covered by the relevant Code of Conduct of their employing body).
SETTING AN EXAMPLE - All staff and volunteers set examples of behaviour and conduct which can be copied by children.
All staff and volunteers must, therefore, demonstrate high standards of conduct in order to encourage our children to do the same.
All staff and volunteers must also avoid putting themselves at risk of allegations of abusive or unprofessional conduct.
This Code helps all staff and volunteers to understand what behaviour is and is not acceptable.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
Staff and volunteers must maintain high standards of honesty and integrity in their work. This includes the handling and claiming of money and the use of nursery school property and facilities. 41
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN –
Staff and volunteers have a duty to safeguard pupils / students from:
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• emotional abuse
• neglect
The duty to safeguard children includes the duty to report concerns about a child to the Nursery School’s Senior Designated Person (SDP) for Child Protection.
FROGMORE’S SDP is JESSANY CRUDDACE. The Deputy SDP is PHAEDRA PRIMMER
*Staff and volunteers will be given access to a copy of the booklet entitled ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People’ and are expected to comply with the guidance in order to keep themselves and children safe.
*Staff and volunteers are provided with copies of our Child Protection Policy and Whistleblowing Procedure and staff must be familiar with these documents.
*Staff and volunteers must not seriously demean or undermine children, their parents or carers, or colleagues.
*Staff and volunteers must take reasonable care of children under their supervision with the aim of ensuring their safety and welfare.
CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT
Staff and volunteers must comply with Nursery School policies and procedures that support the well-being and development of children.
Staff and volunteers must co-operate and collaborate with colleagues and with external agencies where necessary to support the development of children.
Staff and volunteers must follow reasonable instructions that support the development of children
CONDUCT OUTSIDE WORK
Staff and volunteers must not engage in conduct outside work which could seriously damage the reputation and standing of the nursery school or the employee’s own reputation or the reputation of other members of the nursery school community.
In particular, criminal offences that involve violence or possession or use of illegal drugs or sexual misconduct are likely to be regarded as unacceptable. Staff and volunteers must exercise caution when using information technology and be aware of the risks to themselves and others (refer to our separate social networking policy).
Staff and volunteers may undertake work outside school, either paid or voluntary, provided it does not conflict with the interests of the nursery school nor be to a level which may contravene the working time regulations or affect an individual’s work. 42
During the course of their employment or engagement, staff and volunteers must report to the Proprietors (or Manager/ Senior Member of Staff, in the absence of the Proprietors) any conviction, caution, warning, reprimand, pending court appearance or any other Police involvement which may have an impact on their suitability to work with or around children. Additionally, on an annual basis, all staff (including the Manager, students and volunteers) are required to sign a statement to the effect that they have not been involved in any activity (and do not reside in the same home as any person who may have been involved in such activity) that would make them unsuitable to work with children under the terms of the EYFS Welfare Requirements.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Where staff and volunteers have access to confidential information about children or their parents or carers, staff and volunteers must not reveal such information except to those colleagues who have a professional role in relation to the child.
All staff and volunteers are likely at some point to witness actions or incidents which need to be reported and dealt with confidentially. For example, where a child is bullied by another child (or by a member of staff or volunteer), this needs to be reported and dealt with in accordance with our appropriate safeguarding procedure. It must not be discussed outside the nursery school, including with the child’s parent or carer, nor with colleagues except with a senior member of staff with the appropriate role and authority to deal with the matter.
However, staff and volunteers have an obligation to share with their Manager or the Nursery School’s Senior Designated Person, any information which gives rise to concern about the safety or welfare of a child. Staff and volunteers must never promise a child to keep secrets or that they will not act on information that they are told by the child, if by doing so could potentially place themselves, the child or others at risk of harm.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
All staff need to recognise that failure to comply with Frogmore and/or Plympton Montessori’s Safeguarding Code of Conduct and meet these standards of behaviour and conduct, may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. Volunteers may have their voluntary work within our settings, terminated.
Review of Policy-
This Code of Conduct Policy will be reviewed by the Proprietors or their nominated person on a regular basis and any changes, updates or amendments will be shared with the staff body.
43
FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
SAFER RECRUITMENT POLICY and PROCEDURES
This policy was updated on October 1st 2020 and replaces any previous policies in this matter.
The Registered Person with overall responsibility for Staff Employment is: Maureen Taylor
The Nursery School Manager involved in the recruitment process is:- Jessany Cruddace
The above-named individuals have completed Safer Recruitment Training. ________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Frogmore Montessori Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Additionally, we believe that our nursery school should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
In this context, it is vital that we apply recruitment and selection procedures that identify people who are unsuited to work with children.
Therefore, the measures described in this policy will be applied in relation to everyone who has either sole or joint responsible for the care of children for any length of time and those who regularly come into contact with children in a supporting or voluntary capacity.
Our Safer Recruitment Policy draws upon legislation and guidance within the following:-
* “Working Together to Safeguard Children” 2018
* “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education Guidance” 2007
* “South West Child Protection Procedures” website (.uk) and
* “What to do if you're worried a child is being abused” (2015)
Aims
1. To help deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children or are otherwise unsuited to working with them by having appropriate procedures for appointing staff.
2. To operate such procedures consistently and thoroughly while obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about applicants.
3. To seek to secure an ongoing safe and secure environment for children by ensuring all staff are suitably trained in recognising and responding to signs of abuse.
44
Recruitment Procedures
In order to ensure safer recruitment Frogmore Montessori Nursery School will:
➢ Ensure that when a post is advertised the advertisement makes clear the organisation's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children with confirmation that a DBS check (including checks against the DBS Barred lists where relevant) will be undertaken;
➢ Ensure that the job description makes reference to the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people;
➢ Ensure that the person specification includes specific reference to ‘suitability to work with children’;
➢ Obtain and scrutinise comprehensive information from applicants e.g. via the use of our own application forms (not relying upon the applicant’s CV), take up and satisfactorily resolve any discrepancies or anomalies;
➢ Obtain independent professional and character references that answer specific questions to help assess an applicant's suitability to work with children and follow up any concerns;
➢ Conduct a face to face interview (with at least one senior staff member who has completed the safer recruitment training) to explore the candidate's suitability to work with children as well as his/her suitability for the post.
➢ Carry out an observation of the candidate working with children on site- under supervision
➢ Verify the successful candidate's identity;
➢ Verify, where necessary, that the successful applicant has all the academic or vocational qualifications claimed;
➢ Check his/her previous employment history and experience;
➢ Verify, should the candidate be offered a position, that s/he has the health and physical capacity for the job;
➢ Conduct all appropriate checks on staff suitability including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks (formerly Criminal Records Bureau checks), the mandatory check list of List 99 and/or the Protection of Children Act (PoCA) List;
➢ Obtain a declaration of any convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands, including those regarded as spent, which have relevance to their potential role within the nursery school.
➢ Ensure any offer of appointment is conditional upon pre-employment checks being satisfactorily completed, including a verification of the applicant’s identity and right to work in the UK; 45
Induction and Supervision of Staff and Volunteers
A full Induction process for all newly appointed staff and/or volunteers will include:-
➢ emphasise on our child protection/safeguarding/whistleblowing/behaviour management policies and procedures, including the name of the Designated Safeguarding Officer, about safe working practice and a full explanation of their role and responsibilities, including the standard of conduct & behaviour expected;
➢ newly appointed staff / volunteers who have not had recent safeguarding training, being offered such at the earliest opportunity and at a level appropriate to the member of staff’s or volunteer’s work with children;
➢ appropriate supervision to ensure that they have ready access to advice, expertise, guidance and management support in all matters relating to safeguarding and child/adult protection;
➢ supervision in terms of performance management, on a regular and continuing basis.
An appropriate Code of Practice (and Setting an Example)
All staff and volunteers set examples of behaviour and conduct which can be copied by children/students.
All staff and volunteers must, therefore, demonstrate high standards of conduct in order to encourage our children and adults who come to observe ‘good practice’, to do the same.
All staff and volunteers must also avoid putting themselves at risk of allegations of abusive or unprofessional conduct. As such, this Code helps all staff and volunteers to understand what behaviour is and is not acceptable. For example, they must exercise caution when using information technology and be aware of the risks to themselves and others.
Staff and volunteers may undertake work outside school, either paid or voluntary, provided it does not conflict with the interests of the school nor be to a level which may contravene the working time regulations or affect an individual’s work.
During the course of their employment or engagement, staff and volunteers must report to the
Nursery School Manager, any conviction, caution, warning, reprimand, pending court appearance or any other Police involvement which may have an impact on their suitability to work with or around pupils / students.
Review of Policy-This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis. 46
SICK CHILDREN & MEDICATION – POLICY & PROCEDURES
The Proprietors and staff at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for children and staff. We therefore have in place policies and procedures to minimise the possibility of the spread of infection. These include ensuring good hygiene routines are practised throughout the nursery day and taking appropriate action when children or adults are unwell.
GOOD HYGIENE ROUTINES – include [pic]
- regular hand washing (after using the toilet/before preparing food, or eating),
- cleaning surfaces thoroughly with anti-bacterial cleaner as appropriate eg.
tables, change-mats, sinks and toilets,
- discarding waste products e.g. uneaten food, soiled nappies, tissues etc
promptly and in the correct receptacle,
- encouraging children to learn about the importance of personal hygiene,
including covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, blowing their nose.
However, despite all our best efforts, there will be times when we ‘catch’ the latest ‘virus’ or ‘bug’ ‘going around’ and children and/or adults become unwell.[pic]When this happens, taking the action outlined below will help to minimise the possibility of infection spreading.
SICK CHILDREN
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHILD! - parents should contact the nursery if their child is unwell, especially if they have an infectious illness e.g. chicken pox, or measles so that we can inform other parents, whose children may be vulnerable.
KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME - in the case of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, children should not return to nursery for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have ceased. Conjunctivitus, Hand, Foot and Mouth, and head lice are all contagious and, likewise, children should be kept at home whilst they are being treated. Children should not return until they are fully recovered. (In the case of head lice, prevention and management for the whole family is of paramount importance). If you have given your child Calpol (or equivalent) in the morning, it is unlikely that they will be well enough to come into nursery!
COVID-19 – since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, additional steps have been introduced to halt the spread of infection. Please follow all requests responsibly for the safety and well-being of all our community.
If in doubt, please contact us before you leave home,
as we may not be able to accept your child when you arrive! 47
[pic] WHEN WE WILL NEED TO CONTACT YOU –
Parents of any child who develops a high temperature or a new persistent cough or who appears generally too unwell to remain at nursery, will be contacted, asked to take their child home and to possibly self-isolate. This is particularly important, where a child has a temperature/a very heavy cold/conjunctivitis/a rash or spots/ diarrhoea or has vomited, as we do not have the staff nor facilities to care adequately for a sick child. Please see additional information regarding the steps we will take if Coronavirus is suspected and/or confirmed.
[pic] UP TO DATE CONTACT NUMBERS – are essential!
Please also ensure that someone will be available to receive a call if the need arises especially if there is an emergency.
[pic] IN AN EMERGENCY
The ‘EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONSENT FORM’ you completed with your child’s Registration Form:- - tells you what action we will take if we are seriously
concerned about your child’s health, or if a serious
accident has occurred.
- tells us important information which will help your child.
If your child has a serious accident, or staff are very concerned about their health for any reason, we will phone for an ambulance and then we will phone you. We may also phone your Doctor’s surgery. So, it would be a good idea to let your Doctor/Health Visitor know that your child attends nursery and that in an emergency, you would be happy for us to contact them about your child.
Some types of information which are important for nursery staff to know, include whether your child has ever had a febrile convulsion, has asthma, has any allergies (e.g. to food, drink, medication), has any blood-borne viruses, or any medical condition which might affect normal interaction with others e.g. brittle bone disease, or cystic fibrosis.
We also need to know if there are any potential treatments you do not wish your child to receive e.g. on religious grounds.
This information will not mean your child cannot attend nursery, simply that it will enable us to make proper provision for him/her e.g. children with long term medical needs, may need to have a Health Care Plan in place – and staff may need specialist training in order to administer some types of medication. 48
[pic] MEDICATION
Some medication can be administered at nursery. However, parents should telephone the nursery beforehand and will need to sign the appropriate Permission Sheet at the beginning of the day and when their child is collected. Specific details of the circumstances of when medication will be administered, together with the appropriate Permissions, will be discussed with parents during their child’s initial settling in period.
NB – where medication is brought into nursery to be administered to a child, at least ONE dose MUST have already been administered – but see policy below.
Any medication left at nursery, must be in their original container, within date,
clearly labelled with the child’s name and given to a member of staff –
please do not put medicines into children’s bags or lunchboxes.
Generally, medicines will be kept in the fridge.
Unless a Health Care Plan has been fully discussed and put in place (see above),
NURSERY STAFF WILL NOT ADMINISTER THE FOLLOWING:-
* any medication which has to be put into a child’s eyes, ears, nose or rectum;
* antibiotics during days 1-3 of the prescribed course – possible return on day 4;
* injections (except in exceptional circumstances and after discussion with
the Nursery Manager, as specialist training may have to be undertaken);
* cough mixtures / over-the-counter medicines.
CALPOL (or its equivalent) – will only be administered in order to prevent a possible febrile convulsion and in the following circumstances -
1) parents have given written permission (see Permission Slips);
2) the child’s temperature has risen to 38° - parents will be telephoned to confirm that Calpol (or it’s equivalent) will be administered and they will asked to collect their child from nursery as soon as possible.
Please remember that when staff become unwell, they have to stay home too!
[pic]
49
[pic]SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS and DISABILITY POLICY
‘High quality teaching that is differentiated and personalised will meet the individual needs of the majority of children and young people. Some children and young people need educational provision that is additional to or different from this.’ (DfE: Special Educational Needs & Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years, 2014)
At Frogmore Montessori Nursery School, we therefore intend:
* To have regard to, and be compliant with, the SEND Code of Practice 2014 (DfE: Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years, 2014.)
*To follow the guidelines proposed by Plymouth County Council for identifying and supporting children with Special Educational Needs
* To work in partnership with children, parent/carers, external agencies and support services.
* To ensure staff use a range of differentiation to provide effective learning opportunities for all children.
* To recognise the importance of early identification; where a child is identified as not making adequate progress, provision that is additional to or different from that provided as part of the nursery school’s usual differentiated curriculum, will be given. If a child is identified as having Special Educational Needs, an Individual Education Plan will be written, tailored to each individual child’s needs. Realistic targets and outcomes will be set and these will be reviewed at least on a termly basis, or when required. These review meetings will involve the child, parent, SENCO and external agencies and services, where appropriate. (See below re the Graduated Approach)
* To make full use of external agencies when appropriate.
The SEND Code of Practice 2014 offers guidance designed to help settings make provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs following the identification and assessment of SEND. The model of assessment and provision that Frogmore Montessori Nursery School provides is in line with this Code of Practice.
Areas of Need
Children will have needs and requirements which may fall into at least one of four areas; many children will have inter-related needs. The areas of need are:-
➢ Communication and Interaction Needs (C&I)
➢ Cognition and Learning Needs (L&D)
➢ Social, Emotional and /or Mental Health Needs (SEMH)
➢ ϖ Sensory and/or Physical Needs 50
ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES
AT FROGMORE MONTESSORI:-
The named SENCO) is MRS JESSANY CRUDDACE.
The named Deputy SENCO is MRS REBECCA LAAKSO-TWAITES.
The SENCO’s role is to:-
❖ be responsible for the day-to-day management of provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND);
❖ be a key point of contact for parents and other professionals in respect of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities;
❖ advise and support other staff in our setting to ensure they understand and follow our SEND policy, especially the graduated approach;
❖ ensure that individual support plans are in place, and that they are monitored, recorded and revised regularly;
❖ to maintain an up-to-date, confidential, register of children identified as having Special Educational Needs or Disabilities;
❖ to be aware of any medical conditions which may have a significant impact on a child’s experiences and the way they function at nursery, which if not properly managed, could hinder their progress. This would include consultation and open discussion between the child’s parents, the nursery school, the child’s GP and any specialist services providing treatment for the child;
❖ ensure appropriate Transitions between nursery and other settings;
❖ keep abreast of any national policy changes which may affect the delivery of support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities;
❖ ensure that SEND appears on the agenda for all full staff meetings.
The aims and objectives of our policy are:-
a) To ensure that any additional needs a child may have are identified quickly
and are provided for in our environment, through our planning and resources.
b) To observe, monitor and record a child’s progress, in consultation with their
parent /carer at all times, to provide appropriate SEN support.
c) To enhance the child’s self-esteem by setting appropriate, achievable targets.
d) To use outside agencies, support services and professionals where necessary,
to ensure we are offering effective provision.
51
Identification and Assessment /Early Support
A child or young person has a Special Educational Need if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for them. A child or young person is considered to have a learning difficulty or disability if they: ‘have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age; or has ‘a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age’. (Code of Practice 2014, paras xi-xii)
A good understanding of a child’s starting points and regular checks on progress are the basis for identifying when a child is making less-than-expected progress given their age and individual circumstances.
Less-than-expected progress is progress which:
* is significantly slower than that of peers starting from the same baseline;
* fails to match or better the child’s previous rate of progress;
* fails to close the attainment gap between the child and their peers;
* widens the attainment gap. (Code of Practice, 2014 Section 6.14)
For many children who are not making expected progress the precise area of need is not clear at the outset. Some children will have needs that span more than one area.
The most effective means of closing the gap is through high quality, carefully differentiated and inclusive teaching.
The importance of early identification, assessment and provision for any child who may have Special Educational Needs cannot be over emphasised. The earlier action is taken, the more responsive the child is likely to be.
Observation and Monitoring
Any of the following may trigger a concern.
• Parents/carer /child
• Early years practitioner/teacher assessment
• External agencies
• Records – transferred from another setting
• 2 year Progress Check
• EYFS Individual Tracker following a termly Summative Assessment
52
Setting Achievable Targets
If a child’s progress is inadequate the interventions that are additional to or different from those provided as part of the usual differentiated curriculum, will be agreed. This is known as SEN Support.
Whatever the level of a pupil’s difficulties, the key test of how far their learning needs are being met is whether they are making adequate progress.
Adequate progress can be defined in a number of ways, for example:
ϖ the attainment gap is narrowed between the child and their peers
ϖ it matches or betters the child’s previous rate of progress
ϖ the child demonstrates an improvement in self-help, social or personal skills
ϖ there are measurable improvements in the child’s behaviour.
Where little or no progress is made, a decision may be taken, in consultation with parents, to request help from external support services – see information regarding the Local Offer, below*.
‘Interventions’ are a means of matching special educational provision to the child’s needs and are therefore part of the graduated approach (see below)** followed at both Frogmore and Plympton Montessori Nursery Schools.
*The Local Offer -
is a parent-focused access point for information on education, health and care services available in Plymouth for children and young people from 0 to 25 years with Special Educational Needs.
It provides clear, comprehensive and accessible information about the support and opportunities that are available to parents and to settings, where children continue to make less than expected progress – including support from the Speech and Language Service, the Communication and Interaction Team (CITEY), the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and the Educational Psychology Service.
Under the Code of Practice 2014, the Local Offer includes provision for children with complex Special Educational Needs, who may require an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan (which has replaced ‘Statements’ and covers education, health and social care services from birth to age 25 for those remaining in education.
53
** The Graduated Approach –
1. Assess: educational settings are required to carry out a clear analysis of children’s needs, drawing on assessment of the child, their progress, their broad attainment levels and their behaviour, in comparison to their peers and national data. Alongside this, the views of parents/carers and, where possible, the child’s own views will influence the assessment. Information from external services including health and care professionals will also be taken into account.
2. Plan: parents and practitioners who work with the child will be made aware of the child’s needs, will plan targets/activities/support strategies to assist the child’s development and monitor the child’s progress.
3. Do: practitioners follow the planned activities/ individualised approach agreed for the child, monitoring its effectiveness.
4. Review: regular reviews take place between all relevant staff, parents and where applicable, other professionals. Following the review, the cycle of assess/plan/do and review is continued until such time as the child appears to be making appropriate progress for their age, or require further interventions.
Admissions arrangements at Frogmore Montessori Nursery School for children with SEN reflects our Equal Opportunities Policy. We welcome all children and aim to respond appropriately to each child’s background and individual needs.
However, we encourage parents to give us as much notice as possible if a child has Additional Needs. This will enable us to explore with parents and any other professionals, how we can provide most effectively for the child from the outset.
The Montessori resources we use, together with Treasure Baskets/ Heuristic play for our younger children, are tactile and visually stimulating. New skills are presented to each child individually on a one to one basis, working with Montessori qualified teachers. Both provide early support to all our children.
Behaviour management issues may arise as a result of a child’s additional needs (please see our Behaviour Management Policy). In the first instance, this will be discussed with parents on admission, or as soon as possible after, so that appropriate SEN support can be agreed within the child’s I.E.P. In principle, the normal policy for behaviour management will be followed. However, there may be occasions when a child has to be restrained for either their own safety or that of others around them. If this happens, parents will be notified via the Incident Sheet, when the child is collected from nursery – or, if the situation is very serious, they will be contacted by telephone as soon as possible after the event.
(Policy reviewed Sept 2020) 54
[pic]Frogmore Montessori - Whistleblowing Policy (Revised Sept 2020)
The whistle blowing policy aims to help and protect both staff and children.
By following the procedure contained within this policy, you are acting to:
• Prevent a problem getting worse.
• Safeguard children and young people.
• Reduce the potential risks to others.
The earlier you raise a concern, the easier and sooner it is possible for us to take action. That concern may be about something that:
• Is against the policies and procedures of the above Nursery School;
• Falls below established standards of practice;
• Amounts to improper conduct;
• Is a Health and Safety risk, including risks to the public as well as children, other
colleagues, Parents/Carers and others;
• Contradicts Frogmore Montessori Nursery School’s Code of Conduct.
• Contributes to a safeguarding risk involving children in our care.
The procedure contained within this policy will be communicated to all employees as well as Parents/ Carers, Students and others.
INTRODUCTION
Frogmore Montessori Nursery School is committed to the highest possible standards and recognises that it’s staff, students and volunteers are often the first to realise that there may be something wrong within the setting. However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or they may fear harassment or victimisation. In these circumstances, it may be easier to ignore the concern rather than report what may just be a suspicion of malpractice.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers who raise concerns from
victimisation or harassment. In accordance with that Act and its commitment to the highest standards of service delivery, the Proprietors of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School actively encourage any staff with serious concerns about any aspect of the setting’s practice or any adult’s, volunteer or student’s conduct to come forward and voice those concerns, in confidence, within the setting rather than overlooking a problem.
This does not mean that if you are already the subject of disciplinary or redundancy procedures, that those procedures will be halted as a result of your whistleblowing. This applies to Parents/Carers of the setting who then decide to seek alternative childcare. 55
(Whistleblowing Policy cont)
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this policy and associated procedures is to establish an internal procedure that will encourage and enable staff, students and volunteers to raise serious concerns about any aspect of the setting’s practice, (which do not meet the criteria for being dealt with as a complaint or grievance), in confidence and without fear of reprisals, to ensure that we continue to work within best practice and safeguard children and young people.
PRINCIPLES
This policy is based on the following fundamental principles:
• All staff, students and volunteers have the right to raise concerns about perceived
unacceptable practice or behaviour.
• The responsibility for expressing concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour
rests with all staff, students and volunteers.
• The Proprietors will not tolerate harassment or victimization and will take action to
protect workers when they raise a concern in good faith.
• The Proprietors /Nursery Manager will do their best to protect a whistle blower’s
identity when he/she raises a concern and does not want his/her name to be
disclosed. However, if the concern raised needs to be addressed through another
procedure, e.g. disciplinary procedure, the worker may be required to provide a
signed statement as part of the evidence.
• In some circumstances we may have to disclose the identity of the worker without
his/her consent, although this will be discussed with the worker first.
• Appropriate advice and support will be made available to staff, students and
volunteers who raise concerns.
• Those who raise concerns will be kept informed of the progress and outcome of any
investigation.
• Anonymous allegations will be considered and any action taken at the discretion of the
Proprietors of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School, in conjunction with the relevant
agencies where appropriate.
However, Frogmore Montessori Nursery School will not tolerate malicious allegations,
which may be considered a disciplinary offence.
If you make an allegation in good faith, but it is not confirmed by the investigation, no action will be taken against you. If, however, you make a malicious or vexatious allegation, disciplinary action may be taken against you in accordance with our Disciplinary Procedures.
PROCEDURES
Procedures for reporting and investigating ‘whistle blowing’ concerns have been developed to ensure that:
• Staff or volunteers can raise concerns (no matter how small they may appear)
internally as a matter of course, and receive feedback on any action taken.
• Concerns are taken seriously and dealt with quickly and appropriately. 56
(Whistleblowing Policy cont - PROCEDURES)
• Staff and volunteers are reassured that they will be protected from reprisals or
victimisation for whistle blowing in good faith.
• Staff and volunteers can take the matter further if they are dissatisfied with our
response and seek external advice and guidance (see useful contacts).
• Issues raised may be addressed via other procedures and policies as appropriate, e.g.
safeguarding policy, allegations against an adult working in a setting, grievance,
disciplinary, health and safety.
• Appropriate records are maintained for monitoring purposes.
RAISING A CONCERN
If it is clearly a safeguarding issue, the Safeguarding procedure must be followed.
In other situations, and if you feel able to, tell the person concerned that you are uncomfortable with their behaviour/ speech/approach etc and that you will report it.
Concerns should be raised in writing, initially for the attention of either the Nursery Manager or a Deputy Manager. or Mrs Taylor (one of the Proprietors). It should include:
• Reference to the fact that it is a whistle blowing disclosure.
• The background and history of the concerns.
• Names, dates and places (where possible).
• The reasons why you are concerned about the situation.
Staff who feel unable to put concerns in writing, can telephone or arrange a meeting, in confidence, with either:- Mrs Taylor (07737 614 933) Or Mrs Cruddace (07792 213 511)
INVESTIGATION
The action taken will depend on the nature of the concern. All matters raised (with the exception of allegations of abuse against a staff member / volunteer, or criminal or unlawful activity) will be investigated internally.
The appropriate person/s will investigate the concerns thoroughly, ensuring that a written response can be provided within ten working days.
The response should include details of how the matter was investigated, conclusions drawn from the investigation, and whom to contact should the worker who raised the concern be unhappy with the response and wish to raise the matter.
If the investigation cannot be completed within the timescale above, the worker will receive a response that indicates:
• progress to date
• how the matter is being dealt with
• how long it will take to provide a final response.
In order to protect individuals, initial enquiries (usually involving a meeting with the
individual raising the concern), will be made to decide whether an investigation is appropriate and, if so, what form it should take. Concerns or allegations that raise issues that fall within the scope of other policies/procedures, will be addressed under those procedures.
Some concerns may be resolved at this initial stage simply, by agreed action or an
explanation regarding the concern, without the need for further investigation. 57
(Whistleblowing Policy cont - INVESTIGATION)
HOW THE MATTER CAN BE ESCALATED
If the complaint has not been dealt with in a manner which is satisfactory to the employee, Parent/Carer or others involved, then they can contact OFSTED directly at the following address:-
The National Business Unit, OFSTED, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street
Manchester M1 2WD Tel:- 0300 123 1231 or online Web: .uk
OUR OFSTED REGISTRATION No. is:- 117 114
By registering a formal complaint with OFSTED an Officer in may be sent to the Nursery School to carry out a further investigation. If applicable, a report would then be sent with action points.
CONTACT DETAILS – in the case of Safeguarding Issues:-
Early Years Safeguarding Officer: Maria Hollett
Direct No: 01752 398037 / mob: 07795 121 445
Gateway: 01752 668000 / Plymouth Out of Hours Service: 01752 346984
Local Authority Designated Officer: Marie Partridge
Direct No: 01752 306340
Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit: 01752 284522
IF YOU DO NOT GET THROUGH, ASK THEM TO CALL YOU BACK IMMEDIATELY – UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO YOU LEAVE A VOICEMAIL THAT CONCERNS ANYONE AT FROGMORE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL
POLICY STATEMENT
The Proprietors of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School undertake to ensure that all aspects of nursery school policies and procedures are kept under review and that they operate in a non-discriminatory manner. The Proprietors will ensure that all Staff, Parents/Carers, Voluntary Workers and others, are aware of the policy and any channels through which they lodge complaints and appeals on all matters.
___________________________________________________________________
[pic] NON-SMOKING REMINDER [pic]
It is illegal to smoke anywhere on the premises or within the grounds of Frogmore Montessori Nursery School. This policy extends to ‘vaping’, which is, likewise, not permitted on nursery school premises or grounds
58[pic]
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[1] Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and qualifications, obtaining character and professional references, checking previous employment history and that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job, and a face to face interview as well as the mandatory check of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Children’s Barring List, and, where appropriate, a Criminal Records Check.
11
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