Equal Opportunity Policy

 

I aim to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.  All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home.

 

“Anti-discriminatory practice: means that those working in the setting recognise the existence of discrimination in its many forms and take positive steps to remove it.  The action taken applies to resources, policies, practices and procedures.

 

Equality of opportunity: means that opportunities for doing things are available and open to everyone. Each child is treated as an individual according to his or her needs and is helped to use the full range of resources and facilities to join the activities offered.

 

Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)

I keep up to date with anti discriminatory good practice and relevant legislation by undertaking regular training.

 

Individuality is valued and celebrated. 

·          I provide a service, which aims to allow each child to develop to her or his full potential.  All children are supported and encouraged to enable them to have confidence to try new things.

·          Children are encouraged to appreciate the ways in which they are different from each other and to be interested in, and value and respect these differences.

·          All children are considered special, unique individuals with particular needs and potential talents. Children’s individual qualities and capabilities are accepted and appreciated.

·          Play materials are provided which reflect a positive image of diversity e.g. books, stories, role-play equipment, songs, games, dolls and puzzles.

·          Children are given opportunities to discuss options and make personal choices e.g. what to have for lunch, what to play.

·          Children’s choices of activity are respected and valued, e.g. girls wanting to play with train sets or boys with dolls.

 

Discriminatory behavior, attitudes or remarks are always appropriately challenged.

·          I have firm rules about children not being excluded from play activities and about name-calling, bullying, harassment and humiliation.

·          All discriminatory remarks and behavior are challenged, as they are hurtful and damaging.  Ignoring discriminatory remarks implies permission to discriminate.

 

Parent’s experiences and contributions are valued.

·          I regularly consult with parents to ensure a continuity of approach with regard to their child’s care. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and ensures that the child is not confused e.g. with potty training, mixed feeding, behavior management.

 

Helping children to feel good about themselves and others.

·          All successes and achievements are shared with parents and carers.

·          Appropriate praise is used to enable children to feel good about themselves and others. 

·          The children are encouraged to celebrate their own and others achievements in a way that will build their self esteem.

·          Children’s creative work is displayed and shared with parents and other adults in a positive way, which will enhance children’s self esteem.

 

Behaviour Policy

 

No bad behaviour such as bad language, hitting, bullying or rudeness will be tolerated in my setting, as this behaviour hurts others and creates an unpleasant environment.

 

Good behaviour will be encouraged by setting a good example and by leading with positive encouragement. Attention will be focused on good behaviour with bad behaviour attracting the minimum attention possible.

 

Instances of bad behaviour for youngsters will in the first instance be met with a firm request to stop, followed by a positive encouragement designed to divert. Should this not have the desired effect then either the offending object would be removed or the child would be moved and again encouraged by diversion. Temper tantrums will be ignored as long as they do not pose a danger and love and support will be given to an upset child who’s temper has receded.

 

Older children would be approached in a similar manner, requested to stop with an explanation as to why the behaviour is not acceptable and diversion used if appropriate. Should the behaviour continue the child would be asked to sit in a quite area (a ‘time out’) to reflect and if necessary calm down.

 

Parent would be informed should it be appropriate hopefully with a view to us tackling any behaviour issues together.

 

Shouting, swearing and physical punishment are not acceptable forms of discipline and will not be used.

 

 

Policy for Collection or for a Lost Child

 

I would comply with any requirements set out by parents regarding who is authorised to collect the child.

 

Should a parent fail to collect a child then I would attempt to contact the parents or other emergency contacts to find out why and ensure the child is collected as soon as possible.

 

I would charge a late collection fee as detailed in my contract.

 

Should I be unable to contact anyone about a child who has not been collected, I would wait for as long as I possibly could, then I would have to contact Social Services, This would be a last resort.

 

Should a child become lost in my care then I would follow the following procedure.

 

Firstly I would endeavour to do a search of the immediate area and any appropriate obvious places. Should the child still be missing I would then telephone the Parent/carer immediately to inform them and explore the possibility of the child having gone to a favourite place or friend/relative. Should this not be appropriate then I would call the emergency services to report the lost child. I would then follow the procedures as instructed by the Police.

 

 

Confidentiality Policy

 

I undertake to keep all personal details of the children in my care and their parents, confidential at all times.

 

All possible measures will be taken to ensure that all sensitive documents are kept in a secure and safe place.

 

Sensitive personal details will not be discussed with any other person at any time.

 

Should I feel it appropriate to share information with other professionals I would first seek the family’s permission. The only exception would be if I felt that the child was at risk of harm and then it is my professional responsibility to share information for the protection of the child.

 

 

Health and Fitness Policy

 

I shall endeavour to encourage healthy practice for the children in my care.

 

Children will be taught the importance of good hygiene, handwashing, etc.

 

A healthy balanced diet will be encouraged and children will be encouraged to understand which foods are better for our health than others and why.

 

Television and computers will not be used to occupy children on a daily basis. Occasionally the children may watch a film together or play games as a ‘quiet time’ activity but this should not be a regular occurrence. Children will instead be actively encouraged to engage in activities that stimulate their imaginations, creativity and/or physical fitness.

 

Outside play will be a large focus as I believe that children should be given as much opportunity to run and play as possible.

 

Trips and outings will be undertaken as an important part of keeping fit and active, socialising and mixing in the local community, and broadening the children’s horizons.

 

 

Child Protection Policy

 

As a registered childminder I have undertaken training to learn about the signs and possible symptoms of possible abuse. I aim to review this training on a regular basis.

 

I have a professional responsibility to the children in my care to protect them and ensure that their welfare is my first priority.

 

If I have concerns about a child then I would approach the parents and discuss with them, unless I felt that the child was at risk of harm, in which case I would refer the family to Social Services.

 

All personal information about a child (and their family) in my care is treated as confidential as stated in my confidentiality policy.

 

I will use an accident and an incident book to log all accidents and incidents, making sure parents sign and date entries.

 

 

Emergency Procedure

 

I will ensure that I always have a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate.

 

I shall keep a well maintained First Aid kit in my home in a place that is inaccessible to children.

 

In the event of an emergency I nominate Claire Bax to be my safe adult with whom I would be able to leave the children should I need to.

 

I undertake to always have with me a list of contact numbers and names for the children that I child mind so that their parents/carers can be contacted should I not be in a position to do so.

 

I also undertake to always have a travel first-aid kit with me at any time.

 

In the event of an emergency my first priority would be to ensure that all of the children were present and well and in a safe place.

Should they not be well I would do what I could to make them better, call the emergency services should it be appropriate and then ensure that the parents/carers were contacted.

 

 

Fire Policy

 

Fire Alarms are to be checked once a week.

 

Fire Blanket to be kept in an accessible place.

 

Fire Drill to be practiced once a month.

 

Emergency contact numbers to be kept in an accessible place.

 

In the event of hearing the Fire Alarm:

 

All children to be led outside through the nearest exit, calmly and quietly. No running.

If leaving by the back door, Assembly Point is by the back gate.

If leaving by the front door, Assembly Point is on the Green by the trees.

 

Call 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade. Use emergency contact numbers to call parents/carers of minded children.

 

If fire prevents exit downstairs, assemble upstairs in one of the bedrooms. Close the door and put towels, blankets or duvets etc at the bottom of the door to help prevent the smoke from entering the room. Open the window if you can and try to attract attention, wave towels, clothes etc and shout. Wait for the fire brigade. Do not attempt to climb out. Do not hide in cupboards or under beds, a Fire Officer may not be able to find you.

 

 

Smoking Policy

 

No smoking will be allowed in my workplace at any time.

 

Where possible no one will be allowed to smoke in front of the children.  Where this is out of my control I shall endeavour to actively discourage it.

 

Children will be encouraged to understand the dangers of smoking to their health.

 

 

Complaints Procedure

 

In the event of a parent/carer having a concern the initial action would be for both parties to discuss the issue and try to resolve it in a positive and constructive way.

 

Should the concern become a complaint then the parent/carer can register this in the childminders Complaints book.

 

Should the Parent/Carer wish they are able to contact Ofsted and discuss the complaint.

 

Ofsted Contact Number is 08456 404040

 

If the parent/carer does not wish to approach the childminder directly then they can speak to Ofsted at any stage to discuss the problem.

 

I will undertake to treat any concern or complaint objectively and fairly in an attempt to resolve the issue as swiftly and satisfactorily as possible.