FONTHILL LODGE

Tallaght Policies & Procedures

Tallaght

Policies and Procedures

CONTENTS

1

FONTHILL LODGE

Tallaght Policies & Procedures

INTRODUCTION

3 Welcome / History

3 Our Philosophy

3 Objectives

SERVICES

4 Admissions (incl. Allergies & special needs)

6 Children’s Charter

6 Collection & Arrivals

7 Fees

9 Range of Childcare Services

9 Settling In

10 Staff Ratios

PARENTS(SEE ALSO PARENTS HANDBOOK)

11 Car Parking

11 Comments & Complaints

12 Confidentiality

12 Partnership with Parents (incl. Open door policy & babysitting)

ADMINISTRATION

14 Data Protection

15 Record Keeping

17 Fundraising

STAFF (SEE ALSO STAFF HANDBOOK)

18 Recruitment Policy (incl. Garda Vetting)

19 Probationary Policy

19 Training Policy (incl. Induction)

20 Absence Cover

21 Employee Infection Control

21 Volunteers and Students

CHILDCARE PRACTICE

22 Child and Adult Protection

22 Child Development

24 Child Observations & Assessment

26 Code of Ethics – Working with Children

26 Curriculum

29 Equality & Diversity

30 Multi-media

31 Outdoor Play

32 Outings Policy

32 Positive Behaviour (includes Biting Policy)

36 Supervision of Children – Indoors &

Outdoors

37 Toileting & Toilet Training

37 Sleep & Rest

38 Childrens Dress Code

38 Soother Policy

HEALTH & SAFETY

39 Accidents & Incidents

40 Anaphylaxis

43 Animals

44 Camera & Photograph Usage

46 Cleanliness &Hygiene

48 Emergency Closure

48 Environmental Care & Recycling

49 Fire Safety

51 First Aid

53 Food Hygiene (incl. Formula)

55 Hand Washing

57 Health & Safety

59 Healthy Eating

61 Illness

62 Head Lice Policy

62 Infection Control

64 Intimate & Personal Care (incl. bottle feeding)

65 Manual Handling

66 Medicines

67 Missing Child

68 Nappy Changing

69 Safety & Security

70 Safe Sleep

72 Spillages & Hazards

72 Sun Safety

74 APPENDICIES

81 INFORMATION

1

FONTHILL LODGE

Tallaght Policies & Procedures

HISTORY OFFONTHILL LODGE

Fonthill Lodge daycare was established in 1989 by Maurice Lynch Snr. & Mary Lynch. Having cared for children for many years, we expanded by opening Fonthill Lodge, Lucan, on the Old Palmerstown Road. Over the past 25 years this has expanded to become one of the busiest and most loved crèches in the area. The quality of care given to children ranging from 3 months to 12 years has been underpinned by a loyal team of qualified staff and a large purpose built facility with an even larger outdoor play area.

Following the success of the service in Lucanwe successfully acquired the tender to operate 2 crèches for South Dublin County Council in Tallaght and Clondalkin in 2005. Since then we have developed a great reputation as an excellent provider of pre-school and afterschool care both for various public service staff and the local public community.

Maurice Lynch Jnr and Joanne Lynch both work fulltime in the business, running the day to day services with the help of our qualified and long standingcrèche managers and staff.In 2014 the family business acquired a large site in Clonee village and built a state of the art facility with one of the biggest private play areas to be found in Irish childcare. We opened our doors in July 2014 and have been growing steadily ever since.

Above all, your child’s welfare and your peace of mind is most important to us. We provide a warm, loving, home-from-home environment, where each child is treated with respect and will develop and learn at their own individual pace while feeling happy, safe and secure. Our own children attend Fonthill Lodge and we only provide care for children at the standard we expect for our own!

Thank you for choosing Fonthill Lodge.

THE FONTHILL PHILOSOPHY

Our Philosophy is simple. We will provide a safe, warm, happy environment where your children will be encouraged to learn and grow as individuals in a holistic way under the supervision, care and education of our fully qualified and highly motivated team of staff.

We will provide child-centred day care for your children. Support and encourage your children’s learning and development and to help them grow in a stimulating environment. Focus on the total development of the child in partnership with the family. We will select only highly qualified and motivated staff that will carry out the superior level of childcare we offer.

In applying our philosophy, parents can work or studyconfidentin the knowledge that their children are safe and happy under the supervision of competent carers. In order to maintain our standards we constantly search for new ways to further improve our service and give each and every child in our care strong foundations and happy memories.

OBJECTIVES

  • At Fonthill Lodge our ethos and practice values diversity and promotes equality.
  • We aim to select friendly, dependable, mature and professional staff through our rigorous recruitment and selection policy.
  • To ensure that the developmental, educational, emotional and social needs of each child are met daily.
  • The voice of the child is heard, respected and contributes to our programme.
  • We aim to deliver a quality care and play curriculum which addresses children’s well-being, identity and belonging, communication and exploring and thinking, along the principles of Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.
  • We aim to make Fonthill Lodge accessible to all members of the community, regardless of race, gender, family status, age, disability, or religious belief.
  • We aim to work with ‘Síolta’ The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, by following its 12 principles of quality and the 16 standards within its framework.
  • We operate within the Childcare (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006 and The National Standards for Pre-Schools (2010).
  • The environment is planned and well-organised in a way that suits the different needs of individual children, while keeping in mind the importance of Safety and Hygiene.
  • Parents are actively welcomed at Fonthill Lodge at all times. We endeavor to share information and communicate with parents directly, in order to give feedback at the end of each day and to ensure that they are made aware of on-going developments in policies and procedures.
  • Fonthill Lodge wishes to promote a positive atmosphere where children, staff and parents are treated with respect.

SERVICES

ADMISSIONS

Principles

Fonthill Lodge will provide a range of childcare services that are based on the identified requirements of the parents who use the service.We are a committed provider of equal opportunities; we support the philosophy of access to our service regardless of race, religion, gender or ability.

(Child Care (Pre-school Services (no 2) Regulations 2006 and Child Care (Pre-school Services (No 2) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 Part IV 13 (1) Register of Pre-School Children) (Síolta Standard 10: Organisation, Síolta Standard 12: Communication) (National Standard 1: Information, National Standard 2: Contract, National Standard 4: Records, National Standard 12: Health Care, National Standard 16: Equal Opportunities)

Statement of Intent

Fonthill Lodge will provide a range of childcare services that are based on the identified requirements of the parents who use the service. This policy is to ensure transparent and fair allocation of childcare places in Fonthill Lodge.

Policy and Procedures

This will be achieved by:

  • Ensuring the existence of the service is widely known in all communities through advertising.
  • Making our Equal Opportunities Policy widely known.
  • Having an open and transparent system in relation to the allocation of places.
  • Siblings are given priority and then admissions will be on a first come, first served basis and in accordance with places available in any given room / age group.
  • Management reserves the right to review and change how places are allocated.
  • Parents are required to complete in full the registration form and pay the required deposit to be offered a place. All details regarding a child’s application form must be completed and any relevant important information or specific diet or health requirements must be noted.
  • A waiting list is established when all places are taken up and the child at the top of the list is given first available place.In the event of places being over-subscribed, The Manager reserves the right to select places in order of application.
  • Ensuring a maximum enrolment, according to Childcare Preschool Services Regulations 2006
  • Endeavouring to meet any additional needs that children might have, within our limited availability for places and expertise. What is best for the child will be a priority in the allocation of places.
  • Children must be over four months of age to attend.
  • Children of Fonthill Lodge staff may not attend the service in which they are employed however we will endeavour to accommodate them in another of our services. Exceptions may be made to this policy for older children.
  • Fonthill Lodge operates an open door policy for parents.
  • During the settling in period.The child will stay for a shorter day until the Manager and parent agree the child has settled in.A period of up to 2 weeks settling in is provided free of charge.
  • Fonthill Lodge offers places under the terms of the ECCE “free pre-school year” for children eligible for the scheme, subject to availability of places. Children outside this age range can avail of a place based on parents paying the appropriate fee.
  • Children with special needs and disabilities are welcome. Parents need to be aware that it may be required for them to provide a special needs assistant where necessary.
  • We reserve the right to refuse admission.
  • We reserve the right to terminate our services.
  • Parents should familiarise themselves with our policies and procedures; they will be reviewed and changed accordingly to incorporate any new developments from the Health Services Executive.

No uniform is necessary but we do ask that all children wear suitable, comfortable clothes, ideal for art work and outdoor messy play. (No ‘good’ clothes please). Please see our Dress Code Policy.

Velcro shoes are preferable. All long hair must be tied up. No hoop or long earrings. No jewellery of any sort, including amber beads or necklaces may be worn by children.

The following are required with the child’s name clearly written on all items

  • Backpack containing a change, i.e. underpants, socks, top and pants
  • Wellies
  • Sun cream & sun hat
  • Cotton wool
  • Nappies, wipes & nappy cream
  • Bottles (already made)
  • Calpol / Nurofen
  • Lunch (healthy eating policy must be adhered to)
  • Winter hat & coat

All relevant forms are to be completed before a child starts including;

  • The complete Registration Form
  • The Parental/Guardian’s Agreement
  • The Authorisation for Medical Treatment
  • The Authorisation to Administer Anti-Febrile Medication
  • Outings Authorisation
  • Photographs/Video Authorisation
  • Authorised Persons to Collect Child

Admission procedures for children with Allergies

When parents start their children at Fonthill Lodge they are asked if their child suffers from any known allergies. This is recorded on the registration form.

If a child has an allergy, a risk assessment form is completed to detail the following:

  • The allergen (i.e. the substance, material or living creature the child is allergic to such as nuts, eggs, bee stings, cats etc.).
  • The nature of the allergic reactions e.g. anaphylactic shock reaction, including rash, reddening of skin, swelling, breathing problems etc.
  • What to do in case of allergic reactions, any medication used and how it is to be used (e.g.Epipen).
  • Control measures – such as how the child can be prevented from contact with the allergen.
  • This form is kept in the child’s personal file and a copy is displayed where staff can see it.
  • Parents train staff in how to administer special medication in the event of an allergic reaction.
  • If a child is identified to have a nut allergy, other parents are made aware so that no nut or nut products are accidentally brought in, for example to a party.

Admission procedures for children with Special needs or medical conditions

When parents start their children at Fonthill Lodge they are asked if their child suffers from any medical conditions. Parents should state on the registration form if their child has any additional or special needs, such as impaired vision, brittle bones, eczema or speech delay (examples only). This is recorded on the registration form.

If a child has additional needs, a risk assessment form is completed to detail the following:

  • Details of theadditional need(i.e. the area of physical, intellectual delay or medical condition.)
  • The nature of the need (e.g. severe / mild medical condition, mild learning difficulty, child has a SNA etc.)What to do in case of allergic reactions, any medication used and how it is to be used (e.g.Epipen).
  • Control measures – to prevent worsening of any condition.
  • Suggested approaches – to help ensure any additional needs are dealt with appropriately.
  • This form is kept in the child’s personal file and a copy given to relevant staff members / displayed in child’s room.
  • Parents train staff in how to administer any medication / first aid/ preventative measures.

Life Saving Medication and Invasive Treatments

Adrenaline injections (Epipens) for anaphylactic shock reactions (caused by allergies to nuts, eggs etc.) or invasive treatments such as rectal administration of Diazepam (for epilepsy).

The Manager must have:

  • A letter from the child's GP/consultant stating the child's condition and what medication if any is to be administered;
  • Written consent from the parent or guardian allowing staff to administer medication; and
  • Proof of training in the administration of such medication by the child's GP, a district nurse, children’s’ nurse specialist or a community paediatric nurse.
  • A copy of such proof may be required by our insurance provider for appraisal so that our insurance can be extended if necessary.
  • Details & vetting for any SNA who may have been assigned to a child with special needs.

Fonthill Lodge may not always be in a position to accept all children with additional needs, should there we perceive the group care environment to not be a safe one for a child or should our staff not be able to safely manage a medical condition or behaviour. We will always act in the best interest of the children.

CHILDREN’S CHARTER

Principles

This code has been developed to inform and guide the decisions and behaviour of all Fonthill Lodge staff.

Statement of Intent

Young children rely on responsible adults to care and protect them. Our staff team at Fonthill Lodge are in a relationship of special trust – one that is powerful and important. We recognise that our role is multi-faceted and we have developed this code of ethics to assist us provide the best quality service possible. (Síolta Standard 1, Standard 3, Standard 5, Standard6, Standard 9 & Standard 16) (National Standard 8: Care, Play and Learning)

Policy & Procedure

This Code of Ethics is underpinned by the following principles;

  • The health and wellbeing of the individual child is of fundamental importance.
  • We acknowledge the uniqueness of each child attending the service.
  • We promote equality & diversity and value differences.
  • We consider the needs of the child as a citizen within the context of the family and their culture.
  • We build relationships of mutual trust and respect with children, adults, parents and the community.
  • We encourage holistic learning, where children take an active role in relevant & meaningful experiences.
  • We base practice on sound knowledge, research and theories, while at the same time recognising the limitations and uncertainties of these.
  • We work to fulfil the right of all children and their families for access to services of high quality.

Based on the above principles Fonthill Lodge has developed the following Children’s Charter;

  • Children’s welfare and their rights to secure, healthy and happy childhood are paramount.
  • The experiences children receive in their early years are critically important in terms of future development.
  • Children are entitled to expect that all adults will respect, uphold and preserve their rights and to ensure that their feelings and wishes are taken into account.
  • Children should have the opportunity to make choices and develop a sense of responsibility for their own actions appropriate to their age.
  • Children, parents and carers should not be discriminated against, particularly in relation to colour, age, race, religion, gender, disability medical conditions or background.
  • Parents should be recognised and respected as children’s first and continuing educators.

COLLECTIONS & ARRIVALS

Principle

Fonthill Lodge is committed to ensuring the safety and care of the children upon arriving and leaving the service.

(Child Care (Pre-school Services) (no 2) Regulations 2006 and Child Care (Pre-school Services (No 2) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 Part IV 13 (e) Register of pre-school children, 14.1(j) Records)(Síolta Standard 10: Organisation, Síolta Standard 12: Communication) (National Standard 1: Information, National Standard 2: Contract, National Standard 3: Working in Partnership with Parents or Guardians, National Standard 20: Safety

Statement of Intent

All Parents/employees must follow the collections and arrivals policy and procedure

Attendance

It is essential to the efficient running of the service that you inform the manager if your child is unable to attend the service and follow up with a telephone call to inform the service when the child will be returning. This is also very important for school aged children who are brought or collected from school by us. Failure to do so can waste valuable time and causes undue concern for staff collecting the child from their school.

A register of the times and days that children attend is kept.

Arrivals

  • Park safely, ensuring your child is fully supervised by you, until handed over to a member of staff.
  • Please ensure all gates and doors are securely closed behind you.
  • Register your child on arrival with a member of staff.
  • We ask parents to drop children off at the correct time to avoid disrupting the group once they have started and so that your child benefits from our full daily programme.
  • Support your child to remove and hang up coats and organise their bag as per the room routine.

Collections