Policies

And Procedures

Mission Statement

Happy Feet Playschool aims to provide a high quality care service in a home from home environment where children can learn through the medium of play, build their self confidence and esteem, become independent and prepare for their future years.

What is a Policy?

A policy is a collective agreed statement of beliefs. It exists to protect children, parents and staff. It is a course of action recommended or adopted by a service.

What is a Procedure?

Procedures are the practices by which policies are implemented in the service – the way of doing things. The procedure is underpinned by the policy.

The Importance of Policies

Written policies minimise misunderstanding. People can predict how situations will be viewed and dealt with. They are relevant and are tailored to the individual service.

Relevant Legislation

The relevant legislation that is the basis for the development of these policies is:

  • Child Care Act 1991
  • Childcare (Pre-school Services)Regulations 2006
  • United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
  • Freedom of Information Act 1999
  • Data Protection Act 2003
  • Fire Safety Act 1981 Section 18
  • Food Safety Acts
  • Safety, Health and Welfare Work Act 1989 & Safety, Health & Welfare (General Application) Regulations 1993
  • The Employment Equality Act 1998 and 2004
  • Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994-2001
  • Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977- 2001
  • National Minimum Wage Act 2000
  • Organisation of Working Time Act (Rest Periods 1997
  • Holidays/Annual Leave and Public Holidays 1997)
  • Payment of Wages Act 1991
  • Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003
  • Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act 2001
  • The Equal Status Act 2000
  • Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004
  • Force Majeure Leave – Section 13 of the Parental Leave Act 1998
  • Adoptive Leave Act 1995, Carers Act 2001, Juries Act 1076

Happy Feet Playschool Curriculum

The curriculum we have in place in Happy Feet Playschool is a structured play based curriculum.

Our playschool provides the opportunity for children to practise and consolidate new skills in an enjoyable, familiar and interesting way in a secure, friendly and welcoming environment. Our playschool has a well designed play space which supports free-flow and open ended spontaneous play. This emerges from the interests and needs of the children and develops according to how they wish the play to progress.

Our play space is divided into different play areas, each area contributing to the developmental needs of the child. These areas include:

The Home Corner (Kitchen, dress-up, shopkeeper, dolls, etc.)

The home corner provides an imaginary world which supports children to using their imagination, make sense of their experiences, develop their language skills and play as part of a group. It also supports children to act out roles and make decisions and choices.

Messy Area (Sand, Water, Play-Dough, etc.)

Playing with water gives children a lot of pleasure and the opportunities to explore and experiment. They learn about filling and pouring, volume and capacity, flow and speed, and floating and sinking. Sand play can help children develop concepts about patterns and shapes, weight and mass, and volume and capacity. Play dough provides a means for expression and sensory experiences for children. It strengthens their fine motor skills, promotes imagination, can help the child relax and unwind and encourages social skills.

Interest Table (Links with the chosen theme)

Our interest table will be based on a particular theme which will rotate every two weeks. Different themes we will use are colours, shapes, seasons, nature etc. Interest tables inspire a sense of fascination and are a wonderful springboard for conversation. Children are encouraged to bring in their own items to add to the interest table, so they feel involved in creating it. It helps children develop and broaden concepts of objects and share stories about their chosen objects.

Construction Area (Blocks, Farm vehicles, trucks, etc.)

Construction play generates a sense of real work and creativity. Children learn how to build, understand estimating and predicting, balancing and manipulating and discover new shapes. Children get great satisfaction from seeing their finished work.

Book Area (Quiet corner, soft seating, and wide range of books)

Books are used to fire up the imagination of children, to extend their general knowledge, widen their vocabulary and generate an interest in the written word. Story telling can develop structure in thought and language- beginning, middle and end. It helps children to listen and create thoughts.

Table Top Activities (Puzzles, jigsaws, flash card games)

This area has a wide range of puzzles, jigsaws, peg boards, board games and flash card games. These are activities which give children a wonderful sense of accomplishment while encouraging them to use their fine motor skills and develop a range of cognitive skills.

Outdoor Area (Climbing frame, slide, gardening)

Our outdoor area allows children to play outdoors in a safe, secure and child friendly area whilst enjoying fresh air and freedom. We have divided the space into different areas, including a soft surface with a climbing frame, slide and play house, a stone area for digging, using spades, buckets, and rakes. We also have raised plant boxes for sowing flowers and vegetables. All our outdoor areas contribute to stimulating different kinds of physical activities.

Our Daily Routine

9.30 -9.45 Welcoming Time

Children are greeted by a member of staff, made welcome and helped settle in. They choose where they want to play and meet up with their friends.

9.45-10.45 Free Play

Each child is free to select any area within the room to play in. Children are encouraged to play together, but also given the opportunity to play alone if that is what they prefer. Weather permitting; children are brought outside to the play area.

10.45-11.00 Tidy up time and Toilet Time

Children learn how to tidy up after playing by - placing things into their correct places. They help to prepare the room for lunch time. Each child is brought to the toilet and washes their hands before having their lunch.

11.00-11.30 Lunch Time

Children eat their lunch together around the tables. Children are encouraged to stay seated during their lunch and chat to their friends and staff members. Afterwards they help participate in tidying up.

11.30- 12.15 Activity Time

Each week we will have a chosen theme in place to base our daily activities on. The theme will link us to the time of year, certain upcoming events or what the children may suggest to do.

12.15-12.30 Circle Time

As we prepare to get ready to go home the children will sit in a circle and listen to a story, music, sing songs, use some musical instruments.

12.30 Home Time

Children put on their coats and bags. They are collected by their Parent/Guardians and taken home.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

It is the policy of Happy Feet Playschool that ourservice is open to all families in our community. We are committed tooperating open and fair Admissions Procedures.

Admissions procedures

  • Each child must be at least 2 years and 6 months when starting at the service.
  • Parents seeking to secure a place for their child must complete anenrolment form, available from Happy Feet Playschool.
  • A completed enrolment form and a booking fee of €10 must be lodged with the service prior tothe child attending the service. The booking fee of €10 will be refunded by the end of September.
  • Children will be admitted on a ‘first come first served’ basis,following submission of the enrolment form.
  • If there are no remaining places a waiting list will be drawn up.
  • Referrals from family support services will be accepted provided thereis a place available.
  • Under the ECCE scheme all children in their final year of playschool are entitled to a free place in playschool, 5 days a week over 38 weeks. To qualify for scheme in September 2014, the child must be born between 2nd of February 2010 and 30th June 2011.

FEE PAYMENT POLICY

Fees are set at the beginning of each year at a rate that takes account ofaffordability for parents and of the sustainability of the service.

  • The weeklyfee for the service is €50, and for ECCE children is €0.
  • Fees must be paid every Monday morning for full time places. For part time places, fees must be paid on first morning they attend each week.
  • Fees must be paid even when the child is absent due to illness, except inspecial circumstances and with the agreement of the manager.
  • Parents do not have to pay fees for Bank Holidays, school holidays or if the playschool is closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • As an optional extra, we go on a school trip during the summer and this will cost no more than €20. Parents will be given more details, closer to the date of the trip.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE POLICY

  • It is the policy of Happy Feet Playschool that children may only becollected by the person(s) named on the registration form.
  • The parent/carer must notify the staff if an alternative named person is tocollect the child.
  • Children must be always collected on time.
  • We will not be taking responsibility for children out of these hours.
  • It would be greatly appreciated if a parent/guardian/authorised child collector is running late for pick up time, please phone the service and let us know.

SETTLING IN POLICY

It is the policy of this service that every effort is made to ensure that the settling in period is as easy and pleasant as possible for the children and their parents/carers.

Settling in procedures

  • Each parent is encouraged to attend the Induction day, which is usually held prior to the commencement date with their child, so that the child can become familiar with the other children, staff and the day to day running of the service.
  • On the first day the parent is encouraged to stay with the child until he or she feels comfortable in their new surroundings.
  • Each parent is encouraged to spend as much time as necessary with the child during the settling period. There is no set time limit on the settling in period.
  • No child will be pressurised to take part in any activity during the settling in period.
  • To help staff build a relationship with the child, staff will discuss the child’s interests with parents, as well as their likes, dislikes and key words the child uses at home.

RECRUITMENT

STAFF RECRUITMENT POLICY

The management of Happy Feet Playschool iscommitted to ensuring that our recruitment procedures are fair, open andtransparent and comply with relevant employment legislation. Personalinformation received is dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Staff Recruitment Procedures

Job Descriptions

A detailed job description is prepared before each post is advertised and isavailable to all applicants. Each job description includes:

Job title, Location of the position, Overall purpose of the job, Duties and responsibilities,

Conditions of employment and Person specification. (Qualifications, Skills, Experience)

Advertising

All posts are publicly advertised in local or national newspapers and stateclearly that Happy Feet Playschool is an equalopportunities employer. All advertisements include the following:

• Name and role of organisation

• Job Title

• Brief description of the job

• Location of position

• Qualifications and experience which are essential and which are desirable

• Whether the position is full time or part- time, temporary or permanent

• How to apply (CV or Application Form)

• How to get further information

• Closing date for application

• Equal opportunities statement

• Logos as required

Short listing

  • A short listing panel is set up to review allapplications. The selection criteria are based on the information in the advertisement and thejob description. Assessment of applications is based only on informationprovided by the applicant.
  • All applicants who meet the selection criteria are invited to attend an interview.A letter of regret is also sent to all applicants who do not meet the selection criteria.
  • A marking system and score sheet are also prepared.
  • A complete report of the short listing process is prepared by the short listingpanel.

Interviews

  • An interview panel with a minimum of three people is selected by theManager. The panel also includes a representative from an externalorganisatione.g. Roscommon County Childcare Committee.
  • A list of interview questions based on the job description is prepared in advanceof the interviews. The panel decides in advance who will cover each area.Each candidate is asked the same questions. At the end of each interview thecandidate is invited to ask questions or to give any additional information.
  • A marking system and score sheet are also prepared.
  • When the interviews are completed a full report of the interview process isprepared by the interview panel. The report is signed by each member of thepanel and is kept on file for at least one year, together with the short listingreport and the interview score sheet.

Selection Process

  • The position is usually offered to the candidate with the highest mark on the scoresheet, subject to satisfactory references, following approval from the Manager.
  • Two referencesare sought one of which should come from the current or most recent employer. Bothreferees are contacted verbally by telephone and this is followed up with awritten reference.
  • Photo ID and original certificates of accredited training are sought before thesuccessful candidate signs a contract of employment.
  • Letters of regret are sent to all unsuccessful candidates within one week of theinterviews.

Staff Absences

In the case of a member of staff being absent from work, there are two relief staff that will act as a replacement. Both staffs have Garda Vetting and have signed a copy of the policies and procedures of Happy Feet Playschool. Names of Replacement Staff;

  1. Joanna Flynn
  2. Michelle Rogers

Garda Vetting

  • Garda Vetting is sought for all employees, volunteers, students and any adultswho may come in contact with children in our service.
  • A declaration form will be enclosed with each application pack and should be submitted in relation to any criminal convictions with completed application.

Contract of Employment

  • A written contract of employment is prepared for each new employee of Happy Feet Playschool.All contracts include:

• Commencement date of employment

• Duration of the contract

• Terms and conditions of employment

• Reporting procedures

• Wages, Working Hours, Annual Leave

• Details of sick pay

• Information on grievance and disciplinary procedures

• Information on codes of conduct

• Duration of probationary period

Induction

An induction period is provided for all new employees. Employees areprovided with

• Information about Happy Feet Playschool

• Further information about the employee’s new role

• Information on the role of other employees

• Contracts of employment

• Details of conditions of employment

• Details of wages

• Details of grievance and disciplinary procedures

• Details of codes of conduct

• Copy of the Staff Handbook

• Full details of the Policies and Procedures of Happy Feet Playschool

. • Employees are obliged to familiarise themselves with the Policies andProcedures of the service and to sign up to codes of behaviour as set outby the service.

STUDENT POLICY

It is our policy, to assist students in developing their skills in childcare. Studentswill work closely with staff, to develop a professional and child-centredapproach to working with children.

Procedures for Students on Placement

  • All students must be over the age of sixteen.
  • As part of their induction, students are requested to read the policies andprocedures of the service in staff handbook.
  • Students are not included in the adult/child ratio and are never used in placeof staff.
  • Students are never left unsupervised with groups or individual children.
  • Students are supported through regular supervision meetings. Support andinformation is also provided, if assistance is needed with projects orassignments.
  • Manager decides on what information the studentscan have access to and what meetings they attend.
  • Our service has ongoing contact with the relevant college.
  • Proof of Garda Vetting for each student is sought from the college
  • Mobile phones cannot be used by any student, for taking photos or videos of children without consent of their parents.

STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

It is our policy that all staff will have access to ongoing in-service training, tokeep them up to date and to develop their childcare and education skills.

Procedures

  • Induction training: All newly appointed staff/students/volunteers areprovided with the basic information they need to settle into the job, thisincludes: health and safety, child protection procedures, conditions ofemployment, policies and procedures.
  • External training and attendance at conferences/workshops/seminars issupported.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

We in Happy Feet Playschool are committed to practice which protects children from harm. Management, staff and volunteers/students in this service recognise that the welfare of children is paramount and our service will endeavour to safeguard children by:-

  • Having a reporting procedure to respond to concerns around children’s welfare and safety
  • Having a confidentiality statement
  • Having a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers/students
  • Having a safe recruitment procedure
  • Having a procedure to respond to accidents
  • Having a procedure to respond to complaints
  • Developing a Staff allegations procedure and disciplinary procedure

As part of the policy this service will:-

  • Appoint a designated person
  • Provide induction training around the group’s child protection policy
  • Ensure that staff attend child protection training as appropriate
  • Provide supervision and support for staff and volunteers in contact with children
  • Share information about the child protection policy and good practices with families and children
  • Review the groups’ child protection policy and practices on a regular basis

REPORTING PROCEDURE