We have operational policy and procedure documents that explain how we organise and manage a range of issues. Copies are displayed in the nursery main hallway (blue folder) and are available on request from the nursery office. A brief description of some of our key policies and procedures are:
Oak Cottage Nursery will work with children, parents and the community to ensure the rights and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. It is our duty to report any suspicions or concerns that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm. In this instance we are required to contact the Front Door for Families Tel 01273 290400 and follow advice given. Gemma Bonwick the Nursery Manager is the designated person responsible for safeguarding issues and the deputy person is Mairi Law.
We will ensure that our service is fully inclusive in meeting the needs of all children, particularly those that arise from their ethnic heritage, social and economic background, gender, ability or disability. Our setting is committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all children and families.
At Oak Cottage Nursery we are proud to be a fully inclusive nursery. We have extensive experience in working with children with a wide range of additional needs including global development delay, blindness, deafness, downs syndrome, autism, speech and language delay and medical issues. We work closely with parents and agencies involved with the child to provide an environment in which all children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, are supported to reach their full potential.
Disease/Illness | Minimal Exclusion Period |
---|---|
Antibiotics prescribed | 24 hours - must be well before returning to nursery |
High temperature (above 37.5c) | Until temperature has returned to normal without medication. Must be well before returning to nursery |
Vomiting/Diarrhoea | 48 hour exclusion after last episode |
Conjunctivitis | None (if an outbreak occurs contact the duty room) |
Impetigo | Until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment |
Headlice (Nits) | None treatment recommended in cases where live lice have been seen |
Threadworms | None – treatment recommended for child and household contacts |
Ringworm | Exclusion not normally required, but treatment is required |
Slapped Cheek | None once rash has developed |
Hand, Foot and Mouth | None (if large number of children are affected exclusion may be considered) |
Chickenpox | Until all vesicles have crusted over |
Measles and German Measles (Rubella) | 4 days from onset of rash |
Mumps | 5 days after onset of swelling | Scabies | Child can return after first treatment. Household and close contacts require treatment |
Scarlet fever | XChild can return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment (if more than one child has scarlet fever contact PHA duty room for advice) | Shingles | Only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered (can cause chicken pox in those who are not immune- spread by very close contact and touch) |
Whooping cough | 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment) | Glandular fever | None |
Tonsillitis | None – Many causes, most cases are due to viruses and do not need antibiotic |
At Oak Cottage Nursery, we believe that children flourish best when their personal, social and emotional needs are met and where there are clear and developmentally appropriate expectations for their behaviour. Children need to learn to consider the views and feelings, needs and rights, of others and the impact that their behaviour has on people, places and objects. This is a developmental task that requires support, encouragement, teaching and setting the correct example. Our nursery is rich with experiences to enhance these skills in a warm and secure environment.
At Oak Cottage Nursery we believe that children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. We welcome suggestions on how to improve our setting and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns about the running of the setting. We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff, usually the manager. If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns. We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our setting to a satisfactory conclusion for all of the parties involved.
Settling in at oak cottage - Opening times and prices - Exclusion Period for illness - Admissions - Early years grant - 2 year old funding