Through both the completion of the registration form and through regular discussion with parents we seek to gain information from them on all the topics listed below.

• Full name.
• Date of birth.
• The name and address of every parent/carer (contacting parent).
• Emergency contact details.
• Any special dietary requirements.
• Any special words that the child uses or responds to, or which have a special meaning for the child.
• The child’s sleep routine, and any particular problems that the child has with sleep.
• Family member’s names and names used by the child for other members of the family.
• Family religion.
• Any language difficulties, and also the child’s first language if different from the majority of nursery children, e.g. Russian, Polish, English

This list will be reviewed with a parent at least once every six months in order to ensure that it is fully up to date. The parents will be informed that the discussion will be recorded on the child’s registration form.

During Covid -19 outbreak, we aim to ensure:

• Parents made aware of stricter guidelines around ill health & attendance.
• Parents/carers advised they must collect symptomatic children as soon as possible.
• Parents/Carers advised on notifying the setting if taken ill and of symptoms so that isolation advice can be adhered to.
• Clear expectations shared with all parents and information explained in both languages ( Lithuanian and English if required).

Photography

Nursery staff takes children’s pictures to show the child’s progress and development in the nursery. Pictures are taken by photo cameras and iPods, no mobile phones.

Upon having a child accepted for the nursery, the parent, with whom the nursery contracts, is asked to agree to the child being photographed on occasion by a teacher or individual validated by the nursery. This enables the nursery to proceed with the taking of photographs for publicity shots, and at special occasions, such as Christmas.

Every parent has the right to refuse this request, in which case the child must not be photographed by any member of staff, by a parent, or by any outsider without the permission for that occasion by the parent with whom the nursery has a contract.

While pictures of children may be used as part of the publicity of the nursery, no pictures of children will be displayed on the nursery web site, nor will they be made available to anyone in a digital form.

Where pictures are made available to the press or television, they will not be released with the names of the child unless the contracting parent gives express permission for this to be done.

Where pictures are taken of the whole nursery (for example on the day of Christmas) the parents of children who have opted out of having their child photographed will be contacted to allow them to rescind their decision.

Confidentiality Policy

This policy represents the agreed principles for confidentiality throughout the Nursery. All Nursery staff, representing Nursery Moksliukas have agreed to this policy. Nursery Moksliukas works with many children and families and sometimes will be in contact with confidential information.

We will respect confidentiality in the following ways:

• Parents will have ready access to the files and records of their own children but will not have access to information about any other child.
• Issues to do with the employment of staff whether paid or unpaid will remain confidential to the people directly involved with making personnel decisions.
• Staff will not discuss the individual children, other than for purposes of curriculum planning/group management, with people other than the parent/carers of the child.
• Any anxieties/ evidence relating to a child’s personal safety will be kept in a confidential file and will not be shared within the group except with the child’s key person or managers.
• Information given by parents/ carers to the managers or key persons will not be passed onto other adults without permission.
• Students on work experience or other recognized courses observing in Nursery Moksliukas will be advised of our confidentiality policy and required to respect it.
• All the undertaking above is subject to the paramount commitment of the nursery as is the safety and wellbeing of the child. Please see our child protection policy.
• The nursery will comply with all requirements of the Data Protection Act.

“Contracting Parents”

When a child joins the nursery one or both parents is asked to sign the standard form applying for a place and accepting the standard terms and conditions of the nursery.

Where one parent only signs the form it will be made clear in writing to the parent that this parent is seen by the Nursery as the contracting parent. The implications of this will be made clear. These are:

• The contracting parent, and only the contracting parent, is liable for the payment of nursery fees and costs.
• The contracting parent nominates who may collect the child from the nursery. At least two names will be given. Where this does not include the second parent, the second parent will not be allowed to collect the child. It is not the duty of the nursery to inform the second parent of this, but the nursery urges the contracting parent to inform the second parent that this is the case.
• The contracting parent is naturally allowed to see the child at the nursery. However, it is made clear that the other parent will not be allowed into the nursery unless the contracting parent has nominated the second parent as being able to do this or unless the second parent is a contracting parent for another child.
• The contracting parent decides on specific issues in relation to the child such as whether the child is allowed to be photographed.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that parents recognize that the nursery will not be a place that can be used as part of any dispute between parents. A parent who is not a contracting parent and is not listed as an acceptable person for collecting children from the nursery will not be allowed into the nursery for any purpose in relation to that child.

Code of conduct

This Code of Conduct is an unsigned agreement between the Parent/ Carer, Visitor and Nursery Moksliukas. It aims to clarify the types of behavior that will not be tolerated and seeks parental agreement to these expectations. Also, it sets out the actions the nursery can take where breaches occur.

We are committed to resolving difficulties in a constructive manner, through an open and positive dialogue. However, we understand that everyday misunderstandings can cause frustrations and have a negative impact on our relationships. Where issues arise or misconceptions take place, please contact the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager, who will be available to meet with you and go through the issue and hopefully resolve it.

 

Behavior that will not be tolerated:

• Any inappropriate behavior on nursery premises.
• Using loud or offensive language or displaying temper.
• Threatening in any way, a member of staff, visitor, fellow parent/carer or child.
• Damaging or destroying nursery property.
• The use of physical, verbal, or written aggression towards another adult or child. This includes the physical punishment of your own child on nursery premises.
• Approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them because of the actions of this child towards your own child. (Such an approach to a child may be seen to be an assault on that child and may have legal consequences).
• Smoking, taking illegal drugs, or the consumption of alcohol on nursery premises.
• Breach of confidentiality regarding other children, parents, and staff members. (This includes posting children, parents, and staff photos/videos on social media).
• Taking pictures of children in nursery premises. (Photos may only be taken during authorized events).

 

Please be aware that alcohol consumption or illegal substance affects your judgment and responses. We want you to be fully competent in taking care of your child/children for your journey home. If staff is concerned about your ability to do this, the Nursery Manager/ Deputy Manager will advise you to take a taxi or will request for someone else to come and to pick up you and your child from the nursery.

Whilst on nursery premises you, the parent/career, are responsible for your child/children’s safety and their care.

The Nursery Moksliukas has a Facebook page that allows parents to receive and respond to messages about nursery events. We encourage you to positively participate if you wish.

 

In any event that the above rules are breached, the nursery Disciplinary Procedure will be followed:

1. Verbal warning.
2. Written warning.
3. Dismissal/loss of nursery place.

 

Extra payments with an additional agreement

When the child becomes three years old (before September) he may be transferred to a preschool room which is using A.C.E program. Programme uses the PACEs which adds additional costs to the payments for the child’s care. Parents are informed and explained benefits of A.C.E education and asked to sign additional agreement, which states few additional requirements about dress code, extra payments, weekend outings.

Personal Property Policy

Children should not bring sweets or valuables to the nursery (e.g. jewellery, expensive toys or electronics), since staff cannot be held responsible for any personal belongings being lost or damaged.

The parents are strongly advised not to dress their children in expensive clothes when coming to the Nursery, in case they may be damaged during the free play or art activities, since staff cannot be held responsible for keeping children out of expressing themselves during the day.

Policy on Jewellery

Wearing of jewellery by children in the busy nursery environment can present a potential hazard to both the child wearing the jewellery and the risk such as that of choking-that the jewellery poses to other children. We do not recommend loose fitting jewellery such as necklaces and bangles, loose items such as this can snag on other children’s clothes and break, they may also pose a strangulation risk. Staff advises parents /carers that the only jewellery that is acceptable are small stud earrings. If a child arrives at nursery wearing other forms of jewellery, this will be sensitively pointed out by the key person, and the parent encouraged removing the items and taking them home. If the items are only noticed during the session time they will be removed, put in a safe place and given to the parent/ carer at collection time. The nursery will not accept any liability for lost items and will take steps to ensure the policy is not breached.

 

Rest Time policy

Importance of the sleep:

• ALL children get very tired during the day and NEED to have opportunities to rest and sleep within the nursery day.
• Every child’s needs are different so we provide flexibility and opportunities for children to take rests and naps as they need and wish.
• It is VERY important that young children get ALL the sleep they need and so we prioritize and facilitate this in all rooms of the nursery.

 

Comforters (dummies, toys) and comfort blankets:

• Comfort blankets and soft toys are most welcome for children to bring for comfort and reassurance. Especially when they are new to the nursery and during rest and sleep times.
• Parents may wish to provide dummies for their little ones, because it comforts during rest and sleep time and helps the child to fell asleep faster, and sleep longer because of the habit.
• Nursery do not recommend for the child to use the dummy during the day because it stops child’s speech development and interactions with others.

 

Rest areas

Within each playroom we have a set time for a nap for children if they wish to rest and relax. If the child willing to have a rest in other time, he/she may be provided with soft cushions in a quiet area (close to book corner).

Other children may choose to go to non-sleepers room.  Anyway, restful and quiet games should be encouraged for non-sleepers too.

Staff

• Staff are fully aware of the fact that children need to rest and sleep
• Staff appreciate that children have individual needs and routines which vary as they grow and develop
• Children are encouraged to indicate and say when they are tired and need to rest.
• Children are never left sleeping alone, especially in rooms where they have double decked beds. Babies may be left to sleep alone, but are checked frequently every 10-15 min.

Parents’ wishes

• The preferences and wishes of parents are always valued and respected and staff work closely with them, especially in the Baby and Toddlers rooms, to ensure each child’s individual needs are carefully met.
• Younger babies usually need both morning and afternoon sleeps but these depend upon parents’ wishes and children needs.
• Some parents prefer their children to only have a short sleep – fearing that it infringes on their night time sleep. A child may have an hour of sleep, and the rest time play quietly in non-sleepers room.

Sleep records

Baby’s sleep notes are completed each day and parents are kept informed regarding their child’s sleeps both verbally.

Sleeping room:

• Room temperature is kept between 16-20 degrees Celsius
• Cots cannot be left in direct sunlight or next to radiators
• We follow the ‘feet to foot’ sleeping position (with pictorial guidelines available)
• We ensure all mattresses are in first class condition, clean and fit for purpose
• Lightweight blankets are provided and pillows may not be used in the Baby Room.

Sunny days Policy

Parents are advised to use sun cream and bring in a sun hat during the summer season. Sun cream must to applied by parents at home or before leaving the child in the Nursery, otherwise the child will be advised to stay in a deep shade during the hottest part of the day (11am-14pm). Sunglasses are not recommended in case of possible injury.

Key-person System Policy

The nursery has a key-person  system in operation. The child will be given a member of staff who will be responsible for the initial settling-in period, this will enable the child to form a bond with his/her key-person. A child’s key-person will also be responsible for keeping a developmental record and writing out term reports. However, the key-person does not have sole charge of a child throughout the day and at times they will not be the person giving you feedback at the end of each day. If the child’s days of attendance do not match key-person’s working shifts- the second key-person will be allocated (it could be an apprentice student or experienced Nursery assistant).

Settling-in Policy

We aim to ensure your child’s introduction to our setting is as stress free as possible. Once a place has been offered, we aim to achieve this by inviting you and your child to visit the nursery prior to your child’s official start date. This helps to familiarise your child with the nursery, the nursery staff and the other children, and provides the opportunity to give your journey a trial run.

A child who is tense or unhappy will not be able to play or learn properly, so it is important for parents/carers and staff to work together to help the child feel confident and secure in the group. This takes longer for some children and parents/carers should not feel worried if their child takes a while to settle. You must be prepared to accept that it may take some time for your child to adjust to the nursery but very few children fail to settle eventually. We find that staying with your child and then leaving him/her for a short period eases the separation process. Please remember, the more your child comes and experiences the activities on offer and sees you interacting with the staff, the more settled s/he will feel. In the unlikely event that your child does not seem to settle at the nursery we will review the situation with you and discuss the options, including termination of the contract. Such termination is at the sole discretion of the Nursery Manage

Every child is unique and different. For some children it might take less time to get used to the nursery than others. So settling in time depends on each child individually.

This is a settling-in example:

• First day we recommend that you stay with your child for one hour for play in the nursery.
• Second day – stay with your child for a while and when he/she is ready, leave him/her alone for an hour. If your child starts to cry and does not calm down, we will ask you to come back to the room and stay with him/her.
• Third day – the child should feel more confident in the new place and it would be really good to stay for him/ her all morning session, till nap time without parents.
• Fourth day – if everything is ok, we recommend that your child would take a nap in the nursery. (If he/she still needs it.) Parents would come to pick up the child around 3pm.
• Fifth day – the child can stay in the nursery for all day, but we ask you to come to pick up the child around 4 o’clock. It is going to be a very long day for your child without you, so we do not want the child to feel stressful.

During the Covid-19 outbreak, parents will enter the nursery setting for the purpose of settling in session. They must adhere to hygiene practices outlined elsewhere ( for all people in the setting). The manager will ensure contact between the parent and other children and staff members is minimised. Settling -in hours will be minimised and settling -in period will be shorter.

Room transfer policy

The nursery will let you know about your child’s transition to the new room in advance. The manager will give you all information and will ask your opinion. Transition depends on the child’s birthday, availability in the new room and your child’s readiness. Most of the time children are moving from one room to another before or in September.  The manager or key person will let you know about your child’s new room before transition.

 

During settling in time in the new room, the child will be introduced to a new key – person and parents also will be informed. Your child’s key person will let you know how your child felt in the new room during settling in time. Key person from the previous room will pass all information about your child to the new key person. Also, you will have an opportunity to discuss with your child’s new key person about your daily routine and your child’s medical and dietary needs on the first day in the new room. Your child’s folder will be handed over to a new key-person when the child moves. New key person will fill your child’s transition form to a new room and also will ask you to fill some forms about your child.

We aim to ensure your child’s introduction to their new room is as stress free as possible. Once the child is ready to move up to the room, we aim to achieve this by having the child’s key-worker settling the child into his/her new room.

A child who is tense or unhappy will not be able to play or learn properly, so it is important for parents/carers and staff to work together to help the child feel confident and secure in the group. This takes longer for some children and parents/carers should not feel worried if their child takes a while to settle. You must be prepared to accept that it may take some time for your child to adjust to the new room but very few children fail to settle eventually. We find that the key-worker staying with your child and then leaving him/her for a short period eases the separation process. Please remember, the more your child attends and experiences the activities on offer and sees you interacting with the staff, the more settled s/he will feel.

During Covid -19 outbreak, children are separated into smaller groups ( bubbles) which are socially distanced from other  setting bubbles and staying in the same small group during the day. Practitioners and nursery assistants are assigned to each group and stay the same during the day. Children will not be transfered from their bubble.

 

Two years old Check-up Policy

Aim of the policy

At Nursery MOKSLIUKAS we aim to provide the highest quality education and care for all our children. We aim to offer a welcome to each individual child and family and to provide a warm and caring environment within which all children can learn and develop as they play.

How your child plays, learns, speaks and acts offers important clues about your child’s development. Development milestones are things most children can do by certain age. At the Nursery MOKSLIUKAS we undertake development checks on all children where possible at the time they are 2 years 6 months, this is statutory requirement of the EYFS.

The EYFS requires that parents and carers must be supplied with a short-written summary of their child’s development in the three prime learning and development areas of EYFS: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical development and Communication and language. This should be completed when child is aged between 24-36 months.

The aims of the progress check are to:

• Review a child’s development in the three prime areas of the EYFS.
• Share this information with patents at an agreed time to ensure they have a clear picture of their child’s development.
• Enable MOKSLIUKAS to understand the child’s needs and plan activities and experiences to meet them in the setting.
• Enable parents to understand the child’s needs and enhance development at home, with support of the setting.
• Note areas where the child is progressing well and identifies any areas where progress is less than expected.
• Describe actions the setting intends to take to address any developmental concerns (including working with professionals where appropriate).

The progress check will:

• Be completed by a practitioner who knows the child well and works directly with them in the setting-this will normally be the child’s key person.
• Arise from the ongoing observational assessment carries out as of everyday practice in the setting.
• Be based on skills, knowledge, understands and behaviour that the child demonstrates consistently and independently.
• Take account of the views and contributions of parents and the child if appropriate.
• Take into account the views of other practitioners and, where relevant, other professionals working with the child.

Nursery MOKSLIUKAS intends that the progress check will:

• Be clear and easy to read, avoiding unfamiliar jargon or terminology (with interpretation and translation available where appropriate)>
• Present a truthful yet sensitive reflection of what the child can do and their achievements to date.
• Identify areas where the child is progressing at a slower pace than expected.
• Recognise parents’ in-depth knowledge of their child by incorporating their observations and comments; explain how their child’s learning and development will be supported in the setting.

The EYFS requires that the progress check is carried out when a child is age two, this includes any child that starts at the setting between the ages of 24-36 months.

 Practitioners will agree with parents when is the best time to provide the check and the following factors will be considered before commencing:

The setting will allow a settling-in period for the child to enable their key person and other practitioners to build up good knowledge of the child’s development, abilities and interests before completing the progress check.

If a child has a period of ill health or a significant event in their family (e.g. family breakdown, bereavement or the arrival of a sibling) it may be appropriate to delay the check.

 If a child has a period of absence or irregular attendance

Where possible, we will carry out the progress check in time for parents to share it with the health visitor at the two-year-old health and development review.

If the child has already had the health visitor 2-year-old check the setting still required to carry out the EYFS 2-year-old check.

Children attending more than one setting or changing settings

In case of children who are attending more than one setting, the progress check will normally be carried out by the child’s key person at the setting where the child spends the greatest amount of time each week.

However, the setting carrying out the progress check will consider whether it would be helpful to get the views of other practitioners working with the child at the other setting or settings.

If a child moves between settings between 24 and 36 months, leader and managers of the respective settings will agree which provider will complete the check. It will usually be the setting where the child has spent the most time to date.

Preparing the progress check for a child with identified or special educational needs

If the progress check is for a child with identified disability, medical needs or special educational needs the setting will take into account if the child is already being supported by other professionals. Then the setting will agree with parents how the views and contributions of those professionals can be sought.

The focus will be on what the child can do, their unique and individual characteristics and their development to date, rather than describing their development in terms of their need or disability.

Information sharing

The progress check is a statutory requirement of the EYFS. The setting will seek the consent of parents to share information from the check directly with relevant professionals.

The progress check at age 2 will not need to be undertaken during the COVID-19 outbreak, but we should still remain alert to any emerging concerns about any child in our care and endeavour to provide or seek additional support if needed. It is expected that the checks will take place once the COVID-19 outbreak ends, so if a child is still between the age of 2 and 3 once the temporary measures are lifted then the progress check should still be completed before the child turns 3.

 

Toileting and Nappies Policy

Nappies

Parents/carers of children not yet completely toilet trained are required to provide sufficient disposable nappies and wipes for each day.

 Potty training Policy and procedures

The staff at Nursery MOKSLIUKAS are experienced in helping children to potty train. If you think your child is developmentally ready to start using the potty we will endeavour to support you and your child to the best of our ability. Potty training can be a very daunting process for parents but please be assured that our staff will work with you every step of the way to ensure the process is a smooth one. Please be aware that it can take longer for a child to potty train at nursery as there is so much more happening within the environment then at home. This is why we ask you to start potty training your child at home for a short period before it is introduced at nursery.

 

Please be aware of the following procedure that your child’s key worker will follow.

• Once you have introduced potty training to your child at home, we will start encouraging your child to sit on a potty at nursery. We will try to copy your routine as close as possible to maintain continuity for your child.
• The nursery suggests that your child arrives at nursery in a ‘pull up’ to encourage them to use them as ‘pants/knickers’ when using the potty rather than taking off a nappy.
• Your child needs to wear suitable clothing when potty training (no belts, dungarees or baby grows).
• Whilst your child is potty training their key person will keep you informed on their progress. When you feel your child is ready to wear knickers/pants to nursery practitioner will ask parents to provide more spare clothes. (This includes spare socks.)
• Key person will put your child back in pull-ups for relaxation and sleep time, until your child is dry throughout the day.
• If your child has three accidents in one day they will be put back in to ‘pull up’ training nappy, and we will try again next day.
• Accidents will be dealt with calmly and sensitively, and in a way which does not make the child feel guilty or ashamed.

Please bring more spare clothes for your child during potty training time.

 

We understand that due to changes in routines or at home some children may regress.  If your child has been dry for a while and they begin to have accidents your key person will work with you and support your child through this time. They will not be put back into ‘pull ups’ as this may make them more insecure but will be encouraged more than usual to use the toilet.