A copy of our Policy file is kept in the entrance hall of each nursery and are available on audio cassette by request
Settling your Child at
Nursery
Communication
Food
Clothes and Nappies
Sickness
Holidays and Absence
Challenging Behaviour
Equal Opportunities
Child Protection
Settling into nursery is very important. Most children settle fairly quickly, but some do take time. We want your child to be happy at Young Sussex, so your child may attend as many ‘settling in’ sessions (of up to one hour’s duration) free of charge until they settle. If, however, after a period of time it is clear that your child is not making any progress we may advise you to wait until he or she is a little older. At times children cry when left – please regard this as perfectly normal and natural. Usually once they have cried and been comforted they will be happy. Children who are not ‘allowed’ to cry may internalise their unhappiness and become withdrawn. Please try not to feel guilty if your child cries when you leave!
Some children may go through a period of not wanting to come to nursery. This could be due to a variety of factors. Staff will always let you know if there has been an incident at nursery. Please let us know if there have been any changes at home. Top of Page
Good communication is essential between nursery staff and parents – each nursery holds a parents/social evening three times a year. We ask you to read notices on the doors and notice boards, as well as our regular newsletters. Young Sussex operates an ‘Open Door’ policy so you are welcome to talk to staff about your child’s progress or any concerns you may have at any time. We love to hear about things you are happy with, but also please give us feedback about anything you think could be improved upon. We will always listen. If you have any concerns about your child please share them with the nursery staff who will do all they can to help. If you wish to have a long talk, please make an appointment so the staff member can be relieved of their child care duties and give you their undivided attention. The nursery and area managers are also available should you wish to talk to them. Top of Page
Bottles and food must be clearly named and will be stored in the refrigerator. Top of Page
Please bring a change of clothes, and where appropriate a daily supply of nappies. All should be named and placed in a bag on your child’s peg. Please send children in clothes suitable for messy and outdoor play. During and after toilet training please send your child in clothes which they can easily manage themselves, so they may become independent (e.g. elasticated waistbands rather than difficult buttons and buckles). Top of Page
We ask all parents to be considerate and act in the best interests of their child, other children and staff. Please do not bring your child to nursery when suffering with a temperature, doubtful rash, discharge from eyes, ears or nose, cold sores, sickness or diarrhoea, as contagious illnesses spread quickly to other children and staff. If your child falls ill whilst at nursery every effort will be made to contact you. In an emergency, if for some reason we are unable to contact you, a member of staff, who is well known to your child, will take him/her to hospital. We are not permitted to take your child to the doctor on your behalf. Top of Page
Please let us know your holiday dates in good time. You are asked to telephone the nursery before a session starts if your child is not going to attend. Top of Page
Staff will never smack or physically punish a child. Unacceptable behaviour is discouraged by distraction (with very young children), intervention and by explaining, in a kind but firm manner, why they should not do something. Positive behaviour management strategies are used, appropriate to each individual child. Staff aim to label the behaviour as unacceptable not the child.
We will notify you if we become concerned about behaviour. We do this not to worry you, but to make you aware and to discuss a strategy for dealing with the behaviour at home and at nursery which is consistent. We never want you to punish your child at home for behaviour at nursery which has already been dealt with by our staff at the time. Top of Page
Young Sussex has an Equal Opportunities Policy whereby all children and staff are given the same opportunities regardless of gender, race, religion, cultural background, physical or learning abilities. Staff are aware of individual children’s needs, their level of development and background. We have a range of resources showing people with a diversity of cultures, ethnic backgrounds and abilities, all of which project positive images of males and females of all ages. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude and respect for all people. Top of Page
As a registered nursery we have a responsibility to make a child’s welfare paramount. Top of Page