penmorfa playmates · penmorfa playmates statement of purpose 2019 pg. 1 penmorfa playmates...

Penmorfa Playmates Statement of Purpose 2020 pg. 1

Penmorfa Playmates

Parent/Guardian Information Booklet

January 2020


Contents The object of the Penmorfa Playmates .............................................................................................................................. 4

What we believe: .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

We aim to: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Who can use Playmates ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

When are we open? ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

Session Fees (includes the cost of snack) ........................................................................................................................... 6

Ways you pay can pay us .................................................................................................................................................... 7

30hr childcare ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Notice .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

How will my child learn? ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

The parents/carer’s role .............................................................................................................................................. 9

What will my child learn? ................................................................................................................................................. 11

How we let you know? ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

OUR DAY IN PLAYMATES .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Safety ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Behaviour Policy and procedure ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Other information ............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Your child’s work .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Self-Registration ........................................................................................................................................................... 18

Washing up ................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Sunblock ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Activities off site ............................................................................................................................................................... 18

Our Staff Team .................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Key worker ........................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Allocation of places: .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

Inspections ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Programmes we participate in ......................................................................................................................................... 20

Foundation Phase ......................................................................................................................................................... 20

Flying Start .................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Tooth Brushing .............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Healthy Schools............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Food .................................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Healthy packed lunch ................................................................................................................................................... 21

School dinners .............................................................................................................................................................. 22

Amser snac .................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Water ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22


Settling In .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Arrival and collection (including arrangements when children are not collected) .......................................................... 23

Late or uncollected child................................................................................................................................................... 25

Illness and Administering Medicine .................................................................................................................................. 25

Special dietary or health needs ........................................................................................................................................ 25

Accidents and Incidents .................................................................................................................................................... 26

Nappies and Toilet Training .............................................................................................................................................. 26

Parental involvement .................................................................................................................................................. 27

Complaints ........................................................................................................................................................................ 28

Contact details .................................................................................................................................................................. 29


Penmorfa Playmates

The object of the Penmorfa Playmates is to enhance the development and education of children in Wales, for the public benefit, by encouraging parents to understand and provide for their needs through high quality childcare provision.

What we believe:

• the development, education and care of children is of paramount importance to improve their life chances

• all children have the right to high quality care and play opportunities

• parents and families are the prime educators of their children

• active parental/carer participation should be encouraged and supported

• all children, and adults, should have the right to equality of opportunities and be treated with respect

• in valuing the contribution and skills of volunteers, parent/carer helpers and staff and empower them to realise their potential

We aim to:

1. Plan, monitor and review operational systems to

• Improve the success and effectiveness of Penmorfa Playmates in the long term and identify relevant financial resources

2. Promote Penmorfa Playmates

• Raise local awareness of our provision as quality providers of support, care, education and play to children in the Prestatyn area

3. Promote the needs of children and their families in the Prestatyn area

• Demonstrate the benefits of our provision to society and raise awareness of the needs of children

4. Invest in people by encouraging appropriate training and employment opportunities

• Value the contribution and skills of volunteers, parent/carer helpers and staff and empower them to realise their potential


Penmorfa Playmates is registered charity managed by a voluntary committee.

Our charity number is: 1182862

Our CIW registration number is: W14/00001845/O001/0001

The Responsible Individual is: Victoria Bollard

The person in charge on a day to day basis is: Lisa Oldroyd

The committee officers are:

Chairperson: Victoria Bollard

Treasurer: Sian Welburn

The list of full contact details for every member of the current committee is available on the Charity Commission website. We are a non-profit making organisation.


Who can use Playmates?

We offer full day care and are registered for 30 children, male and female ages 2 years to 4 years. Whilst we do offer sessions 9am – 3pm we only have a limited resting area and therefore want to ensure we can meet your child’s needs. We offer childcare for all children and work with the relevant authorities to ensure that all children’s needs are met. Where are we? Penmorfa Playmates Playgroup is situated in the grounds of Ysgol Penmorfa and has three children’s toilets, a separate staff facility, a kitchen, an outdoor play space, storage, and cloakroom/office.

When are we open?

We are open 9am-3pm every school day. We are shut during all of Ysgol Penmorfa’s school holidays and teacher training days. For further information on pleas go to http://ysgolpenmorfa.com/our-school/term-dates/ (last accessed 6.1.20) We are unable to open before 9am and shut promptly at 3pm as we share the premises with a breakfast and afterschool club. Opening Times We offer childcare from 9am until 3pm (term time only) Sessions Available:

Morning sessions 9am – 11.30am

Afternoon sessions 12.30pm – 3pm Wrap around 9am – 12:30/ 11:30 – 3pm All day 9am -3pm

Session Fees (includes the cost of snack)

All day 9-3pm £22.50 2.5 hours 9am – 11.30am 12.30pm – 3pm £9.50 3.5 hours School Nursery Wrap Around (including pick up) 9am – 12:30 11:30 – 3pm £13.50

http://ysgolpenmorfa.com/our-school/term-dates/


3 year old funding (January 2020-July 2020) If your child turns 3 before the end of the Christmas holidays or the end of the Easter holidays, they may be eligible for 10 hours free funding for the term after they turn 3. If they are in receipt of this funding, the following rates apply for the days they are funded: The 10 hours has to be taken as 2.5 hour sessions for 4 days a week To extend to a full day 9-3pm £16.00

Ways you pay can pay us

By Faster Payment

Please use your child’s full name as a reference.

You can use Faster Payment:

Our details are

Account Name: Penmorfa Playmates

Account Number: 10455384

Sort Code: 16-28-29

By Cheque:

Please make the cheque payable to Penmorfa Playmates.

In Cash:

Please put the cash in a dated, sealed envelope labelled with your child’s name.

Fees are payable at the beginning of the week or the first session attended. Tax free childcare We are registered for Tax free childcare.

30hr childcare

We are registered for the free 30hr Childcare Offer in both Flintshire and Denbighshire. To check if you can claim, go to https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/community-and-living/childcare-and-parenting/30-hours-childcare-offer-for-3-and-4-year-olds/30-hours-childcare-for-3-and-4-year-olds.aspx (last accessed 6.1.2020)

This offer is for 3-4 year olds to have 30 hours of funded childcare.

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/community-and-living/childcare-and-parenting/30-hours-childcare-offer-for-3-and-4-year-olds/30-hours-childcare-for-3-and-4-year-olds.aspx

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/community-and-living/childcare-and-parenting/30-hours-childcare-offer-for-3-and-4-year-olds/30-hours-childcare-for-3-and-4-year-olds.aspx


Notice

We require one month’s notice prior to your child leaving Playmates. You will be charged for this period. If the entire month falls across a school holiday, you will be liable for a month’s full payment. Non-Payment If you fall in to arrears with fee payments the following will occur.

1- After 2 weeks you will receive a letter stating the amount owed and be asked to rectify this matter.

2- If after 3 weeks no money is received, you will receive a further letter informing you that your child’s place has been withdrawn until full payment of arrears has been paid.

3- We will seek to recover any debts owed through the courts.

The terms and conditions are set out in the contract (Agreement) between parents/carers and Penmorfa Playmates and implicit within our policies and procedures.

The contract (Agreement) must be signed and the registration form must be completed by parents/carers before their child attends.

Illness Sadly, as we are a non-profit making organisation, you are required to continue to pay for your child’s booked sessions if your child is off due to illness. Long term illness or hospitalisation will be dealt with on an individual basis. Holidays If your child goes on holiday during term time you will still be required to continue to pay for your child’s booked session. Snow Days If we make the decision to close Playmates to ensure the safety of children and carers, we will notify via email and post on our Facebook page/website. On these occasions, there will be no charge.


How will my child learn?

We operate a Focus Child system, where children who are not in school are assessed, their needs planned for and met each term. We will write to you to ask for your input and then hold a meeting with you to feedback and discuss their progress and any next steps. We aim to have approximately six ‘named focus children’ each week.

Planning

The cycle of observation, assessment, planning, observation is carried out on a moment-by-moment basis.

The “planning sheets” are blank at the start of the week. They are then filled up gradually during the week. All adults contribute to these sheets. When possible, photos are printed and added to the records.

In addition, “Wow” moments are recorded for all children as and when they occur.

Planning in the moment

We use the observation cycle on a moment by moment basis. The focus children are given extra attention, but all the children are busy and learning all the time.

The planning sheets are a record of activities that have occurred.

It is particularly important that the adults’ input (teaching) is recorded.

The symbol “T” indicates “adult”. Adult input is high-lighted in yellow:-

“T suggests … encourages …models …ponders …models …helps …

offers resources .. etc.”

Activities that occur are recorded when the cycle is complete. These records are on the learning journeys for the focus children and on “planning in the moment” sheets for activities in which a group have become involved.

We have focus children NOT focus activities.

The adult goes to the child. The child is NOT called to come to the adult.

We work this way because high-level involvement occurs in child-initiated activity.

The parents/carer’s role

If your child is due to be a ‘focus child’ we will give you a parent/carer consultation sheet to fill in the week before. We value the knowledge and understanding you have of your child and would really appreciate it if you would share anything significant happening in your child’s life at that moment with us. Together we can plan activities to meet your child’s needs. This will help us to plan for their future learning and development.


Progress and Development

When children show high levels of involvement, that is when there is progress and development occurring – when the brain is at its most active. High level involvement occurs most often when children are able to pursue their own interests in an enabling environment supported by skilled staff. Planning in the moment helps to make this possible.

An Enabling Environment

We have a workshop style environment indoors and outside. Nothing is set out on the tables. The children select what they want to do in each area.

The principle is that resources are accessible to the children and they are varied, open-ended and high quality.

This gives children the opportunity to select resources to support their chosen activity.

The Role of The Adult

The adults are there to facilitate learning. They do this through observations and interactions. Our adults know the children very well and have a sound understanding of child development. This ensures that the adults enhance and extend the learning at the appropriate level.

Three Characteristics of Effective Learning

Playing and Exploring – do they investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’?

Learning Actively – do they concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements?

Creating and Thinking Critically – do they have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

With a system of focus children, a workshop style environment and records kept on spontaneous planning sheets and learning journeys, the children are

learning effectively all the time!!


What will my child learn?

During the year all our children have access to a range of facilities including all our areas of play: construction, small world, home corner, creative, graphic, malleable and tactile, sand, water play, snack and quiet area. Children learn through playing in these areas. This continuous provision gives children time to:

• explore/investigate/practice and consolidate their experiences

• an opportunity to follow and develop their interests

• a non-threatening opportunity to take risks and try things out

• an opportunity to revisit skills and concepts until they are comfortable with them.

We support children’s development by playing alongside them and introducing new skills concepts and knowledge when a child displays a readiness. We model, extend and promote the learning based on the child’s interests. We may use focus tasks to introduce skills that the children have not been able to learn through their daily play. This is where a worker will work with a group of children to introduce a specific skill, for example cutting with scissors. An example of how children will learn in the areas of play (water)

What do children naturally do?

Key Learning Resources that are available to children

Fill, empty Capacity, Count, order, size Funnels Graded containers Jugs – different sizes Sieves Water wheel Tubing Scoops, ladles Pipettes

Pour, decant Hand eye coordination, Comparison- more/less

Agitate, stir Problem solving, moving water about

Blow bubbles Fine motor skills

Get wet Properties of materials – how water behaves, moves and moves objects

Splash Taking turns, sharing

Role play, imagine Language, explaining a process

Talk, make noises Creative sounds – the music of water

We work towards the following areas of learning:-

1. Personal and Social Education/Health and wellbeing (including Physical development)

2. Language, Literacy and Communication Skills (including Welsh) 3. Mathematical Development/numeracy 4. Humanities/Knowledge and Understanding of the world 5. Creative Development 6. Science and technology/ICT

These areas of learning are developed across the setting and through play.


PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION (HEALTH AND WELLBEING)

Your child will develop skills to help them to become independent in their personal hygiene needs as well as being able to access the resources they want to use in their play. They will learn to become aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others as well as social skills such as sharing, caring and turn taking. We encourage them to take risks, show curiosity and develop positive attitudes to new experiences. They will learn what is expected of them as they take part in activities alongside the staff such as tidy up time. They will also learn to develop a positive self-image and an understanding of their welsh identity and different cultures and needs within our community.

Physical

We have a daily physical exercise slot, where children are encouraged to participate in 10 minutes of physical activity. There are also plenty of opportunities throughout the day for children to develop their gross and fine motor skills.

Outdoor Play The door to the outside play area is opened straight after morning group time and children can free flow between the outside and inside classrooms throughout the day. The only exceptions to this is lunchtime. We have access to an outside play area and Ysgol Penmorfa’s forest school which we use throughout the day regardless of the weather.

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION/LITERACY (INCLUDING WELSH)

Learning Welsh will be a key element of this area of learning and it will be done by the incidental use of Welsh throughout the setting as well as teaching common phrases, questions, answers and commands. Children will develop their listening and understanding skills as well as their oracy/talking. They will be given lots of opportunities to join in with rhymes and songs in both Welsh and English. They will be encouraged to learn new vocabulary through their play. They will grow in their abilities to listen and respond, learning how to ask and answer questions.

There are emergent mark making opportunities in the setting as they take steps to become writers. They are encouraged to write their name on all their work to take pride in their creations.

We have lots of reading opportunities throughout the setting and children will hear and create a wide range of stories.

They will learn about the importance of language for identity, culture, community and society. Learning Welsh will be important in the development of this.

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT/NUMERACY

Children will be using and developing a range of mathematical skills during their play including number facts, shape, temperature, pattern, money, time, length/weight/mass, capacity, area and volume, angle and position. They will learn to identify the right processes to use and make connections as well as check whether they have done things as well as they could. We will help them to use mathematical language to talk about their play as well as develop their use of number facts and relationships through songs, stories and building, role playing and playing in all our


areas. We will help them develop skills in collecting and recording information as well representing that data to share with their friends.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY/ICT Knowledge and Understanding of the world

Through their play and their natural curiosity about our natural and physical world and universe, children will be encouraged to explore, investigate and experiment, think creatively and imaginatively, to make mistakes and to learn from them. They will be asked open questions and think of their own questions including posing what if questions, listen to the answers as well as listen to the ideas of others. They will learn to make comparisons, identify similarities and differences, sort and group and see links between cause and effect.

CREATIVE/EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Children will have the opportunity to participate in music, dance, drama and art in Playmates. The purpose is to enable them to ‘Explore and experience’, ‘create and express’ and ‘respond and reflect’.

The expressive arts afford children the chance to explore thinking, refine and communicate ideas, take part in engaging thinking and use their imaginations and senses creatively.

HUMANITIES/Knowledge and Understanding of the world

Through their play and through looking after our playgroup, children will learn about sustainable development. They will have opportunities to explore their environment through the activities they participate in. Your child will learn about what is fair and ask what is right? In their own play and where appropriate extend this to others. They will experience and learn about the beliefs, religions, philosophies and spirituality of themselves and others in our community. Our children will learn to positively contribute to their community. Through their play they will gain knowledge and understanding of different times, places and beliefs.

Digital Competence

Children will be encouraged to use a range of resources across the areas and curriculum areas.

Dressed to play We ask that your child comes dressed appropriately in their play clothes. Our outside area gets very muddy in the winter and although we encourage all children to wear wellies and coats, they still get dirty! Please bring a pair of labelled wellies in to keep in Playmates.

How we let you know?

We share your child’s progress and learning through a mixture of discussion, parent’s evenings and a Learning Journey book. We will update our website and post regular information on our Facebook page. As ever, we would love to hear from you.


OUR DAY IN PLAYMATES

9:00 Arrival

9:10 Toothbrushing and family groups

9:15 Free play/outdoor play

10:00 Amser snac (Snack time) Children choose whether to take snack

Free play/outdoor play

11:10 Amser Tacluso (Tidy up time)

11:25 Hwyl Fawr/Goodbye for children leaving at 11:30

11:30 Wrap around children join us


11:45 Amser cinio (choose from a school dinner or healthy packed lunch)

Free play

12:25 Wrap around children to school

12:30 Arrival

12:40 Family groups

12:50 Free play/outdoor play

1:30 Amser snac


2:40 Amser tacluso

2:50 Hwyl Fawr/Goodbye

3:00 Playmates is closed and After School Club starts


Safety

Activities are risk assessed and children are encouraged to contribute to any review or evaluation of their experiences as they are able and willing.

Penmorfa Playmates is covered by public liability and employer’s liability insurance. Certificates are displayed in the cloakroom/office.

Behaviour Policy and procedure

At Penmorfa Playmates we are committed to creating a safe nurturing environment for the children in our care. Our aim is to create good foundations which will promote positive behaviour and strong relationships, where children will learn to care for and respect each other and the world around them.

In Penmorfa Playmates we don’t use extrinsic rewards like stickers or star charts. We see the learning as the ultimate motivation and try to keep our focus there.

Our practice for positive behaviour

Most of our behaviour management falls into this category. At Penmorfa Playmates we are dedicated to understanding each child’s individual needs.

We recognise when a child needs to be given some extra one to one time in order to help challenge and distract them away from unwanted behaviour.

We allow them time to talk, play a game or have a story. We especially encourage this at the beginning of the day.

To foster positive behaviour, we have age and stage appropriate expectations for the children in our care. 2- 3 years olds - The children in this age range are still learning to manage their feelings. We encourage children to learn to share and turn take, which are all skills the children begin to develop over time. We expect some children of this age range to have tantrums due to becoming frustrated. 3-4 year olds - The children in this age range start to show consideration for others and are starting to become aware of other people’s feelings. They are able to communicate in short sentences. 4+ year olds - The children in this age range are able to show a wide range of emotions and begin to imagine how others might be feeling. At this age they are learning how to be a good friend but may experience squabbles when they are unable to manage sharing, listening and considering feelings of others all at the same time.


How we nurture positive behaviour:

• We build a sense of teamwork, by using language such as ‘we’ and our’. We help chil-dren to understand that behaving well is important, mainly because of how it impacts on others. We develop a ‘community of learners’.

• We provide a stimulating setting where we observe children and then engage with them in child led, age appropriate play activities both indoor and outdoor

• We narrate the children’s behaviour, both the positive behaviours and the ones we want them to change. We talk about what they are doing and how it might affect oth-er children and themselves. “When you share so beautifully, it helps Darcie feel in-cluded in your game.”

• We ask questions about feelings, to help the children build a sense of empathy. “How do you think it made Cayden feel when the toy was grabbed from him?”

• We encourage the children to develop self-discipline, by gradually extending the tar-gets we set them.

• We set challenges and use provocations to help the children deal with frustrations and failures in learning. We encourage them to be comfortable with making mistakes and trying again.

• We have good, solid, consistent routines

• We are consistent in applying rules and dealing with behaviour as a team. We talk constantly to the children about the reasons behind any rules we have. As the chil-dren are capable, we ask them to consider the reasons for having these rules. (What would happen if we didn’t have them? We talk lots with the children about the ‘why’ of the appropriate behaviour.)

• We use appropriate language, calm tones and eye contact (where appropriate)

• We ensure that the setting is staffed to at least ratio guidelines and supervise children effectively

• We act as good role models to children and encourage positive behaviour through play

• We give the children time to reflect if needed

• We build trust through our key worker/child relationships

• Staff are offered regular supervision and when we encounter an issue with behaviour, we consider whether there was something about the environment or the situation that might have contributed to it. We ask what could we adapt to support the chil-dren in learning to behave? And, what was the child’s behaviour telling us that they might ‘need’?

Dealing with unwanted behaviour

Stage 1

• We identify and provide for children as and when they need time, space and support from staff (this could take the form of listening, reflecting back or providing a reflec-tive space). We work as a team to allow additional time for these children.

• We ignore low level unwanted behaviour

• We create positive distraction


• We emphasise praise where children are struggling to manage their behaviour. We use a smiley face and narrate the behaviour to show children when they are using positive behaviour and to help them see its impact

Stage 2 (where a child’s unwanted behaviour may cause a child to get hurt)

• We use a sad face (either on a card or on our faces) and narrate the behaviour and its impact when children are showing unwanted behaviour, we explain that the unwant-ed behaviour has finished, so the child is aware that it is over, this is accompanied by the Makaton sign for finished.

• If another child has been hurt, we model empathy towards the hurt child.

• If a child has been hurt, we complete an accident and corresponding incident form and ensure parents/carers are notified.

• If it will take time to calm the child down who is exhibiting the unwanted behaviour, we will remove all the other children from harm.

• We create positive distraction

At Playmates we do not:

• humiliate children

• use physical restraint

• withhold food or drink

• threaten children by withholding anything

• move children from one area to another after an incident, as the child does not bene-fit or learn

• make a child say ‘sorry’

• use the term ‘No’ as we believe children hear the last word that you tell them, eg no running so use a positive phrase eg we walk in Playmates instead

ALN

Special consideration is given to supporting children with Additional Learning Needs. We:

• Recognise the child’s needs and cater for them

• Give children space to reflect

• Give one to one care where appropriate

• Use Individual Play Plans to help us reduce unwanted behaviours as these children will not have expectations beyond their developmental ability

• We work with specialists and seek advice, support and training where needed

Bullying

We take any form of bullying seriously. Children should be encouraged from an early age to respect each other and their belongings. We believe that early intervention is the best policy in order to deter any bullying from taking place.


Parents/carers

It is important that we have a holistic approach when it comes to children and behaviour. We believe that working in partnership with parents will give us the foundations to understand the child’s behaviours so we can work together for a successful outcome.

• Keep parents informed and encourage any input

• Always record incidents and inform parents on the day

• Support parents in linking motivation to learning and behaviour, by encouraging them to spot their children ‘doing the right thing’. And offering training opportunities where these are available.

Other information

Your child’s work

We have orange bags in the foyer with your child’s name on. We place their art work in here for you to collect. Children choose their activities in Playmates so these may be full or empty, depending on their choices!

Self-Registration

In their last term, children are encouraged to find their own peg and hang their coats etc on these. You can help us by encouraging them to do this at home too.

Washing up

Children are encouraged to take their plates and cups to the washing up bowl and wash them themselves both at snack and lunch time.

Sunblock

We ask that you pay a one-off annual fee of £3 towards the cost of sunblock. We apply ‘Lacura SPF30 Moisturising Sun Lotion’. Alternatively, you can choose to provide your own and ensure that your child comes with this applied before the start of the session. This needs to be clearly labelled with your child’s name on it. Please indicate your choice in your Agreement with us.

Activities off site

We take children on trips around the school grounds (including the forest school). We also go on regular walking trips around the town, to shops and local places of interest. We ask that you give us your consent for this in our Agreement.

Early Years Wales (formerly WPPA)

We are members of Early Years Wales.


Our Staff Team

We have 10 members of staff and volunteers who all regularly attend training relevant to their roles in the playgroup. Staff are recruited, employed within and work to or exceed, regulatory requirements at all times. Penmorfa Playmates welcomes students on placement, volunteers and visitors who enrich the experiences of children. Policies and procedures that ensure children’s safety and wellbeing are paramount and are used times at all times.

Manager

Talitha Brown (PGCE Foundation Phase)

Person in Charge and Deputy Manager

Lisa Oldroyd (Level 3 qualified and working towards Level 5)

Senior Staff

Linda Forrest (Level 3 qualified and Elklan)

Claire Booth (Level 3 qualified)

Assistant Playworkers

Liane Woods (Level 2 and undertaking Level 3)

Supply staff

Afsana Shimu (Teaching Assistant Level 2 and undertaking Level 2 in Childcare Learning and Development)

Lisa Taylor (Level 2 qualified)

Volunteers include:

Mandy Parsons

Demi Chetham, Victoria Bollard, Cerys Wolfe (undertaking Level 2 Childcare Learning and Development.

In the unusual case of the nominated ‘person in charge’ not being present the nominated people would be Linda Forrest and secondly, Claire Booth.

Key worker

We operate a key worker system in Penmorfa Playmates. A member of staff will be allocated to your child to help them settle into the setting. If they are using nappies, the key worker will be the main person to take them to be changed. The key worker will spend any group time with your child and be the member of staff that will report back to you on their learning and development. You will be informed of your child’s keyworker within a week of starting. If you aren’t sure who your child’s key worker is, please ask!


Allocation of places: Penmorfa Playmates allocates places fairly in the following

way:

• While available places exist, they are allocated on a first come first served ba-sis:

o However, priority is given to: -

• existing parents/guardians with a child at Playmates and who wants extra sessions or a place for a sibling.

• those wanting a full-time place.

• Places can only be reserved in advance by signing an Agreement.

• If, in exceptional circumstances, Penmorfa Playmates is not able to admit a child we will provide a written statement of the reasons and information about how any appeal against the decision can be made.

Inspections

We are regularly inspected by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (C.I.W) and all reports are available to read and download online. Our latest inspection report can be seen on https://www.estyn.gov.wales/provider/6639141 (Last accessed 2.7.19)

We are also awarded a traffic light award for ITERS (Infant /Toddler Environment Rating Scale) and ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) between red and green. We are also inspected by the Food Standards Agency. Penmorfa Playmates follows Welsh Government initiatives by implementing Foundation Phase, Flying Start approach, Designed to Smile and Healthy Pre-school Scheme.

Programmes we participate in

Foundation Phase

If your child turns 3 before start of the school terms in January 2020 and Easter 2020 you may be entitled to 10 hours per week free. This free 10 hours must be taken 2.5 hours a day over 4 days in either a morning or afternoon session. Please ask a member of staff for more information. We follow the Foundation Phase Curriculum for 3-7 year olds, which means they learn in a range of subjects such as Personal and Social Education, Literacy and numeracy and prepares the children for the learning that will take place in school. During their time in this programme, your child will have regular contact with staff from Ysgol Penmorfa and participate in transition activities to help get them school ready. This sometimes includes working with the Family Link Service.

https://www.estyn.gov.wales/provider/6639141


Flying Start

We are part of the Flying Start Scheme. If you live in the Flying Start catchment area, you may be entitled to 12.5 hours free for children who are aged 2-3. Please talk to a member of staff or your health visitor to find out more.

Tooth Brushing

‘Designed to Smile’ is a national programme which is helping children in Wales to have better teeth. Here at Playmates the children brush their teeth every morning. Wrap around children will brush their teeth in Ysgol Penmorfa. If your child participates in the scheme they will be given their own toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to use at nursery and at home. We have been awarded GOLD for this programme.

Healthy Schools

We are working towards becoming a Healthy Pre-School. Child Observations and Learning Journey Book

We will observe your child throughout their time with us. We will use this learning to help tailor the right programme of learning for them. In accordance with Welsh Assembly Government and Estyn guidelines we are required to produce an assessment booklet for your child/children. These observations and teachable moments are made during our daily sessions when demand on staff time can be high and occasionally grammatical or spelling errors may occur and hand writing maybe affected. We as staff believe the value of the record far outweigh the above and hope the Learning Journey will prove to be a treasured keepsake recoding your child’s time at Playmates.

Food

We sit down to lunch in Playmates at 11:45am and the children share their lunch time with the staff. Plates and cutlery are provided, and children are encouraged to put their food on plates.

If your child/children attend morning nursery in Ysgol Penmorfa, a member of staff will collect them at 11.30am so they can have their lunch in Playmates.

Healthy packed lunch

We operate the Healthy Pre-School Scheme. If your child stays for lunch they must bring a healthy packed lunch or buy a school dinner.


An example of a healthy packed lunch is a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a drink of water and one small pudding. An example of a pudding is a small pot of custard or a small fairy cake. We ask that are no fizzy drinks, glass bottles, lollipops, sweets or large bars of chocolate in them. We ask that children take home what they leave at lunch time (except for yoghurt pots – they get so messy!) in order that you know what they have eaten.

School dinners

We offer the option of buying a school lunch from Denbighshire County Council School Meal Service. The cost of this is currently £2.20 a day but is subject to change. Please contact us for an up to date price. Their daily meal can be found at http://www.denbighshireschoolmeals.co.uk/primary-menus/ (last accessed 6.1.20). We do not have Parent Pay in place so payment must be made directly to Playmates with your child’s name and school dinner as the reference and the team informed in the morning so that a meal can be ordered. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to heat food and ask that if you do want your child to have a hot meal, you can either buy a school dinner or you are welcome to come in and heat the meal yourself.

Amser snac

We ensure that children wash their hands before asking them to pour themselves a drink and select a snack. They then sit down with their friends and a member of staff to enjoy this snack. Our menu We provide choice of: Milk or water At least 3 pieces of seasonal fruit or vegetables Occasionally this is supplemented with crackers and cheese, breadsticks and dips, beans or cous cous. Please ensure you complete the section about allergies in the Agreement.

Water

Water is available to children throughout the day. Children can pour themselves a cup of water from our red jug.

http://www.denbighshireschoolmeals.co.uk/primary-menus/


Settling In

Penmorfa Playmates acknowledges the importance of parents/carers and staff working together to help children settle in the provision and develop confidence to participate in all the activities offered. Some children take longer than others to do this and we respond to their needs on an individual basis. To help children settle quickly and feel comfortable and confident in their new surroundings parents/carers are advised to dress their child in clothes that are suitable for messy play and help their child towards independence (for example, toileting). All children are different and individuals. Therefore, there are no rules for settling in. Some children settle in fine from the start and will not miss you or turn and say goodbye. They will just go off and play with their friends. Others will however find their new playgroup unsettling for a little while.

Parents/carers and their child are invited to meet Lisa before registering so that their needs and requirements can be discussed. Our staff will work with you and your child/children to get them settled and into a routine of coming to playgroup. You are more than welcome to stay with your child until feels confident. As parents ourselves we know how hard it can be to leave your child, especially for the first time. Children may bring their comfort objects with them until they feel confident about being without them. After they are settled, we ask that you leave these at home as they can easily get lost in a ‘pack away’ setting.

Arrival and collection (including arrangements when children are not collect-

ed)

Parents/carers can be confident that Playmates places the highest priority on their child’s safety and wellbeing while in our care. Your child is signed in on our register on their arrival and signed out when they leave. Our main door is locked at all times and we ask that you can make sure the door is shut securely when you leave playgroup. If you are using the Foyer entrance, please be aware we can only open this door when the inside door to the Playgroup is closed. A member of staff will be available to staff this area at busy times. Please don’t answer the door to other parents and carers.


Drop off We operate a one-way system in Playmates where all children enter through the garden and exit through the foyer. When dropping off your child at Playmates, we ask that you wait outside our garden gate. A member of staff will come and meet you and bring your child into the group. We ask that you wait outside the garden gate because we need to ensure your child’s safety and operate a strict staff only policy in this area. We do not accept children who are unwell at the time of arrival (see our Health and Hygiene policy). If your child is late for the start of their session, please ring the bell on the wall for the gate to be unlocked. Pick up At pick up times please enter through the Foyer. Please ring the bell and a member of staff will come to meet you. Please do not open the door for anyone else as it is vital that staff know who is in the building. The staff will invite you into the Playgroup if they think it is safe and not disruptive to do so. Otherwise please wait patiently in the Foyer for your child to be brought to you. All unlabelled jumpers will be left in jumper box in the foyer with lunchboxes and can be gathered whilst you wait for your child. They will come out with Their book bag (if they have one) their coat, and their bag. We remind you that we need to vacate the premises at 3pm as they are shared with a private business. We will review these arrangements over the year in line with any changes to our building. We appreciate your support on keeping Penmorfa Playmates a safe place for your child to grow. Parents/carers are responsible for informing Playmates of any changes to details of named persons who can collect their child, in writing and verbally. We remind you that we cannot allow anyone under 16 to pick up your child. Collection from the provision (From Admissions Policy):

• We operate a one-way system in Playmates. All children are to be collected through the foyer. Parents/Carers

ring the bell and wait for the door to be answered by a member of staff. They wait in the foyer unless invited

into the setting by a member of staff.

• A child is not released into the care of any person without the written permission of the parent/carer. How-

ever, in an emergency situation, a telephone call from the parent/carer stating that another adult will collect

the child may be accepted provided that the password given by this adult is correct. (If this happens on more

than one occasion, a discussion with the parent/carer is arranged)


• Penmorfa Playmates reserves the right to make additional checks on persons arriving to collect a child if con-

sidered appropriate in exceptional circumstances. (If this happens on more than one occasion, a discussion

with the parent/carer is arranged)

• If at any time when a child is collected there are concerns that to hand over the child may be placing them at

some risk, the member of staff seeks advice from the manager who will speak to the parent/carer, and do

what is reasonable in the circumstances to safeguard the child’s welfare. In certain circumstances, the man-

ager may advise the parent/carer that following handover, they will call the social services duty officer or po-

lice or relevant agency, and that the Penmorfa Playmates’ Child Protection policy may be put into action. A

record of the circumstances is made.

Late or uncollected child

• No child is left unattended because a parent/carer fails to collect them and two members of staff remain to

supervise the child.

• The child/children move into the foyer area with the two staff members and the contact information.

• At 3:10pm, every effort is made to contact the parent/carer and emergency contacts.

• If all attempts to contact relevant adults fail, at 3:30pm a Social Services duty officer (01824 712200) is con-

tacted who will be asked to advise what action to take. The Responsible Individual is then informed.

• After the child is collected, the confidential information is locked away as per usual practice in line with our

Confidentiality policy.

• A record of events when a child is not collected on time is kept. This records the date, time of collection, the

name and address of any non-authorised person collecting the child, and any additional relevant information.

A copy is given to the parents/carers.

• A late fee of £5 per 15 minutes will be charged to cover emergency staffing.

(The full policy can be found in the Policy pack or on our website as it is updated)

Illness and Administering Medicine

If your child is going to be absent from playgroup through illness can you please ring the manger. If a child within our group has a contagious illness such as chicken pox, measles etc we will inform all parents and offer advice if required. If your child has been off from Playmates with vomiting or diarrhoea, they must not attend playgroup until 48 hours has elapsed from the last attack. Unfortunately, you still need to pay us for these sessions. If your child/children are taking medication, staff can be authorised to administer this. A medication form must be filled in and signed by the parent/guardian.

Special dietary or health needs

Please let us know of any special dietary or health needs including any allergy your child has within the Agreement.


Accidents and Incidents

We keep a detailed record of all accidents and incidents and we let you know and if your child has had an accident and ask you to sign our forms. Unfortunately, we no longer give a duplicate, but you are welcome to take a photo of your child’s form if you require one. For parents/carers we don’t see, we will phone you to ask you to come in to sign the form. These phone calls will be logged for regulation purposes.

Nappies and Toilet Training

We will accept children that are not toilet trained but we do ask that you provide 5 nappies, wipes and nappy bags that will remain in Playmates. We will let you know as you need to top them up. If required, we will support you and your child/children through the toilet training period. All we ask is that to bring spare clothes in and clothes that are suitable for using the toilet. Please talk to Claire and Lisa about toilet training. We have a very limited supply of clothes which we will supply if your child has an accident. If you do receive any of these, can you please wash them and return on your next visit. Please make sure that bags are labelled clearly on the outside. There can be up to 30 bags in Playmates so this really helps the staff respond to your needs quickly. We also ask that all clothes are labelled. This helps us return them to you. We record any visits children take to the toilet with a member of staff in a central place and do not hand this over to parents/carers. Please ask a member of staff if you want to know about nappy changes etc and we will be happy to share the information with you. Policies and Procedures Policies and procedures: Penmorfa Playmates have produced a pack of policies and procedures that describe arrangements for dealing with routine operational practice, complaints, concerns, and any emergency that may occur during operational hours. They are designed to ensure effective and safe management of our service and to offer the best possible environment and experience for the children and families who use it. The policies and procedures are developed and maintained in line with National Minimum Standards and regulations. They are reviewed annually and updated (and CIW informed of any changes) as necessary. The policy pack is available for all who visit, work in or use Penmorfa Playmates to see. This can be found in a file in the foyer. It can also be found on our website. Please familiarise yourselves with this.


Parental involvement

We believe that parents/carers are the prime carers and educators of their children and as such should be involved in all aspects of the provision. Penmorfa Playmates welcomes parents/carers who would like to become involved in: Assisting with the management of the provision.

• Working in the provision on a rota basis.

• Fundraising

• Attending relevant training courses, workshops, and conferences. The lasting benefit of parental involvement in a child's development and pre-school education is now clearly supported by academic research, as well as providing a lot of pleasure for parents/carers and their children.


The Agreement and the full set of policies and procedures are available from the manager. CIW and parents/carers are informed of any changes to this Statement of Purpose which is reviewed at least annually or as a result of a change in operational practice.

Complaints

Making concerns known Any parent/carer who has concerns about any aspects of your child’s care whilst in Playmates should discuss them with Manager (Talitha Brown) or the Chairperson of our committee (Victoria Bollard). Most problems should be resolved informally at this initial stage and a record will be kept of any discussions.

The parent/carer will be informed of the outcome within 14 days. If there is no satisfactory outcome within 14 days of the informal discussion, or the problem recurs, the following procedures apply:

• Put the concerns or complaint in writing to the Chair of the committee.

• Playmates will acknowledge the receipt of the complaint in writing.

• Playmates will arrange a meeting with all interested parties.

• Have a representative present for both parties.

• Have written record of the discussion made and agreed.

The Chair will keep an accurate and detailed record of all complaints which will include:

• The complaint.

• The nature of the complaint.

• Date and time of complaint.

• Action taken of complaint.

• Result of complaint.

• Information given to complainant.

Penmorfa Playmates aim to resolve the issue or complaint as soon as is practicably possible and in any event within 14 days. The time limit may be extended by a further 14 days with agreement with the complainant. A written resolution will be given to the complainant and a copy kept for our records.

The role of CIW in the complaints process: CIW is happy to receive information about any social care service but is not a complaints agency and has no statutory powers to investigate individual complaints between people and their service providers. They cannot make judgments on behalf of people or decide who is right or wrong. When CIW receives information about a service they will consider it and inform the complainant and take the actions outlined in our complaints policy.

Contact details: C.I.W North Wales Region Government Offices Sarn Mynach Llandudno Junction LL31 9RZ Telephone: 03000625609


Contact details

If you wish to book a place or want any more information please call in to Playmates to collect an Agreement. Please ensure you complete the email section clearly as we will email you to let you know if you have a place. Playmates Manager: Talitha Brown Telephone number: 01745 797260

Address: Penmorfa Playmates Playgroup

Ysgol Penmorfa Dawson Drive Prestatyn LL19 8SY

Email: [email protected] In the case of an emergency arising in Playmates, all parents/guardians will be contacted by a senior member of staff present. If contact cannot be made with parents/guardians then the next of kin will be contacted. Therefore, we ask that all phone numbers are kept up to date. Website: www.penmorfaplaymates.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/penmorfaplaymates

This amended Statement of Purpose for Penmorfa Playmates was passed for use

On: 6.1.2020

By: Victoria Bollard Position: Chair

Date of planned review: 2.7.2020

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.penmorfaplaymates.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/penmorfaplaymates

penmorfa playmates · penmorfa playmates statement of purpose 2019 pg. 1 penmorfa playmates...

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