Terms of Enrolment

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We value the relationships between our staff, children, and their families and aim to foster an atmosphere of trust, respect, and collaboration.

Our Mission

At Lyminge Pre-School, our mission is to offer high-quality care and education to all children in our care. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow. We work closely with parents and carers to support each child’s individual development and well-being.

We are committed to promoting equality and celebrating diversity in our setting, while always adhering to OFSTED guidelines and prioritizing the safety and welfare of the children.

What You Can Expect

• Professional and highly qualified staff who are passionate about childcare and education.
• A nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can thrive.
• Individual attention to your child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
• Regular communication about your child's progress and well-being, including access to our Baby Days system for observations and photos.
• Staff who are dedicated to continuous professional development and remain up to date with the latest early years practices.

Arrivals and Departures

Lyminge Pre-School can only assume responsibility for your child once they have been signed in by a member of the management team. At the end of your child’s session, they will be signed out, after which they return to your care. For security reasons, the front door will remain locked. A member of the management team will be stationed at the door each morning to welcome children and will oversee dismissals at the end of the session. We kindly request that parents do not exit the building without being escorted, to ensure the safety and security of all children.

Settling In

We understand that the settling-in process can be an emotional time for both children and parents. We recommend a flexible approach, with short settling-in sessions prior to your child’s official start date. The number of sessions will be based on your child’s individual needs. It’s common for children to show some initial discomfort when being dropped off, but we find that this usually subsides shortly after parents leave. Our experienced staff are adept at helping children settle quickly and engage with activities. Rest assured, if your child experiences any undue distress, we will contact you immediately. We also encourage you to call us during your child’s session if you would like an update on their well-being.

Key Person

Each child is assigned a key person who will be their primary caregiver at the pre-school. This individual will monitor your child’s development and be your main point of contact regarding their progress. We utilize the Baby Days system to provide regular updates, including photos and observations. Parents are encouraged to engage with the system by uploading information from home and private messaging the key person through the app. Should you require assistance navigating the Baby Days system, we are more than happy to arrange a tutorial with your key person. In the absence of your child’s key person, a secondary key person will be assigned to ensure continuity of care.

Collection Procedures

We take the safety of your child very seriously. If someone other than yourself will be collecting your child, please inform us in advance. We operate a password system, and no child will be released into the care of an individual who has not been authorized by you or who does not know the password. Please ensure that any designated person collecting your child is aware of this protocol and knows the password.

Injuries and Accidents

In the event that your child sustains an injury while at pre-school, no matter how minor, you will be informed. All injuries will be logged on the Baby Days system, detailing the nature of the incident and any treatment administered. You will be required to sign the online accident report alongside the staff member who managed the incident. In the case of more serious injuries, we will contact you or your emergency contacts immediately. We will also seek appropriate medical assistance if required.

Food and Nutrition

Each morning, children are offered a healthy snack, typically consisting of buttered toast, fruit, vegetables, and a drink of milk or water. We encourage children to participate in the preparation of their snacks and clean up afterward. Water is available throughout the day. If your child has any special dietary requirements, please inform us, and we will accommodate them.

For lunchtime, children are encouraged to bring a packed lunch. This may be a hot or cold meal, and we are able to heat meals upon request. We promote healthy eating and kindly ask that items such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, and olives are cut lengthwise for safety reasons. We also request that no nuts or sweets are included in packed lunches.

Clothing

We encourage children to participate in all activities, including those that may get messy. Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We also ask that you send a named bag with a complete change of clothes for your child. Our outdoor area is used throughout the year, so please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. In the winter, children will need a coat, hat, and gloves. During the summer months, we require that sun cream be applied to your child before they arrive, and we will reapply it as necessary. A sun hat is also recommended.

Nappies and Toilet Training

If your child is still in nappies, we ask that you provide nappies and wipes in a named bag. For convenience, we recommend bringing a full pack of nappies, and we will notify you when supplies are running low. We welcome the use of cloth nappies and will support your child's toilet training as they progress.

Illness

Lyminge Pre-School is required by regulations to not admit or retain children who are unwell in order to prevent the spread of illness to other children. Should your child develop symptoms of illness while at pre-school, we will notify you immediately and request that you collect them as soon as possible. Until your arrival, we will ensure your child is cared for in a comfortable and isolated area to minimize contact with others.

If we are unable to reach you, we will contact your emergency contacts as listed on your registration form.

For gastrointestinal illnesses, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, we enforce a strict 48-hour exclusion policy. This means your child cannot return to pre-school until 48 hours have passed since their last episode of sickness or diarrhoea.

We kindly request that you notify us if your child will be absent due to illness. If we do not hear from you by 9:30 am, we will contact you to confirm the reason for their absence.

Medication

At Lyminge Pre-School, we are only able to administer prescribed medication, and only when a parent or guardian has completed the appropriate medication form on the Baby Days system. This form must include clear and specific instructions on administering the medication. All medications must be clearly labelled with your child’s name and must have been prescribed by a medical professional.

Upon arrival, please hand any medications directly to a member of the management team. We ask that you do not place medications in your child’s bag for safety reasons.

Please note that our staff do not routinely administer non-prescribed medications such as Calpol. If your child requires Calpol, we ask that you keep them at home, as this is an indication that they are not well enough to attend pre-school. However, in the case of a child getting a dangerously high temperature when in our care, Calpol may be administered with the verbal consent of the parent to prevent febrile convulsions, and only when a parent or named person is on their way to collect the child.

Policies and Procedures

Lyminge Pre-School operates in accordance with a comprehensive set of policies and procedures, which are available for you to review on the Baby Days system. A physical copy is also available in our policy folder, located on the parents' table near the front door. If you require further information or assistance with any policy, please speak with a member of the management team.

Data Protection

We are committed to ensuring that all personal information is handled in line with GDPR regulations. Your personal data is kept confidential and will only be used to assist with your child’s care and administration at Lyminge Pre-School. It is crucial that you keep us informed of any changes to your contact details or emergency contact information. We do not share your data with third parties, and all records are securely destroyed after the legally mandated retention period. However, in certain situations, we may need to share information with external agencies or professionals to ensure the welfare of your child.

Termination of Placement

Should you wish to reduce your child’s hours or withdraw them from Lyminge Pre-School, we require two weeks' notice for any reduction in sessions and half a term’s notice if you no longer need your child’s place. This allows us to manage our enrolment and plan for the needs of all children.

Complaints Procedure

We strive to provide the highest standard of care, but should you have any concerns or feel dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please speak with the Setting Manager. If the Setting Manager is unavailable, the Deputy Manager will arrange an appointment for you at the earliest opportunity. Our full complaints policy is available on the Baby Days system and in the policy folder at the entrance to the pre-school.

We look forward to a positive and fulfilling experience with you and your family at Lyminge Pre-School. Thank you for taking the time to review our Terms of Enrolment. By accepting a place at Lyminge Pre-School, you agree to these terms.