Safe Recruitment Policy

Recruitment, selection and vetting checks

Recruitment

Staff are recruited through Job agencies and adverts through appropriate publications. Current staff can apply for positions within the setting.

Interview

All suitable candidates will be invited to an initial office interview. All candidates will be provided, at interview, with a Job description that includes reference to the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the setting. The Job description will include a person specification with a specific reference to working with children. All candidates will be expected to provide an up to date C.V. and where relevant a National Record of Achievement along with evidence of training and qualifications. They will be asked about previous employment history and any disciplinary action, allegation or concerns about their suitability for employment. Gaps in employment will need to be explained and verified.

Al l candidates will be expected to provide contact details of two independent professional and character references to obtain confirmation of the applicant’s suitability to work including any disciplinary action, allegation or concerns. These should include at least one previous employer.

Selection

All candidates will be assessed on set questions relevant to the position they are applying for including EYFS. Their responses will be marked against pre recorded answers. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed in writing.

Successful candidates will be asked to attend a second interview where they will spend time with the children and where appropriate provide and carry out a lesson plan suitable for a group of children of a nominated age group. They will also be asked to evaluate their performance.

Candidates will be marked against predetermined criteria to help determine the best candidate for the position. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed in writing.

Successful candidates will be asked to provide proof of identification and residence including photographic evidence, a copy of which will be held in their personnel file.  (Driving license, Passport, utility bill etc)

Successful candidates will be required to complete and update as necessary a health questionnaire which includes physical capability for the job.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a successful Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure. The number and date of this will be kept in the candidates personnel file. If necessary the setting will request a List 99 from Capita while the CRB clearance is being processed.

If the Candidate is not a UK resident they will be required to provide proof that they are entitled to reside and work in the UK.

A record showing that all checks have been carried out will be held on the single central record (register) and updated as necessary.

Revised December 2008 by Jil Pascale

Mission Statement

Rum Tum Tugger’s Nurseries are community based facilities that provide the highest standard of childcare for children in the age range of 0 to 5 years. We aim to ensure that the social, emotional and educational needs of each child is met and provided for with the best possible care and attention. Our objective is to provide a nursery that is a parent’s first choice and that this choice is the result of their child’s enjoyment of the early years experience. We recognise that, above all else, a child’s individual needs and safety are paramount and these must override all other considerations.

Reviewed February 2009

Change in Policy on Moving Up

At present, children move on to their next rooms in their birth month. Whilst this seems the most obvious way to undertake this exercise, it presents certain draw backs. Firstly, from a business point of view, there are constant changes in our admission sheets and invoicing. Secondly, from a child’s perspective, this can mean that they makes this transition without the emotional anchor of a friend. Thirdly, each month there are children needing additional adult support as the transition takes place.

Jil and I have been in discussion with the room leaders about ways to improve these crucial stages of nursery development. The suggestion has been made that children should move up as a group with those children whose birthdays fall within the same academic term. This is best explained in the table below.

In making this change, we have improved on the transition experience for the child by allowing them the increased emotional security of being with their friends. It enables easier administration of admissions and is a more effective use of human resources. It does pose one problem whereby, some parents/carers may feel that their child is ready to move on but is being held back by waiting for the next block transition. Jil and I have always promoted the individuality of our service and this still remains crucial to the way children develop at Rum Tum Tugger’s. As a result, if a child’s developmental needs were no longer being met, then they would move on accordingly.

Fees would still change with birth month and funding would still work in line with our existing policy.

Strangers Policy

In the event of somebody unfamiliar coming to the nursery to collect a child or visit a member of the staff team, you should always follow this procedure:

DO NOT LET A STRANGER INTO THE BUILDING UNTIL THEIR IDENTITY HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.

• Ask the full name of the child that wish to collect or to fully state the nature of their visit.
• Most official visitors carry identification cards. Ask to see this.
• Check the messages board for parental consent
• Check the office diary for confirmation of an appointment
• Check with other staff members in case they are aware of a different collector or a planned visit
• Where appropriate, ask for a pre-arranged password
• If you still unsure contact the child’s parents or ask a visitor to re-schedule their appointment.

IF YOU ARE EVER IN ANY DOUBT OF SOMEONES CREDIBILTY, POLITELY ASK THEM TO REMAIN OUTSIDE WHILE YOU CONSULT WITH A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT TEAM.

Forced Entry

In the event that an intruder should force entry into the building, it is important to gain help as quickly as possible. Never risk your own safety but try to alert other team members as quickly as possible by shouting for help.

The situation will be managed by the most senior member of staff available and will begin by simply asking the intruder to leave the building. Upon refusal, suggest moving the intruder into a safe space such as the office or staff room to continue discussion. The agreed code word will be used to alert other staff to call the police.

In the event that the intruder poses an immediate threat to the welfare of staff or children, break a fire glass to sound the fire alarm and as far as possible, carry out the emergency evacuation procedure. Notify the police and the landlords (the school office) as quickly as possible of the situation.

Reviewed November 2008

Healthy Food Policy

At Rum Tum Tugger’s Nursery, we are committed to providing children in our care with healthy snacks and meals; catering for children with special dietary requirements, parental preferences and for those with allergies and intolerances. Our menus are designed to be low in salt and sugar and to have low allergens.

Reviewed September 2008, Jil Pascale, Director