We have a comprehensive set of policies and procedures for all areas of Play Together. Every family enrolled at our service receives get a copy of them in the form of a handbook. Signed last page of this document has to be handed to the service before child starts.

Your child will need to bring:

Ø  scrapbook - kept in the classroom for your child's  arts and crafts

Ø waterproof apron with the long sleeves for messy and water play

Ø  wipes , toilet washable wipes and box of tissues - kept in the classroom. We use them for everybody, when we run out of them we ask all the Parent to provide them again. We use wipes a lot, for washing tables before meals and after arts activities, for hand after messy play etc. Tissues are handy to use for your children when in the big boxes, not as a small pocket tissues.

Ø  spare clothes: Parents are requested to provide a spare change of clothes with the child’s name clearly marked on each item. We put them to the bag and leave them in the playroom (each child has an individual box for her/his belongings).  Please any time you get dirty/wet clothes back home do not forget to replace them with clean clothes.  Please note that if your child goes home in clothes from the crèche they need to be returned to us as we have a limited supply. If you, the parents, continually keep clothes from here we will have no option but to call you to come with a change of clothes when your child needs them.  Accidents might happen so we need all type of clothes just in case. Please do not forget about socks, underpants, tights, t-shirt,  long sleeve top, trousers, pants, jumper etc.

Ø  if your child uses nappies he/she  need: nappies, wipes and cream. All of these items will be marked and  used only for your child.  If we run out of them we ask you to bring more nappies or wipes.

What your child needs in the playschool

Your child will need:

Ø  home shoes/slippers - we use them for each child in the classrooms to keep our environment clean. There is no need to bring them every day, we store them at the reception.

Ø  wellingtons and raincoat/ rain suit- we go outside for a while even if it rains

 -   waterproof apron with long sleeves for messy and water play

Ø   beakers/ bottles for younger children - beakers/bottles go home every day and parents are responsible to keep them washed or disinfected if needed.

 - scrapbook - kept in the classroom for your child's  arts and short observation

Ø  In sessional service ( 82 Monalee Manor) - labelled paper bag  with healthy snack (we provide drinking water) 

 Ø  wipes, toilet washable wipes and a box of tissues- kept in the classroom. We use them for everybody, when we run out of them we ask all the parents to provide them again. Tissues are handy to use for your children when in the big boxes, not as a packet of small pocket tissues.

Ø  spare clothes: Parents are requested to provide a change of spare clothes with the child’s name clearly marked on each item. We put them into a bag and leave them in the playroom (each child has an individual box for her/his belongings).  Please any time you get dirty/wet clothes back home do not forget to replace them with clean clothes.  Please note that if your child goes home in clothes from the crèche they need to be returned to us as we have a limited supply of spares. If you, the parents, continually keep clothes from here we will have no option but to call you to come with a change of clothes when your child needs them.  Accidents might happen so we need all type of clothes just in case. Please do not forget about socks, underpants, tights, t-shirt, long sleeve top, pants, jumper etc.

Ø  if your child uses nappies he/she need: nappies, wipes and cream. All of these items will be marked and used for your child only. If we run out of them, we will ask you to bring more nappies or wipes.

In which playroom my child will be?

Ø  There are three playrooms in Play Together +.

·         Playroom 1 a prepared for 9 children aged 1-2.5.

·         Playroom 1b prepared for 7 children aged 2.5 - 3.5.

·         Playroom 2 prepared for 11 children aged 3.5 - 5.5.

Ø  usually children stay in their playrooms for the full school year and are moved to'older playroom' in July when ECCE children finish their school year. But sometimes during the year we move children to the next playroom if the space is available and the child has reached appropriate age.

Ø  There is no guarantee that your child will be moved for example from playroom 1a to playroom 1b exactly when they turn 2.5 years as there might be no space for him/ her in playroom 1b for another little bit.

Ø  Decision about moving a child to another playroom is always made by Play Together management and not by parents. We are doing our best to guarantee each child the optimal developmental environment, so even your child has to change the room in the middle of the year, it is only for the good of the child to have an opportunity to play with older children in a bigger group.

Settling-in time

It is the policy of this service that every effort is made to ensure that the settling-in period is as easy and pleasant as possible for the children and their parents. We aim to make settling in a welcoming, safe and happy place for the children in the absence of their parents. We also aim to help children recognize other adults as a source of help and friendship and to be able to share with their parents. Afterwards the new learning experience can be enjoyed in the pre-school.

Ø  Before a child starts to attend the service, we provide his/her parents  with information about our policies and procedures. (about 1.5 hour meeting with  the Manager)

Ø  Each parent is encouraged to drop in to the service with their child  before the child starts at the service, so the child can become familiar with the other children, staff and the day-to-day running of the service. On the first day/days parents have the opportunity to stay with the child for a while. Where possible allow the staff to play and interact with your child while you take remain seated.

Ø  To help staff build a relationship with the child, staff will discuss the child’s interests with parents, as well as their likes, dislikes and key words the child uses at home. Also parents will be asked to fill the questionnaire about their child which will be kept in their file. Parents will also be asked to provide a family picture for their child's folder.

Ø  We have found through experience that the easiest and quickest way to settle the children is if the parents can trust the qualified staff at the service to take sole responsibility for settling the children. Please let your child come into the playroom by her/himself or if she/he finds it difficult, the class leader will take your child. Please do not forget to say "bye, bye, I will come back later" to your child and make it as quick as possible. Coming back, long hugs in the corridor, calling your child to come back and give you another kiss,  might make that difficult moment even worse.

Ø  The parents are provided with the key worker’s mobile and are free to contact him/her any time during the settling-in period. From our side we promise, in the case where a new child was crying a lot at the door and found leaving the parent very difficult, we will do our best to distract the child, to make him happy as quick as possible and then take a photo of your child playing and send an MMS to parents as a proof that the child has settled. Parents' feelings are also important to us, so we would not like to leave you behind the door all the time thinking how you left your child upset. We would like to reassure you that your child is happy playing with his/her new friends. If it does not work for more than half an hour and your child is still upset we will give you a call and ask you to collect your child. But we never mention to the child that they are being collected because he/she was crying. We just say that it is time to go home. We will really appreciate co-operation during  the settling-in time as it might be very hard for everybody. When we co-operate, it makes it a lot easier.

Ø   No child will be pressurized to take part in any activity during the settling in period. We give your child as much time as needed to join the group activities but at the same time we will encourage him/her to try new things. We will inform you on how your child is settling in on a daily basis. Usually settling-in time takes about 1-3 weeks, it depends on how many days a week the child attends the service. Each child is individual and we know that sometimes children are settled in very easily but sometimes this time can be very traumatic. In that case we are ready to support you and your child as long as needed.

Every day before you leave the house

ØPlease make sure your child is healthy. We have a very strict illness policy at Play Together. If we notice that your child is sick or has not remained at home long enough after being sick, we send the child back home. Please, check our illness policy for details.

ØPlease make sure that your child  is suitably dressed for playschool. Your child will be cooking, painting, using glue, working with play dough, and other 'messy' stuff. Please select clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for these activities. Remember children learn through doing, so they will get dirty from time to time!

Ø  If your child is in nappies, the nappy has to be changed before you leave the house. Also, for children younger than 2 years old, the vest (clipped between legs) is necessary.

Ø   Give your child a light breakfast at home if he/she wakes up very early as we have breakfast at 8.30am, so your child might be hungry by this time.           

Ø  Please dress your child according to the weather: make sure your child has appropriate clothes to play outside as every day we go and play outside :

      Autumn/Winter: jacket or raincoat, boots or wellingtons, hat, scarf, gloves

      Spring/Summer: sun hat, t-shirt, shorts + suncream if needed. We apply the suncream again after lunch so the parents are responsible for morning suncream application. 

Ø  Please anytime it is possible, take your time and encourage your child to become  independent as much as he/she could be. We will really appreciate if every morning you could let your child  practice putting his/her jacket and shoes on and off. The shoes should be easy to manage for your child, no laces please, the Velcro shoes are recommended. Also please make sure your child knows which shoes and jacket belong to him/her. Please, label all the belongings including shoes and slippers.

Ø  Please try to imagine the situation that we have 20 children to get ready for outside and only 2 staff members for help. In September most of the children do not know their belongings, nothing is labelled and every child needs help with their jackets and shoes. If we spend only 3 minutes giving help to each child (including lacing shoes) that means that first dressed child will be waiting 30 minutes before everybody will be ready to go.

 Simple rules will help us a lot:

·         labelled belongings

·         no lacing shoes

·         practicing with jackets and shoes at home on any occasion

Arrivals & Pick-up times

Ø  All doors are locked at all times. The door to the main building is operated by a door entry system.   

Ø  Try to make your goodbyes brief as the longer you prolong departure the harder it gets. Never leave without saying goodbye to your child. It is important that your goodbye with your child is brief and a positive atmosphere is maintained throughout this experience. It is vital that this is a smooth transition for all involved i.e. parents, children and staff members. Please show your respect to our qualified and experienced staff members by fully respecting the policy for arrivals and departures.

Ø  Please do not enter the playrooms at drop-off and pick-up times.

Ø  Children may only be collected by the person named on the registration form. The parent/carer must notify the staff if a different person listed on the registration form is to collect their child.

Ø  Children must be always dropped off and collected on time. Any lateness may disturb the Play Together routine, our staff members have to do a lot when the session/ day is finished, i.e.: clean up, washing dishes, toilet disinfection, washing the floor etc. We have no extra hands to mind your child when you are late. If we have to do it, somebody has to be paid for that time,  that is why we decided to have a late pick-up fee.  On the first late occasion, parent will be asked to sign on the lateness record  and no fees will be charged. The second late incident will incur a fine. A late fee ( €1  per each minute) will be charged per child if they are not collected within their booked hours. First 5 minutes are free of charge however we ask parents to collect own child and leave creche building on agreed time, no later. At 1pm some children start their half day and we are not able to accommodate more children in the room. At 6pm we have to lock the main entrance and there is no insurance for us and children after creche operating hours. Late fee payment must be made on the late pick-up day or the day after in cash. 

Ø  If a child is not collected on time, the following procedure will be adopted:

·      After 10 minutes, the telephone numbers on the registration form will be contacted.

·      These numbers will be repeatedly called for the next half an hour.

·      If after 30 minutes, we are unable to contact any of the telephone numbers, we will contact the Social Services or Garda and ask them to take responsibility for your child.         

Ø  Children are in the care of Play Together during their booked hours only.

Ø  Children must be accompanied by an adult when entering or leaving the building. We are responsible for your child in the classrooms only. Please be in control of your child  and do not allow them outside by themselves. Please help reinforce safety rules by asking your child to walk (not run) in the playschool grounds. Between 1-4pm our youngest children have a nap time. We will appreciate if you keep quite at the reception to let our children take a rest. Also please do not use a door bell at this time. You can knock on the window on the left side (Montessori room) or the garden gate, as usually  the Montessori group is outside at this time. 

Fees and Payments

Ø  Fees are payable in advance on the first week of each month. If the child starts in the middle of a month the price is calculated for the rest of the days of that month and the fee must be paid on the child's first day in the playschool.

Ø  The Playschool reserves the right to refuse the service for those who are two weeks overdue payment.

Ø  A deposit of €300 is required in order to secure a place and must be paid before the child starts at the service. This deposit is 100% refundable when the child leaves the service with one month’s notice given and fees up to date. One month notice is required also in case of reducing days, for example: from full day care to part time or from 5 days to 3 days etc. Otherwise deposit is forfeited.  In the event that the child does not start at the service, the deposit is forfeited too.

Ø  Accepted method of payment: cash or through the bank

Ø  For cash payments there is a special payments box at playroom 1a.  Please state on the envelope your child’s name, amount and period you pay for and put in payment box.  Receipts will be given to you the following week.

Ø   Please do not give any money to staff as they are busy enough to take care of the children . I do not want to put any pressure on them to be responsible for money.

Ø  No refunds are given for late arrivals/early departures, days off due to illness, holidays, etc. Fee must be paid during all periods of absence in order to hold the place. Reduction in fees cannot be given for bank holidays or holidays at Christmas and Easter.

Ø  Fee do NOT include nappies, wipes and tissues.

    Fee for a full day DO include:

• 4 meals
• insurance
• art materials

Ø  Any extra costs incurred throughout the year e.g. school tour, party, other events, parents will be notified of in advance. 

Confidentiality

It is our policy here at Play Together Playschool and for its entire staff that information on each child will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will not be made available to anyone other than the Doctor and HSE inspectors.

Opening hours and playschool calendar

Ø  Play Together is open all year round including Summer months. We are open 51 weeks during a year.

Ø  We are open from 8am and closed at 6pm sharp.                   

Ø  We are closed on Christmas Eve at 1 pm and re-open on the first working day after New Year.

Ø  We are closed on Bank Holidays and Good Friday. Please note that Good Friday is not a Bank Holiday so you might work on that day when we will be closed.

Communication

          To provide the best possible care, please feel free to communicate any needs, wants, and or concerns regarding your child. It is only through parent/provider interaction that a goal of quality, nurturing care can be achieved. If  I’m not at the creche feel free to call me on my mobile 0833187143 during operating hours or schedule a time to meet with me. Also please note that I cannot solve a problem if I’m not aware of the concern. All staff members are available on the Creche landline phone number : 091-458167 during their working hours. Daily records of nappies changing, meals, nap taken by individual children are available on request at the collection time. Staff will try to give you a short feedback about your child day, but sometimes, at busy collection time it might be difficult to talk to each parent. Your cooperation at the collection time will be really appreciated. Also we have Whatsapp group for the Parents and Staff of Plat Together. 

Observing your child's development

           All group leaders complete an observation book about each child in their groups. A copy of this is given to parents in June and another is stored in our files. These observations are a more formal, written way of keeping parents up-to-date on the development of their child within the pre-school setting. It also helps to keep track of the developments in the child that have taken place since joining the Play Together.  Any information written on these observations can be discussed with staff members, if required. Any concerns or questions that parents may have regarding their child can be discussed with staff members and these will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Each child has their own Special Learning Book where we put Art, worksheets, pictures, notes about important events or new skills. This is another  way we document your child's development. You will get this folder to bring home every June.

Curriculum

ØWe are using the Aistear  Pre-school Curriculum in Play Together.  All the staff members are qualified and familiar with Aistear which is recommended by Department of Education in Ireland.

ØEvery two/three weeks there is a different Theme explored with children to enhance their learning through play, drama, dance, songs, art and craft activities etc.

ØWe use Little Vista software in our place for child's observations, activities updates and communication with parents. You can regularly check it and see what your child is doing in Play Together. This way we would like to encourage an educational link between home and pre-school.

Our curriculum:

Ø 

·      Is based on clearly defined aims and objectives

·      Is flexible and open to new approaches and ideas, on how to promote and meet the growing need of children.

·      Recognizes that children are learning all the time, and that children learn best when they are actively involved and interested.

·      Includes a variety of activities that provides for the physical development of the children.

·      Includes stimulating sensory experiences (touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell) appropriate to the child’s level of development.

·      Encourages children to think for themselves, helping them to make their own decisions and find their own answers to questions.

·      Provides an atmosphere that offers the children suitable challenges and stimulates problem-solving.

·      Encourages feelings of safety, trust and emotional security to the children in our care.

·      Helps children to develop self-esteem by giving them the opportunity to be actively involved in their own learning.

·      Encourages at all times, sociability, friendship and co-operation with others, through the provision of co-operative play and the opportunity for children to mix with siblings, same-age peers, younger and older children.

Hygiene

Ø  Play Together is committed to promoting a healthy environment and a high standard of personal hygiene for both adults and children.  Staff will explain to the children on a daily basis the reasons for good hygiene practice and they will show by example.

Ø  Play Together  must be maintained in a clean, hygienic state throughout the day and cleaning procedures are in place and must be adhered to daily. We disinfect all the toilets 3 times a day, all handles and tables are wiped with antibacterial wipe daily, all the toys are disinfected once a week in playroom 1a and twice a month in playroom 1b and 2.

Ø  We ask to ensure that your child’s shoes are taking of before entering playrooms as this helps us at Play Together to ensure that the highest level of hygiene is maintained daily. We ask all adults entering the creche building to wipe their shoes before walking on the corridor.

Ø  So as parents we ask you to please adhere to our policies as it is in the best interest of your child.

Food

All our food is 'home-made'- prepared on the premises fresh by our staff on a daily basis.

 The emphasis is put on healthy, balanced and fresh meals.

 We strictly adhere to no sweets/ no junk policy.

 Children are encouraged to practice self-help skills and also to follow fresh water-drinking regime.

 Children start with a healthy breakfast which can include porridge or cereal.

 During the morning and afternoon they can access fresh fruit and water as a part of a self-service snack corner. 

 At lunch time a tasty and balanced hot meal is served, based on fresh vegetables with herbs and minimum salt.

 In the afternoon we provide children with delicious soups containing more vegetables and pulses such as beans or grains such as quinoa.

Occasionally children can taste special treats which they bake themselves, such as gingerbread cookies or oaties with minimum sugar content.

Our meals are scheduled 

 8.30am     Breakfast (cereal, porridge, milk or veg milk)

9am-12pm  Snacks available (fruits and row vegetables)

12.30 pm  Lunch (hot meal)

3.30-4pm  Soup  (hot meal)

Ø  The Lunches and soups are prepared by us on a daily basis from fresh and high quality products. We offer a three week menu which is displayed in the reception. Every morning you can check our menu and what will be served for lunch.

Ø  In each playroom we encourage the children to eat by themselves. We never force the child to eat, we always give them enough time to eat their meal, if the child refuses to eat we inform Parents at collecting time.

Sleep/rest time

Ø  Play Together  seeks to ensure that all children have enough sleep for them to develop and promotes best practice for all children in a safe environment.

Ø  Play Together has one sleep room where children can sleep throughout the day in cots. We also have stackable beds which can be used in playrooms for toddlers if they need take a rest.

Ø  When a new child commences at the crèche, staff consult with parents to familiarise themselves with the child’s sleep routine.

Ø  Before a child goes to bed the following procedures are adhered to by all staff in the crèche:

·      Each child’s clothing is loosened and buttons on trousers/ jeans are opened.

·       Bibs and shoes are removed.

·      Each child has their own sleeping bag which are stored in individual box in the sleep room.

·         No big pillows or bean bags are permitted in the sleep room.

·         Children are not allowed to go to sleep with bottles or bikers; they are offered a drink before they go to sleep.

·         Children are placed on their backs at the bottom of the cot.

·         Soothers and pacifiers are used if requested by parents.

·         Staff member is staying in sleep room until all the children fall asleep.

·         Children are not left to cry themselves to sleep or are not left for long periods of time if not settling.

Ø  Sleep checks are carried out every 10 minutes where a full time staff member  goes into a sleep room to see how each child is doing. These sleep checks include :

·      Checking the child’s breathing, sleeping position and colour by listening or by watching the rise and fall of the child’s chest.

·       Ensuring the child is not too hot or too cold

·      Ensuring that the child’s face is not covered by checking the child’s clothing and sleeping bags.

Ø  All sleep checks are documented on our Little Vista sleep chart- available for parents. As children wake staff comfort, change and dress them.

Ø  Provision and maintenance of sleep rooms and equipment :

·           The mattresses on the cots are all fire retardant and comply with Health, Safety and Fire Safety regulations.

·           There is the officially required amount of space, 40cm, between each cot in the sleep rooms.

·           There are windows blinds in the sleep room which darkens the room which enable the children to sleep better.

·           The sleep rooms are well ventilated and the room temperature is taken two times a day to ensure that it is within the recommended temperature of 16 to 20˚ C

·           Before the nap time a member of a staff conduct a safety review of the sleep room and check for any hazards

Ø  Play Together  staff are all aware of and adhere to the procedures carried out around sleep times. 

First aid

Staff are fully qualified in first aid and paediatrics first aid. There are fully equipped first aid boxes in the reception at the outside entrance.

Emergencies, Accidents, Incidents

ØAccidents, bumps and bruises will sometimes occur with active children.

ØMinor accidents will be treated in school and the person collecting the child will be informed.

ØCuts or more serious accidents will be recorded in the accident book. The person collecting the child will be shown the report and asked to sign the book.

ØIn the case of an injury requiring medical treatment, parents will be contacted immediately. If parents cannot be contacted the next person on the collections list will be contacted.

ØIt is extremely important to be always able to contact a Parent or Guardian so if your contact details change please advise a Staff member.

ØIf you can not pick up the phone during your work hours please provide us your work number which we can use in emergency .

Safety

It is the policy of Play Together Playschool to ensure the healthy well-being and personal safety of everyone on our premises.

Ø       Running, climbing is not permitted in the classrooms

Ø       No child is allowed in before their allocated time.

Ø       Adult/child ratio will be adhered to.

Ø       Staff must be informed if someone new is collecting you child.

Ø       Children will not be allowed leave with an unauthorized adult.

Ø       Children are shown how to carry and pass sharp objects, this should be reinforced at home.

Ø       Outdoor area is secure at all times.

Ø       Equipment is checked regularly. Broken toys are dumped immediately.

Fire Drills

Ø  All staff have been trained in fire safety.

Ø  A practice fire drill is carried out once a month with staff and children participating.

Ø   A record of this is kept on file.

Ø   Play Together is fitted with certified fire fighting equipment which is checked and certified every year.

Smoking

Ø  Play Together operates a very strict NO SMOKING policy.

Ø  No smoking allowed by staff, parents or visitors on the grounds at any time.

Ø   If you do smoke outside of our gates please remember  not to throw used cigarettes on ground.

Toilet Training

Ø  We will be more than happy to help with toilet training provided it is not done before the child is ready.

Ø   Parents are asked to initiate the training at home for one week before starting it the playschool.

Ø  Please dress them in clothes that are easy to pull up/down. No belts, buttons, etc. Please remember to send in adequate spare clothes and socks as “Accidents do happen.”

It is our policy at Play Together Creche to provide parking for our parents.

There are a number of allocated parking spaces available. We ask parents to be

aware that these places available are only to be used for drop off and pick up.

•       Parking spaces are available on a “first come first” served basis.

•       At Play Together Creche we cannot accept responsibility for cars parked, or damage done while parking.

•       We ask parents to show consideration to our neighbours and observe local speed limits.

•       Parents must accompany their child into the service.

•       We request that parents do not park in front of neighbouring property or cause obstruction when parking.

•       Parents are advised not to leave their car running while dropping off or collecting a child. We suggest that parents do quick drop off/and pick up to avoid road and parking congestion.

•      We ask parents to exercise extreme vigilance both in parking and walking your child to school. This is a residential area so please be considerate of the residents. DO NOT turn in neighbours driveways

Ø  DO NOT block staff cars as staff need constant access in case of an emergency.

Outings

Ø  Day trips may be organized for the Montessori children. Advanced notice will be given.

Ø  Appropriate adult to child ratio are adhered to on outings. Helpers are always welcome.

Ø  You will be informed of any additional costs.

Outdoor play

 Our outdoor area are completely enclosed and safe, and children are supervised at all times.

Ø  The children will be going outside every day for play unless it is extremely cold or wet. Please keep this in mind when helping your child to select clothing for the day.

Ø  Please note that if your child is well enough to be in playschool, they are well enough to participate in outdoor play as we feel it is beneficial to go outside to get some fresh air.

Toys from home

Ø  In the past there have been problems with children bringing toys to school. They bring them out at inappropriate times and will only share them with certain groups of friends. For these reasons, there is a “no toys from home” police.

Ø  The exception to this is if they have the toy relating to an activity or theme we are doing at the time and staff members have asked the children to bring them to playschool.

 Behaviour management

Ø  Management and staff may arrange a meeting with Parents/Carers to discuss their child’s behaviour and all information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

Ø  When Children Behave In Unacceptable Ways:

1.         They will be given one-to-one adult support in seeing what was wrong and how to cope more appropriately, it will always be made clear to the child or children in question that it is the behavior and not the child that is unwelcome.

2.         Physical punishment such as smacking or shaking will neither be used nor threatened. Adults will not shout, or raise their voices in a threatening way.

3.        Physical restraint such as holding will be used only to prevent physical damage to children or adults and/or serious damage to property. Any significant event of this sort will be recorded, and the parent will be called immediately to pick up the child.

4.        Any behavior problems will be handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, respecting individual children’s level of understanding and maturity.

5.        If a behaviour  problem is identified, we will have a staff meeting, to discuss how best to support the child and to prepare a plan to deal with the problem. This plan will then be offered to Parents to implement at home also. We will ask Parents to co-operate with staff at this stage.

6.        In the case of serious misbehavior  on an ongoing basis, the child will be removed from our service. This will result if our children's and staff's welfare  is compromised or treated or if to child is damaging property. Due to regulations and staff/child ratios we are not physically able to manage a child with serious behaviour problems. 

Notice of termination

If your circumstances change or if for any reason you wish to withdraw your child from this service a minimum of one months notice is required or you forfeit your deposit.

Illness Policy

We at Play Together need to be informed of any information no matter how small in connection with your child’s health. That is why we are intrusting this responsibility in you, the parents.

ØPLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILD TO OUR CRECHE IF HE/SHE IS SICK. Parents are responsible for finding back-up care for sick children. If everyone adhered to this rule there would be less illnesses coming into the crèche and us being blamed for children getting sick; “they picked it up in the crèche” is a comment we used to hear all too often.

ØIf your child becomes ill while in our care parents are contacted immediately and you are asked to come to collect your child. You will be asked to collect your child if he/she vomited or has a fever of  38°C

ØChildren with contagious illnesses such as conjunctivitis should not be at the centre as it’s passed around to other children and staff. As with all childcare settings outbreaks of illness such as chicken pox will arise from time to time, in this case parents will be notified.

ØHead lice infestation is a contagious condition and if a case is notified it will be brought to the attention of all parents.

ØSick children must remain at home until they are 24 hours free from a high temperature or your Doctor has given clearance to return. We may also ask for a note from the Doctor.

ØIn case your child had a tummy bug he/she must be remain at home 36 hours after last vomiting/ diarrhea

ØIf child is taking antibiotic for infections which are not contagious such as: ear infection, kidney infection etc, the child can come back to playschool after 48 hours of taking antibiotic.

ØManagement will administer medicines only to full day care children and must have written consent. The forms are available in the reception.

You must bring your own medicine in its original container with child’s name and guidelines clearly written on it. Out of date medicines will not be given. Please inform us of any medicines to be given.

ØIn a case where the child refuses to take  medicine or does not take the full dose, the parent is called immediately and asked to give the medicine to their child. We never force the child to take any medicine.

 INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Play Together Creche is committed to:              

•       Providing all children with the opportunity to access the service regardless of their ability within the expertise and resources available and in accordance with the best interests of the child

•       Respecting the rights of all children to participate in a quality children’s programme

•       Providing a family-based approach which recognises that parents know their children best and want the best for their children

•       Recognising that families are different and unique

•       Recognising that all children learn in different ways and at different rates

•       A child’s right to social inclusion.

Policy and Procedure

This policy applies to:

•       Children with additional needs, as defined below, who are attending or whose parents/guardians are seeking for them to attend the service.

•       Parents/guardians of children with additional needs who are attending or seeking to attend the service.

•       The staff, students and any other persons involved in the care and education of children with additional needs at the service.

Definitions:

Additional needs: Children whose development, in one or more of the following areas, needs additional support - mobility, expressive and/or receptive communication, social behaviour, behavioural control, fine/gross motor skills, vision, hearing, self care, cognitive skills.

Disability/Special Needs: Something that incapacitates, for example an intellectual, sensory, physical, social or emotional impairment.

Inclusion: The incorporation of children with additional needs into the creche to ensure that they have equal opportunities to achieve their maximum potential.

Procedures:

Management of Play Together Creche is responsible for:

•       Providing clearly defined enrolment procedures, which endeavour to facilitate access for all children within the resources and expertise available.

•       Identifying children with additional needs during the application process (the Registration form and ‘All About Me’.

•       Regularly reviewing with staff, the planning and resourcing provided for children with additional needs attending Play Together Creche.

•       Linking with other groups that support the child, HSE, Tusla, Voluntary Services etc.

•        Working with the staff and families to identify and apply for additional resources/support for children with additional needs.

•       Providing appropriate physical and staffing resources within the budget constraints of the service.

•       Supporting staff to gain the appropriate knowledge and skills for the implementation of this policy.

•       Play Together Creche will work in consultation with the staff, the parents/guardians of the child, and other professionals and/or agencies working with the family to determine additional resources required to meet the functional and developmental needs of the child and to determine the suitability of Play Together Creche in meeting these needs.

The staff are responsible for:

•       Reviewing enrolment applications to identify children with additional needs.

•       Identifying, if additional support is required, the type of support required and consulting.

•       Liaising with families and liaising with management and outside agencies to access it if possible.

•       Ensuring that any support or resources available for a child are accessed in consultation with the parents/guardians.

•       Ensuring that the parents/guardians are fully informed about the curriculum planned and provided for their child and have given written consent for any action, support or intervention for their child.

•       To plan and implement a programme which incorporates the individual goals for the child with additional needs.

•       Ensuring the programme provides opportunities for participation and interaction with other children.

•       Responding to parents/guardians needs and providing support and guidance, where appropriate.

•       Encouraging a collaborative family approach.

•       Ensuring that, in consultation with persons involved in the care and education of the child, any specialised medical and nutritional needs of the child are catered for in the day-to-day programme.

•       Ensuring that the programme incorporates opportunities for regular review and evaluation, in consultation with all persons involved in the child’s care and education.

The parents/guardians will:

•        Share information about their child and their child’s needs within the service whilst maintaining the right to decide who will receive information about their child.

•       Raise any issues/concerns they have about their child’s participation in the programme

•       Be involved in, and fully informed about, any support proposed for their child.

•       Be given the opportunity to consent to any observations or reports on their child and have a right to copies of such documents.

 In partnership with Parents

ØOpen communication is very important. Explain clearly and carefully your wishes and expectations about your child’s care. Provide updates on problems your child might be having. Good communication helps us work together in the best interest of your child.

ØShow your trust by asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions when apparent problems develop.

ØPlay Together  recognizes you the Parents as the primary educators of your children and wishes to work in an equal and respectful partnership with you. We practice an open door policy and welcome parents’ feedback at all times. 

ØWe are always open to suggestions and feel communication is a very important part of this business. If there are any problems or concerns we encourage you to talk to management about it and not other members of staff. If more time is needed, a time that is convenient to both of us will be scheduled.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your child, and we look forward to our future together.

Staff Management