Cypop Childminding Course Unit 2 Accidents and Emergencies

TASK 2 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A policy – is a written statement about how you will work in one area of your practice A procedure are the actions you will take to carry out the procedure. They should be clear and simple. Your policy should start with a short, clear statement, eg: POLICY : “It is my policy to keep children safe when they are in my care” PROCEDURE: List the things that you will do to ensure that this statement is met. Say HOW you will do them and WHEN. You need to think about your practice and premises and make it individual to you and your home.

ACCIDENT, ILLNESSES AND EMERGENCIES POLICY AT THE EARLY HUMAN CHILDMINDERS ACCIDENT POLICY Parents are asked to sign an accident book if injuries occur whilst in my care. Also if a child should come to the Nursery with an injury of any kind, the parent will be asked to sign the book reporting the injury. If a child has an accident at the Nursery, he/she will immediately be taken to see a doctor at Arundel Surgery – or hospital if necessary. Parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. I am a qualified paediatric first aider.

If I have more than 1 child in my care, I will use my best judgement as to how other children will be looked after. You would be consulted about this by phone. There is a parent ring round provision in the event of an emergency to inform all parents of children under my care. ACCIDENT PROCEDURE In the event of an accident I will: • deal with any minor accidents. • write all information, including names of witness(es), in the accident book. • get parents, on picking up their child, to sign the accident book and read the information regarding the incident. In the event of an accident in the home: Parents must inform me of any accident at home and record it in the back of the accident book. If I should see evidence of injury on a child which has not occurred whilst in my care and I have not been told about, parents will be asked for information on the incident and instructed to write in the back of the accident book. Illness Policy and Procedure I must have current and up to date emergency contact information for you. I will do everything I can to take care of your child if they are feeling poorly by comforting them and giving them appropriate medicine you have approved.

ILLNESS PROCEDURE You must inform me if your child has been ill overnight or the previous day. I might have other children I am taking care of and need to ensure your child is not contagious. Medicines will be kept in a safe place and will be logged in the ‘medicine book’. However, if you child arrives ill, I will take a decision as to whether the child is fit to attend or not. If not, the parent will be asked to take the child home. If a child becomes ill at Nursery, I will take responsibility for informing the child’s parents and they will be asked to collect the child.

If your child becomes ill whilst in my care, I will contact you for agreement to administer ‘calpol’ and if your child remains ill after one hour you will be asked to collect your child and make a doctors appointment. Whilst I appreciate the dilemma for working parents when children are ill, I will ask you to keep your child at home until they are recovered so that the child can be cared for on a one to one basis. I realise that all children have minor illnesses that do not prevent them from attending, however, in the following circumstances children might be asked to stay at home: Diarrhoea and/or vomiting, a rash, conjunctivitis.

Infectious illness. I will ask you to keep your child at home if they are suffereing from chicken-pox, mumps, measles. etc. Fever or temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees centigrade or over. EMERGENCY POLICY Parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. In the event of an accident requiring hospital treatment, I will try to inform the parents immediately and take the child to hospital. I will stay with the child until the parents arrive. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE I am a qualified paediatric first aider.

If I have more than 1 child in my care, I will use my best judgement as to how other children will be looked after. You would be consulted about this by phone. There is a parent ring round provision in the event of an emergency to inform all parents of children under my care. If parents do not arrive or I am unable to contact them, I will stay with the child until the appropriate treatment has been given and then return home where your child would be cared for until the arrival of the parents BEHAVIOUR POLICY

It is my belief that children misbehave because they have not yet learnt how to react to feelings and needs in acceptable ways. The most common needs and feelings that can trigger unacceptable behaviour are – Attention, Boredom, Curiosity, Imitation, Self- preservation, Independence, Anger, Frustration, Anxiety, Fear, Excitement, Anticipation I believe in the Maria Montessori philosophy that confirms: Behaviour is learnt Behaviour can change Rewards work better than punishments Practice makes perfect Consistency is the key Never assume that a child misbehaves intentionally.

Our children are very young and may not have learnt what appropriate behaviour is yet. Children need to know what we want them to do and it is important that we tell them what we want them to do rather than what we don’t want them to do. Behaviour will be repeated if the underlying children’s needs remain unmet. BEHAVIOUR PROCEDURE I will implement the following philosophy when dealing with behaviour: 1) The 5 C’s I believe that there are the children’s 5 ‘Cs’ These are the 5 key characteristics that we are aiming to develop which underpin good behaviour

Confidence, Communication, Cooperation, Curiosity, Concentration 2) Promoting Positive Behaviour by For children to co-operate with routines and expected behaviour we need to promote positive behaviour by: Being a good role model, giving lots of praise Being consistent, distraction techniques Catch them being good, give warnings Plan ahead, wwap bad news for good Positive body language, have clear boundaries 3) Setting Boundaries Children need to understand the rules and have clear boundaries set for them. I will have a code of kindness and refer to it everyday in a positive way.

For example: We eat our food with our teeth, We share toys with our friends We touch gently with our hands, We always tell the truth We listen to each other, We sit nicely at meal times We play with our friends, When leaving the table we push our chairs in We keep our room tidy Children need to know what the rules are at my house as they may be different from home. 4) Building Relationships Achieving an environment in which all children can flourish is dependent upon warm, harmonious relationships. Good team relationships with colleagues, parents and children are fundamental to successfully managing children. 5) Showing Respect

We show respect to our children by – The way we listen, Our facial expression The language we use, Our body posture The way we talk, The way we touch The quality of our attention 6) Understanding Feelings Understanding and recognising how the children feel day to day is crucial. It is also important to help the children  understand their own feelings and how to manage them. We teach children how to do this through daily activities 7) Talking Appropriately Children have a lot to learn about language so it is vital when talking to them we are sure they understand what is being asked of them. It is very easy for a misunderstanding to arise.

When making an assertive statement make sure – It is a clear short message You are specific You are positive You are close to the child You try to make eye contact You use a firm yet calm voice Avoid comparison It is achievable 8) Giving Clear Instructions Children are just learning that questions invite a variety of answers and it is confusing if this is not acceptable. “Would you like to put your coat on” This statement may seem to an adult a polite way of giving instruction but to a child it may seem like opportunity to make a choice. Try – “Put on your coat please” Only ever ask questions when you are prepared for the answer to be “No” ! ) Understanding Attention Span Children’s attention span is not very long. You should not expect an attention span of more than 1 min for a 1 year old, 2 min for a 2 year old etc. Children can’t listen & do at the same time. They need to stop what they are doing before given instruction. Children of this age can only carry 2 or 3 information carrying words. So do not clutter an instruction with unnecessary words. It is easier to remember what to do if the instructions are given in the order in which they have to be done. Picture / visual clues may help for younger children and children with learning difficulties. 10) Giving Rewards

Rewards should be given to children to encourage them to repeat the behaviour that we want. They should be – Immediate, Meaningful to the child, Small, Varied from time to time Children respond to praise and social approval. Remember for children your attention is often the biggest reward and positive attention is so much more effective than negative attention. Suggested rewards include – Praise –  “Thank you for picking up the toys. ” Attention – Smile. Thumbs up. Hug. Special activities – Choosing a story. Modify unacceptable behaviour (MUB) Before we modify unacceptable behaviour we – I will routinely check the following:

Surroundings – Are the surroundings suitable for the child’s age & development Toys -Are there enough toys available and are they appropriate to their age & development Observation – Did you see exactly what happened or just the end result Promoting Good Behaviour – Are we promoting good behaviour throughout the day If all the above items are in place we will then modify unacceptable behaviour by Talking to the child in a firm yet calm voice, keep it short Encourage then to make it better Re-join them in an activity If they repeat the unwanted behaviour time out may be given – The area will be varied ,close to you and way from others

The child will be told to sit quietly for a short period (it could be for 30 seconds to 3 minutes). They will then be encouraged to re-join in with the activity. We will use sand timers for children who find it hard to sit quietly. Always Remember To maintain a child’s self esteem To acknowledge a child’s feelings Ensure they know the Rules Sometimes ignoring the little things and redirecting a child’s play can be more effective in the short term. Positive Attention is much more effective than negative attention. Keep parents informed I will keep in touch with parent.

If the behaviour is not modified then we will look at a different avenue for your child so that they can benefit in the best way. SAFEGUARDING POLICY I am committed to the welfare and protection of all children in my care and will endeavour to protect children from harm. I will ensure that concerns about children’s safety are properly investigated. Child protection procedures have been covered in my Registered Childcare course and in my Montessori Early Childhood course. I am fully aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, physical, emotional and sexual, and those of neglect and will abide by these procedures. SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE

If I have reason to believe that any child in my care is being abused in any way I will report the matter to the Duty Social Worker for West Sussex Social Services, Child protection Team. Under these circumstances I will not be able to keep information relating to your child confidential, but will need to share it with Ofsted, Social Services and the Police if requested. A copy of “West Sussex County Council Child Protection Committee Child Protection Guidelines for childminders” booklet is available for you to read if required. This sets out the guidelines for how I must record any incidents and disclosures and the procedures I must follow.

Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded. I work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. Please see my Working with Parents policy. If I notice: • significant changes in behaviour • unexpected bruising or marks • any comments made which give me cause for concern • deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern I will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England, without delay to minimise any risk to the child.

I will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk. The national standards for registered childminders in England and Wales require me to let Ofsted know of any concerns that I have reported without delay. • If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will: show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously • encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions.

I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account • explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child • write down what I have been told using exact words where possible If you have any concerns regarding this policy please discuss them with me. WORKING WITH PARENTS POLICY Childminder Policy Statement. I, Victoria Godsall, aim to work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children. All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home.

PROCEDURE I keep up to date about working in partnership with parents and carers and with relevant legislation by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications. All parents receive a copy of my policies and procedures, which detail how I run my setting. I will draw up and sign a written contract with parents before the placement starts which detail the expectations of the care to be provided, activities and business arrangements. The contract is signed by the parent(s) and myself and dated. A copy is given to the parent(s) and any other party involved in the financial arrangements.

I issue receipts for all monies paid. The contract is reviewed in the first instance, after three months and then after six months and thereafter every 12 months or when circumstances change. Wherever possible I try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices, preferences and attitudes. Family customs and beliefs about dietary requirements, dress code, hair and skin care, help required with toilet and washing are respected as detailed in my equal opportunities policy. Records of the requirements agreed are kept attached to the child record forms.

These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents. I will notify all parents in advance when I am to be inspected by Ofsted so that parents can contribute their views to the inspector if they want to. I will supply parents with a copy of the Ofsted report within five working days of receiving the report. I keep parents regularly informed about my daily routines and childcare practices and share information about the children with parents using a diary. I informally share information when the children are collected or dropped off.

I will maintain a record of parent(s)’ and/or emergency contact details, contact details for the child’s GP and appropriate signed consent forms. All details will be kept confidential and records are kept secure. Children will only be released from my care to the parent(s)/carer(s), or to someone named and authorised by the parent/carer. A password might be used to confirm identity if the person collecting the child is not previously known to me. If a child is identified as a child in need (section 17 of the Children Act 1989) I will, normally with the parent’s permission, give appropriate information to referring agencies.

I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour, such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue. I offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and education and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If I do not share the same first language as the parents, I will take whatever action necessary to facilitate effective communication.

This may include seeking guidance from the local early years team. I work together with parents to make sure that the care of their child is consistent. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and ensures the child is not confused. All complaints will be investigated. All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with parents so that we can work together to resolve any issues. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY I will make sure that I actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices for all children.

I will make sure that I treat all children with equal concern and respect. My personal views are humanitarian/catholic. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES PROCEDURE I recognise and welcome all legislation and existing codes of practice, produced by appropriate commissions, for example the Equal Opportunities Commission. I value and respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society so that each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping. I will also not discriminate against children on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, age, class, family status, and HIV/Aids status.

I will provide equal chances for each child to learn and develop to their full potential, taking into account each child’s age and stage of development, gender, ethnicity, home language, and ability. I will provide and make sure that all children have access to a range of books, puzzles and other toys which provide positive images and examples of the diversity of life in our society. I will challenge racist and discriminatory remarks, attitudes and behaviour from the children in my care and adults. I will always help children to feel good about themselves and others, by celebrating the differences which make us all unique individuals.