Policies & Procedures

Little Treasures Pre‐school has several policies to enable the children to have fair access to  pre‐school and, when there, to play and learn in a safe environment. Summaries of these  policies are listed and copy of the full policies is available for reading if required. There are  also written procedures to be followed in the unlikely event of; a) a child not being collected  from pre‐school, b) a child being lost.

Admissions Policy

Our admissions policy covers the waiting list, which is kept in order of application.

Special Needs Policy

Children with special needs are welcomed to pre‐school after consultation between parents  and the play leader. If it is felt that a child’s needs cannot be met in pre‐school without the  support of a one‐to‐one worker, funding will be sought to employ one. We work in liaison  with Health Visitors, the Suffolk Early Years team and any outside staff necessary. We aim  to have regard to the DFES Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special  Needs.  

Health and Safety Policy

All pre‐school staff take care to keep pre‐school safe, clean and reasonably tidy throughout  each session. The adult to child ratio is at least 1:8 for 3 years, 1:4 for 2 years and 1:3 for  under 2s. In case of any accident at pre‐school we have trained first aiders and in order to  prevent the spread of illness, any children suffering from sickness, diarrhoea or any  infectious or contagious diseases must be excluded. When possible we like the children to  play outdoors. Before this occurs, the cleanliness of the area is checked and the area made  safe. Any trips to the local shops and park are kept within the ratio 1:3. As part of the  requirements for registration, fire drills are carried out monthly.

Behaviour Management Policy

Whilst at pre‐school we have various expectations concerning the behaviour of the children.  We aim to encourage good behaviour, to provide a framework for staff and children in order  to achieve consistency in pre‐school practice and expectations and to provide guidelines for  behaviour that foster good relationships between staff and children. We aim for co‐operation  rather than conflict.  

Equal Opportunities Policy

Children have a right to grow up and learn in an environment free from prejudice and  without discrimination. Our equal opportunities policy aims to achieve this through  promoting a ‘feel good’ factor for each child, making the child feel at home in the group,  creating a positive learning environment which envelops all sexes, abilities, races and  cultures and taking action when discriminatory or offensive remarks are heard. We also like  to extend these aims to the parents as well as the under‐fives so they can find support within  pre‐school to overcome any feelings of isolation and feel part of a local community.  

Confidentiality Policy

To ensure that all those using and working in the pre‐school can do so with confidence,  confidentiality is respected in all areas.

Complaints Procedure

Should a parent or carer feel uneasy about any aspect of the group’s provision they should  firstly talk over any worries or concerns with the manager. In the rare case that this does not  produce a satisfactory outcome our complaints procedure outlines the appropriate course of  action. We do of course welcome any suggestions on how to improve pre‐school at any time.  All discussions will be kept confidential, as will any concerning any information received  about anyone using and working in pre‐school.

Safeguarding Children

We are required to follow child protection procedures agreed through the Local  Safeguarding Children’s Board in Suffolk. We will try at all times to share with you any  concerns we may have, but we do have a statutory duty to contact Social Services if we  suspect that child abuse is taking place.