If your child has a medically diagnosed allergy, please inform us as soon as possible. This information should be recorded in the ‘allergy’ section of your child’s profile. For dietary requirements, please use the ‘special dietary requirements’ section. Note that this section should only include intolerances or dietary choices, such as vegetarianism, and not food dislikes.

Since most allergies and intolerances in early childhood affect children under the age of 3, and many children outgrow these sensitivities by age 5, we encourage you to consult with a medical professional throughout your child’s early years. According to NHS guidance, all common allergens should be introduced from 6 months of age, as delaying introduction may increase the risk of allergy development. Once an allergen has been safely introduced, it should remain a part of your child’s regular diet to minimise the chance of developing an allergy. If your child is weaning or about to start weaning, please keep us informed about which foods your child has already tried and any you are planning to introduce.

While we cannot guarantee that our nurseries are entirely free from specific allergens, we have strict protocols in place to protect children with diagnosed allergies. Although NHS guidance suggests introducing nuts into children’s diets from 6 months, we currently do not include nuts in our snack, and we ask parents and staff to avoid bringing nuts into the nursery. Additionally, please refrain from bringing any medications or products containing nut oils, such as Arachis Hypogaea. However, please be aware that some foods in our nursery may contain trace amounts of nuts, as indicated on their labels. These products may be used unless a child-specific risk assessment advises otherwise.

If your child has a prescribed EpiPen, please ensure that two EpiPens are available at the nursery on any day your child attends.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and supportive environment for all children.

At Growing Minds, we are dedicated to fostering positive behavior, helping children develop healthy ways to interact with their peers and with adults. Our Educators actively model respectful behavior—such as using “please” and “thank you”—and consistently praise all attempts at positive actions. We aim to create a stimulating environment that encourages positive behavior, as we believe that engaged and

challenged children are less likely to display undesirable behavior. Through this approach, children learn the value of listening, cooperating, and being helpful.

Our teaching focuses on what children can do, rather than emphasizing what they cannot do. For example, if a child starts throwing toys, we guide them toward appropriate activities by showing them items that are safe to throw, like a ball, and create opportunities for social interaction through structured play.

We work closely with parents to maintain consistency between home and nursery, supporting children as they learn to regulate their behavior. Educators maintain open communication with parents and caregivers to keep them informed and involved in this process.

In all interactions, our Educators use a gentle, calm tone and age-appropriate language to ensure that communication is clear and supportive for every child.

At Growing Minds, we believe in fostering open communication and welcome parents and carers to engage with us at any time. Our commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement helps build and maintain trust with our families. We are dedicated to creating a high-quality environment and value feedback that contributes to our ongoing enhancement. As partners in your child’s care, we appreciate all comments and suggestions from parents, carers, and collaborating agencies.

Occasionally, issues may arise that require further attention. In such instances, we encourage you to discuss any concerns first with your child’s key person or room manager. If additional support is needed, please reach out to the Nursery Manager, and the director.

Should you feel that your concerns remain unaddressed after these steps, you may contact Ofsted to seek additional support.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a nurturing, high-standard environment for all our children.

At Growing Minds, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities for all children and families, tailored to their individual needs. We strive to create a positive atmosphere of mutual respect and trust among children and team members alike.

We are committed to inclusivity for every child and family, irrespective of gender, ethnic background, race, color, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure,

socioeconomic status, nationality, age, or disability. We take all forms of discrimination seriously and address them consistently, promptly, and effectively.

Our recruitment, selection, training, and promotion processes are based solely on the skills and qualifications necessary for the role, without bias related to age, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Only justifiable requirements for the safe and effective performance of work or training will be considered.

We actively promote fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect, along with tolerance for those of differing faiths and beliefs. Our commitment extends to providing an inclusive environment for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring equal access to all areas of our curriculum.

We value and encourage the contributions of all families in our understanding and implementation of equality, inclusion, and diversity.

At Growing Minds Nursery, we provide a flexible approach to nursery services, allowing parents to drop off or pick up their children within a half-hour window surrounding our core hours. While we encourage this flexibility, it is essential to maintain boundaries to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of every child, as well as to manage the presence of our Educators outside regular operating hours.

To address instances of late collection, we have established the following escalation procedure, which will be initiated if we do not receive communication from parents or guardians by the expected pickup time:

1. Initial Contact: If a child is not collected within ten minutes past the scheduled pickup time, we will first attempt to contact the parents or guardians directly.

2. Emergency Contacts: If we are unable to reach the parents or guardians, we will then contact the emergency contacts provided.

3. Involvement of Social Services: If no contact has been established with the parents or emergency contacts after thirty minutes, we will take the necessary step of contacting social services to ensure the child's safety.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a secure and supportive environment for all children at our nursery.

At Growing Minds, our team is committed to ensuring the highest standards of fire safety and emergency preparedness. We remain vigilant in preventing fire risks and are always prepared to execute evacuation procedures when necessary.

Our local evacuation protocols are clearly documented and undergo regular testing to ensure effectiveness. We conduct weekly fire alarm tests and participate in routine fire drills to familiarize our staff and children with emergency procedures.

To further minimize the risk of fire, we implement comprehensive prevention and maintenance measures, including professional inspections and servicing of all fire safety equipment. These proactive steps help create a safe environment for everyone at Growing Minds.

At Growing Minds, we are dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all individuals. We take all reasonably practicable measures to safeguard the health and safety of our staff, children, and visitors while protecting nursery property. Our commitment includes fostering an awareness of legal, personal, and economic responsibilities related to health and safety.

We conduct daily risk assessments to identify and address any issues promptly. Additionally, we perform comprehensive annual risk assessments to evaluate our environment and ensure it remains suitable for our operations.

Responsibilities of Management:

· Ensure safe and healthy working conditions that comply with statutory requirements.

· Provide training and instruction to empower employees to perform their duties safely and effectively.

· Supply necessary safety devices and protective equipment, ensuring proper supervision in their use.

· Maintain an ongoing commitment to health and safety matters relevant to nursery activities, actively consulting and involving employees and their representatives whenever possible.

Responsibilities of Employees:

· Work safely and efficiently at all times.

· Utilizse protective equipment provided and comply with statutory obligations.

· Report any incidents that may lead to injury or damage to people, property, or equipment.

· Follow nursery procedures to maintain a secure and safe workplace.

· Assist in investigating accidents to help implement measures that prevent recurrence.

Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone at Growing Minds.

At Growing Minds, we prioritize the health and well-being of all children in our care and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of infection. This policy outlines our procedures to ensure that any child who becomes unwell while at the nursery is treated with sensitivity and respect, while also protecting other children from illness.

We provide a ‘Well-Child Assessment Tool’ to help parents determine if their child is well enough to attend nursery.

We adhere to exclusion periods as defined by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in the Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and Other Childcare Settings (2016). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/children-and-young-people-settings-tools-and-resources

In the event of vomiting or diarrhoea, we require all families and team members to observe a strict 48-hour exclusion period as outlined by Public Health England (PHE). This policy is in place to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our nursery community.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy environment for all children at Growing Minds.

At Growing Minds , the safety of our children is our top priority, both on and off our premises. We take proactive measures to prevent any incidents of children going missing. Our prevention strategies include regular headcounts, effective team deployment, and strict adherence to statutory guidelines. Children are always kept within the sight or hearing range of our Educators.

In the unlikely event that a child is not within sight or hearing and cannot be located, we will promptly initiate our Lost or Missing Child Procedures. This process includes:

1. Locating the Child: A thorough search of the premises will be conducted immediately to locate the child.

2. Informing Parents/Carers: The child’s parents or carers will be notified without delay regarding the situation.

3. Escalating to Authorities: If the child cannot be found after a comprehensive search, we will escalate the situation to the police and other relevant authorities.

We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in our care and appreciate your support in maintaining a secure environment.

In certain cases, a child may require medication during their time at our nursery. If medication is necessary, we will take the time to understand the child's specific needs and ensure that this information is kept up to date.

To ensure the safe administration of medication, we adhere to strict guidelines. Only first aid-trained and fully qualified Educators will administer medication, which must be provided in its original packaging and accompanied by written consent from the parent or carer.

Prescription medication will only be given if it has been specifically prescribed for the child in question. Additionally, the first dose of any medication must be administered by the parent or carer, except in the case of EpiPens, which can be administered by our trained staff as needed.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all children in our care.

At Growing Minds, we conduct nappy changing and toileting with the utmost care to ensure that children feel safe, secure, respected, and valued as individuals. We recognize that children have a right to privacy and dignity while their personal needs are being met.

We support children in understanding toileting procedures, encouraging their growing independence in this area. Nappy changes and toileting are typically handled by the child’s Key Person, who will document the change in Family to keep parents informed.

If a child has any disabilities or medical needs that impact their personal care routine, a Health Care Plan will be developed in collaboration with their parents or carers. During the settling-in process, parents will be asked about any special words, actions, or specific needs related to their child’s nappy changing routine. Any significant observations made during a nappy change (e.g., a badly soiled nappy) will be communicated to parents at the end of the session.

Intimate care for both boys and girls may be carried out by team members of any gender. Please note that parental requests for specific team members of protected characteristics to perform these tasks cannot be accommodated.

At Growing Minds Nursery and Preschool, the safety and well-being of children are our top priority. This policy outlines the procedures and protocols we follow to ensure a secure, nurturing environment.

1. Safeguarding Concerns About a Child

If safeguarding concerns arise about a child, the following actions will be taken:

· Concerns will be documented immediately, including detailed observations, dates, and relevant information.

· The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be informed without delay.

· The DSL will assess the concern and, if necessary, refer it to the local safeguarding authority or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

· Parents or guardians may be informed, except in cases where this may put the child at further risk.

· In cases of immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted to ensure the child's safety.

2. Allegations Against a Member of Staff

In the event of an allegation being made against a staff member:

· The allegation will be reported to the DSL and/or the setting manager immediately.

· The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be informed as required by safeguarding protocols.

· The staff member in question may be suspended or reassigned to duties away from children during the investigation, ensuring the safety of all parties.

· A full and impartial investigation will be conducted in partnership with the appropriate authorities.

· Confidentiality will be maintained throughout, and any necessary actions will follow statutory guidelines.

3. Use of Mobile Phones, Cameras, and Electronic Devices

To safeguard children, the use of electronic devices is strictly monitored:

· Personal mobile phones must be stored away and not used in the presence of children.

· Staff may only use designated nursery devices for capturing images or videos, which are solely for educational purposes and with prior parental consent.

· All images are securely stored and deleted when no longer needed.

· Parents and visitors are prohibited from using mobile phones or cameras or any other electronic devices while in the nursery premises to ensure the privacy of all children.

· The use of devices for sharing or uploading media outside of approved channels is strictly forbidden.

We have a rigorous recruitment and selection process that enables us to hire individuals with the skills, qualifications, and cultural alignment necessary for the Nursery to operate at its best, while supporting the values of the Growing Minds . Our recruitment and selection procedures provide clear guidance for managers and others involved in the hiring process, covering both the selection and appointment of team members.

We are committed to a safe recruitment process that upholds our duty of care to safeguard children, ensuring they are protected from unsuitable adults. This policy is applied consistently with every new hire to our nursery team. We ensure that individuals appointed to roles with teaching and caregiving responsibilities are either qualified for those duties or are actively working towards an appropriate qualification. We seek staff members who not only align with our values but also demonstrate the right attitude and commitment to personal growth through our Growing Minds training and development framework. This supports the continuous improvement of our setting; from the quality of care and education we provide to our policies and processes and the level of service we offer to families.

Our recruitment process reflects and promotes our culture and values. It is designed to be candidate-centric, providing an excellent experience for applicants while offering them an opportunity to understand our operations and see firsthand our commitment to high standards of care, education, and service.

We are dedicated to recruiting, selecting, training, and promoting individuals based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. This commitment ensures that everyone is treated equitably, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, colour, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, age, or disability.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children from unsuitable adults by adhering to a rigorous recruitment process that fulfils and exceeds our duty of care. Our approach ensures that new team members are thoroughly prepared to uphold the standards, culture, and values of Growing Minds.

All new staff members involved in teaching and caregiving roles will receive comprehensive induction and in-house training to ensure they are fully informed about our policies and procedures, including safeguarding. This training enables them to understand and embody the culture of Growing Minds, aligning with our values and high standards.

We seek team members who demonstrate the right attitudes and approaches to support our mission and who are dedicated to continuous improvement. Through the training and development framework of the National College, our staff are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of our setting — from the quality of care and education we provide to the policies, processes, and services we offer to families.

All visitors are required to enter through the main door, which is the only designated access point for visitors. Upon arrival, they will be asked to sign in and out and to present valid identification.

If a visitor is unexpected or unknown, they may be asked to schedule an appointment and provide contact information to return at a later time. Visitors are never left unaccompanied or unsupervised with children at any point during their visit.

For the purpose of this policy, visitors are defined as anyone who is not a current child’s parent or carer, or someone explicitly authorised by parents/carers to drop off or pick up a child, and who is known to the nursery team.