www.castletownprimary.wordpress.com

HANDBOOK2018 - 2019

CASTLETOWNNURSERY

Introduction 3How to contact us 3General Information

About our Nursery 3Castletown Nursery Aims 4Staff List 4School Year 5In-Service Training 5Nursery Times 5Enrolment & Funding 6Snack 6Clothing 6

Children’s Care & WelfareChild Protection 7Behaviour Management 7Equal Opportunities 7Building Security 7Emergency Contact 8Adverse Weather/School Closure Procedures 8Register & Absence Reporting 8First Aid 9Medication 9Illness 9Medical Conditions 10Fire Drills 10Data Protection 10

The Nursery DayHow Your Children Will Learn 10Curriculum for Excellence 11The Assessment Cycle 11Transition to Primary 1 11

Working with ParentsVisiting the School 12Parents’ Evenings 12Nursery Policies 12Access to Personal Records 12Suggestions & Complaints 12

Appendix 1 NHS – Exclusion Criteria for Illness and Infection 14

2

INTRODUCTIONWelcome to the Castletown Nursery handbook. We hope it will acquaint you with procedures and practices in our nursery. It is our hope that this working document will be a source of information for both current and prospective new parents of Castletown Nursery.This document has been written in accordance with local and national guidance. We welcome comments and suggestions for improvement to our handbook at any time throughout the school year. The handbook cannot hope to cover all questions you may have, especially those of a day to day nature, therefore we welcome visits by parents. Liaison between home and nursery is essential at all times to ensure we work together to achieve the full potential of your child.Please note that whilst the information contained in our Nursery Handbook is considered to be correct at the time of printing, it is possible that there may be changes affecting a matter dealt with in the document.

This handbook was last updated:

HOW TO CONTACT THE SCHOOLAddress Mrs Rhona Moodie - Head Teacher

Castletown School, CASTLETOWN KW14 8UATelephone 01847 821256Email castletown.primary@highland.gov.ukShould you have cause for concern about any aspect of your child’s progress, behaviour or any other matter involving the nursery, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately. The sooner a problem is identified, the easier it is to deal with.

ABOUT OUR NURSERYThe nursery is part of Castletown Primary School which also has six primary classes. It has a separate gymnasium as well as a school hall, with a stage, and rooms available for art, computing and music. The older part of the school is home to our nursery. A separate mother and toddler group is also run once a week during school hours in this areaNursery is registered for 40 children in one session.The nursery provides a wide range of learning opportunities and enjoyable educational experiences for children in their pre-school year.The nursery is made up of 2 large classroom areas. There are large carpeted areas for general play, quiet reading corner, dedicated computer area and home corner. The wet floor areas are used for painting, water, sand and craft activities. We have a modern, fully equipped kitchen which is used for snack preparation as well as cooking and baking activities.A modern toilet block provides nursery with suitable child height facilities and there is also a separate accessible toilet for children who require additional assistance with toileting needs.

January 2018

3

CASTLETOWN NURSERY AIMSo Provide a stable, nurturing and caring environment where children feel happy

and secure.o Create opportunities for learning through play that stimulate interest and

imagination and encourage the intellectual, emotional, creative, physical and social development of our children, which is in line with the experiences and outcomes outlined in the Curriculum for Excellence.

o Establish positive behaviour patterns and encourage positive attitudes to themselves and others by promoting confidence and self-esteem.

o Encourage children to explore, appreciate and respect their environment and provide regular opportunities to participate in active outdoor learning.

o Value partnership with parents and carers on a formal and informal basis and promote positive links.

o Ensure the nursery is a welcoming place for children, parents, staff and visitors alike.

o Complement the experiences of home and build on children’s individual levels of development.

o Comply with the Highland Council’s Planning and Assessment Cycle.o Evaluate provision using quality indicators from ‘How Good is our Early Learning

Centre?’ and implement the actions from these evaluations.o Provide appropriate and meaningful staff training.o Meet National Care Standards (Early Education and Childcare up to the age of

16).Aims reviewed November 2012

STAFF LISTHead Teacher Mrs Rhona Moodie

Early Years PractitionersMiss Sharon ThainMrs Patricia GunnMrs Joan CalderMrs Judith Nicolson

All staff have equal responsibilities within nursery. Each child will have a keyworker although all staff work with all children.All nursery staff are SSSC registered and have SVQ 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development qualifications as well as holding current First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection certificates. All staff access the appropriate level of training for the positions that they hold and attend many courses during each session.The nursery has a working relationship with North Highland College and childcare students are on regular placement. All students undergo the appropriate checks prior to placement. Nursery also works in partnership with Safe, Strong and Free – a charity working with children to make them aware of their safety and help keep them safe from harm.

4

We support work placements from Thurso High School and University of Highlands and Islands.The nursery also has support from other agencies, such as Speech Therapy, Oral Health Educator, Health Visitor and Pre-School Home Visiting Teacher.

SCHOOL YEARSCHOOL YEAR 2018/19

SCHOOL OPENS TO PUPILS LAST DAY OF SCHOOLTerm 1 21 August 2018 12 October 2018Term 2 29 October 2018 21 December 2018Term 3 7 January 2019 5 April 2019Term 4 23 April 2019 4 July 2019

Mid Term Break 18 February 2019 & 19 February 2019Public holidays Good Friday – 19 April 2019, Easter Monday – 22 April 2019

May Day – 6 May 2019Inservice Days

(no school for children)20 August 2019, 17 and 18 September 2018,20 February 2019 3 June 2019

NURSERY TIMES - Starting in January 2018 we offered changes to sessions. Families could choose the traditional sessions of 3 hours 10 minutes each day or 4 days of 4 hour sessions. Either of these options are covered within the free childcare available. There was also the option of paying for an additional 4 hour session.From August 2018 we will only be offering 4 hour sessions which is line with developments across Early Learning and Childcare settings in Highand. As explained above this will mean you can choose 4 days of free childcare and have the option of purchasing a 5th day.The nursery will operate five days a week during the school term-time openings.

Monday to Friday 9am to 1pmThe nursery is licensed by the Care Inspectorate to accommodate 40 children per session.

ENROLMENT & FUNDINGCastletown Nursery is commissioned by Highland Council to provide Early Learning and Childcare, therefore funded places are available. Children entitled to a fully funded Early Learning and Childcare place during the session 2018/2019 must be born between 1 March 2015 and 28 February 2016. August start date- date of birth between 1/3/15 and 31/8/15January start date – date of birth between 1/9/15 and 31/12/15April start date - date of birth between 1/1/16 and 28/2/16

If we are oversubscribed we need to look at different factors including catchment areas. If your child is eligible for a funded place this means they are entitled to 600 hours of Early Learning and Childcare, which can be taken as 4 sessions of 4 hours for 38 weeks of the school year or a more flexible arrangement may be available from August 2017. It should be noted that parents/carers are responsible for their children travelling to

5

and from nursery provision and children should be dropped off and collected by an adult.

SNACKCastletown Nursery operates a Healthy Eating policy in line with Highland Council Guidelines. A snack is provided each day. We aim to offer a wide range of tastes and textures to sample – fruit, vegetables and other healthy options.Snack is provided through Highland Council funding however additional funding can be raised to allow us to provide baking and cooking activities which in turn encourage children to taste and try foods other foods.If your child has any special dietary requirements, e.g. lactose intolerant, allergies, dislikes, it is important that you inform us as soon as possible. The allergens lists are displayed in the cloakroom area for all snacks we have in nursery. The nursery operates a weekly tooth-brushing programme and staff receive regular

updated training to ensure the programme is carried out according to national guidelines.

CLOTHINGShoes and clothing should be practical and sensible. Please do not provide shoes with laces.Nursery children wear school uniform which can be purchased though the school office, direct from the school supplier or through Tesco School Uniform service. (It should be noted that Tesco is a different supplier).

In the nursery we provide aprons for messy work, however there are sometimes accidents. A change of clothes in your child’s school bag would be very useful.Please also provide soft gym shoes, clearly labelled, in a bag to be left on their coat peg. Changing of outdoor shoes is an important and useful practice.Please ensure your child is wearing warm and suitable outdoor clothing at all times as a proportion of their learning happens outdoors.

All clothes and possessions should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.

CHILD

PROTECTIONCastletown Nursery follows Highland Council guidelines for Child Protection. All agencies involved in Child Protection regard the care and welfare of children as a main priority. In cases which raise concern, education staff have a duty to report to the Head Teacher and Family Teams or Police as appropriate.More information about Child Protection Procedures within Highland can be obtained http://forhighlandschildren.org/

6

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENTAll adults provide positive role models to the children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy. All adults will praise and reward positive behaviour displayed by any child. Any negative behaviour will be managed in such a way as to demonstrate the unacceptability of the behaviour, not the child.Our Behaviour Management Policy is available to read in the Policies Folder. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to see this.Children are encouraged to promote good behaviour through group activities and will help to formulate rules that all agree on.Nursery also follows the school’s set of Golden Rules which are displayed both in the foyer and the playroom. These are:

Do be gentle Do not hurt anybody Do be kind and helpful Do not hurt people's feelingsDo work hard Do not waste your or other people's timeDo look after property Do not waste or damage thingsDo listen to people Do not interruptDo be honest Do not cover up the truth

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Boys and girls participate equally in the full range of nursery experiences. Care is taken to ensure that particular activities do not become associated with girls or boys. Books, pictures, jigsaws, etc. are selected to show positive images of different gender, races, cultures and people of all abilities.

BUILDING SECURITYThe nursery is located in the old part of the school. There is a security buzzer at the front door if you require to gain access.The school has a security system controlling access/exit via all external doors during normal school hours. All visitors to the school must enter the school via the main entrance at the arches where entry is controlled by a video entry system and report immediately to reception.

EMERGENCY CONTACTParents/carers are all too aware that children can become ill fairly quickly and that minor emergencies may arise. It is essential that the nursery is able to contact a parent/carer or an appointed emergency contact at any time. The nursery will issue emergency contact forms annually and we ask that parents keep us updated of any changes – especially new mobile phone numbers.In case of a real emergency, medical services will be contacted immediately and if necessary the child will be transported to the nearest medical facility with a member of staff. Parents will be informed immediately.

ADVERSE WEATHER/SCHOOL/NURSERY CLOSURE PROCEDURESIt is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attend nursery in adverse weather conditions.  Please advise us of an alternative address, as close as possible to the school, which

may be used by your children in emergencies.  Our system of communication with families in the event of a school closure before

school or during the school day is to update the telephone messaging service first.  The number and pin is 0800 564 2272     04 1680

7

The council’s website www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures will also be updated with information for individual schools and the local radio stations are informed. There is also a function to be alerted through the Highland Council Facebook page.

If the children are already in nursery and we need to close we will phone families and also do all of the above.

When weather conditions are poor local radio stations issue news and weather bulletins on traffic conditions and school closures. Parents are advised to remain tuned in to ongoing road weather, or school information updates. BBC Radio Highland

6.30 a.m.12.30 p.m.

7.30 a.m.4.30 p.m.

8.30 a.m.5.30 p.m.

Moray Firth Radio www.mfr.co.ukLocal news on the hour 6am – 6pm carries local information on weather, roads and conditions affecting schools.  In severe conditions normal programmes will be interrupted more frequently to carry emergency bulletins.

Please do not telephone local radio for advice but listen to appropriate broadcasts.  It is also requested that school is not phoned directly if this can be avoided as we may need the phone line.

REGISTER AND ABSENCE REPORTINGWe operate a sign-in/out book for parents/carers who deliver and collect children to nursery. If your child is to be collected by someone other than yourself there is space to record this.Parents must inform the school of the reason for any absence of their children. Any planned absence such as a medical appointment should be notified by letter or phone call in advance.The Highland Council have developed the Three Day Rule for unexplained absence of Pupils.DAY 1: First day of unexplained absence of pupil. The nursery will endeavour to make contact by telephone or e-mail to parents, carers of emergency contacts informing them that the child is absent and requesting a reason for absence. If no contact can be made with the parent/carers or emergency contacts this will be noted by the nursery.DAY 2: Second day of unexplained absence of pupil. The nursery will make vigorous attempts to contact a carer of family member by telephone or e-mail. If no contact can be made on the second day of absence this will be noted by the nursery.DAY 3: Third day of unexplained absence of pupil. If no contact is established, nurseries with support staff will arrange a home visit to check the situation. If the child is not found and no satisfactory explanation is given for absence, the police will be notified of the child’s non-attendance. The police will treat this as a missing persons alert.Parents should be aware that the nursery is now formally required to record all absences and also if they are authorised or unauthorised. Examples of authorised absence include:Family Bereavement/Education in another nursery/Ill health (including visits to the doctor, dentist, therapist etc/Sporting/Artistic events/School/Nursery visits/Any other valid reason authorised by the Head Teacher

In extreme conditions Radio Highland will interrupt Radio Scotland transmissions, usually on the hour, to carry emergency bulletins.

8

FIRST AIDAll permanent nursery staff hold the basic first aid qualifications as required by nursery guidelines.All injuries are recorded on a school incident/accident report and a copy is given to parents. Please inform staff if your child has adverse reactions to Elastoplast, Micropore, etc.More serious accidents will be dealt with according to policy. Parents will be informed and medical attention sought if necessary.

MEDICATIONChildren requiring medication while in nursery must have a written request form completed by their parent/carer and the medication must be handed to the staff. Children must never carry medication into nursery. It is essential that children who require inhalers have them available at all times. Parents should note the expiry date of any medication that is to be kept in nursery for lengthy periods and ensure that it does not go out of date. This is a parental responsibility. Again a form must be completed for children with asthma.

ILLNESSIf a child is ill PLEASE consider what is best for your child and others. Sickness and colds spread rapidly within the nursery. If your child has an infectious illness please keep them away from nursery until the infectious period is over. If your child is suffering from a bout of vomiting and/or diarrhoea your child should not return to nursery until 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhoea has stopped. Please contact the school office if you would like to discuss individual case. There is an appendix to the brochure which shows guidelines for exclusion due to infectious ailments.Our link health visitor is: Treeca Briscoe

01955 609594MEDICAL CONDITIONSAny medical condition likely to affect your child’s learning and wellbeing MUST be notified to the nursery. Please also see appendix 1 for exclusion guidance.

FIRE DRILL

The children and staff join in with the whole school fire drill, usually once a term.

DATA PROTECTIONAll information that has been collected about a child will only be used for the purpose for which it was provided. This data will be maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and will not be passed on to any other organisation without your prior approval unless this is a legal requirement.PLEASE NOTE - ALL COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING ANY ASPECT OF YOUR CHILD’S WELL BEING ARE TREATED WITH STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.

HOW YOUR CHILDREN WILL LEARN

9

Current research suggests that half of our learning is completed by the age of 5.

In nursery we provide a secure and structured environment where children engage in meaningful and constructive play using materials and equipment which has been carefully selected by staff. So when your child says “just playing” remember that they have been very busy for over three hours learning skills to carry with them to school. Practical examples of planned learning will be demonstrated to you during the first weeks of the new term at a Parents’ Welcome Evening.

Many practical skills are demonstrated and encouraged during the nursery routine. These include hand washing, toileting, dressing, and toothbrushing.

You can help by reading often to your child, teaching and singing nursery rhymes and songs, talking to them and encouraging them to ask questions.

All Early Years staff at Castletown Nursery work closely together for the benefit of all the children.Children and their families are encouraged to participate in all activities and give feedback on their experiences.

CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCECurriculum for Excellence is the Scottish 3-18 Curriculum. It promotes seamless transitions from pre-school to primary and primary to secondary. It is an integrated ongoing system of progression to build knowledge from a strong foundation. The nursery years are the most important basis of this foundation. The children will take part in active learning which engages and challenges their thinking using real-life or imaginary situations. This includes:

Spontaneous play Planned, purposeful play Investigation and exploration Events and life experiences Focused learning and teaching

Quality active learning builds on children’s previous experiences. It allows for different learning styles and children’s independence but is supported by adults who structure the environment and intervene sensitively to extend the children’s learning.All activities are structured and targeted specifically for this age group within the eight curricular areas to ensure they have a broad range of experiences.For more information please visit: www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk

THE ASSESSMENT CYCLECastletown Nursery follows the Highland Council guidelines to observe the children at play, note their successes and create opportunities to consolidate learning where necessary. Children are encouraged to understand and value what they have learned and to share this with their parents/carers by means of Wow Moments, Tell Me About sheets and Ask Me About sheets.Children’s learning is recorded in their “My Learning Journey” folder across the 8 curricular areas to show the child’s progression throughout the year. Children are actively involved in setting their own learning targets and staff will provide all the resources and support required to make this achievable. Parents/carers are encouraged to add comments to these folders so that learning is shared.

10

TRANSITION INTO PRIMARY 1During their time in nursery the children will be visiting the school on a regular basis. There will be weekly sessions in the gym. The nursery class is also invited to special events within the school.A full programme of transition activities is undertaken in the final term of nursery for those children who are enrolled for primary 1.The Primary 1 teacher visits the nursery regularly and then the children are given the opportunity to visit the Primary 1 classroom. There are four of these visits, with three of them focussing on a particular curriculum area; one on literacy, one on numeracy and one on health. The children will also, with the Primary 1 teacher, take part in the Resilient Kids to School programme which focusses on the school’s Golden Rules. Nursery children will have a shared playtime one day a week for this last term to give them the experience of eating outside, playing with children from the school and getting used to coming in on the bell. The Additional Support Needs teacher will visit the nursery, if required, to provide additional support to help with transition.

VISITING THE NURSERY/SCHOOLWe operate an open door policy and actively seek and value the input of parents/carers as a strong link is valuable to the children. We encourage parents/carers to visit the nursery/school if they wish to discuss any aspect of their child’s nursery experience. Having listened to families comments about Stay and Play and Read me a Story sessions these are run on a more formal basis. Families indicated that this was their preferred choice so that they knew what each session involved before arranging to come in.

o Stay and Play is where parents/carers visit the nursery session to take part in a specific activity at a prearranged time. This could be story time, singing, arts and crafts, gym, etc.

Visitors are requested not to park in front of the school but to use the car park.

PARENT SESSIONSAll information collected about your child is held together in a profile which is available for you to access at any time. This forms the basis for discussion at parent events which will be offered to you twice over the course of the year. One will be an open session and the other will be individual appointments.

NURSERY POLICIESWe have a range of policies covering all aspects of the nursery environment. We encourage parents/carers to be familiar with these. Please ask a member of the nursery staff if you would like to see them.

ACCESS TO PERSONAL RECORDSParents will have ready access to the files and records of their own children.

COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS POLICYWe welcome comments or suggestions, which could help us to improve our service.

11

However, we are aware that difficulties can occur from time to time and if you feel you have reason to complain, then please follow the procedure outlined below.Please use the open door policy and speak to one of the Early Years Practitioners, either at the beginning or end of a nursery session. If you prefer, an appointment can be made to speak to one of the staff in private. In consultation with the parents/carers it will be decided if the matter needs to be taken further, in which case, the headteacher will be informed and a meeting arranged.From here, if necessary, the matter will be brought to the attention of the Area Care and Learning Manager who will decide on the necessary next steps. Parents will be kept fully informed at each stage and will be invited to attend any meetings being held.Should you feel unable to speak to the nursery staff, please make an appointment to speak directly with the headteacher.Parents/carers are also able to contact the Care Inspectorate directly with a complaint, if they so wish. Address and telephone number: Care InspectorateScottish Natural Heritage Great Glen HouseLeachkin RoadINVERNESSIV3 8NWTel: 0345 600 9527 Email: enquiries@careinspectorate.com

The Care Inspectorate publication “Unhappy about a Care Service?” is also available and this has replaced the previous publication ‘How to complain’. You will find a copy of this displayed on the parent noticeboard and it can also be downloaded from: http://www.careinspectorate.com/images/documents/167/Unhappy%20about%20a%20care%20service%20-%20May%202014.pdf

12

Appendix 1 NHS – Exclusion Criteria for Illness and Infection HPT – Health Protection Team

Infection/Virus Exclusion period CommentsDiarrhoea and vomiting

Exclude unit 48 hours after the diarrhoea and/or vomiting has stopped

If blood is found in the diarrhoea then the patient should contact their GP.

Common InfectionsNorovirus 48 hours form last episode of

diarrhoea and vomitingDiscussion should always take place between HPT and school/nursery

Campylobacter 48 hours form last episode of diarrhoea and vomiting

As above

Salmonella 48 hours form last episode of diarrhoea and vomiting

As above

Less common infectionsCryptosporidiosis 48 hours form last episode of

diarrhoea and vomitingExclusion from swimming is advisable for two weeks after diarrhoea has settled

E.Coli 0157 Your local HPT will adviseShigella (Bacillary Dysentry)

Your local HPT will advise

Enteric fever (Typhoid and paratyphoid)

Your local HPT will advise

Respiratory infectionsCoughs/colds Until recoveredFlu (influenza) Until recoveredTuberculosis (TB) Consult your local HPT Not easily spread by children. Requires

prolonged close contact for spread.Whooping cough (Peritussis)

5 days from commencing antibiotic treatment or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment

Preventable by vaccination.After treatment non-infectious coughing may continue for many weeks.Your local HPT will organise any contact tracing

Rashes/SkinAthletes foot None This is not serious. Treatment

recommendedChickenpox (Varicella zoster)

5 days from onset of rash Pregnant staff should seek advice from their GP if they have no history of having chickenpox. Severe infection may occur in vulnerable children

Cold sores (Herpes simplex)

None Avoid kissing and contact with the sores.

German measles (Rubella)

6 days from onset of rash Preventable by immunisation (MMR x2 doses). Pregnant staff should seek advice from their GP

Hand, foot and mouth (coxsackie)

None Contact local HPT if a large number of children are affected

Impetigo (Streptococcal Group A skin infection)

Until sores are crusted or healed or until 48 hours after antibiotic treatment has started

Antibiotic treatment may speed healing and reduce infectious period

Measles 4 days from onset of rash. Always consult with HPT

Preventable by immunisation (MMR x 2 doses). Pregnant staff should seek advice from their GP.Your local HPT will organise contact tracing

Molluscum contagiosum

None A self limiting condition

Ringworm Exclusion not usually required Treatment is requiredRoseola (infantum) NoneScabies Child can return after treatment Two treatments 1 week apart. Contacts

should have same treatment, include the entire household and any other very close contacts.

Scarlet fever 24 hours after commencing antibiotics

Antibiotic recommended for affected child

Slapped cheek syndrome

None Pregnant staff should seed advice from their GP.

13

(Enrythrovirus B19)Shingles (Varciella zoster)

Exclude only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered, e.g. with clothing

Can cause chickenpox in those who have not had chickenpox. Pregnant staff should seek advice from their GP

Warts and verrucae None Verrucae should be covered in swimming pool

Other infectionsConjunctivitis NoneDiptheria Exclusion will apply. Always

consult your HPTPreventable by vaccination. Your local HPT will organise contact tracing

Glandular fever If unwellHead lice None Treatment is recommended only in cases

where live lice have definitely been seen. Close contacts should be checked and treated if live lice are found. Regular detection (combing) should be carried out by parents

Hepatitis A or E Exclude until 7 days after onset of jaundice ( or seven days after symptom onset if no jaundice)

Your HPT will advise

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

None Blood borne viruses that are not infectious through casual contact

Meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia

Until recovered, HPT will advise Meningitis C is preventable by vaccination. There is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case. HPT will provide advice as required and organise all contact tracing

Meningitis due to other bacteria

Until recovered Hib and pneumococcal meningitis are preventable by vaccination. There is no reason to exclude siblings or other close contacts. HPT will advise of any action needed

Meningitis viral Until recovered Milder illness. There is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case

Mumps Five days from onset of swollen glands

Preventable by Vaccination (MMR x 2 doses)

Threadworms None Treatment is required for the child and all household contacts

14