Parent Policies

Child Protection Policy

We in Little Rascals want to make sure that children are protected and kept safe from harm while they are with the staff of this service. We do this by;

• Giving parents, children and staff information about what we do and what you expect from us.
• Making sure our staff is carefully selected, trained and supervised.
• Letting parents and children know how to voice their concerns or complain if there is anything they are unhappy about.

 There is a designated person in this service whose duty is to report any concerns regarding child protection i.e. any form of child abuse to the H.S.E.

Confidentiality

We at Little Rascals respect the child’s right and the families’ right to confidentiality in our service.  Every parent has access to any information about his or her own child.  No other child shall be discussed with anyone else.  However, should a concern develop regarding child protection, it is our duty of care to bring these concerns to the H.S.E.

Activity Programmes

At Little Rascals, our educational programme aims to encourage the child’s natural desire to explore the world around them and is designed to encourage all aspects of your child/ children’s development i.e. Physical, intellectual, emotional, social, personal, language, sensorial, pre-reading, art, maths, art & creativity. Each room has a specially designed curriculum and routine which is flexible for each child’s needs. Our education programmes are guided by Siolta’s standards and by Aistear, the National Curriculum Framework.

Settling in Period

We invite and welcome all new parents to visit Little Rascals before the first day. A booking form must be filled in and signed and any change of details i.e. telephone number or vaccination must be notified to the staff. Parents are asked to include submitting a copy of their child’s vaccination records on commencing the service.  Children react differently to the same situation so we will work with you to ensure this period is as stress free as possible for both you and your child/children. Each child will be assigned a key worker to help support your child settling in and ensure that their overall holistic development is promoted.

Medicine & Illness

 If a child becomes ill while attending Little Rascals, staff will immediately contact the child’s parents/guardians or “emergency contacts” and inform them of the situation. Parents/guardians must arrange for the child to be collected from Little Rascals as soon as possible. A sick child should not attend the service. Parents must complete a medical consent form where any medicine is to be given. Calpol or nurofen will be given to counteract a high temperature as per signed permission form on your child’s registration form.

Clothes and Supplies

Parents are requested to provide a change of clothes, clearly labelled for your child/children.  Parents are requested to supply nappies, wipes/cotton wool, sudocream for your child/ children.  The service requests during the hot weather that sun cream is applied to your child/children prior to coming to playschool. As we spend a lot of time in the outdoor play area, we ask that your child is appropriately dressed for the season’s e.g. warm coats, hats, gloves, sun hats and sun cream etc. We also ask Parents to ensure that their child has a change of clothes in their bag each day and nappies and wipes if required

Toys from Home

Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home. Little Rascals encourages respect for others and this includes sharing. Sharing is difficult for young children and even more so if it is a toy from home.  Toys brought from home also have a risk of being lost or damaged.  

Health & Safety

In Little Rascals we will take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of each individual in the service. To achieve this, we maintain safe working procedures among staff and children. Our health and safety statement is available on request.

Parking at all times must be in the driveway, which is a through drive, left hand side for inward and right hand side for outwards i.e. one-way system. Parents must ensure that on entering and leaving the premises, both front and patio doors are closed behind them.

Collection of Child/Children

Permission must be signed if someone other than a parent is collecting his or her child. No child shall be allowed to leave the premises without this form for obvious security reasons.  If a parent is going to be late in collecting their child we would appreciate if you can let us know as soon as possible. With both your child’s and your health and safety in mind, we are asking you as parents, to please be mindful when dropping off and collecting your child. Please ensure your child is always holding your hand. Please use the correct gate when arriving and departing the premises (as sign posted). This applies if driving, cycling and walking.

Policies and Procedures

Little Rascals policies and procedures are available for inspection upon request.