POLICIES
Happy Faces Playgroup has policies on all aspects of Pre-School Education provision.
Theses have been compiled by the Committee and Staff and are available to all
parents. Policies are displayed at all times on the parent’s noticeboard and
parents are advised to familiarise themselves with all policies.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
We at Happy Faces Playgroup are committed to creating a safe environment for
children, which is free from abuse and where any suspicion of abuse is dealt
with promptly and appropriately. We will comply with Health and Social Services
Guidelines on Child Protection and the designated persons to deal with Child
Protection issues in the early years setting are: Marian Molloy, Anne McGinley and Catherine
In case of a parent or member of staff having a concern
relating to child protection, the persons must contact; THE GATEWAY TEAM, 106
IRISH STREET, WATERSIDE, DERRY BT47 2ND Tel: 028 71314090
(See Pastoral Care Pack).
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES
Happy Faces Playgroup aim to provide the highes quality care and education for all children attending the playgroup. We aim to provide a warm welcome and caring environment within which all children can learn and develop as they play. We intend to work in partnership with parents/carers to meet the needs of their children. We welcome comments/suggestions on how to improve the playgroup. We will try quickly and informally to resolve concerns through discussions with the approprite member of playgroup staff. All comments and complaints will be taken seriously and dealt with failry and confidentially. If the issue is not resolved or reoccurs the parent/carer
should put their complaint in writing to the Playgroup Leader. Should the parent/carer and playgroup fail to reach an agreement, they may then follow the playgroups complaint procedure.
(See full policy)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
At Happy Faces Playgroup we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity
by providing activities which are open to all children and their families. We
aim to ensure that all individuals who wish to work in our playgroup as staff
or volunteers have an equal opportunity to do so, regardless of religious
affiliation, political background, race, culture, disability or age.
(See full policy)
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Happy Faces Playgroup sets high expectations of behaviour through encouraging and
praising good behaviour. We do this by applying simple rules fairly and
consistently. Under no circumstances do we use any form of punishment. We
encourage children daily to respect themselves, each other and property. We aim to
provide a happy, caring environment with challenging activities. In the case of
a particular incident or persistent unacceptable behaviour, we will always
discuss ways forward with parents.
(See full policy)
SETTLING IN PROCEDURES
We at Happy Faces Playgroup aim to ensure that all children feel safe and secure
in the absence of their parents/carers. In order to accomplish a
smooth settling-in transition we will ensure that parents/carers and their
children are encouraged to visit the playgroup before admission to
familiarise themselves with the group setting. Our playgroup offers phased
intake to facilitate each child’s settling-in process and to allow staff and
child to get acquainted. Parents/carers are welcome to stay as long as
necessary to help staff settle the child. Should the transition be
difficult, staff will support both parents/carers throughout the settling-in period.
When your child starts playgroup it is important to stay until he/she is well
settled, as this is probably the first time for your child to be separated from
you and it can be very stressful for the child. The playgroup operates a
Keyworker system to help each child settle so that parent and child have
someone specific to relate to and discuss any concerns or worries.
You should always tell your child when you are leaving them and reassure them that you will be
back later to take them home. If you are feeling anxious about your child after you have left, you can always
telephone and staff will be happy to report how your child is settling.
Please tell staff if your child is on any medication or has any allergies. Special
Educational Needs are also catered for; please discuss your child’s particular
needs with the Playgroup Leader.
(See full policy)
LEARNING THROUGH STRUCTURED PLAY
Play is a natural and very important part of a child’s development. A vast amount of
knowledge about the world around us can be acquired through play. At playgroup
the child makes new friends and learns to mix and socialise. Play is a great
fun way to learn. A number of essential skills are learned including taking
turns and sharing. A child also learns to respect the rights and needs of
others. The learning activities which are presented to the child as play are
structured in such a fashion as to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum
whilst at the same time meeting the needs of the individual.
THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum is now laid down for all pre-school centres and a more detailed
account of this may be obtained from:
CCEA, 29 Clarendon Street, Belfast. BT1 3BG Tel: (028) 90261200
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Develop large and fine motor skills through play. Develop skills such as running,
climbing, catching and throwing etc. Develop a sense of space and freedom of
movement; develop confidence in themselves through P.E. activities – e.g.
climbing frame, bats, balls, hoops etc.
OTHER POLICIES
Admissions - Recruitment & Selection- Health & Safety - Special Needs
Confidentiality - Observations & Assessments - Attendance of Sick Children & administration of medicine
- Partnership with Parents - Toileting Policy - Change of Clothing
- No Smoking - Healthy Eating - Sun Cream Policy - Fundraising
Anti-Bullying - Outdoor Play - Collection of Children
- Pastoral Care Policy - Infection Control Policy - Data Protection
Happy Faces Playgroup has policies on all aspects of Pre-School Education provision.
Theses have been compiled by the Committee and Staff and are available to all
parents. Policies are displayed at all times on the parent’s noticeboard and
parents are advised to familiarise themselves with all policies.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
We at Happy Faces Playgroup are committed to creating a safe environment for
children, which is free from abuse and where any suspicion of abuse is dealt
with promptly and appropriately. We will comply with Health and Social Services
Guidelines on Child Protection and the designated persons to deal with Child
Protection issues in the early years setting are: Marian Molloy, Anne McGinley and Catherine
In case of a parent or member of staff having a concern
relating to child protection, the persons must contact; THE GATEWAY TEAM, 106
IRISH STREET, WATERSIDE, DERRY BT47 2ND Tel: 028 71314090
(See Pastoral Care Pack).
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES
Happy Faces Playgroup aim to provide the highes quality care and education for all children attending the playgroup. We aim to provide a warm welcome and caring environment within which all children can learn and develop as they play. We intend to work in partnership with parents/carers to meet the needs of their children. We welcome comments/suggestions on how to improve the playgroup. We will try quickly and informally to resolve concerns through discussions with the approprite member of playgroup staff. All comments and complaints will be taken seriously and dealt with failry and confidentially. If the issue is not resolved or reoccurs the parent/carer
should put their complaint in writing to the Playgroup Leader. Should the parent/carer and playgroup fail to reach an agreement, they may then follow the playgroups complaint procedure.
(See full policy)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
At Happy Faces Playgroup we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity
by providing activities which are open to all children and their families. We
aim to ensure that all individuals who wish to work in our playgroup as staff
or volunteers have an equal opportunity to do so, regardless of religious
affiliation, political background, race, culture, disability or age.
(See full policy)
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Happy Faces Playgroup sets high expectations of behaviour through encouraging and
praising good behaviour. We do this by applying simple rules fairly and
consistently. Under no circumstances do we use any form of punishment. We
encourage children daily to respect themselves, each other and property. We aim to
provide a happy, caring environment with challenging activities. In the case of
a particular incident or persistent unacceptable behaviour, we will always
discuss ways forward with parents.
(See full policy)
SETTLING IN PROCEDURES
We at Happy Faces Playgroup aim to ensure that all children feel safe and secure
in the absence of their parents/carers. In order to accomplish a
smooth settling-in transition we will ensure that parents/carers and their
children are encouraged to visit the playgroup before admission to
familiarise themselves with the group setting. Our playgroup offers phased
intake to facilitate each child’s settling-in process and to allow staff and
child to get acquainted. Parents/carers are welcome to stay as long as
necessary to help staff settle the child. Should the transition be
difficult, staff will support both parents/carers throughout the settling-in period.
When your child starts playgroup it is important to stay until he/she is well
settled, as this is probably the first time for your child to be separated from
you and it can be very stressful for the child. The playgroup operates a
Keyworker system to help each child settle so that parent and child have
someone specific to relate to and discuss any concerns or worries.
You should always tell your child when you are leaving them and reassure them that you will be
back later to take them home. If you are feeling anxious about your child after you have left, you can always
telephone and staff will be happy to report how your child is settling.
Please tell staff if your child is on any medication or has any allergies. Special
Educational Needs are also catered for; please discuss your child’s particular
needs with the Playgroup Leader.
(See full policy)
LEARNING THROUGH STRUCTURED PLAY
Play is a natural and very important part of a child’s development. A vast amount of
knowledge about the world around us can be acquired through play. At playgroup
the child makes new friends and learns to mix and socialise. Play is a great
fun way to learn. A number of essential skills are learned including taking
turns and sharing. A child also learns to respect the rights and needs of
others. The learning activities which are presented to the child as play are
structured in such a fashion as to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum
whilst at the same time meeting the needs of the individual.
THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum is now laid down for all pre-school centres and a more detailed
account of this may be obtained from:
CCEA, 29 Clarendon Street, Belfast. BT1 3BG Tel: (028) 90261200
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Develop large and fine motor skills through play. Develop skills such as running,
climbing, catching and throwing etc. Develop a sense of space and freedom of
movement; develop confidence in themselves through P.E. activities – e.g.
climbing frame, bats, balls, hoops etc.
OTHER POLICIES
Admissions - Recruitment & Selection- Health & Safety - Special Needs
Confidentiality - Observations & Assessments - Attendance of Sick Children & administration of medicine
- Partnership with Parents - Toileting Policy - Change of Clothing
- No Smoking - Healthy Eating - Sun Cream Policy - Fundraising
Anti-Bullying - Outdoor Play - Collection of Children
- Pastoral Care Policy - Infection Control Policy - Data Protection
