VACANCY for Preschool Practitioner (Part-time)

KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE

Photography and mobile phones:

Mobile phones must not be used on preschool premises (see policy).
There is a strict NO PHOTOGRAPHY rule, except at public events.
Mobile phones/devices must not be taken on outings or walks by volunteer helpers

Data Protection

St Catherines Preschool is aware of its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and is committed to processing your data securely and transparently. Please see our Data Protecion Policy and the privacy notice within your welcome pack for detailed information.

Safeguarding Children

We aim to create an environment which promotes and safeguards the welfare of children. This includes protecting children from maltreatment, preventing the impairment of children's health or development and ensuring that children are being provided with safe and effective care as they grow up. We have a duty to refer any allegations, complain or concern received relating to a child to Children's Services or the police.

Operation Encompass

Our preschool is part of Operation Encompass which is a national scheme that operates jointly between schools and police forces.

Operation Encompass is the reporting to educational settings, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has experienced domestic abuse.

As a preschool we have ensured that Emma Burt (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Anna Cummings (Deputy DSL) known as Key Adults, have been trained in the Operation Encompass procedures allowing us to then use the information that has been shared, in confidence, to support the children in our care.

Arrival/Collection Times:

Children may not leave the Preschool unless accompanied by a parent or nominated other adult.
Make it clear on your child’s registration form if there is anyone who is not allowed to collect your child.
If you are unable to collect your child (one off), ask for the Collection Arrangements book and give details of who will be collecting your child.

Accidents:

We will tell you if your child has an accident at preschool and you will be asked to countersign the record in the Accident Book.
Tell us about any bumps or injuries at home, including visits to A&E or Minor Injuries, for which you will need to complete a form.

Evacuation (Fire) Drills:

Drills are carried out at least twice a term
Every child takes part in at least two drills per year

Emergency contact numbers/non-collection:

You must provide additional emergency contact numbers in case your child falls ill, has an accident or you are unable to collect for any reason.
It is your responsibility to keep us informed of any changes to names, addresses or phone numbers.

Parking, dropping-off and collecting:

Please park considerately, do not block the school gates or park on the school road markings.
We advise parking further away and walking along the path to preschool.
Use the ‘nursery gate’, press the buzzer if the gate is locked and we will let you in; take the path across the field.
Remember to close and fasten all gates behind you.
Please arrive promptly as being late can be unsettling for children.
We understand that occasionally you might have a difficult start to the day or be caught in traffic but persistent lateness can be disruptive and upsetting for children, and holds us up on days when we have Forest School or trips.

Internet Safety

Computers, IT devices and the internet are an essential part of life.
There is a wealth of information and learning opportunities through the correct and safe use of technology.
It is important to understand the potential risks involved and help children develop an understanding of how to keep safe online.

ThinkUKnow: This website is dedicated to internet safety for children. It contains information, advice and short videos on how parents can become better aware of what their children may be experiencing online, plus tips on how you can teach them to keep safe online. Much of the information is age-specific, but many of the concepts about internet safety can be introduced as soon as your child is able to use a computer, tablet or device independently. www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

UK Safer Internet Centre: Helping children and young people stay safe online https://saferinternet.org.uk/

Tips on internet safety

Talk to your child about what they are doing online, involve the family and show an interest. Find out about the sites they like to use, and why. If your child feels you understand the internet they are more likely to come to you about anything online that upsets or confuses them.
Keep up-to-date with your child's ability online. They can quickly gain confidence and skills, and it's important that as your child learns more, so do you.
Make sure you are informed about what devices you own that connect to the internet and how. Ensure you are aware of your child accessing the internet, even if you have safety settings applied, devices can connect to a neighbours Wifi, which will not apply these settings.
Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends they do not know offline.
Explain to your children what information about them is personal: ie e-mail address, mobile number, school name, sports club, arrangements for meeting up with friends and any pictures or video of themselves, their family or friends. Small pieces of information can easily be pieced together to form a comprehensive insight in to their lives and daily activities.
It is not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they don't know. They won't know what they contain - it could be a virus, or an inappropriate image or film.
Help your child to understand that some people lie online and that therefore it's better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust.
Watch the Thinkuknow films and cartoons online with your child, there are a number of resources on this site for children as young as 4.
Encourage your child to explore age-appropriate sites, which are fun, educational, and will help them to develop their online skills.
Set boundaries online as you do in the real world. Think about what they might see, what they share, who they talk to, and how long they are using the internet.
Keep all equipment and devices that connect to the internet in a family room. For younger children it is important that you can see the sites your child is using, and be there to intervene should they stumble on something they don't want to see.
Use parental controls on devices that link to the internet. These are tools that let you set appropriate boundaries as your child grows. They are not the answer to online safety for children, but they are a good starting point and are not as difficult to install as you may think. Find your service provider and learn how to set your controls.
Make your children aware that they need to think carefully about the information and pictures they post on their profiles. Inform them that once published online, anyone can change or share these images of them.
It can be easy to forget that the internet is not a private space, and as a result, sometimes young people engage in risky behaviour online. Advise your child not to post any pictures, videos or information on their profiles, or in chat rooms, that they would not want a parent or carer to see.
If your child receives spam or junk e-mails and texts, remind them never to believe their contents, reply to them or use them.
Always keep communication open for a child to know that it's never too late to tell something if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

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