Staffing
The Nursery employs qualified and experienced staff - a wide range of ages and backgrounds. We expect our
staff to maintain a happy and relaxed atmosphere for the children. We employ nursery nurses who are
enthusiastic and happy, and luckily do not have a high turn over of staff.
Before the commencement of employment, we carry out the necessary C.R.B. Police and health checks to ensure suitability
of employment for all staff. From time to time the local colleges place young people with us for training;
they are not left unsupervised.
Interestingly, our trainees tend to stay on with us after they have qualified, which helps with the continuity
of care for the children. Shauna our owner is very involved in the day to day running of the nursery and our manager Tyna
has been with us since November 1991.
Policies
A full set of our policies and procedures are available from the office.
Staffing Ratio
In terms of staff to child ratios the Ofsted requirement for nursery age as children is as follows:
Children aged from 6 months to 2 years 1:3
Children aged from 2 years to 3 years 1:4
Children aged from 3 years to 8 years 1:8
At The Orchard, it is our policy to operate at more than the statutory minimum at all times. A team led by
a qualified and experience member of staff cares for each group of children.
Qualifications and Training
DPP - Diploma in Pre School Practice
NVQ - National Vocational Qualification, Levels 2,3 and 4
NAMCW - National Association Maternal and Child Welfare
First Aid
Child Protection
Staff Protection
Behavior Management
Foundation Stage Training
Birth to Three Matters Training
Promoting Positive Behavior
Quality Assurance Scheme
Quilt is the quality assurance scheme which ensures that we are constantly reviewing our Teaching practices
and building on advice given. We are visited at least twice a term by a Quilt advisor. Our Certificates
are all in the lobby.
Behaviour Management
It is our belief that both children and adults flourish best in an environment in which they know
what is expected of them. We strive to create a situation in which children are able to develop self-discipline
and a positive self-image in an atmosphere of encouragement and mutual respect.
Within our Nursery we aim to set boundaries in a way that helps children to understand the significance of their
behaviour and the effects that it may have both on the environment and those around them. If issues arise
an experienced member of staff deals with them, and children are spoken to in a calm and responsible manner.
On collection parents will always be informed of any behaviour issues, which may have arisen during the day.
We have a full policy on promoting positive behaviour in the early years, which is available from the office.
All staff are clear on our policy and have received training on the subject.
Accidents
Children being children can often lead to the odd minor mishap! For most accidents that happen, reassurance
and a cuddle will be all that is required. All of our staff have undertaken First Aid training and are alert
and vigilant in the care and safety of your children. However, in the unlikely event of a more serious accident
you will be contacted immediately and your child taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Accident and
Emergency department. All accidents, however minor, will be recorded in the accident book, which you will be
asked to sign by a member of staff when you collect your child from Nursery. A "Mr Bump" card hanging on
your child's peg will advise you of the fact that they have had a little mishap.
Sickness
If you child is unwell, please do not send him/her to nursery. If your child becomes unwell during the day
we will ask you to collect him/her. The nursery reserves the right at any time to refuse admission or
send home any child if such action is considered necessary in the best interests of your child and other
children. Please notify the nursery before 9.00 am if your child will not be attending that day.
