Policy & Procedures

The full list of all policies and procedures is available to parents/carers upon written request. At initial viewing, parents and carers are informed of the most relevant policies, verbally, by manager/owner, these policies are listed below. If you require the full list please contact us and we will be happy to send you out the complete inventory.

"At Kids Klubs we value diversity and differences and encourage staff and children alike."

Partnership with Parents

We operate an open door policy and value the contribution made by the parents/carers. We have regular contact with the parents/carers in connection with child’s progress and development. Consultations can be arranged at an appropriate time. We exchange information via written newsletters, or verbally, when necessary.

We incorporate the principles of the Aístear curriculum, which includes individual Learning Records/Observations, which we send home regularly. We also have Individual Learning Journals detailing our curriculum with the children. This will be sent home at the end of the school year as a keepsake.

Any contribution or skill that members of families can offer is highly welcomed. We are aware of different customs, beliefs, language, and cultures, and strive to embrace these with your input and support.

Healthy Eating

We support the parent/carer to ensure the child has a healthy, varied and balanced diet. The children participate in regular food and cooking activities, where they are encouraged to try foods from different parts of the world. This introduces different tastes and textures. As well as being involved in the serving of the foods, the children are encouraged to help with the preparation.

This supports a good understanding of hygiene and basic nutrition. A dental nurse/nutritionist, who specialises in working with young children, visits once a year, to talk about food and good dental practices. This is further reinforced by class work and discussions. We save treats for special occasions such as birthday parties or Christmas etc., as well as introducing healthy alternatives.

In the Kells branch of Kids Klubs Childcare we offer a balanced and nutritious meal and snacks each day, which have been freshly prepared on premises. We take guidance for the recipes from The First 1000 Days Cookbook (www.first1000days.ie). Staff hold the relevant food hygiene training, and full HACCP records are kept on file.

Equal Opportunties

We strive to ensure that all aspects of equality are implemented. This includes children, staff and parents/carers. We are committed to providing an environment free from direct or indirect discrimination. This includes:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Race
  • Marital status
  • Family status
  • Sexual orientation
  • Religious belief

We aim to remove any barriers preventing a child from thriving or an adult from using their skills/experience to their full potential. At Kids Klubs we value diversity and differences and encourage staff and children alike.

Open Door

We operate an open door policy with children, parents and any relevant Health Board officials. We are delighted to see you at any time, however we ask you to understand that sometimes we may be very busy so it may not be possible to come directly to a ringing bell or phone.

We ask you for your understanding in this. For more personal matters, the management/owner will be able to meet with you following a prearranged appointment.

Arrival & Departure

Parents and carers MUST accompany their child to the door and make sure the child is left in the care of a staff member, before leaving. We ask you not to drop and go. If your child is collected by anyone other than a parent or authorized person, we MUST be informed in advance. We will require photo identificiation.

If you have a change of address and/or telephone number, you MUST inform us immediately.

Settling In

It is our policy to meet with parents/carers and child at least once before enrolment. Once the appropriate forms are completed and deposits paid, a start date will be arranged.

In regards to the settling-in, please discuss this with the manager when booking a place, as all children are different and individual, and what may suit one child, may not suit another.

Positive Behaviour Managenent

Children are encouraged to behave in a caring, respectful way. We encourage turn-taking, waiting and sharing. Positive behaviour is always reinforced to encourage self-control, self-direction and the child's self-esteem. Children are encouraged to be independent, to ask for help when needed and help each other.

Boundaries are set and consistent, encouraging respect and consideration for all. Parents/carers may be consulted in relation to their child's behaviour in order that any difficulties can be worked out together. Difficult behaviour is dealt with through distraction or by changing the activity/environment. (Also see Inappropriate Language/Behaviour Policy).

Staff Ratios

We adhere to the adult/child ratios as set by the HSE Pre-School Regulations (1996), amendments 2007. To maintain recommended good child care practice, we seek to provide a higher ratio where possible.

Healthy Eating

We support parents/carers to ensure the child has a healthy, varied and balanced diet. The children participate in a cooking activity each week, where they are encouraged to try foods from different parts of the world. This introduces different tastes and textures.

As well as being heavily involved in the serving of the foods, the children are encouraged to help with preparation. This encourages a good understanding of hygiene and basic nutrition. A dental nurse, who specialises in working with young children, visits at least once a year, to talk about food. This is further reinforced by class work and discussion.

Mealtimes are a positive and relaxed time. We believe that eating together provides encouraging experiences and is a great way to teach good social behaviour. We save our sweets and treats for special occasions such as birthday parties or Christmas etc, as well as introducing healthy alternatives.

Downloads

Click links below to download

Child Safeguarding Statement - Bayside, Dublin

Child Safeguarding Statement - Kells, Meath