Mission Statement
Lamha Beaga Childcare: A purpose designed facility with that all- important homely atmosphere, where our primary concern at all times is the welfare of your child. We offer a quality day care service for children Welcome aged 5 months to 12 years. At Lamha Beaga Childcare we have created an environment that is caring, stimulating and attractive to children, meeting their individual needs at different ages. At each stage of your child’s development we provide a wide range of age-appropriate equipment and resources, maintaining a sensible balance between free play and structured routine. Each individual child’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development will be fostered in a friendly and nurturing environment.
Child Protection Health & Safety
It is our policy to ensure that a safe and secure environment is provided for all children in our care. Children First, the Department of Health and Children’s Guideline’s on protecting children from abuse, places a duty on childcare providers to protect their children.
Staff are kept up to date on current child protection procedures. It is our policy to report any suspicions about physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect to the health board. Parents are kept informed and confidentiality will be maintained at all times. If a member of staff is accused of abuse, the matter will be investigated immediately in collaboration with external authorities, and other users of the service will be protected.
At Lamha Beaga Childcare we will make all possible provisions to ensure the health and safety of all individuals in the facility. The maintenance of safe working procedures amongst childcare professionals and children will ensure that the health and safety policy is upheld.
• Staff/child ratios are to be adhered to at all times
• Children will never be left unsupervised
• There will be no smoking on the premises
• Whilst inside the crèche staff and children will wear indoor shoes
• Hot drinks are only consumed in the staff area
• Running is to be avoided inside the crèche
• Electrical sockets are at adult height and or covered
• All equipment and toys will be cleaned/sterilized on a rota basis and when necessary
• All toys will be checked for breakages periodically
• All toys will be age appropriate, non-toxic and maintained in a clean hygienic condition
• All windows, drawers and cupboards will have child-proof locks
• Stairs and steps will have secure hand rails
• Firmly fixed stair gates are to be kept closed and regularly checked
• Hot water in the children’s sinks will be thermostatically controlled
• All cleaning materials/dangerous substances will be kept up high out of children’s reach
• igh chair harnesses will always be securely fastened
• Infants up to one year will not be given pillows or duvets and must always be put to sleep on their backs
• The temperature in the infant sleeping room is to be closely monitored at all times and kept at 18°C
• All rooms will be well ventilated at all times for a healthier environment and to reduce the spread of infection. At least one window should be open in all rooms at all times. Windows in the nappy changing areas are open constantly and closed while a child is being changed.
•A childcare professional qualified in administering first aid will always be present on site
Medication & First Aid
• It is our policy to ensure that the administration of any medication to all children in our care is carried out and recorded in the most stringent manner
• It is also our policy to be fully prepared at all times in case of an accident and to record all such incidents accurately
• Should a child have an accident the appropriate first aid procedures will be followed and subsequently an accident report form will be completed and signed by staff present, supervisor and parent.
• In the case of any head injury or bang to the head no matter how minor, a child will always be closely monitored to ensure that their injury does not deteriorate throughout the day.
• In the case where a child receives a bang to the head they will be watched carefully for any signs of concussion.
•Any incident that we believe requires medical assistance will be acted on immediately by calling emergency services or our doctor on call.
Illness & Nappy Changing
Policy:If a member of staff feels that a child is unwell or ill it is our policy to inform parents immediately. A child will be excluded from the service if they have the following symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting, a fever of 101°F/38°C or above, or the following communicable diseases: chickenpox, measles, mumps, meningitis or hepatitis. Children with chicken pox will be excluded for at least 7 days after the spots have presented.
Children will not be excluded if they are taking appropriate antibiotic medicine.
In the event of an emergency children will be taken to casualty or an ambulance will be called. In all situations the parent will be informed immediately.
Nappy Changing Policy: It is our Policy to provide a safe and clean environment to facilitate nappy changing. We have strict nappy changing schedule which is documented for each child. However Nappies are changed as and when needed regularly throughout the day. Unless otherwise instructed by a parent cotton wool and water is used when cleaning a baby during nappy changing.
Child Collection
Children attending this facility can only be collected by a parent/guardian or a person named on the registration form. Staff must be notified in advance and in person if an unnamed individual is to collect a child. Outings & Outdoor Play
We believe that the opportunity to play outdoors in the fresh air is a fundamental facility in childcare. Our child friendly play area and regular trips allows us to include outdoor play as an integral part of our childcare curriculum. We will Endeavour at all times to ensure that our garden is an extremely safe place for children to play. Food
At Lamha Beaga Childcare it is our policy to provide a well-balanced and nutritious diet for the children in our care. All food will be prepared and cooked on site in our fully equipped kitchen, using the freshest ingredients and adhering to the most stringent HAACP food preparation standards. Any special dietary requirements or parent’s wishes will be respected. Fire
It is our policy to treat the issue of fire safety with the seriousness that it deserves. Full fire drills will take place monthly. Our fire alarm system and fire fighting equipment are in line with current regulations and are checked by professionals on an ongoing basis.
Open Door Policy & Confidentiality
Studies have shown that a child will benefit most when the triangle of parent child and childcare professional are all working together. At Lamha Beaga Childcare we have an open door policy for parents, as we believe it is sensible to work with the parents in all aspects of decision making for the benefit of the child.
Record Keeping Policy, Fees & Opening Hours
Records as required by the Pre-School Services Regulations will be maintained and available only to staff, authorized persons and parents regarding their own children. They will be carefully disposed of five years after the child has left the crèche.
Fees can be discussed by contacting Lamha Beaga Childcare directly.
Our Assets
Unique and intimate environment for your child.
Health board approved
Structured curriculum in a caring environment.
Highly experienced staff.
Outdoor play area.
Open door policy.
Extra activities including French, Cooking, Art, Dance and Music.
Playgroup
ETHOS
Lamha Beaga respects and encourages the individuality of each child attending the service.
MISSION STATEMENT
We aid to do this by:
Providing a quality service.
Nuturing each child’s individuality.
Providing a stimulating warm caring environment.
Helping each child gain his/her potential
Providing care in all areas to the child
Caring for the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills of each child
