We believe in developing self-control and self-discipline. Selfdiscipline means spontaneous, orderly self-controlled behaviour of the child which, is brought about through his or her own efforts in an atmosphere of love, not fear. We demonstrate a code of acceptable behaviour to the children and establish a set of ground rules. All staff are trained to be consistent in their approach to the children. We encourage freedom of movement and free choice within a carefully prepared environment. The children are free from punishment, discrimination and interruption from others. We encourage the development of love and respect for all living things and develop the skills necessary to care for the physical environment.

If your child is unable to adhere to the basic ground rules, we will inform you and closely support and monitor his or her behaviour. We reserve the right to ask parents to withdraw their child from the
school, if their behaviour is unacceptable.

Child Protection

The Little House Montessori’s uppermost priority is to the children. Any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to. Any person looking after a child might at any time have cause to suspect that the child has been the subject of some form of abuse.

If suspicion arises for any reason it is essential that the person having cause for concern take immediate action. The parent would usually be the first point of reference though suspicions if appropriate would be immediately referred to the Social Services Department, the police or the NSPCC to ensure the protection of the child from the possibility of further abuse. Confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Safety

Our environment is designed to maximise safety. The Nursery has been inspected by OFSTED and abides by the guidelines set out in its Surestart policy document. The premises are licensed for 28 21/2 to 5 year olds during any one session. The staff and business are covered by Morton Michael Insurers. Full certification can be found on the parent’s notice board. Clearly defined procedures, including risk assessment and emergency evacuation are set out in our policy document, which can be found by the parent’s notice board. We fully comply with all safety procedures and records are kept in the fire logbook, which is inspected annually. Fire drills are held twice a term. There is an outdoor play area, which provides a safe and secure environment. This area is fully supervised and is protected from hazards at all times.

Children sometimes have the opportunity to go on outings or trips with the Nursery, to reinforce Project work or special events held in the year. We always ask for prior written consent and follow out correct outings procedures as set out in the SureStart guidelines.

Lost or Uncollected children
Little House Montessori operates a “Lost child policy” as set out in OFSTED’s document “ Sessional Day Care: Guidance to the National Standards”. The care and the welfare of your child is always our main priority. In the event of a “lost or uncollected child”, the parents will always be our first point of contact, and failing this the emergency numbers completed on your child’s “emergency consent form” will be contacted. If neither of these contacts can be reached we will of course contact the Local Police Authority. It is imperative that to allow this procedure to work effectively, parents/carers inform the Nursery of any changes to contact details immediately in writing,

Health and Hygiene
We promote a healthy lifestyle and a high standard of hygiene in our day-to-day work with children and adults. Our members of staff are offered and take part in, regular training courses and are kept up-todate on new legislation and requirements

Sickness/Medical Treatment
It is important that the Principal or Head Teacher is notified immediately if your child cannot attend due to illness. This will enable the Nursery to try and keep the spread of communicable diseases to a minimum. Please keep ill children at home i.e. diarrhoea, sickness, discharge from eyes/nose, unidentified rash, until they are free from symptoms or fully recovered. Children will not be given unprescribed medicines under any circumstances. Prescribed medication can be administered if the “Medical Records forms” are completed on arrival to the Nursery.

If a child becomes ill at nursery, a parent/guardian or the emergency contact will be notified and the child cared for appropriately until they are collected. An Accident and Incident book is kept at the Nursery and must be signed by the parent, on collection of the child, if an accident/incident had occurred during that particular session. In the event of an accident/emergency requiring immediate medical attention there will always be a member of staff, on site, who holds a current First Aid Certificate.

The Nursery is registered with the local surgery, but reserves the right to remove the child to hospital in an emergency. The parents/guardian will be notified immediately. The Nursery is obliged by law to keep details of parents/guardians home, workplace and additional emergency contact details, in the event an accident/incident occurs to your child. Please keep the Nursery informed of any changes to these contact details.

The Nursery operates a strict NO SMOKING POLICY.

Termination of Place
Written notice is required giving a three month notice period OR a full term’s fees, in lieu of notice, becomes payable if a parent wishes to withdraw their child for any reason.

Complaints Procedure
We hope that by daily communication and close observation, any event/concern will be dealt with on the spot. However, should you feel it requires a more detailed response, please see the Head Teacher. Should she be unable to help or advise you, please put your complaint in writing addressed to the Principal: Mrs. V Bright at the school address.


Terms and Conditions of Acceptance to The Little House Montessori Nursery is subject to the following terms and conditions:

Payment
Invoices will be sent to the parent/guardian for each term’s fees during the holidays. The fees are payable in advance, and must be received before the first day of each new term. A child will not be accepted until the term’s fees have been paid in full. The principal reserves the right to withdraw the child’s place if the term’s fees are not paid in full. Fees received after the first day of each terms will be subject to a 5% interest charge. However, payment plans can be arranged with the Principal, prior to the start of a new term. Refunds against fees cannot be made due to absenteeism, through sickness, holiday or bad weather etc.

A registration fee of £30.00 is payable. The registration fee is not refundable if the registration is withdrawn for any reason. In the case of no place being available the registration fee will be returned. There is a nursery grant available for children aged 3/4 years of age (application forms can be obtained through the Principal). Fees are inclusive of all mid morning/afternoon snacks and any materials used within the Nursery. Visits or trips to places of interest or to complement project work will be charged separately, which you will be advised of. Fees may be paid in cash, or by cheque made payable to “The Little House Montessori Nursery Ltd”.

The Principal reserves the right to increase fees, with a full term’s notice.