Parent Information

TRANSITION TO SCHOOL POLICY

Rationale

At The Cottage we are committed to supporting children and families in the transition to school.

Objective

Starting school is full of new things; teachers, environments, children, expectations and daily routines. While we recognise the time prior to beginning school as a time in itself for children to experience learning through play, we also recognise our responsibility to ensure children are ready for the transition to school.

We aim to continually foster a relationship with the local school to ensure both parties understand the expectation of children starting school and that there is alignment of Te Wharaki 2017 Early Childhood Curriculum, and The New Zealand Curriculum, Primary School curriculum.

Our environment encourages children to have a strong sense of self and belonging where they are emotionally, socially, cognitively, physically culturally and spiritually empowered, we feel these are fundamental to life at home, The Cottage, school and beyond.

Procedures

>We encourage children to share their experiences during school visits with other children.
>The child’s portfolio is available to share with their new school.
>We learn about relevant primary school curriculum to ensure there is a match between the children’s learning at our centre and the school curriculum.
>We check the school’s expectations and contribute where appropriate to meeting these, by including in our programme:

1. A balance between structured and free play, where children can sustain an interest over a period of time and follow instructions.
2. Routines that encourage children to self-manage dressing, undressing, going to the toilet, carrying and unpacking bags and caring for belongings.
3. Encouraging children to be sociable, talking to other children, teachers and visitors.
4. Provide opportunities to be respectful of others, the environment and resources.
5. Strengthen fine motor skills and develop correct pencil grip using brushes, crayons, pens and pencils.
6. Develop communication skills, with an appreciation of symbols, and language.
7. Children have opportunities to develop early mathematical concepts.
8. Chances for problem solving and decision making.
9. Our curriculum will reflect the dual heritage of Aotearoa.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities designed to specifically target areas such as scissor skill, pencil skills, name recognition and writing. Letter and number recognition and writing.

CHILD HEALTH POLICY

Rationale

To ensure that the health and well-being of all children and staff at The Cottage Kindergarten are protected.

Objective

To prevent transmission of infection to other children or staff.

Procedures

> In the event of a child becoming ill during the day they will be made comfortable in an area isolated from the other children while being monitored by a staff member. The isolation area is in the staffroom. A blanket is kept under the bed for warmth and comfort, and a sheet for hygiene is to be placed on the mattress, which is wiped down after use. In case of vomiting a clean basin is kept under the bed.
> Family/whānau will be informed immediately and asked to make arrangements for their child to be collected as soon as possible.
> Family/whānau are requested to keep unwell children at home.
> In the case of a serious illness, staff will seek immediate medical advice or treatment and family/whānau will be contacted.
> If the illness is an infectious disease the exclusion policy procedure will be followed.

An individual health management plan will be developed in consultation with parents and the child’s doctor if necessary to manage ongoing illness, for example Asthma.

Note: The Health Act 1956 requires instances of certain infectious diseases to be notified to the local Medical Officer of Health, so that public health prevention and control activities may occur. Contact your local Health Protection Officer (HPO) for more information about these diseases. Phone (09) 623 4600

No child or staff will be allowed to attend the Centre suffering from an infectious/communicable disease. In cases of the occurrence of an infectious disease in the centre whānau will be informed by way of verbal communication or centre notices.

Attached are a list of Infectious diseases and recommended exclusion periods as advised by the Ministry of Health (Code HE1215), and HS26 Infection control Ministry of Education.

Reference: Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 Regulation 46, Criteria HS26 – HS30

ILLNESS EXCLUSION POLICY

Rationale

Exclusion of children or staff with infectious diseases from Early childhood Centers is sometimes necessary where there is potential for further spread of infection.

Objective

To keep children and adults safe from infection. To provide clarity to staff and whānau about the circumstances under which a child will be excluded.

Procedures

Any person suffering from any illness listed on the Infectious Diseases Schedule issued by the Ministry of Health (HE1215) will be required to leave the centre as soon as possible. The Infectious Disease Schedule is attached to this policy, the Child Health Policy and on bathroom door.

Children should stay away when they are ill or unwell; or

>Have no interest in activities or play
>Have little energy – want or need sleep or rest for long periods
>Cry easily, are irritable or in pain
>Constantly want to be held and comforted
>Have a fever, temperature over 38 degrees
>Nose has a coloured discharge
>Have diarrhoea
>Have vomiting
>Have unidentified rash or spots
>Severe cough not linked to asthma
>Have conjunctivitis

An individual health management plan will be developed in consultation with parents and the child’s doctor if necessary to manage ongoing illness, for example Asthma.

Children must be symptom free for 48 hours and in the case of diarrhoea and have had a least one normal bowel motion before returning to the centre.

A child prescribed antibiotics for any illness should not return at least 24 hours after treatment has started.

We reserve the right to request a medical certificate from a health professional before allowing a child to return from illness.

Reference: Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. Regulation 46 Licensing Criteria HS26 – HS30