Downey House Pre-Prep Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Downey House Pre-Prep 1

Mission Statement At Downey House Pre-Prep we aim to provide high quality Pre-Prep care and education in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

The Pre-Prep is situated in the grounds of Downey House which is a non-denominational and coeducational Preparatory Department on the Methodist College Belfast campus, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

In our Pre-Prep the children learn through play and alongside sensitive interactions with experienced staff the holistic development of the child is supported and promoted across the six areas of the PrePrep curriculum.

The small class size means that each child receives quality time with experienced staff who have a good understanding of each individual child’s needs which helps ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

By the end of the Pre-Prep year the aim is to have all the children ready for a smooth transition into P1 with a great head start and positive attitude towards their future education.

Child Led Learning “Tell me and I will forget, Teach me and I may remember, Involve me and I will learn.”

Benjamin Franklin

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Children learn through experiences, experimenting, trial and error.

Making mistakes is an opportunity to learn, develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Successes promote confidence and develop understanding. The Pre-Prep is a carefully planned learning environment where the children are encouraged to explore and discover. We offer a lot of autonomy and opportunities to extend or adapt the play activities to keep the children interested and engaged.

Social skills such as cooperation and negotiation are encouraged. The children’s interests are valued and incorporated into planning the activities.

Themes

September: All About Me

October: Autumn

November: Teddy Bears

December: Christmas

January: Winter

February: People Who Help Us

March: Spring

April: Minibeasts

May: Farm

June: Elmer the Elephant

Each month we focus on a colour. The play activities involve many uses of that colour for the month, for example in art, water play and playdough.

We learn about the changing seasons throughout the year through a wide range of activities. We will go on a seasonal walk and the children are encouraged to observe signs of the changing seasons in nature.

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A Typical Pre-Prep Day Children feel more secure and relaxed if they know what to expect. We stick to the daily routine as much as possible and prepare the children in advance for any changes. The daily routine is as follows: 8:30am-9am Welcome time. Parents can drop off at the main entrance anytime during welcome time. Parents should ring the bell on arrival and sign their child into Pre-Prep.

9am - 11am Play time (see aforementioned play activities) 9.30am - 11am children invited individually or in small groups to take part in an adult led activity such as art or a game 10am - 11am snack available 11am - 12noon Outdoor play/physical play in the gym 12noon – 12.30pm Lunch time 12.30pm – 1pm Quiet room 1pm Home time. Parents to collect from main entrance, parents should ring the bell on arrival.

Activities On a daily basis the children the children have free access to: • Art resources (Adult led and free choice art activities)

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Writing materials (selection of pens, crayons, pencils, chalks, whiteboard markers etc.) with mixed ability worksheets

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Sand tray (sand, lentils, leaves, soil etc. with a selection of resources)

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Story corner (soft seating with a selection of books)

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Painting easel (selection of paints and paper)

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Playdough (with a selection of tools)

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Small world (dolls house, farm, dinosaurs, jungle animals etc. for imaginative play)

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Selection of games and jigsaw puzzles

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Construction (Duplo, building blocks, train set etc.)

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Role play area (home corner, shop, hospital etc. with a selection of dressing up)

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Outdoor play (large and small playground with selection of equipment and resources such as bikes, scooters, space hoppers, climbing frames, creative movement equipment, spades and wheelbarrows)

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Quiet Room The children spend half an hour after lunch each day in the quiet room carpet. The activities include: •

Stories and singing

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Topic discussion

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Circle time (discuss thoughts, feelings, behaviour and the impact that has on others)

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TV (Friday treat)

Quiet room activities are in keeping with the themes. Children also learn skills such as sitting appropriately, waiting patiently, listening and many of the activities are confidence building as well as promoting language development.

Specialist Classes Children attend classes with our specialist performing arts teacher (music, dance and drama). The classes are lots of fun, have therapeutic value as well as developing confidence and many other transferrable skills. The children also have P.E. where they learn physical skills as well as how to follow the rules of game.

Outdoor Play We recognise the importance of outdoor play. It has benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. We have access to two outdoor play areas where there are a range of play resources for climbing, gardening, sports, movement and a wide range of bicycles and scooters. We also have a range of materials to inspire imaginative play such as a mud kitchen, sandpit and water play. Under close supervision, the children are encouraged to manage risk, problem solve and work together.

Children also have daily access to the Downey House Forest School area where they can explore the natural environment and observe the seasonal changes as well as observing wildlife.

Behaviour Management “What you think I am I think I am. What I think I am I will be” Downey House Pre-Prep takes a positive approach to behaviour management and aims to provide a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere where the children are happy and kept safe.

Praise Staff praise desirable behaviour to reinforce it and promote the children’s self-esteem. This also encourages others to behave in a similar way.

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Clear instructions Staff try, where possible, to tell the children clearly what they want them to do instead of what they do not want them to do.

The classroom rules are: •

Be gentle

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Be nice

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Be helpful

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Be honest

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Use an indoor voice

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Walk indoors

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If you do not know, ask a grownup.

Rewards The focus is on the positive behaviour of the children. Rewards are given at carpet time for good examples of following the classroom rules. This promotes the development of self-esteem of the child and positive behaviour is modelled for the other children.

Circle time Circle time is used to discuss feelings and behaviour. The rules are explained to the children to develop an understanding of the reasoning as well as the potential consequences and impact on others if the rules are not followed.

Role modelling Staff set a good example of positive behaviour and demonstrate the Pre-Prep rules. One of the children is appointed the leader daily on a rota basis and their responsibility is to show the other children how to behave. Children who demonstrate good behaviour are rewarded at carpet time to set a good example.

Removal from an activity If a child is displaying inappropriate behaviour they will be given a verbal warning. If they continue that behaviour they may be removed from the particular play area. The reason is explained with the focus is on how to behave in a more positive way.

Parental partnership Parents will be informed if any behaviour management strategies have been used with their child.

Individual strategies At times individual behaviour management strategies may need to be implemented that are relevant to the child and the particular behaviour. This will be discussed in advance with parents.

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Every day is a fresh start (A full copy of our behaviour management policy is available on request) Observations and Assessments The children are observed during their play to identify strengths in their development and areas that require support. These observations and assessments are recorded and are kept in secure files.

Children learn naturally through play but with the sensitive interaction of adults their learning and development is promoted.

Planning takes place to ensure that every child progresses in each area of the Pre-School curriculum.

Sharing Information Sharing information about your child and their Pre-Prep experiences is crucial to ensure continuity of care. We make every effort to ensure parents are well informed.

Parents are asked to download the Schoolcomms App allowing the school to contact you via text or email. Consent and payments are also made via the app as well as bookings for after school clubs.

A monthly newsletter is sent out detailing the themes, trips, any upcoming events and any other relevant information.

Photographs will be sent out regularly via email. The photographs will show parents what we have been doing in Pre-Prep.

We have an open door policy. All children will be met at the door by a member of staff. This allows time for the exchange of any relevant information. Meetings can be arranged as required. All parents will be invited to discuss how their child has settled into Pre-Prep in October, progress meetings in February and their transition reports in June.

Parents have an opportunity to express their views in our questionnaire at the end of the year.

As part of the annual inspection process, parental views and the views of the children will be sought by the Health and Social Care Trust.

Meals and Snacks It is important for children to eat regular, healthy snacks for their development. A morning snack is provided. The snack routine is an important learning experience, particularly for personal, social and emotional development. Children must wait for a space at the snack table, wash their hands, sit properly and eat their snack and then put their cup and plate in the sink when they have finished.

Children are given toast, cheese and crackers, cereal, pancakes, or a biscuit and fruit is available daily.

Children can bring their own pack lunch which they all eat together at 12noon.

Pre-Prep staff have Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates.

Downey House has a healthy eating policy. Parents are encouraged to send healthy pack lunches. A treat can be included on a Friday, “treat day”. Water and milk are provided at snack time.

All allergies and dietary requirements should be reported to the school via the registration forms before your child begins school to ensure adequate provisions are made.

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DOWNEY HOUSE IS A NUT AND SESEME FREE SCHOOL (A full copy of our food and drinks policy is available on request) After School Pre-Prep after school runs from 1pm – 3pm and costs £10 and will commence on Monday 18th September from 1pm-3pm.

Children can stay from 3pm-5:30pm in our After School service which involves relaxation time, outdoor and indoor playtime with a range of free choice play resources. (£10 per day) Afternoon snacks are provided.

Transition to P1 In term three, after the Easter break, the focus turns to a smooth transition into P1.

The Pre-Prep children will have opportunities to meet their P1 teacher and visit their P1 classroom.

The children will also know the specialist teachers from their pre-school year. The Pre-Prep children know their way around the school and grounds before starting P1.

Children are encouraged to behave responsibly to show they are ready for P1. They must be able to follow the Pre-Prep rules and independence is promoted. They are encouraged to sit like P1 children at carpet time, raise their hand to speak and wait patiently for their turn.

A transition report is completed and shared with the parents. With consent, it is then sent to the P1 teacher. The P1 teacher and Pre-Prep staff liaise to discuss each individual child to provide continuity of care.

General Information Insurance In accordance with the Employer’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 Downey House Pre-Prep is insured with Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc Staffing ratio: 16 children (maximum) with 2 staff (minimum) Opening hours: 8:30am-1pm. Parking is available in the Downey House car park.

Pre-Prep After School: 1pm-3pm (optional) After School Service: 3pm-5:30pm (optional) Fees The 2023/24 prices are as follows Pre-Prep Session (per day) £21 Pre-Prep After School Club 1-3pm £10 per day After School Service 3-5:30pm (free play) £10 per day

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School uniform All children should wear: • A royal blue sweatshirt with the Downey House Pre-Prep logo.

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Yellow polo shirt with the Downey House Pre-Prep logo

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Navy tracksuit bottom with Downey House Pre-Prep logo.

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Shoes without laces please.

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MCB overcoat (optional)

Please also send your child to school with: • Bicycle helmet •

Full change of clothes to be kept in a bag on your child’s peg

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Wellington Boots

Pricelist Sweatshirts - £15 Polo Shirt - £12 Tracksuit bottoms- £14 Shorts - £12 MCB Winter Overcoat- £40 Orders should be made directly to Donna Armstrong 07974977854 Payment by bank transfer Donna Armstrong sort code 950149 account number 92797933

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Schoolcomms APP Schoolcomms is a parent engagement app that will be used for communication and as the method for giving consent and for paying for activities including trips, after school and canteen etc.

To prepare for this, and to stay up to date you will need to download the app, which is free.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOWNLOAD UNTIL YOUR CHILD STARTS SCHOOL AS YOU WILL NOT BE ON THE SYSTEM AND THERFORE CANNOT GAIN ACCESS Apple iPhone users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/iosdownload Android users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/androiddownload or alternatively please search for School Gateway in your App Store.

For identification purposes, the logo for the App is reproduced.

To activate your account please register as a NEW USER and enter the email address and mobile number which the College already holds for you. Please note that as the database used by Schoolcomms is a single Prep database, that there may be some confusion regarding the appearance of logos and banners. Please do not worry about that. Information targeted to you will be sent to include the class (or classes) to which your child / children belongs.

For assistance: If you have any questions or would like more information, please see the School Gateway site here: https://schoolgateway.co.uk If you have difficultly logging on and need to check the log on information we hold for you, please email shampton876@c2kni.net (Downey House).

You can also login to the online version of School Gateway via https://schoolgateway.co.uk if you do not have a smart phone, although we do recommend using the app if possible as it makes it far easier for us to contact parents when we need to.

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METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST TERMS AND HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024 AUTUMN TERM:

HALF-TERM HOLIDAY:

SPRING TERM:

HALF-TERM HOLIDAY:

SUMMER TERM:

MAY DAY HOLIDAY:

29 AUGUST 202321 DECEMBER 2023

30 OCTOBER 2023 3 NOVEMBER 2022

3 JANUARY 2024 27 MARCH 2024

12- 16 FEBRUARY 2024

11 APRIL 2024 28 JUNE 2023

6 MAY 2024

Staff Development Days (pupils do not attend): Friday 27th October 2023 Monday 18th December 2023 Friday 9th February 2024 Wednesday 27th March 2024 Monday 27th May 2024 METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST

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Record Keeping We are required, as detailed in the Minimum Standards for Childcare, to keep certain information regarding the children on record.

Parents will receive a link to our online forms • Information is treated as confidential and only shared on a need-to- know basis.

• Information shared with the Early Years Team during the annual inspection.

• P1 Transition report will be viewed and signed by parents prior to sending.

• Referrals made to the relevant support services if necessary.

• Parental permission required before sharing information (except in the event of a child protection issue) Intimate Care Policy Intimate care in the Pre-Prep will address one of the following areas • Supporting a child with dressing/undressing. If a child needs changed assistance will be given, independence will be encouraged.

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Supporting a child with toileting. Children must be toilet trained before starting Pre-Prep unless there is a medical reason in which case individual arrangements will be made.

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Providing comfort or support for a distressed pupil. If a child is upset staff will give them a comfort through physical contact if initiated by the child

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Assisting a child requiring medical care, who is not able to carry this out unaided Physical contact may be required if a child needs medical assistance but they will be encouraged to help themselves where possible.

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Cleaning a child who has soiled themselves or who has vomited. Signed permission required on enrolment forms independence will be encouraged.

The children will (A full copy of our intimate care policy is available on request) Complaints Procedure Downey House Pre-Prep values and welcomes the opinions of our parents.

If anyone wishes to make a complaint: • • • • • •

First contact Mrs Hanna (Supervisor) If unsatisfied contact Miss Trudy Hamilton (Registered Person) 28 days to respond If still unsatisfied contact Belfast Health and Social Care Trust All complaints logged, detailing action taken Complainant must sign to say if they are satisfied with the response

(See contact list for contact details. A full copy of our complaints policy is available on request)

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Safeguarding and Child Protection In Downey House Pre-Prep we seek to create a safe, caring, positive and supportive environment in which children have the right to be heard and see staff and volunteers as approachable people who will listen to their concerns about issues inside and outside school and take them seriously.

It is an unfortunate reality in the world today that some children suffer some form of abuse. The Governors and staff of Methodist College Prep Dept/Pre-Prep recognise the contribution they can make to safeguarding children. They recognise that all staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to play in protecting pupils from harm.

Child abuse is completely unacceptable and may also be a criminal offence.

Safeguarding Team Everyone in Fullerton House and Methodist College has a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils. However, within the school there are key personnel who are delegated with specific responsibility for child protection.

Head of Dept.

Miss Trudy Hamilton

Designated Teacher for Child Protection Mrs Anne Cunningham

Pastoral Care Mrs Deborah Doherty

Designated Officer for Child Protection Pre-Prep Mrs Avril Hanna

All staff in the Pre-Prep have up to date training in Safeguarding and Child Protection are equipped in detecting and dealing with related issues.

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HOW A PARENT/GUARDIAN CAN RAISE A CONCERN If a parent/guardian has a child protection concern they can follow the guide below:

I have a concern about my/a child’s safety ↓

I can contact the Designated Officer for Child Protection, Mrs Avril Hanna Tel: 028 90 286660 ahanna157@c2kni.net ↓

At any time, I can talk to Social Services Gateway 028 90507000/ Out of hours 028 9504 9999 or the PSNI Central Referral Unit 028 90259299

Early Years Team 028 95042811 Link Social Worker Kevina McDonald To be informed of any concerns reported to Gateway and/or the police

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Sick Child Policy If your child is unwell they should stay at home to enable them to recover and to prevent the spread of infection.

If a child vomits or has diarrhoea they must stay at home for 48 hours after the last episode For the recommended period of time to be kept away for other illnesses please visit www.publichealth.hscni.net. This information is also displayed on the wall outside the Pre-Prep room. If your child needs medication administered during their time in Pre-Prep a medicine form must be filled in to give consent and instructions. All pre-existing medical conditions must be detailed in the medical form upon registration.

Pre Prep Exclusion Policy It is the general policy of the Pre Prep to consider exclusion of a child only as a last resort and one that should be avoided by all practical means. However, under certain circumstances, the exclusion of a child may be the only option open to the Pre Prep.

Reasons for Exclusion Notwithstanding the Pre Prep general policy, exclusion may be considered in one or more of the following circumstances: • A child exhibits repeated violent and/or uncontrollable behaviour • A child persistently directs abusive or threatening language towards either a member of • staff or to another child • Persistent asocial behaviour or problems of an indefinable nature • The child through his/her behaviour is perceived to represent a physical risk to • him/herself, to other children or to members of the Pre Prep staff Pre Prep Exclusion Procedure Should a child begin to exhibit extreme antisocial behaviour or is disruptive or violent, nursery staff will initiate the following actions: Pre Prep staff will execute the Pre Prep Behaviour Management Policy and Procedures If the behavioural problems persist: • The parents of the child will be consulted so that an action plan can be formulated • Specialist advice (SENCO), assistance and help will be sought from outside agencies • A Personal Learning Plan will be formulated along with the school’s SENCO • Pre Prep staff will report progress to the child’s parents daily • If there is no improvement in the child’s behaviour or the behaviour constitutes an immediate threat to another child or member of staff, the child will be excluded • A letter to the parents/guardians will be sent informing them of the Pre Prep decision to exclude the child

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Admission Policy • All applications will be dated when received, acknowledged by post and kept on file.

• Applications will close on Friday 15th December, 2023.

• Offers for places will be made early January 2024.

• Parents will be notified when a place for their child becomes available.

• Confirmation of acceptance will be accompanied by a deposit of £500 payable to Methodist College Belfast. This is redeemable against the first month’s fees.

• Application for a place does not automatically guarantee the offer of a place.

• Offer of a place will only be given to a child who has attained the necessary age as stipulated

by Social Services. (Minimum age is currently 2 years and 10 months at the time of the enrolment) • In the event of over subscription the Pre-Prep entrance criteria will be applied.

Although already enrolled in the College, the parents of Pre-Prep children should complete an application form. This ensures that the children are included in the admission number for Prep 1. The same applies for those children in their pre-nursery year. They are already enrolled in the Pre-Prep facility but should complete an application form for their second year to assist with school administration.

Criteria for Admission to Pre-Prep The following criteria for entry to the Pre-Prep will be applied in the event of the applications for places being oversubscribed.

Preference will be given to applications as follows: 1. A child in their Pre-Prep year*.

2. A child who is the son or daughter of a Methodist Minister.

3. A child who already has a brother/ sister in the College including the Preparatory Department or the child of a member of staff.

4. A child who has applied to enter Prep 1 in the Preparatory Department before the 31st January in the year of admission.

5. Priority will be given to those who apply for the maximum number of days with 5 days 6. A child whose parent attended the school or College.

7. A child whose grandparents attended the school or College.

8. The date when the application for Pre-Prep was received.

9. In the event of a tie in the 8th criterion a random computer selection will be used to determine the accepted applicant(s). *A child who has attained the age of 2 years 10 months may be considered for a place if there is space.

In the event of being oversubscribed in this category the criteria numbers 2 to 8 will be applied.

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Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Policy Methodist College Preparatory Department is committed to providing equal access for all our pupils to the curriculum. We recognise that some pupils during their school career may have special educational needs and/or a disability. In the interests of these children we will endeavour to make every reasonable adjustment to provide for their individual needs.

(A full copy of our Special Needs Policy is available on request) List of Policies Absence of the Manager Accidents – prevention, reporting, recording and notification Additional Needs Allegations against staff CCTV Child Protection Complaints Confidentiality Consent Complaints Data Protection Equality First Aid ICT Infection Prevention and Control – including the exclusion of children who are infectious or ill Intimate/Personal Care Maintenance and Replacement of Play Equipment Managing Aggression and Challenging Behaviour including Bullying Management of Emergencies Management of Medicines Management of Records Management of Risks Associated with the Care of Individual Service Users Menu Planning Mobile Phones Parents’ Access to Records METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST

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Participation Photography and Videography Play Provision of Food and Drink Reporting Adverse and Untoward Incidents Safeguarding and Child Protection Security of the Setting Smoking Social Networking Staffing: •

Behaviour & Conduct

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Clothing / Uniform

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Discipline

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Grievance

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Induction

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Meetings

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Records

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Recruitment

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Rotas

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Supervision and appraisal

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Training and development

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Transport for Service Users – provision and use

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Whistle blowing

All of our policies are available on request at any time

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Registering Body The Minimum Standards for Child Minding and Day Care for Children Under 12 are set by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSSPS) and Downey House Pre-Prep is registered with the Belfast Trust and we are inspected annually to ensure that the Minimum Standards are being upheld.

Information regarding your child will be shared with the Early Years Team as part of the inspection process. Some parents may receive a questionnaire regarding the Pre-Prep and your opinions about the service provided.

To read the Minimum Standards visit www.nicma.org/cms/publications/Childminding Standards) Copies of our inspection reports are available on request.

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Useful Contacts DOWNEY HOUSE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT

DOWNEY HOUSE PIRRIE PARK GARDENS BELFAST BT6 0AG TEL: (028) 90286660

REGISTERING BODY:

EVERTON COMPLEX

EARLY YEARS TEAM

585-587 CRUMLIN ROAD BELFAST BT14 7GB TEL: (028) 9542811 earlyyears@belfastrust.hscni.net

REGISTERED PERSON/HEAD OF PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT:

TBC

MISS TRUDY HAMILTON SUPERVISOR IN CHARGE/DESIGNATED PERSON FOR CHILD PROTECTION:

Ahanna157@c2kni.net

MRS AVRIL HANNA SCHOOL SECRETARY:

shampton876@c2kni.net

MRS SUSAN HAMPTON DOWNEY HOUSE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

https://www.methody.org/Pre-Prep-preparatory/Pre-Preppreparatory/downey-house

FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/mcbdowney/

VIRTUAL TOUR

Downey House School

MINIMUM STANDARDS

http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/download/PUBLICATIONS/CHILDCARE /Childminding_Standards_Implementation_Guidance.pdf

PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/curricular-guidance

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

www.employersforchildcare.org

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