Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School

Staffing Policy

Policy Statement

We provide a staffing ratio in line with the Welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, to ensure that children have sufficient individual attention, and to guarantee care and education of a high quality. Our staff are appropriately qualified and we carry out checks for criminal and other records through the correct process, in accordance with statutory requirements. 

Procedures

We have a staff ratio of:

• 1:4 for 2 years children
• 1:8 for 3 years and above
• We work within a ratio of 1:6
• There are at least 7 qualified staff for each session of up to 30 children, at all times. 
• There is always at least 1 trained first aid trained member of staff on the premises at any one time. 
• If the number of children increases, the ratio of qualified staff increases. At present we employ 11 members of staff. 
• Whilst we do have students on the premises, these are not included within the staff ratio. 
• We hold regular staff meetings to carry out planning and to discuss children's progress. 
• We use a key person approach to ensure that each child has a named member of staff with whom to form a relationship and who liaises with the parents of that child. 
• We inform Ofsted of any changes in the person responsible for the setting. 
• When staff are absent, for whatever reason, sickness, holiday, training, we organise cover so that ratios are maintained. 

 Vetting and staff selection

• We work towards offering equality of opportunity by using non-discriminatory procedures for staff recruitment and selection. 
• All staff have job descriptions which set out their staff roles and responsibilities. 
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their suitability for the post, regardless of marital status, age, gender, culture, religious belief, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. Applicants will not be placed at a disadvantage by our imposing conditions or requirements that are not justifiable. 
• We keep all records relating to employment of staff and volunteers, in particular those demonstrating that checks have been done, including the date and number of the enhanced DBS check. 
• We support the work of our staff by holding regular supervision meetings and appraisals. 
• We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation and best practice. 

The original of this document was signed on behalf of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School Committee  by the current chairperson.