Policy Statements

TIK-TOK NURSERY POLICY STATEMENT Situated in the heart of Gateshead, close to the Tyne Bridge, Tik-Tok is a non profit making children’s nursery.

Our philosophy is to promote an environment of high quality childcare in close partnership with parents. We enable children in our care to reach their full potential in an exciting, stimulating and educational atmosphere, geared to each child’s individual developmental and specific needs.

We encourage the involvement of our parents through the Friends of Tik-Tok, a parent group who meet on a regular basis to discuss nursery policy, arrange fund raising activities and social events. All parents are invited to be part of this group.

We believe our staff to be our greatest asset.

As a company limited by guarantee Tik-Tok currently has six Directors who take a keen interest in the developments and progress of nursery life. As trustees their role is to formulate nursery policy and oversee activities required by charity law.

Our fees are set to cover both our operating costs and investment in the purchase of equipment. We operate not for profit.

There are no shareholders seeking to take money out of TIK-TOK.

SAFETY
Safety is of paramount importance to us and we have the following features:-

• the correct ratio of staff to children:
  • 6 weeks to 2 years = 1 staff member to 3 children
  • 2 to 3 years = 1 staff member to 4 children.
  • 3 to 5 years = 1 staff member to 8 children
    
• trained and qualified staff.
  
• the front doors are locked at all times and access is gained by using the intercom system which is monitored by external and internal cameras. Once through the main entrance there is a second security door. You must press the intercom to gain access to your child's individual playroom.
  
• Activities within each playroom are monitored by internal camera.
  
• the fire alarms in every room - fire doors internally.
  
• Evacuation is possible via external doors leading to the garden area where we can gain access to the assembly point, which is the nursery car park. On evacuation the main nursery gates will be locked.
  
• We have monthly fire drills and a weekly systems check.
  
• Safety glass in the windows.
  
• The building is carpeted or fitted with non-slip flooring throughout.
  
• All staff are qualified first aiders.
  
• All playrooms have their own secure garden area.

SECURITY NOTICE

• To ensure the safety of the children in our care we operate the following policy when answering the door.
  
• Please ensure that the door is closed behind you when you enter or leave the building.
  
• The door should only be opened by a member of staff using the intercom door release system.
  
• Do not hold the door open or let anyone into the nursery with you. This includes other parents. This will ensure that staff are aware of who is in the nursery at all times.
  
• Anyone wishing to see the Nursery Manager who is not known by the member of staff will be asked to wait outside the door.
  
• All visitors will be asked to sign the visitors book on entry to the building.

ADMISSIONS POLICY
It is our policy to make our nursery accessible to children and families from all sections of the community. In order to accomplish this, we will:

• Pro-actively market the nursery to ensure that its existence is widely known in all local communities.
  
• We have staff members able to communicate through sign if required.
  
• The font size will be at least 14 in order to meet the needs of a wider audience.
  
• Information is available in braille or on audio tape upon request.
  
• Arrange our waiting list in order of receipt of application, with current families already attending the nursery being given priority.
  
• Where possible, vacant sessions will be offered to outside agencies where parents are attending training courses and childcare is needed.
  
• Keep a place vacant in order to accommodate emergency admissions.
  
• Describe the nursery and its practices in terms which make it clear that it welcomes everyone from all walks of life.
  
• To communicate fully with every family joining us to ensure that no accidental discrimination is taking place.
  
• Make our equal opportunities policy widely known.
  
• Through regular surveys and discussions with our parent group, Friends of Tik-Tok, families will be consulted about the opening times and services offered at the nursery.
  
• Be as flexible as possible about attendance to accommodate the changing needs of our families.
  
• Continue to consult local parents to ensure that Tik-Tok goes on meeting the changing needs of the local community.