8.22 Supervision of Children Policy (staff ratios)

This is a new policy - January 2011. It should be read in its entirety.

In partnership with parents and carers, Wakefield MDC has duty of care to maintain safety and welfare of all children who access its Early Years Services. This includes a responsibility to ensure that children are effectively supervised when in the care of nursery staff. This includes any occasion when children are taken out of the nursery setting for nursery outings or activities.

At all times staffing levels will be maintained within Ofsted guidance to ensure adequate supervision of children in the nursery. The setting will be risk assessed on a regular basis
Additional risk assessments will be undertaken and documented prior to children's activities taking place outside the setting
In the event of a child going missing from the setting or being lost whilst on an outing nursery staff should contact the Manager / Deputy for further advice
If the child cannot be located following an immediate search of the area the manager should contact the police and parents
The Area Manager should be notified
The incident will be logged and investigated as appropriate. Ofsted will be informed.
At all times the need for swift action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child will be the paramount consideration.

End