Statement of intent

We provide a high staffing ratio to ensure that children have sufficient individual attention and to guarantee care and education of a high quality.Our staff are appropriately qualified and are checked for criminal records through the Criminal Records Bureau in accordance with Ofsted requirements.

Aims

To ensure that children and their parents are offered high quality pre-school care and education.

Methods

To meet this aim we use the following minimum ratios of adult to child:

                * children aged two years of age : 1 adult : 4 children.

                * children aged three- five years of age : 1 adult : 8 children

                * we generally aim for a ratio of : 1 adult : 4 children or less.

A minimum of two staff are on duty at any one time.

We use a key worker system to ensure that each child and each family has a particular member of staff for discussion and consultation.

We hold regular staff meetings to undertake curriculum planning and to discuss children's progress, thier achievements and any difficulties which may arise from time to time.

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 roles and responsabilities.

We welcome applicants 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 beliif, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.Applicants will not be placed as a disadvantage by us imposing conditions or requirements which are not justifiable.

Our pre-school leader holds a Montessori International Diploma as well as her two Montessori teachers.Our assistant is undertaking childcare studies. We encourage all staff to obtain qualifications.

  We provide regular in-service training to all staff- wether paid staff or volunteers-through Kent County Council's Advisory Service.

Our pre-school budget allocates resources for training.

We provide staff induction training in the first week of employment.This induction includes our Health and Safety Policy and Procedures and Child Protection Policy and Procedures. Other policies and procedures will be introduced within an induction plan.

We support the work of our staff by holding regular supervision meeting and appraisals.

We are commited to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation and best practice.

We use Ofsted guidance on obtaining references and criminal record checks through the CRB for staff and volunteers who will have substancial access to children.

 This policy was adopted at a meeting of Hollybush Montessori school held on 26th July 2007