Parent Handbook 2020 / 2021 - Belmont
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Belmont Nursery School Parent Handbook 2020 / 2021
For any parent who has difficulty in reading, writing, sight, English as a second language etc, please have a word with Mrs Burke; we will do our best to support you throughout the year.
Contents D
Welcome to Belmont Nursery................................................................................... 4
The Staff ...................................................................................................................................... 5
School Hours ............................................................................................................................. 6
Illness ........................................................................................................................................... 7
About the Nursery....................................................................................................... 8
Daily Routine .............................................................................................................................. 9
School Routine .......................................................................................................................... 9
School Holidays ....................................................................................................................... 10
Monthly Newsletter .................................................................................................................. 11
Parent Participation ................................................................................................................ 12
Events Taking Place in our School .................................................................................... 14
Settling In ................................................................................................................... 15
Charges........................................................................................................................................ 17
Playtrail........................................................................................................................................ 18
Nursery School Library ........................................................................................................ 20
Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Website ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Fund Raising Events .............................................................................................................. 24
Forms to Complete .................................................................................................. 25
Pastoral Care: Using Images of Children.........................................................................26
Toileting Procedure.................................................................................................................27
School Arrival and Collection Arrangements..................................................................28
Speech and Language Therapy.........................................................................................28
Consent Form ........................................................................................................... 29
Enrolment Form ........................................................................................................ 31
Collection of School Funds Policy .................................................................................... 34
Child Protection Policy ......................................................................................................... 36
Parental Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 39
Parental Complaints Procedure ......................................................................................... 41
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 3
Welcome to Belmont Nursery
All children begin school with a variety of experiences and skills. It is a privilege of
early years teachers to take on the challenging task of building upon that learning and
experience. Children are our collective future and the foundations for that future are set
in the first years of education in the nursery and infant classes.
In Belmont Nursery School we will endeavour to recognise and develop the potential of
each child by providing stimulating and challenging play opportunities. By providing a
happy, secure and supportive environment, the children will be encouraged to progress
at their own level towards independent learning.
We embrace the principles of CRED (Community, Relations, Equality and Diversity),
actively fostering within the whole school community a tolerance, acceptance and
respect for ourselves and others.
J
4 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021
The Staff
Mrs Anne Burke
Q
Principal
Mrs Lorraine O’Loughlin Teacher
Mrs Liz Brown Nursery Assistant
Mrs Ursula O’Kane Nursery Assistant
Mrs Susan Green Special Needs Assistant
Mrs Saoirse Deeney Special Needs Assistant
Mrs Mairead McGahey Secretary
Mrs Philomena Duffy Dinner Lady
Mrs Patricia Murphy Cleaner/Caretaker
Mrs Margaret McDevitt Cleaner
Throughout the year we may also have students on placement/work experience from
NWRC, local secondary schools and our neighbouring special school.
Board of Governors
Mrs C Doherty Chairman & Nominated by
Ms A McClelland Department of Education for NI
Chairperson Nominated by Western Education
Ms O Carson and Library Board
Mrs L Logue
Vacant
Mr S Murphy Elected by Parents
Mrs L Murray
Mrs A Burke Principal/Secretary to the
Board of Governors
Mrs L O’Loughlin Representing Teachers
The school has both an informal and formal complaints procedure—if a parent is
unhappy with any issue they can approach their child’s teacher. If they wish to make a
formal complaint the procedure is displayed on the parents’ notice board or available
from the office on request. Issues raised could include child protection, special
education, admissions, suspensions and expulsions, grievance, discipline, bullying and
harassment, alleged financial improprieties or unsatisfactory teaching procedure.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 5
School Hours
Full Time Monday – Friday
9.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Morning Monday – Friday
8.45 a.m. to 11.15 a.m.
Afternoon Monday – Friday
12.15 a.m. to 2.45 p.m.
In order to facilitate car parking only, parents can collect their child/children 5 minutes
before or after these times.
Children should be punctual attending class to make the best use of their time in the
Nursery School. It is important that the children are collected promptly at the end of
each session, as this will assist us in the smooth running of the school.
In order to enhance infection control parents should not access the school building.
Parents should drop children at the playground gate. Children will also be collected
from the playground or front door. If you are late for class and the children are no longer
playing in the playground parents can ring the bell at the font door and a member of
staff will come to meet your child.
Telephone Number: (028) 7126 6241
Telephone: If your child is unable to come to school due to illness or any other reason,
please remember to contact the school before 10.00 am if possible. Anyone phoning
before 9:00 am should leave a message on the answering machine.
The children should be brought to the school by an adult and may only be collected by
an adult known to the staff. If someone different is going to collect your child, please let
us know.
Z
6 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021
Illness
* For up-to-date Coronavirus information, please go to page 42 of this handbook.
Children should not be brought to school if they are ill. If children require medication
this should be administered at home. If a child is suffering from vomiting/diarrhea they
should not return to school until at least 48 hours after their last episode of diarrhea or
vomiting. We recommend that children who require antibiotics do not come to school
for 48 hours after they have begun treatment. This is to give the child the opportunity to
improve and in the event of a reaction to the antibiotic.
Other contagious illnesses such as chicken pox/shingles, rubella, slapped
cheek syndrome and measles have specific exclusion periods; see below
or seek advice from GP. We aim to inform parents of these infectious
illnesses especially those with impaired immunity. The school will not
administer routine drugs, such as antibiotics.
Illness Exclusion Period
Whopping cough 5 days from commencing antibiotic
Chicken pox 5 days from onset of rash/until crusts have fallen off
Hand, foot and mouth None but may be recommended if considerable
amount of children become infected
Impetigo Until lesions are crusted or healed
Measles 5 days from onset of rash
Ringworm Until treatment commences
Scarlet fever 5 days after commencing antibiotic
Slapped cheek Non but may be recommended if there are
vulnerable children, pregnant staff
Meningitis Until recovered
Mumps Five days from onset of swollen glands
Emergencies
In an emergency a parent/guardian will be immediately alerted, so please ensure you
keep us up to date with any changes to your mobile/contact numbers. When there is
an emergency and staff are not aware of any relevant history, staff are expected to take
all reasonable steps within their own competencies and experiences to assist the pupil
and obtain the appropriate help.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 7
About the Nursery T
The Teaching Staff in Belmont Nursery School plan for your child’s development very
carefully. We provide many exciting activities both indoors and outdoors and consider
that every activity we provide is an opportunity for learning.
We encourage children to explore, experiment and to be creative. We offer them
opportunities to share their ideas, feelings and experiences and celebrate success.
There are six specific curriculum areas upon which the teaching staff and nursery
assistants will focus:
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Early mathematical development
• Language development
• The Arts
• Physical development
• The world around us
8 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021
Daily Routine A
Morning/Afternoon Classes Full Time Class
Carpet time Carpet time
Free play/group work/snack Free play/group work/snack
Tidy up Tidy up
Outside play (weather permitting) Outside play (weather permitting)
Story time Dinner
Story time
School Routine
Day Activity
Monday Bring in school funds/dinner money
Tuesday Jo Jingles (all children attend)
Wednesday Yoga (terms 2 & 3)
Thursday Forest School (see schedule, bring wellies/fleece/hat
depending on weather)
Friday Music and games
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 9
School Holidays - First Term Starts 18th August
The school will be closed weekends and on the dates marked in bold.
August September October
Mon 3 10 17 24 31 Mon 7 14 21 28 - Mon 5 12 19 26 -
Tues 4 11 18 25 - Tues 1 8 15 22 29 - Tues 6 13 20 27 -
Wed 5 12 19 26 - Wed 2 9 16 23 30 - Wed 7 14 21 28 -
Thur 6 13 20 27 - Thur 3 10 17 24 - - Thur 1 8 15 22 29 -
Fri 7 14 21 28 - Fri 4 11 18 25 - - Fri 2 9 16 23 30 -
Sat 1 8 15 22 29 - Sat 5 12 19 26 - - Sat 3 10 17 24 31 -
Sun 2 9 16 23 30 - Sun 6 13 20 27 - - Sun 4 11 18 25 - -
November December
Mon 2 9 16 23 30 Mon 7 14 21 28 -
Christmas
Tues
Wed
3
4
10
11
17
18
24 -
25 -
Tues
Wed
1
2
8
9
15
16
22
23
29
30
-
-
Holidays
Thur
Fri
5
6
12
13
19
20
26 -
27 -
Thur
Fri
3
4
10
11
17
18
24
25
31
-
-
- Dec 21st -
Sat
Sun 1
7
8
14
15
21
22
28 -
29 -
Sat
Sun
5
6
12
13
19
20
26
27
-
-
-
-
Jan 4th
January February
2021 Mon
Tues
Wed
Thur
4
5
6
7
11
12
13
14
18
19
20
21
25
26
27
28
-
-
-
-
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thur
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
School opens Fri 1 8 15 22 29 - Fri 5 12 19 26 - -
for 2nd Term Sat
Sun
2
3
9
10
16
17
23
24
30
31
-
-
Sat
Sun
6
7
13
14
20
21
27
28
-
-
March April
Mon 1 8 15 22 29 -
3rd Term Mon 5 12 19 26 -
Tues 2 9 16 23 30 - begins on 12th Tues 6 13 20 27 -
Wed 3 10 17 24 31 - Wed 7 14 21 28 -
Thur 4 11 18 25 - - April, after Thur 1 8 15 22 29 -
Fri 5 12 19 26 - - Fri 2 9 16 23 30 -
Sat 6 13 20 27 - - Easter break Sat 3 10 17 24 - -
Sun 7 14 21 28 - - Sun 4 11 18 25 - -
May June
Mon 3 10 17 24 31 Mon 7 14 21 28 -
Summer
Tues
Wed
4
5
11
12
18
19
25 -
26 -
Tues
Wed
1
2
8
9
15
16
22 29
23 30
-
- Holidays!
Thur
Fri
6
7
13
14
20
21
27 -
28 -
Thur
Fri
3
4
10
11
17
18
24 -
25 -
-
- School closes
Sat
Sun
1
2
8
9
15
16
22
23
29 -
30 -
Sat
Sun
5
6
12
13
19
20
26 -
27 -
-
-
on 29th June
10 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Monthly Newsletter
Watch out for our monthly newsletter ‘What’s On’. This newsletter will keep you
informed about curriculum issues – specific themes and concepts, rhymes linked to
themes, holiday dates and general information regarding the school. This information
will enable you to reinforce these learning experiences at home. Take time out to read
the curricular information and notices on the Parent’s Notice Board in the entrance hall
and also our outdoor notice board. You can also catch up with school events on our
website - www.belmontnurseryschool.co.uk. We would welcome any ideas you may
wish to be included.
Staff are required to attend school for Staff Development and Training
as well as Baker Days when the children are off. Staff use these days to
continually improve the service we offer your children, keeping up to date
with good practice and policies, planning for children’s progress as well as
attending external courses.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 11Parents, Grandparents, Childminders!
* Here’s what we’ve done in the past to show how you can get involved in your
child’s nursery year. In light of the Coronavirus situation, we will need to review
these initiatives continuously.
Join us for Forest School A parent/grandparent is asked to attend at least one session
at the Playtrail throughout the year.
Come with us on our Let the class teacher know if you’re free to attend any of our
school trips outings.
Stay & Play Throughout the year parents have the opportunity to join their
child in the classroom. Play sessions last 1 hour.
Read a story Parents can come in and read a story to a small group of
children, this is especially nice around the Christmas tree.
Sing or play an Are you talented? Maybe you could play the fiddle or sing an
instrument Irish song on St Patrick’s Day or maybe play the guitar whilst
the children sing at Christmas.
Help with snack Whether it’s making toast, pouring milk or helping with the
dishes, all help is gratefully appreciated.
Gardening Have you green fingers? We grow fruit and vegetables in our
Secret Garden and someone needs to know what’s a flower
and what’s a weed as the children are hands on!
Can you cook? Help out during our cookery sessions, it’s nothing too difficult!
Attend a course In the past we have offered parents/grandparents/
childminders the opportunity to do courses in languages, first
aid and parenting. Watch out for courses on offer this year.
Come to our coffee Each year we have a coffee morning for Macmillan, it’s a great
morning opportunity to meet other parents and staff.
Tell us about your job it’s great to have a doctor or dentist speak to the children
when we’re talking about keeping ourselves healthy, or the
postman visit at Christmas to tell us about how he deals with
all of Santa’s letters. We’ve also had people who work as a
farmer, lollipop, fire, ambulance, police men/women visit the
school.
Any other talents? Make sure you let a member of staff know what talents you
have so we can incorporate them into our school year.
12 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021It can be very reassuring for your child to have their parent/grandparent involved
H
in their learning environment and to know you are near when they are having new
experiences.
It’s also a great way to for parents to see how your child interacts with their peers,
reassuring to know they are becoming independent and its lovely to meet their friends.
Don’t worry you’ll never be left alone with children, there will always be a member of
staff with you and usually a few more parents.
Parent Participation
We have many stimulating activities, display boards and interest tables for the children
and parents to explore throughout the school. We hope you find these interesting and
enjoy sharing them with your children.
We welcome full parental participation in the life of our school in various ways. Such
as informal contact at the beginning and end of each session, participating in parent
programmes, joining your child for Stay and Play, reading our monthly
‘What’s on’ newsletter, attending special events with your child and
assisting with the library or snack duties.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 13Events Taking Place in our School Q
* Here’s a list of events we arranged last year, however, in light of the Coronavirus
situation, we will need to review these and advise closer to the time.
September Settling in
Macmillan coffee day
October Jo Jingles starts
Debbie Dolittle visit
Buddy the Entertainer
Halloween party – children can dress up
November Parent Teacher meeting
Forest School
December Christmas Shows
Children visit Santa at the Playtrail
January Yoga starts
February Banyan Theatre
Forest School
School Photographer
Visit to Twisters Gym
March St Patrick’s Day – children can wear green
Parent Teacher meetings
April Easter Holidays
Easter Egg Hunt
School Trip
May Banyan Theatre
Forest School
June Open Day (new children)
Summer Trip
Jo Jingles with Parents
Transition to Primary School
Other day trips/visits to support curriculum topics will be
arranged throughout the year. You will receive information
nearer the time.
Parents will be kept informed of programmes/activities
funded through our Extended Schools Programmes and
have the opportunity to sign up to participate with their child.
14 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Settling In
Admission Procedure K
“Every child is special and every child is different”
Establishing good relationships with you and your child is essential during these early
days at nursery school. All children start Belmont Nursery School on 1st September.
Children will attend in groups for 1 to 2 hours for the first two weeks. By week 3
teachers will gradually increase the time and start to mix the groups. We hope to have
the majority of the children in their new school environment by the end of September.
However, bear in mind that all the children will arrive in school having had varying
experiences, which will affect how they build relationships and settle into a new
environment.
Children have a busy day at nursery school and to make the most effective use of time,
for both children and staff, children should be fully toilet trained before starting. Children
who cannot use the toilet on their own will not be admitted for their full hours until they
are independent with their toileting needs.
Please don’t worry if your child appears to take a little time to settle in. Each child is
different. Your class teacher will advise on what they feel is best for your child. Please
remember that the teacher has 26 children to support during the settling in process. Be
prepared for each day as it comes! If your child sees that you are distressed he/she will
begin to feel uneasy with the situation (excluding children with additional needs).
Belmont Nursery School will hold two information events in school to give you details
regarding starting date, length of session, curricular information, language and
communication development etc.
Reporting on Progress S
The staff are always happy to discuss your child’s’ progress with you. During the year
there are opportunities to talk more formally about your child with a member of the
teaching staff. The teaching staff will arrange an interview during November to discuss
your child’s settling in progress and to discuss any problems you may have. The
teaching staff will again arrange for you to visit school for an interview to discuss your
child’s progress (end of February/March).
An end of year Transition Record will be completed and sent out to all the parents in
June (a copy of this report will be sent on to your child’s primary school). There will be
an opportunity to discuss this report with your child’s teacher, if you wish.
Examples of your child’s art work will be put into a memory book – this will be added to
monthly and will provide a visual progress report for you to keep.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15Special Needs F
All children, including children with additional needs, are entitled to a broad and
balanced curriculum matched to their needs, abilities and aptitude. A child has special
needs if he/she has a learning difficulty that calls for special educational provision to be
made for him/her.
A child has a learning difficulty if he/she:
• Has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the
majority of other children his/her age,
• Has a disability, which either prevents or hinders him/
her from making use of educational facilities.
Learning difficulties may be:
• A physical difficulty,
• A problem with sight, hearing or speech,
• An emotional or behavioural problem.
Before Starting School
If you think your child may have a problem, however slight, do not delay – asking for
professional advice is the first step to getting specialist help. A doctor, health visitor or
social worker will put the wheels in motion.
Further information about the Education Authority’s provision for special education and
the procedures for assessing and making statements of special educational needs may
be obtained from the special education section at the Board’s headquarters.
If outside agencies such as Educational Psychologists, speech and language
therapists, social workers etc are involved with your child, it is beneficial that we
share our information in the strictest of confidence. This is to provide the very best
experience for your child.
Speech and Language
In Nursery School children learn lots of the essential language skills needed so they
can learn to read, write and count in Primary One. In our school the staff and Speech
and Language Therapist use the Wellcomm Development Programme to screen and
provide language activities for the full class and small groups of children.
These fun activities encourage all the children to learn to:
• Listen to the teacher
• Understand instructions and stories
• Become more confident chatting in sentences to their friends and teachers
• Be able to answer questions
16 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021N
The Speech and Language Therapist visits most weeks and parents are most welcome
to drop in to discuss any queries or concerns regarding their child’s speech and
language development.
NB. Following the Wellcomm screening, and with your parental consent, children may
be referred unto health board Speech and Language Therapy Services for speech,
language and fluency difficulties.
Charges
School Fund
As we are an Education Authority run facility, the nursery education
your child receives is free. However, we do ask for each child to bring a weekly
contribution of £4.00. This money goes towards providing a snack for your child
and also pays for small equipment (nails for woodwork, seeds/plants for the garden,
cooking ingredients etc.), books for the library and also educational visits. Jo Jingles
comes to the school every week to entertain the children with singing, dancing and
musical instruments. We may invite visitors to the school to entertain the children e.g.
The Banyan Theatre Company, Zoo Lab, magicians, people in the community who
help us. In order to provide these services we need every parent to contribute to the
fund. Occasionally, this fund is used to buy larger, more expensive items such as new
bicycles, garden furniture etc.
If there are any concerns about the payment of school funds generally parents are
encouraged to talk to the School Principal. See policy at back of book.
Snacks
The children have a daily, healthy snack, with a snack menu displayed in our hall. This
is usually cheese and crackers, toast, assortment of bread, sandwiches or a healthy
alternative. We offer a selection of fruit every day. The European Community provides milk
free. As the children are being provided with a snack, sweets, sugary drinks etc should not
be brought into school.
Snack funds can be paid in the following ways:
Yearly £150.00
Termly £50.00 x 3
Weekly £4.00
If paying by cheque make payable to Belmont Nursery School. We would request the
school funds are paid weekly each Monday, even if your child is absent for one or two
days.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 17School Dinner
The full time children take a traditional school dinner, which is
brought over from St. Paul’s Primary School. This costs £2.50 per
day, £12.50 per week, payable on Mondays in a named purse. A
copy of the menu will be sent home to parents before dinners start.
It will also be displayed on the Parents Notice Board. A daily lunch
report is displayed in the hall to let parents know how / what their child
ate that day.
If you are receiving:
• Income Support; Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income Related
Employment and Support Allowance;
• Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit;
• Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit with an annual taxable income of £16,190
or less;
• Universal Credit with net household earnings not exceeding £14,000; or where
the parent/guardian is an Asylum Seeker supported by the Home Office
Asylum Support Assessment Team (ASAT).
Please apply as early as possible.
All parents claiming free school meals increases the financial support the school
receives from DENI.
Contact Education Authority (Western) and ask for
Free School Meals (028 8241 1411)
Playtrail
This is an exciting project located in the grounds of Ardnashee
School and College. We in the Nursery School are privileged
to have access to this fantastic park. The facilities include an
adventure play area, which has a 20cm ‘zip’ slide, a sensory
garden containing unique equipment to excite the senses of the
children and a junior play area, with swings, slides, roundabouts
and a tree house, a pond and some chickens.
18 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Clothing P
Nursery school children work hard and play hard. They use paint, felt pens, sand, water,
glue, clay and dough. They also like to run, jump, climb and ride bicycles in the outdoor
area.
We play outside everyday – rain/snow/sunshine – so please make sure your child
always has suitable clothing with him/her. The school has a selection of spare clothes
for emergencies. Please return these as soon as possible.
Write your child’s name on their coats, jumpers, trainers, hat, scarf, boots etc. In fact
anything they can take off! To encourage independence we would ask children to wear
clothing that they can fasten/unfasten themselves, particularly in the bathroom.
Uniform option
We don’t have an official uniform. However, if you wish, your child
may wear a uniform to school. We suggest a yellow polo shirt,
red sweatshirt and navy elasticated track bottoms/skirt.
Most school uniform stockists have our school logo.
Footwear
We offer the children daily opportunities to run, jump, climb and
tumble. Please provide trainers so that they can play safely. We
would appreciate it if parents bought Velcro trainers/shoes, which
will facilitate indoor/outdoor play.
For visits to the park, we advise that wellies are provided but this is optional.
Our regular visits to the park have allowed the children to experience
nature first hand through the seasons, plus bug exploration, pond dipping, planting
bulbs, building bird’s nests, woodwork and camp fires - all great fun.
Website: www.playtrail.com
Email: admin@playtrail.com Tel No. (028) 7136 8173
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 19Nursery School Library
V
Each child will receive a library bag in which to carry books to and from school. Our
lending library has an extensive range of exciting story and factual books, by a range of
authors, for the children to borrow. Please encourage your child to select books, read
them at home and return them in good condition.
During 2nd term children will have access to our Big
Bedtime Read Story Bags; these contain 3/4 books for
children to borrow.
20 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Safety R
Cars and Parking
We cannot accommodate parents’ cars in the carpark. Access is for staff cars and
for any of our children/parents with a disability. Access is required for visitors and
deliveries throughout the day and we have very limited space. We ask parents to
encourage children to hold hands leaving school. Children should be encouraged to
walk on the path and stay away from the carpark area. On exiting the pedestrian gate
please be careful crossing the carpark entrance. We ask parents not to park in front of
the school gate or at the wall adjacent so that pedestrians can cross safely without
having to negotiate parked vehicles.
School Rules
We have a few simple rules for the children in school. These are pictorially displayed in
the hall.
1. We are always kind to each other.
2. We sit quietly and listen to stories on the carpet.
3. We always look after our toys in school.
4. We always walk in Nursery School
5. We always share and take turns.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 21Security
We are all very aware of the need to keep children safe at all times. We ask you, as
parents, to help us with this. During arrival & collection times the inner door only will be
locked - press the buzzer to gain entrance to the classrooms. At all other times parents
/ visitors can gain access through the front door, by using the bell and speaking through
the intercom.
There is a no smoking policy in Belmont Nursery School
CCTV
The school has a closed circuit television security systems installed and cameras cover
the majority of the outside of the school grounds.
Fire drills
The school has a fire drill each term. These are monitored and timings are kept to
ensure all children and adults are out of the building within the recommended time.
Remember!!!
• Please collect your child from their session on time.
• Read the notices on the parents notice board.
• Problems - Contact the school for assistance at any
time
• Please let us know about significant events from
home, as this important information helps us to
provide the best possible individual care we can
for your child
• And most importantly that both parents and child
enjoy this experience!
22 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Website
www.belmontnurseryschool.co.uk
You can keep up to date with all our news on our school
website. You will also be able to view photographs taken
of your children and we invite you to email us with any
comments you may have throughout the year to:
info@belmontnurseryschool.co.uk
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 23Fund Raising Events In Belmont Nursery School we support the NSPCC. All the children are encouraged to become involved. We also take part in ‘The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning” for Macmillan Cancer Relief, Operation Christmas boxes and UNICEF. NORTHERN IRELAND 24 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021
Forms to complete and return by parent
It is important that you return the following two
forms to the school at your earliest convenience.
1. Child Protection Form
on pages 29-30
Please read the following three pages regarding the following child protection
procedures carefully:
1. Using Images of Children
2. Toileting
3. Arrival and Collection
4. Speech and Language
If you are in agreement with the statements please sign the Child
Protection Form and return to the school at your
earliest convenience.
2. Enrolment Form
on pages 31-32
Please fill out all requested information on the
Enrolment Form and sign and return to the
school at your earliest convenience.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 251. Pastoral Care: Child Protection –
Using Images of Children
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Throughout the year, your child will be videoed/photographed at different play activities
in the playroom, outdoors and also on school trips.
These photographs will be displayed around the school and a selection will be retained
on file for your child at the end of the year.
Some of the images may be used by the school in our printed or electronic
publications. They may also be on our school website.
Similarly, representatives from local press may visit the school to photograph/record
special events.
We are aware of the concerns around the use of photographic images of the children
and the potential for abuse to occur. In an attempt to approach these concerns in a
considered and balanced way to comply with GDPR legislation and our Child Protection
Policy we need parental permission before we take any image of your child.
Conditions of use
• We will not include details or full name (first names and surname) of any child
in an image without good reason. For example, we may include full name of a
child representing the school in local media if we have prior consent.
• We will not include home address, telephone or mobile number.
• We will only use images of children who are suitably dressed, to reduce the risk
of such images being used inappropriately.
• We may use group or class images with very general labels such as
‘storytelling’. We will retain these images no longer that the child’s school year
plus 6 years or the life of the photograph.
A copy of our GDPR statement is available from the school on request.
If you consent to the above, please turn to page 29 and fill out the relevant consent
form, and return it to us at the nursery.
26 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-20212. Toileting
Children will be encouraged to ask for help with a toileting issue in an atmosphere of
trust. The staff will provide reassurance, involving physical comforting, where necessary,
to a distressed child.
The child will be encouraged, where possible, to be independent i.e. taking off wet/
putting on dry clothes themselves with the encouragement of a member of staff.
Clean clothing suitable for all children will be stored in the children’s bathrooms.
Soiled/wet clothing will be rinsed and put in a plastic bag for parent to collect at
home time.
Parents/Minders will be informed of an ‘incident’ at home time.
In the event of a toileting issue arising the following procedures will be adhered to.
• Teacher/nursery assistant/ special needs assistant only to change child.
• The member of staff giving assistance will inform the other staff in the classroom
that she is assisting a child in the toilet.
• The main bathroom door will be left open at all times.
• The cubicle will be left slightly ajar, so as not to compromise the child’s privacy.
• The child will be encouraged to change him/herself.
• If this is not possible, the adult will seek permission from the child to help.
During the time which your child is in school there may be instances when he/she
will need a change of clothing, for example after water play or a toileting incident.
We encourage independence, and in most cases children can change themselves.
However, some children need or ask for help and in these instances a permanent
member of staff will assist.
We have been advised by the EA to seek your permission in writing to assist your child
should the need arise. Please complete the attached slip and return it to your child’s
class teacher.
If you consent to the above, please turn to page 29 and fill out the relevant consent
form, and return it to us at the nursery.
L
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 273. School Arrival and Collection Arrangements
N1 (Full-Time Class) 9:00am – 1:20/1:40pm
N2 (Morning Class) 8:45am – 11:10/11:20am
N3 (Afternoon Class) 12:15pm – 2:40/2:50pm
The children’s time in school is invaluable to their learning and social interaction within
the group. By establishing and adhering to the school routine children experience a
sense of comfort regarding their surroundings; which in turn raises their self-confidence
and self-esteem. Therefore it is recommended that children are in school and collected
from school promptly.
Arrival and collection times can provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to
share information about their children and to discuss any concerns they might have.
Issues which require more lengthy discussion can be arranged through appointment
with the principal or class teacher.
At Belmont Nursery School we are very aware of our duty of care to protect your child.
Therefore, we require all parents to identify and name two persons who will collect
their child/children from school on a regular basis. On the occasion that these named
persons are not available to collect your child/children parents must inform the principal
or class teacher, either in person or by telephone.
Should an unknown person arrive in school to collect your child without prior
arrangement, the school reserves the right to refuse to allow your child to leave the
school until the situation has been clarified. Likewise, should staff, in their opinion,
observe that the person collecting your child is unable (for whatever reason) to provide
acceptable levels of childcare, then a similar approach will be taken to ensure your
child’s welfare.
If you consent to the above, please turn to page 29
and fill out the relevant consent form, and return it to
us at the nursery.
4. Speech and Language Therapy
From past experience there is generally a long waiting list for Speech and Language
Therapy. We would like to ensure that all our children receive early help if needed.
Therefore we would appreciate your consent to refer your child to Speech and
Language Therapy – only if required.
If you consent to the above, please turn to page 29 and fill out the relevant
consent form, and return it to us at the nursery.
28 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Belmont Nursery School SIDE 1
Consent Form
Please sign and date all sections below and overleaf that you consent to.
This completed form must be returned to Belmont Nursery School.
Please write clearly using BLOCK CAPITALS in black or blue ink.
Child’s Name: ...........................................................................................................
Name of Parent/Person: ...........................................................................................................
(with parental responsibility)
1. Pastoral Care: Child Protection – Using Images of Children
I have read the conditions of the ‘Child Protection – Using Images of Children’
policy and consent to my child’s image being used.
Signature: ........................................................................................ Date: .................................
2. Toileting
I give my permission for a member of staff to assist my child in the event of a
toileting or other incident.
Signature: ........................................................................................ Date: .................................
Please turn overleaf to complete remaining sections on SIDE 2 >
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 29Belmont Nursery School Consent Form SIDE 2 3. School Arrival and Collection Arrangements Please name 2 persons who will be available to collect your child on a regular basis from Belmont Nursery School. Name of first person: ................................................................................................................. Relation to parent/child: ........................................................................................................... Address: ....................................................................................................................................... Telephone No.: ........................................... Mobile No.: ................................................... Name of second person: ........................................................................................................ Relation to parent/child: ........................................................................................................... Address: ....................................................................................................................................... Telephone No.: ........................................... Mobile No.: ................................................... Signature: ...................................................................................... Date: ............................... 4. Speech and Language Therapy I give my permission for my child to be referred to speech and language therapy if required. Signature: ........................................................................................ Date: ................................. Please cut out and return this completed form to Belmont Nursery School. Thank you! 30 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021
Belmont Nursery School SIDE 1
Enrolment Form 2020/2021
Please read ‘Parental Responsiblity’ (pages 39-40) carefully before completing form.
Please write clearly using BLOCK CAPITALS in black or blue ink.
Full Name of Child: ......................................................................................................................................
Address: ............................................................................................... Post Code: ...............................
Telephone No: .................................................. Mobile No: ...............................................................
(for Text Service)
Child’s Date of Birth: ................................................................................................................................
Religion of Child: ................................................................................................................................
(Details required by Dept. of Education)
Names of brothers/sisters who have previously attended Belmont Nursery School
............................................................................................................................................................................
1. Adults who live with the child and act as parent
Parental
Contact numbers
Full name Relationship to child responsibility
(Home/Mobile/Work)
(Yes/No)
2. Adults who have ‘parental responsibility’ but do not live with the child
Parental
Contact numbers
Full name Relationship to child responsibility
(Home/Mobile/Work)
(Yes/No)
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 31Belmont Nursery School Enrolment Form 2020/2021 SIDE 2
3. Are there any Court Orders which relate to the child?
(eg. Custody Orders, Contact Orders, Residence Orders under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
Yes q No q
If yes, please state what they are
............................................................................................................................................................................
Details of relative or other person who may be contacted if parents are unavailable
Relationship
Full name Address Contact numbers
to child
Medical Details
Name of Child’s Doctor Address Telephone number
Name of Health Visitor Address Telephone number
Give details of any medical concerns
Alergies/skin conditions? .....................................................................................................................
Dietary restrictions? .....................................................................................................................
Attending hospital/clinic .....................................................................................................................
Any other concerns .....................................................................................................................
This information is required by EA and will be transferred into the school’s computer system. Under the Data Protection
Act, anyone with parental responsibility has the right to know that information about them has been collected and given an
opportunity to check its accuracy. If there is any other information which the school should be made aware of please attach an
additional sheet. Please also keep the school informed of any changes throughout the year that may affect your child.
This form should be signed by someone with parental responsibility whenever possible.
I declare that the information on this form to be correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signed: ............................................................................................... Date: ..............................................
32 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Policies
The Nursery School has a range of policies and procedures that are designed to offer
the best possible experience for the children—we have included the following policies
on the following pages:
• Collection of School Funds
• Child Protection
• Parental Responsibility
• Parental Complaints Procedure
We would ask that you read these carefully to make yourself aware of the valuable
information both policies contain. More information regarding Belmont Nursery School’s
range of policies and procedures by be obtained by asking a member of staff.
If you have a problem…
The Principal and staff are always available to listen to any of your comments, good or
bad about the Nursery School!
If you are unhappy about something that has occurred in Belmont
Nursery School, please come and tell a member of staff as soon
as possible so that we can put things right.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 33Collection of School Funds Policy As we are a EA (Western Region) run facility the nursery education children receive is free. However, we do ask for each child to bring a weekly contribution of £4. This money goes towards providing a snack for children and also pays for small equipment (nails for woodwork, seeds/plants for the garden, cooking ingredients etc), books for the library and also educational visits. Jo Jingles comes to the school every week to entertain the children with singing, dancing and musical instruments. We may invite visitors to school to entertain the children e.g. The Banyan Theatre Company, Zoo Lab, magicians, people in the community who help us. In order to provide these services we need every parent to contribute to the fund. Parents have the option to pay weekly, monthly or yearly. If there are any concerns about the payment of school funds generally, parents are encouraged to talk to the School Principal. 34 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021
After 2 weeks non payment parents will receive either a verbal
or an informal written reminder that their child’s school funds are
outstanding.
After 4 weeks non payment parents will be encouraged to speak
to the School Principal. The Principal is happy to discuss the
possibility of alternative arrangements with parents in genuine
financial difficulties.
If this remains so Mrs Burke will have a chat to the parents about resolving the situation.
• This could mean paying a nominal amount until their financial situation
improves.
• Supplying snack on occasions
• Giving of their time e.g. volunteering for trips/ snack/gardening
in lieu of payment.
Whilst we understand that this is a
voluntary payment to the school and
that these funds are used to
extend the children’s learning,
children whose parents do
not pay will not in any way
be penalized regarding
the experiences offered.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 35Pastoral Care
Child Protection Policy (summary)
Mission Statement
In Belmont Nursery School by providing a happy, secure and
supportive environment the children will be encouraged to
progress at their own level toward independent learning.
Aims School Safeguarding Team
Belmont Nursery School aims to establish Members of the Schools Safeguarding
a caring environment within which the Team are:
academic, personal, social and spiritual The Chair of the Board of Governors
potential of each child will be developed. Ms Oonagh Carson
The pastoral dimension permeates all school
activities. The Designated Governor for Child Protection
Mrs Lorraine Murray
We have a primary responsibility for the care,
welfare and safety of the pupils in our charge The School Principal/Deputy Designated
and we will carry out this duty through our Teacher
pastoral care policy which aims to provide a Mrs Anne Burke
caring, supportive and safe environment. The Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Mrs Lorraine O’Loughlin
Principles
Our Child Protection Policy is based on the Members of the team have clear roles and
following Principles: responsibilities in relation to the safeguarding
of pupils within the school and these are
• The child’s welfare must always be
detailed in our full child protection policy.
paramount.
• Children must always have a right to be
heard, to be listened to and to be taken
seriously.
• Parents/carers have a right to respect but
a proper balance must be struck between
ensuring this and protecting children.
• Every child has the fundamental right
to be safe from harm and have
proper care given to their physical,
emotional and spiritual well being.
36 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Principles The Department of Education of Northern
Ireland requires all those working in education
In order to protect our pupils we at Belmont to co-operate fully with social services and
Nursery School will adhere to the following other agencies to protect children. It is
procedures. therefore our duty to refer if there is a concern
• All staff teachers, non-teaching staff and about any form of abuse.
volunteers will have clear guidance on
the action which is required where abuse If you have any concerns about your child’s
or neglect is suspected. safety you should use the following procedure
to make a complaint:
• All staff and students will undergo a
vetting procedure in order to maintain • I have a concern about my child’s safety.
the highest standard of professional care • I can talk to the Teacher.
towards our children.
• If I am still concerned I can talk to the
• All teaching and ancillary staff will attend Designated Teacher for Child Protection
a Child Protection training programme (Mrs Lorraine O’Loughlin)
organised by the Designated Teacher.
• If I am still concerned I can talk to the
• Children will be supervised at all times Principal (Mrs Anne Burke)
while in the school grounds.
• If I am still concerned I can talk/write to
• When it is necessary to change the child’s the Chairman of the Board of Governors
normal pick-up arrangements permission (Ms Oonagh Carson)
will only be given on receipt of a written
request or telephone call by a parent/ • At any time I can talk to the Social Worker
guardian. in Gateway Team, Tel: 028 7131 4090 or
the PSNI Public Protection Unit,
• All visitors must gain access through an Tel: 101 / 999
intercom system and will be greeted by a
member of staff and if necessary directed
to office/Principal. The information here can only provide a
summary of our child protection policy and a
Bullying is a highly distressing and damaging more detailed policy is available on request
form of abuse and will be responded to from the school office or it can be accessed
sensitively in our school. All staff will be on the schools web site. Contact details are
vigilant at all times and will aim to prevent provided at the back of this handbook.
bullying by raising an awareness with pupils,
staff and parents about bullying, its forms and This policy will be reviewed annually and
consequences. issued to parents at least once every 2 years.
Should you have any questions to ask or
All staff at Belmont Nursery School will ensure comments to make in relation to the content
that all children are aware of who they can of this summary or the full policy please do not
talk to if they are sad, worried, being bullied or hesitate to contact the Designated Teacher for
have any other concerns. Child Protection.
The Designated Teacher for Child Protection A copy of the whole Child Protection and
is Mrs Lorraine O’Loughlin and the deputy, Safeguarding Policy is available on our
Mrs Anne Burke will assume responsibility in website or from the school office, together
her absence. with other pastoral care related policies
including anti-bullying, health and safety, sex
education, care in the sun and comments/
complaints, among others.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 37Procedure for Parents who
Wish to Raise a Child Protection Concern
I have a concern about my/a child’s safety
I can talk to the class/form teacher
If I am still concerned, I can talk to the
Designated Teacher for Child Protection and
Mrs Lorraine O’Loughin
or the Principal,
Mrs Anne Burke
If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the
Chairperson of the Board of Governors,
Ms Oonagh Carson
At any time a parent can talk to a social worker at the
Gateway Team (Western Trust) Tel: 028 71314 090
or the
PSNI at the Public Protection Unit
Tel: 999 (Emergency) or 101 (Non-Urgent)
38 Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021Parental
Responsibility
The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 became law on the 4 November 1996. It
aims to strengthen the relationship between parents and their children even if parents
have separated, or divorced, or even if the courts have said there should be no direct
contact.
The Children Order also gives children rights to be listened to whenever welfare
decisions are made about them, and sometimes the right to take their own
independent action through the courts.
Schools & Parents The law says schools should keep persons
with parental responsibility informed
The law says schools must register the names (only if the absent person with parental
of all actual parents, if married, because they responsibility requests the information)
each hold PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY for about their child’s education by:
their child. Parental responsibility never ends
even if the parent no longer lives with the • sending each of them a copy of their
child, unless there has been an adoption. It child’s annual report;
is still held by each parent, even if they are
separated or divorced. The law also says • inviting each of them to the school to
schools must register the names of any other discuss their child’s progress; and
person having parental responsibility for a • involving each of them in decisions about
child. their child’s education.
Teachers can not properly care for a child
unless they know who, under the law, has The law says that all persons with parental
responsibility and authority for him/her, and responsibility for a particular child must be
where they live. treated equally.
Getting Parental Responsibility
Parental Responsibility Is When actual parents are not married the
law says only the mother has parental
All The: responsibility for the child, but a father, in
• Rights this situation, can get his share of parental
• Duties responsibility by:
• Powers
• jointly registering the birth of the child
• Responsibilities & Authority with the mother (applies on or after 15
April 2002);
which by law a parent of a child
has in relation to the child and • marrying the mother;
his/her property. • signing a legal agreement with the
mother; or
Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 Article 6(1). • getting a Parental Responsibility Order
from the court.
Belmont Parent Handbook 2020-2021 39You can also read
