Policies

Safeguarding & Child Protection

At Toy Box Day Nursery, children’s safety and wellbeing guide everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where children feel secure, respected, and able to grow with confidence. Safeguarding is embedded in our daily practice and supported through strong relationships with families and local safeguarding partners.

We follow all statutory requirements and local authority procedures, and we ensure that every member of staff understands their responsibility to protect children from harm and respond to concerns promptly.

Our safeguarding approach includes:

  • Safer recruitment processes, including enhanced DBS checks, verified references, and ongoing suitability checks
  • Regular safeguarding and child protection training for all staff
  • A nurturing environment where children feel listened to and able to express themselves
  • Practitioners who are confident in recognising early or subtle signs that a child or family may need support
  • Clear internal procedures for reporting concerns and working with external agencies when needed
  • A commitment to inclusion, respect, and positive relationships
  • A culture where staff feel safe to raise concerns about children’s welfare or professional conduct

When concerns arise, we act quickly and work collaboratively with families, health professionals, and safeguarding partners to ensure children receive the right support. Through safer recruitment, continuous training, and reflective practice, we ensure Toy Box Day Nursery remains a place where every child is protected, valued, and able to flourish.

Admissions Policy

Toy Box Day Nursery operates a fair and transparent admissions process based on a first come, first served approach within our Ofsted registered numbers. We welcome all children and comply fully with the Equality Act, ensuring no family is discriminated against. We are able to support children with additional needs where we can safely and appropriately meet those needs, and we encourage parents to discuss any requirements with us during the enquiry stage.

We aim to make the transition into nursery as smooth as possible. Families are invited to visit the setting, meet the staff team, and learn about our routines, curriculum, and key person approach. If a place is taken, parents receive a full registration pack and are offered settling in sessions so we can build a clear understanding of the child’s routines, preferences, and any specific needs.

We collect essential information to meet each child’s individual needs and maintain a two way flow of communication with parents. We remain flexible where possible with extra sessions or changes, provided this does not exceed our legal ratios. Throughout the admissions process, we are committed to supporting families sensitively and ensuring every child feels safe, secure, and ready to begin their nursery journey.

Data Protection & Confidentiality

Toy Box Day Nursery handles personal information about children, families, staff, and volunteers with the highest level of care. All records are stored securely, and information is only shared with staff on a strict need-to-know basis.

We follow the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, the EYFS, and the Freedom of Information Act. Parents can access their own child’s records, and staff understand their responsibility to keep all information confidential. Personal details are never shared outside the nursery unless it is necessary for a child’s safety or required by law.

All staff, students, and volunteers receive guidance on confidentiality during induction, including expectations around social networking and professional conduct.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, the safety and wellbeing of the child always take priority, and information may be shared with relevant professionals when necessary.

Sickness & Illness

At Toy Box Day Nursery we promote the good health of all children by asking families to keep children at home when they are unwell and by following strict infection control procedures. If a child becomes ill during the day, we contact parents immediately and care for the child in a calm, quiet space until they can be collected. We follow UKHSA guidance on exclusion periods, including the 48 hour rule for sickness and diarrhoea, and we reserve the right to refuse admission if a child is too unwell to participate. Medication is only administered in line with our Medication Policy, which requires written parental consent and clear instructions for every medicine given.

Complaints & Compliments

At Toy Box Day Nursery we aim to provide the highest standard of care and always welcome feedback from families. Compliments are shared with the staff team, and suggestions for improvement are encouraged so we can continue to develop our practice. If a concern arises, we deal with it promptly and professionally, starting with the child’s key person or room leader and involving the manager if needed. Where an issue cannot be resolved informally, we follow our formal complaints procedure and keep a clear record of all actions taken. Parents may contact Ofsted at any stage if they feel their concern has not been fully addressed. Our goal is to maintain open, respectful communication and work in partnership with families at all times.

SEND

At Toy Box Day Nursery we are committed to supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and ensuring they are fully included in nursery life. We work closely with families to understand each child’s individual needs and make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers and promote equal access to learning. Our team follows the SEND Code of Practice and the EYFS, using tailored planning, observations and the key person approach to help every child make progress. We value partnership with parents and external professionals, and we regularly review our practice to ensure all children feel included, respected and able to thrive.

Safe Sleep

At Toy Box Day Nursery we follow safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust to ensure all babies and children sleep safely and comfortably. Babies are always placed on their backs to sleep, monitored closely with regular visual checks, and never left unsupervised. We use safety approved cots, firm mattresses, light bedding and appropriate room temperatures to reduce the risk of SIDS. Each child’s individual sleep routine is followed, and we work closely with parents to meet their needs while maintaining a safe, calm and well supervised sleep environment.

Parent Partnership

At Toy Box Day Nursery we value parents as their child’s first and most important educators and work in genuine partnership with families from the very start. Our key person system supports strong, trusting relationships and ensures information is shared openly so we can meet each child’s individual needs. We keep parents well informed about their child’s progress, welcome their contributions to learning at home, and provide regular opportunities for communication through daily updates, meetings and shared observations. We aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment where parents feel respected, listened to and fully involved in their child’s nursery experience.

Quality Provision

At Toy Box Day Nursery we are committed to providing high quality care and education that gives every child the best possible start in life. Our skilled team follows the EYFS, builds strong relationships with families, and continually reflects on and improves practice to ensure children experience a safe, stimulating and well planned environment where they can thrive.