Operational Plan

Hafan Hael Bettws is a trading name of Pitter Patter Play Ltd.

Our operational plan supports and underpins our statement of purpose. The operational plan provides parents/carers an overview of our setting and practise.

The plan is used by the nursery manager, staff, parents and outside agencies as a reference tool for general day-to-day practice and a tool against which to assess the quality of the service provided.

We will ensure any changes to our provision and the operational plan are reflected in the statement of purpose.

Main index

Part I – Nursery

• Our philosophy, aims and objectives
• Opening Hours
• Curriculum Plan
• CIW Inspection report

Part II – Staff

• Staff Organisation Chart
• Designated Staff Roles
• Staff Communications Policy
• Staff handbook

Part III – Parents

• Written Terms and Conditions
• Parent and Carer Communications Policy
• Parent pack

Part IV – Procedures

• Daily Checks and Routine
• Emergency procedures
• Contact Numbers
• Improvement and Review Plan

Part 1.

 Our philosophy, aims and objectives

Hafan Hael Bettws delivers Welsh Medium childcare that is funded through a combination of funding sources.

• Flying Start expansion programme
• Childcare Offer for Wales
• Private Childcare (Registered for Tax Free Childcare)

The ethos of our setting is to ensure that all children can explore, have fun, and develop their creativity and imagination through free play in a safe and caring environment.  We adopt elements of The Curiosity Approachand the main language of the pr ovision is Welsh.  The wide range of resources available supports the learning.

The provision welcomes boys and girls and is registered by CIW to care for up to 30

children. We are based at Ifor Hael Primary school in a separate annex. We meet children’s needs as individuals and within groups.

Aims

We create an environment where children have the opportunity to explore, have fun and develop their creative and imaginative thoughts through free play, in a safe and caring environment.

In our childcare setting it is our intention that children will transition into their next stage of care or education with the following:

• A strong sense of security based on contentment and trust.
• Strong feelings of self-confidence, resilience, and self-esteem
• The ability to interact with their peers and adults.
• An awareness of the needs of others
• Independence and a sense of responsibility
• A sense of awareness and knowledge relating to the world
• A sense of appreciation
• Independence and creative thinking
• An understanding of how important sharing and kindness is.
• An appreciation of their multilingual capabilities and a lifelong passion for the Welsh Language.

Objectives

We intend to:

• Prepare children for the move to their next stage of learning – physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
• Widen children’s experiences and develop knowledge of the world around them.
• Encourage links with home in partnership with parents to help children to learn and develop.
• Form links with our feeder school so that transitions are managed successfully.
• Embed the Welsh language in everything that we do so that children arrive at nursery/school with a strong language base on which to build.

Opening times

We are open on weekdays from 8am-6pm

We are open all year round with the exception of bank holidays and the three working days between Christmas and New Year, these are gifted to staff as concessionary leave in addition to their statutory holidays.

We reserve the right to close for up to 5 additional days during the year in order to complete staff training where the number of staff required to attend would put our ability to operate an effective service at risk.  These dates will be notified to families as far in advance as possible.

The setting Manager/leader is Leah Scourse (PIC) who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Deputy Manager is Louise Evans

The ALNCo is Rhiann Bellew

Venue Address:

Hafan Hael Bettws

Ifor Hael Flying Start Building

Meon Close

Bettws

Newport NP20 7DU

Correspondence Address:

Pitter Patter Play Ltd

T/A Hafan Hael Bettws

40 Dewsland Park Road

Newport

NP20 4EG

Age Range of Children:

Daycare: 2-5 years

After school care 2-11 years

Holiday Care 2-11 years

Our childcare setting is delivered by Pitter Patter Play Ltd T/A Hafan Hael Bettws and is registered by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) under part 2 of the children and families (Wales) measure 2010 to provide day care as a corporate organisation. The setting is registered with Mudiad Meithrin and insured as part of their group insurance membership. The insurance certificates are displayed on the wall in the foyer.

The childcare setting is registered with CIW (Care Inspectorate Wales) and is a member of Mudaid Meithrin, Clybiau Plant and Early Years Wales and NDNA

Curriculum

Every child will learn through planned and stimulating experiences. They will be encouraged to explore and experiment in their environment both indoors and outdoors.

Within the setting, all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace.

Our key worker system enables us to ensure a planned curriculum tailored to the needs of the individual child, by means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of individual exploration with adult directed input when appropriate, to extend the child’s knowledge and understanding.

We support child-centred pedagogy where children are encouraged to pursue their interests and explore their natural curiosity.

Our planning considers the interests and pursuits of the children and we involve the children by asking them what they would like to learn about.

There is plenty of flexibility so that staff can amend the activities according to the moment and the children’s interests at that time.

Staff are encouraged to make best use of the teachable moments that occur naturally as they observe or engage in children’s play.

Children’s progress and achievements are recorded and input into the nursery app so that staff and parents have a note on their file. Individual children are supported to make progress as their own pace in their preferred learning environment.

We also complete an book for our pre-school children that includes a 1 page profile and regular observations

The curriculum plan along with the nursery environment both indoors and outdoors is designed to offer engaging experiences in a safe and familiar space which are hands-on, purposeful, and meaningful to each child and encourage their independence as well as offering risk, challenge and opportunities to experience success.

We continually monitor and review the effectiveness of the curriculum plan and environment and adapt accordingly.

CIW Inspection Report. A copy of the nursery’s latest CIW report is available on https://www.careinspectorate.wales/service-directory

Part 2 – Staff

 Staff Organisation structure

• • The Director (RI) holds a L2APP Playwork qualification and is working towards the L3 CCPLD.  They are able to be counted in ratio when needed and in line with NMS ratio requirements.  They will undertake transport duties as required. They are the registered Fire Warden and hold the full paediatric first aid qualification. They are a Welsh Learner at Mynediad 2 level.
  • The Leader/manager Leah Scourse (PIC) is qualified at L3 CCLD and has more than the required minimum of 2 years childcare experience. They have completed the L3 playwork qualification.  In addition, and to satisfy our intention to tender for Flying Start provision, they have signed up with ACT to complete their L4/5 CCPLD.  They are the Designated Safeguarding Lead, They are responsible for the day to day running of the setting. They completed the 12 hour Paediatric First Aid Course May 2024.  Leah is a fluent Welsh Speaker
  • The Deputy is Louise Evans, they are qualified at CCPLD L3 and will be able to take charge in the absence of the PIC.  They also hold a recognised playwork qualification and full paediatric first aid certificate.  Louise is a Welsh learner
  • Practitioner – Rhiann Bellew has completed the CCPLD L3.  Rhiann has Category B Safeguarding, Food hygiene L2 and paediatric first aid.  She is working part time around her studies at university (Education, Psychology and Special Educational Needs) and is our ALNco.  Rhiann is a fluent Welsh speaker
  • Practitioner – Janet Nicholls has completed the CCPLD L3 and will shortly be updating her mandatory training. Janet is deputy ALNco and a Welsh learner
  • Apprentice – Lily Bratt Lewis is studying towards her L3 CCPLD with ACT training.  She has completed the L2APP Playwork qualification in May 2024.  Lily has Category B Safeguarding, food hygiene and the emergency paediatric first aid qualification. She will complete the 12 hours course as soon as this is November 2024. Lily is a fluent Welsh speaker
  • Apprentice – Shanique Chambers is enrolled on the L3 CCPLD with ACT training.  She has completed all elements of the L2APP Playwork qualification and had her final observation at the end of July 2024.  Shanique has her L2 Food Hygiene, Category B Safeguarding and will complete her 12 hour paediatric first aid course in October 2024. Shanique is a fluent Welsh speaker
  • Assistants (to be recruited) will hold a level 2 childcare qualification and/or be working towards a level 3 childcare.  They will also work towards the L2APP if they do not already hold this qualification.
  • Trainees under supervision can be included in ratios if they have relevant qualifications in progress.

The core childcare team are qualified or working towards their level 3 in line with the Social Care Wales Qualification Framework.

We will ensure that we maintain the correct ratios for all our children at the setting.  This means that children aged 2-3 will be cared for by 1 adult to a maximum of every 4 children.  Children aged 3+ will be cared for by 1 adult to 8 children.  We use the whole setting for our calculations.

Trainees/apprentices/volunteers/lunch cover/temp staff

Trainees are not counted in ratio unless they are on a long term placement for over 12 weeks.  All trainees have an enhanced DBS

Apprentices are counted in ratio provided that they are undertaking a recognised childcare qualification and have an enhanced DBS

Volunteers can be counted in ratio provided that they have an enhanced DBS

Lunch cover supervisors are counted in ratio and have an enhanced DBS.  They will be encouraged to undertake the CCPLD at L2 or 3 if their hours increase to over 14 per week

Temporary/Agency Staff are suitably qualified and have an Enhanced DBS on the update register.

Staff Training:

All staff have or will shortly be attending mandatory training in relation to child safeguarding, food hygiene and paediatric first aid, all of which will be renewed at least every 3 years.

As part of our pending Flying Start registration, there is a designated yearly training programme which is designed to support staff and up skill their personal and

professional development. Staff attend most of the training outside session hours, however there are occasions that the training requires a longer period, these dates where possible, coincide with the local Primary School Inset days. Further details of staff qualifications can be found in our parent’s handbook. All staff have to an enhanced DBS checked before they commence and are encouraged to register for the update service.

All staff, trainees and volunteers complete an induction at commencement of employment and undertake monthly reviews, followed by annual appraisals.

All staff training is monitored, and a training matrix is kept to ensure qualifications are updated when required (parents can view this on request).

The setting leader carries out staff personal development plans to ensure staff receive training to develop their practice. In addition to Flying Start and the Family Information Service training we are also able to access training through our memberships with Mudiad Meithrin, Clybiau Plant, NDNA and Early Years Wales.

There are regular staff meetings each month to update planning, review practise and inform staff of forthcoming events.

Designated Staff Roles

 Staff Handbook

Preface: Our philosophy is nurturing children to learn through language and play. It is our top priority to ensure excellent quality care where children, staff and parents feel valued, and children feel safe, secure, and happy and healthy in both body and mind at all times whilst under our care.

Our policies and procedures are designed to achieve this.

We strive to provide Equal Opportunities to all staff right from the recruitment process onwards.

We expect staff to act in a professional and caring manner at all times and to behave appropriately both at work, anytime when wearing nursery uniform and outside of work.

We as a nursery will treat staff fairly at all times and aim to create a productive and stimulating work environment where staff feel valued as a member of the team.

We are a Welsh medium nursery, and you are expected to speak Welsh with and around the children as much as possible and to follow the Language Immersion Method.

We offer training to all Second Language Welsh staff to improve and develop their Welsh language skills. Please consult our Welsh Language Policy.

We have a clear Staff Organisation Chart and Staff Communications Policy so that each member of staff knows who they are to report to and who they can approach if they have any queries or concerns.

It is important that you read and understand all our policies and procedures before starting your role at the nursery as you are expected to follow these, in particular those relating to Health and Safety and Emergencies.

If at any time you are unsure how to proceed or are unclear about any aspect of any of the policies or procedures, please ask your supervisor in accordance with the Staff Communications Policy.

Please also read the Health and Safety handbook and Staff Handbook and all our policies and procedures (available in hard copy at the office) carefully and sign to confirm that you have read and understood the contents. Below is a list of all the policies and documents included in the Staff Handbook.

 Part III Parents

 At Hafan Hael Bettws we believe that parents and staff need to work together in a close partnership in order for children to receive the quality of care and early learning to meet their individual needs. We welcome parents as partners and support a two-way sharing of information that helps establish trust and understanding.

Before starting

Before the child joins the nursery, we liaise with parents to obtain details about each individual child’s interests, personality and essential health, dietary and allergy information. The child is assigned a key worker who is the consistent point of contact with the parents. Parents are provided with the Contract Terms and Conditions via the Famly app, are directed to our website to view our policies and (printed copies on request)  and other important information about the nursery. A list of documentation is included below.

We aim to support parents and other carers to help their children settle quickly and easily by considering the individual needs and circumstances of every child and their families.

Our aim is for children to feel safe, stimulated, and happy in the nursery and to feel secure and comfortable with all staff. See our Settling in Policy for more details.

At Nursery

Our policies and procedures are available at all times in digital format via a QR code that links to our website.  Printed copies are available on request. There is a private area where parents can speak confidentially with us as required. Any concerns can be raised with the key worker or with the nursery manager.

Parents are kept well informed about their children’s progress through the nursery app and at the point of contact on drop off and collection. Parents are encouraged to support and share information about their children’s learning and development at home. We look to provide opportunities and support for parents to contribute their own skills, knowledge, and interests to nursery activities.

We support parents to introduce the Welsh language at home. We host a monthly Ti a Fi sessions at the venue on a Saturday and will continue to provide phrases of the week and words that are linked to our current themes.

Feedback

We are committed to finding out the needs and expectations of parents. We will do this through regular feedback via questionnaires, parent consultations, a suggestion system and encouraging parents to review working practices. We will evaluate any responses and use these to promote nursery practice, policy, and staff development.

Parent Welcome Pack Index

Part IV – Procedures

At Hafan Hael Bettws we ensure that our policies and procedures are accessible and available to view via a QR code. These cover all aspects of running the nursery and are expected to be followed at all times by staff, parents, and visitors.

The policies and procedures are summarised and provided to all staff and parents in the form of a Staff Handbook for staff and our Parent Pack for parents and carers.

Daily Checks and Routine

Safety checks and a cleaning routine are carried out at the nursery on a daily basis. See our Safety Checks Policy and Health and Safety Policy.

The nursery carries out written risk assessments at least annually. These are regularly reviewed and cover potential risks to children, staff and visitors at the nursery. When circumstances change in the nursery, e.g. a significant piece of equipment is introduced, we review our current risk assessment or conduct a new risk assessment dependent on the nature of this change.

All staff are trained in the risk assessment process to ensure understanding and compliance. More information is set out in our Risk Assessment Policy.

All outings away from the nursery are individually risk assessed. For more details refer to the Visits and Outings Policy.

During the daily running of the setting, we are inclusive and non-discriminatory as per our Equal Opportunities Policy, we promote positive behaviour as per our Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy and we immerse the children in Welsh as per our Welsh Language Policy. Children follow a daily routine and curriculum-based plan which fully complies with the New Curriculum for Wales and provides a stimulating and engaging environment for the children.

Emergency procedures

We have the following emergency policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed and are shown to all staff as part of their induction and ongoing training.

• Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedure
• Lockdown Procedure
• Lost child Policy
• Adverse Weather Policy
• Accidents and First Aid Policy

Contact numbers

Improvement and Review Plan

At Hafan Hael Bettws we aim to provide excellent quality care in a stimulating and nurturing environment where children, staff and parents feel safe, happy, and valued. The improvement and review plan is an important part of ensuring that we continue to provide this. We monitor improvement in our key areas of measurement of staff, children, and parents, adhere to a review timetable of our policies and procedures and monitor our long-term goals as set out in our Improvement and Review Plan Policy.

This Policy was adopted on	Signed on Behalf of Pitter Patter Play Ltd	Date for review
15/01/2024 updated 22/5/2024 28/08/24 23/09/24		23/9/2025