Student Placement Policy

 

 

 

SEASHELLS

 

NURSERY

 

Community Centre

 

Albert Road

 

Eyemouth

 

TD14 5DE

 

Tel. 018907 52082

 

Email: seashellsnursery@hotmail.co.uk

 

www.seashellsnursery.jimdo.com

 

 

 

LAST UPDATED / REVIEWED ON

SIGNATURE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This policy was adopted at a meeting of:

 

 

 

(Insert name of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Setting)          Seashells Nursery ELCC

 

 

 

 

 

On (date)                                                                      17th April 2020

 

 

 

 

 

Signed M. Lindsay                                                      Designation     Nursery Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student placements will be welcomed into Seashells as it is proven that the experience:

 

  • Helps to underpin the students learning about working with children in the early years and helps then to connect theory to practice
  • Enables students to begin to realise the complexity and challenges of working effectively with young children.
  • Adds value to their qualification and future employability.
  • Engenders commitment and motivation to pursue a career in working with children

 

 

 

Student placements also benefit a setting by:

 

  • Bringing current thinking, fresh ideas and perspectives into the setting.
  • Offering challenges to practice that may lead to review and improvement.
  • Contributing to staff development through assessing, coaching and mentoring of students.
  • Enriches the range of people children and others in the setting have to interact with and form relationships with.
  • Establishes the setting as a place of good practice and as a contributor to the development of the Early Years Workforce.

 

 

 

When our local High School or College contacts us regarding student placement, dates and length of placement are discussed, we will also consider any reasons why not to allow a student, for example if a family relation of theirs attended Seashells it would not be appropriate for the student to be on placement in the same room as the child.

 

 

 

The placement should offer a worthwhile experience for the student whilst ensuring that children and others are not put at risk. In accepting student placements, we have to be confident that the student is suitable to work with young children. We should ask for reassurance that appropriate procedures have been followed by the placing organisation, i.e. School or College, to guarantee, as far as is possible, that the student is suitable.

 

 

 

When asked to take a placement, Seashells should be reassured in writing that the placing organisation has:

 

 

 

  • Undertaken a PVG Scheme Membership check and that the outcome was satisfactory.
  • Taken up and verified references, which may include medical references.
  • Monitored and assessed the student’s competence to work with young children.
  • Confidence in the student’s ability to work safely and appropriately in a work setting.
  • Withdrawal procedures in place if the setting is unhappy with any aspects of the student’s conduct or working practices.

 

 

 

The student’s needs/requirements are also discussed, and if any additional needs are identified then this it the responsibility of the local School or College to ensure that the appropriate level of support is implemented for the student prior to the start of placement.

 

 

 

The School / College tutor is advised by our Nursery Manager, that it is good practice for the student to contact the her by telephone, and then in writing to arrange a pre-placement visit approximately 1 week before placement is due to start.  

 

 

 

If a student arrives at the Seashells Nursery on the start date given by the School or College, and there has been no previous contact from them in relation to the above, then access will not be given.  The college will then be contacted immediately to inform them of the situation and discuss future arrangements.  It is the school/college tutor’s responsibility to contact the student and inform them of the nursery’s decisions and arrangements.

 

Prior to pre-placement visit the student is asked to bring some form of photographic identification; passport, photographic ID card; provisional driving licence, proof of Enhanced Disclosure, and any school/college based workbook or log sheet. 

 

 

 

The pre-placement visit will comprise of the student being introduced to the Nursery Manager and all staff.  The Nursery Manager will make a commitment to support the student throughout the placement and it is the responsibility of the Nursery Manager, or nominated delegate, to ensure that the student receives an induction into the workplace. 

 

 

 

Things covered in the Student Induction will include;

 

 

 

  • Child Protection Policy.
  • Confidentiality Policy.
  • Infection Control Policy and Infection Control in a Nursery Setting.
  • Kitchen Area, storage of food and disposal of waste.
  • Toilet Area and hand washing procedure.
  • Fire drill, extinguishers, fire blankets.
  • Complaints Policy.
  • Equipment, toys and storage.
  • Daily routine and nursery rules to ensure children’s own safety.

 

 

 

Some of the tasks a student on placement may be asked to carry out;

 

 

 

  • Student is responsible for contacting nursery to inform them of absence from placement.
  • Student is responsible for completing log sheet and attendance record when at Seashells Nursery.
  • Assisting children with coats, shoes and other outerwear dressing for going outside to play. 
  • Assisting with supervision and interaction in both indoor and outdoor play.
  • Assisting in social and learning activities, e.g. craftwork, painting, games, outings (not on ratio) role play storytelling, hand washing and nose wiping.
  • Provide individual support for children when directed.
  • Talking, listening to children and showing respect at all times.
  • Adhere to policies mentioned above at all times.
  • Knowledge of layout of the placement fire regulations and first aid procedures and provision.
  • The importance of health and safety in carrying out any procedure.
  • Knowledge of appropriate use and storage of material used in the placement.
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times.
  • Speak to the Nursery Manager should there be any concerns.

 

 

 

A student on placement is not permitted to carry out any of the following;

 

 

 

  • Changing the children’s clothes when either wet or soiled.
  • Nappy changing either when wet or soiled.
  • Answering the door to parents or visitors.
  • Answering the telephone.
  • Door duty, as part of the Seashells Nursery Door Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure following un-satisfactory placement

 

Seashells Nursery staff working / supervising a student on placement should report any difficulties concerning the student’s attitude or behaviour to the Nursery Manager.  If the Nursery Manager feels that difficulties can be resolved without in the setting she will attempt this course of action initially.  If the above is not achievable the Nursery Manager should advise students that they intend to contact the placement co-ordinator.  A 3 way meeting involving student, supervisors and college staff may then be convened within the nursery.  Students should discuss any concern or difficulty they are experiencing at placement with the Nursery Manager.  Any difficulty which may affect the student’s continuation in the placement would be discussed immediately with the placement co-ordinator from the college.  Again, where the student feels an issue has not been satisfactorily resolved after reporting it to the supervisor, he or she should inform the placement co-ordinator and a 3 way meeting will be organised. 

 

 

 

Informal requests for work experience

 

 

 

Sometimes, at Seashells we are approached by individuals who are not attached to an educational establishment or training provider, and asked for work experience to enable them to gain experience or knowledge of an Early Years Setting before starting their course.

 

 

 

When this happens, the Nursery Manger must follow our Recruitment policy, and act as though we were employing a new member of staff, or a volunteer to work in the setting.  We will ensure that the following actions are completed;

 

  • Provide information about themselves.
  • Declare any matter which may affect their suitability to work with young children.
  • Complete an application form.
  • Attend an interview.
  • Provide a minimum of 2 references, from reliable sources that can be verified.
  • Apply for a PVG.

 

 

 

Only when the PVG has been returned from Disclosure Scotland and the person is deemed suitable, then they may start work in the setting.