Nipperbout Parent Guide

Leaving children with strangers in a new and different environment can feel uncomfortable for parents as well as children. We hope that the following information will help to reduce any fears or doubts you may have about the standard and quality of care your child/children will receive whilst at Nipperbout.

• Nipperbout has been operating for 14 years. We have 18 Ofsted registered sites and are regularly inspected.
• Staff are picked for ability to build positive relationships with children quickly. 75% have a level three childcare qualification, 25% have a level 2 or are entertainers of some sort. All are CRB checked.
• The safety of your child is of paramount importance to us. You must fill in the form correctly and supply all the information we ask for. Only the person who signs in may sign out. We need to know about special needs and language or behaviour difficulties.
• Under 3's and children with special needs will be allocated a key worker.
• We ask for a mobile contact number and will phone you if your child is upset.
• Should your child be hurt in our care we will administer first aid and ask you to sign the accident book.
• Equipment is extensive, of high quality and appropriate for all age groups. Activities - We run a timetable of activities; circus skills, music, parachute games, quizzes, challenges, face painting, loads of art and craft. At conferences we often work towards a performance for the parents.
• Nipperbout has a particular childcare approach we emphasis the positive and tell children what we do want them to do rather than what we don't! The Partners are big fans of Steve Bidulph and have attended many of his training sessions.
• Most of our Exhibition crèches have a one or two hour stay limit. Some exhibitions have a four hour stay with a break. Conference creches are for the whole day. However if there is no outside playing space we have to take the children out so you are required to sign an agreement to allow this.
• Any medicines/inhalers received into the creche must have a GP label and parents must provide a letter of authorisation containing clear instructions for administration even where the child is self administering.
• We cannot accept children who require the use of an epi pen unless we know in advance so that we can ensure a trained member of staff is available.
• Children may not bring their own food or drink into the crèches. Water is always available.
• We recommend that your child is dressed in play clothes as there are a lot of messy activities

Parent Guide - Handy Hints
How Can I tell if a crèche is professionally and legally run?

Is there an Ofsted Registration Certificate displaid at the entrance? The Ofsted Registration should display the name of the building the crèche is in. If any other building name is on the certificate then it is not valid. If there is no Registration Certificate ask to see the Ofsted Exemption Letter.

Is there an insurance certificate displaid? It is a legal requirement for crèches to display their insurance certificate.

How many staff to children are there? Legal ratios are 3:1 for under 2's 4:1 for 2 years and 8:1 for 3 plus. A quality temporary crèche service will be offering higher ratios than these.

How are the children being registered and what information is being asked for? Name, address, telephone numbers, emergency contact number, date of birth, time of entrance and time of departure are all legal requirements.

Is there a complaints procedure clearly displaid?