Employment & Staffing Policy statement We provide a staffing ratio in line with the Welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure that children have a sufficient attention and to guarantee care and education of a high quality. Our staff are appropriately qualified and we carry out checks for criminal and other records through the Disclosure and Barring Service (Total CRB) in accordance with statutory requirements Procedures Ratios To meet this aim we use the following ratios of adults to children: • Children aged two years of age: 1 adult : 4 children • Children aged three to five:1 adult: 8 children • We use a key person approach to ensure that each child has a named member of staff with whom to form a relationship and who plans with parents for the child's well being and development in the setting. The key person meets with the family for discussions and consultation on their child's progress • We hold staff meetings to discuss children's progress, their achievements and any difficulties that may arise Vetting and staff selection • We work towards offering equality of opportunity by using non- discriminatory procedures for staff recruitment and selection • All staff have job descriptions which set out their roles and responsibilities • We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their suitability for the post, regardless of marital status, age, gender, culture, religious belief, ethnic origin or sexual orientation • Applicants must not be placed at a disadvantage by our imposing conditions or requirements that are not justifiable • We use Ofsted guidance on obtaining references and enhanced criminal record checks for staff and volunteers who will have unsupervised access to children. This is in accordance with requirements under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 for the vetting and barring scheme • We keep all records relating to employment of staff and volunteers, in particular those demonstrating that checks have been done, including the date and number of the check • DBS checks will be obtained asap for a new member of staff (until this is received the staff member will be supervised at all times). No member of staff is ever alone with a child Changes to staff • We will inform Ofsted of any changes in the person responsible for our setting Training and staff development • Our setting Manager holds the NVQ Level 3 in Child Care and Education and six others hold a level3 NVQ or equivalent, one holds a qualified teaching qualification and one holds a level 2 NVQ • We provide regular in-service training to all staff/volunteers • Our setting budget allocates resources to training • We provide staff induction training in the first week of employment. This includes our Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy and Whistle blowing policy Other policies and procedures will be introduced within an induction plan • We support the work of our staff by holding supervision meetings and appraisals • We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation and best practice Managing staff absences and contingency plans for emergencies • Our staff take their holiday breaks when the setting is closed. Where staff may need to take time off for any reasons other than sick leave or training this is agreed with the Manager with sufficient notice. • Where staff are unwell and take sick leave in accordance with their contract of employment, we organise cover to ensure ratios are maintained • Sick leave is monitored and action taken where necessary in accordance with the contract of employment