Guest Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 A few months ago we got hit with a heavy snow storm, this meant that not many staff could make it into nursery but a lot of the children who live close wanted to come in. Our owner was determined not to shut for a few days but we were unsure how we dealt with which children stayed ect so that we could stay in ratio!! Does any setting have a staff shortage policy as i am keen to know what to do if this happens again? Any help would be fantastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Hi Our setting had the same problem.Our policy is that if there is a staff shortage, supply staff must be brought in.We are not allowed to exceed the ratio in regards to the number of qualified staff we have to the number of children we have. Hope this helps :+) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jenpercy Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Ah where to find supply staff for Kids Club!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Hi Clairepc We do the same as happydays1. We have to have correct number of staff for the children. But I think I know what you are asking, is that if all available staff are in and theres no-one else to call on, like when there is bad weather or due to staff illness. In these circumstances we have started to try and stay open with the few staff we have, as long as there is a level 3 deputy and another qualified. We then provide early years provision for the oldest and work down, so if there are 2 staff in then its a maximum of 8 children, so it will be the oldest 8 children. If 3 staff can get in then it will be 16 children provided they are all 3+. So it normally means that we cant take the 2-3 year olds due to the ratio being higher. We have only just started doing this and its yet to be written into a policy! But parents are happy as it means we can stay open and not close for all the children. Parents seem to understand that priority is for the older children. Just re-read your post, not sure if the above would apply in snowy conditions as depends on who can physically make it to your provision. If everyone can get then do it oldest first but if only the closest can make it in then you may need to assess who can make it in during snowy periods. HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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