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Safety
At Oakview Village Childcare we take safety very seriously and as we have a purpose built facility, safety has been designed into every detail.
The facility is designed with safety in mind from the special flooring to special doors to avoid trapping fingers to design and location of shelving.
A full risk and hazard analysis has been carried out for each room and activity - even down to the level of each toy. Through careful selection of all the toys and resources, we ensure that your child will be completely safe.
Every piece of equipment has passed European Safety Standards and is frequently inspected and maintained to ensure its safety.
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Security
A safe, secure environment is obviously of great importance to any parent leaving their child in a childcare setting, which is why ourcentre has Secure Access Systems and CCTV.
Cameras are situated in each of the main rooms and play areas and are also strategically placed to cover all entrances and approaches to the building.
References and thorough background checks will be performed on all staff and support personnel at Oakview Village Childcare and all will be vetted by the national Garda Vetting unit. Using the CCTV system, management will monitor interactions between the children and staff to further ensure their safety and security
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Food and Nutrition
Meals are cooked daily for the centre by qualified staff. Meals have a balance of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables and fruit. We follow the Healthy Eating Policy as set out by the HSE.
Children who are dropped in early morning, may have breakfast at the centre. All children will get a morning break followed at lunchtime by a nutritious dinner and then for those children who are being picked up a little later, a tea which may be hot or cold is served around 4.00pm.
Our aim is to provide a varied and nutritional menu which the children enjoy. By introducing different tastes and textures at an early stage children are not as fussy at eating as they get older. We are happy to accommodate children who have special dietary requirements. The menu for each day is on display for parents to see.
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Communication
At Oakview Village Childcare we believe that a positive partnership with parents is crucial. We believe that constant communication between carer and parent is the way forward. A parent's information booklet,which outlines information specific to the centre, is available when you book your child in.
Parents will also receive regular feedback such as the daily reports for babies and toddlers. These contain information on meals, sleep, nappy changing and general well-being. They also contain details of activities and observations. Parents are always welcome to discuss their child with members of staff.
We will occasionally hold concerts and plays where the older children will get a chance to shine for parents. These are very important to the promotion of self esteem in the developing child.
Monthly newsletters are sent to families.
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Transitions
At Oakview Village Childcare, we understand that leaving your child for the first time in a childcare centre is a big event. It can be a stressful and upsetting time for you and sometimes your child, so we therefore try to make this as easy as possible.
Once your place is booked, but before your child starts, we will offer you and your child the opportunity to attend 'settling in' sessions. This experience is invaluable and will enable us to begin to build important relationships with you and your child.
Settling In is a gradual process which will help you feel more comfortable and confident in leaving your child for longer periods of time on each visit. Then on their first day, you will be happy and reassured that your child is contented and settled. We will work with you until you are satisfied that they have adapted to the new environment and are happy.
