Family Partnership
We fully recognise that parents are the main carers and first educators of children. Continuity in care between home and Sandcastles via strong parent partnership is vital for children to feel safe and secure and to be able to progress and develop from the activities and experiences available to them.
There is a wealth of information available for families, much of which can be accessed via FAMLY, policies, welcome email, induction packs, regular emails, literature in reception and individual rooms. In addition, our staffing team are all professionals in the field of childcare and education and are here to fully support all children and their families. We urge families to access all the information available to them and to share information on an on-going basis in order that strong links are forged and maintained.
Below are just a few of the ways that we work to ensure family partnership:
We hold a family induction and management meeting during the settling in process
We ensure all children and families have a keyperson
We ensure parents are provided with information about the EYFS and how we deliver it at Sandcastles.
Up to date information on childcare matters are made available
We welcome families to various events, activities and information evenings.
We encourage a two-way flow of information to support children’s care/learning and development
We encourage parents’ and / or carer’s contributions into children’s records via focused weeks sharing information from home the week prior and then arranging a phone call the following week to discuss progress and what’s next for their learning.
We make known to all parents the systems for registering queries, complaints or suggestions/compliments.
We use various means of communication to ensure all families are fully informed, e.g verbal, emails, FAMLY newsfeed.
We ensure an open-door policy at all times for parents.
We value all contributions from those using our setting to enable us to review and reflect on procedures and as such have an array of methods of gaining the views of others.
When deemed necessary, we facilitate home visits.
We notify families when an Ofsted inspection is due or taking place.
We appreciate parent/carers informing us of absences and the nature of the absence. Regular attendance is important for the continuity of care and education. Attendance at Sandcastles is monitored as part of our safeguarding procedures.
As children journey through Sandcastles, there are times when additional support / meetings are necessary. These can be for an array of reasons such as when children attend more than one setting, when transitioning between rooms, moving onto school, when home circumstances change or for matters relating to special educational needs. Sandcastles has strong links with outside professionals and facilitates additional support when the need arises. Working with the family is key to success. The family is therefore placed at the heart of all that we do to reach the best possible outcomes for children.
Close links are maintained with local family support centres where a wealth of services, information and advice is available to meet families needs within the community. Sandcastles can signpost and support families to access universal services for families living within Essex and Southend.
Please do speak to us if you would like further information / support.
CAVS Children Centre – Little Handprints
2 Dark Lane – 07808 783302
Little Lions Children Centre
Northwick Primary School, 50 Third Avenue – 01268 683671
Blenheim Family Centre
School Way, Leigh On Sea – 01702 220810
Families Information Service
Southend 01702 215007
Thurrock 01375 652801
Cross Reference
Safeguarding and Promoting Children’s Well-being Policy
Staffing and Employment Policy
Sharing information with parent/carer(s)