Admissions and Equal Opportunities Policy

Admissions

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We currently cater for children from 2 years old to 11 years old. Due to the nature of our setting and OFSTED regulations for childminder ratios we have a limited number of spaces available to certain ages. These spaces will be allocated to children on a first come basis with a signed contract and non-refundable deposit of the first months fees being required to confirm the space. 

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We will never discriminate or turn children and families away based on their culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other individualities. We respect, value and celebrate diversity and encourage children who attend our setting to do the same. 

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We have experience in caring for children with a range of educational and behavioural needs and we are happy to discuss the needs of your child and your family. We will always do our best to try to accommodate individual needs however sometimes our setting and what we are able to provide does not suit every child. We will also always put the needs of the children already attending Bubbles first and will consider their safety, educational provision and happiness when deciding on offering new spaces. Therefore we reserve the right, following careful consideration, to refuse spaces if we feel that it is in the best interests of the child or our settings staff and children. ​

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Equal Opportunities

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We promote a positive self-image to all children and respect their individuality, planning for all children according to their needs, irrespective of their gender, race, religion or ability. We ensure we have non stereotypical images in order to help overcome preconceived ideas of gender, ethnic origin, culture or religion. Every child is included and not disadvantaged because of home language, culture or religion, family background, learning difficulties or disability. We provide books, materials and equipment that are multicultural and non-sexist, and positive images of all groups including the disabled. We provide a welcoming environment that will offer support and guidance for every child and their families. We aim to develop positive self-esteem and the esteem of others and will set a good example by treating one another and the children with respect.

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In order to promote Equality and Diversity we will:​

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• Offer equality and choice for all. Equal does not mean that everyone receives the same, children will be cared for and receive education that meets their individual needs and will be supported to access provision as needed.

• Access additional funding where necessary and available to better support children and families.

• Reflect the diversity of members of our society in our publicity and promotional materials as well as around our setting and in our planning.

• Ensure our admissions policy promotes equality for all families.

• Not discriminate against a family or prevent admission to our setting based on culture, race, religions, gender, sexual orientation or any other individualities. Cases of special educational needs will be carefully considered for the best interests of all children. 

• Provide opportunities for parents/carers to contribute to their child's care and education and share culture and home-life with us and the children. 

• Undertake regular training and updates for all staff on inclusion and best practice in supporting all children. 

• Refer to other agencies for support for staff, children and families to best meet the needs of children. 

• Challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices by staff, children and parent/carers.

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We aim to encourage children to develop positive attitudes about themselves and other people. We will do this by:

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• Listening to children and ensuring each child feels included, safe, valued and respected.

• Ensuring that all children have equal access to activities, resources and learning opportunities and adapting planning and provision to best meet individual needs.

• Making appropriate provision to ensure each child receives the widest possible opportunity to develop their skills and abilities and recognise different learning styles.

• Providing play materials/resources and activities that demonstrates diversity of background and ability, and help to develop positive attitudes to differences of race, culture, language, gender and ability.

• Avoiding stereotypical images in equipment, resources and activities.

• Using positive non-discriminatory language with all children.

• Valuing the home background of all children and encouraging children and their families to share this with us. 

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English as an Additional Language

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We value linguistic diversity and have experience of caring for and educating children whose first language is not English. Where necessary we will seek additional support for children and families to help them get the most from attending our setting. We understand that young bilingual learners need time to observe, tune into the new language and try out things that are unfamiliar to them.We will provide information in languages that reflect the needs of our families who speak English as an additional language and will provide resources to support children to access learning and activities as necessary. One of our staff members is qualified in teaching English as an additional language and we will draw on their support and expertise as necessary. Alongside valuing each families home language, we will provide a range of meaningful contexts in which children have opportunities to develop English. English will be crucial as the language they use to access learning.

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