Seven StepsEveryone can read our policy summaries. Full PDF documents are available to registered parents with document access. Parents should download the complete documents, as each contains important information not covered by the summary.
We are committed to providing a safe environment, but we recognise that accidents can happen. Our priority is to provide immediate, calm, and effective First Aid to any child in our care and to follow strict recording and notification protocols.
Read summary — Accident injuries and first aid policy and procedureSeven Steps Childcare is a teacher-led environment designed to provide a nurturing home-from-home setting. Our primary focus is ensuring young children are supported and school ready through high-quality care and an active daily routine.
Read summary — Admissions, fees, and funding policyAt Seven Steps Childcare, the safety and wellbeing of every child are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining an environment built on trust and transparency. This policy outlines our clear, professional procedures for addressing concerns regarding adult conduct, ensuring all matters are handled with the seriousness they deserve in line with Northumberland County Council (NCC) requirements.
Read summary — Allegations of abuse and whistleblowing policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, the inclusion of animals and wildlife is a central theme. We believe that contact with nature fosters empathy and respect for living things while providing rich observational learning opportunities for children.
Read summary — Animal, pet and wildlife policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, the beginning and end of the day are managed with care to ensure every child feels welcome and safe. We maintain strict security systems to ensure that no child can leave the premises unsupervised and that they are only ever released into the care of an authorised adult.
Read summary — Arrivals and departures policy and procedureConsistent attendance is a vital protective factor for the safety and wellbeing of children. Our procedures ensure that every child is accounted for through diligent monitoring and clear communication with families.
Read summary — Attendance policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, we believe that following a child's interests is the best starting point for getting to know and accepting each child just as they are. Our approach is built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, developed by being calm, nurturing, positive, and consistent.
Read summary — Behaviour policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, we are committed to providing a safe, secure, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected. Our approach is proactive, focusing on fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect through child-led interests and positive role modelling. We consistently demonstrate kind, calm, and patient behaviour to teach children how to interact through trust and empathy.
Read summary — Bullying policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, the safety and well-being of every child is our primary focus. We maintain a high standard of vigilance to ensure children are protected from harm and nurtured in a safe environment.
Read summary — Child protection and safeguarding policyAt Seven Steps Childcare, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every child. Our safeguarding procedure outlines the practical steps we take to protect children and ensure their well-being at all times.
Read summary — Child protection and safeguarding procedureOur complaints policy and procedure is designed to meet Northumberland County Council (NCC) requirements and ensures that all feedback is managed fairly and transparently. We are committed to providing high-quality care and a 'Best Start in Life' for all children through continuous improvement and open communication.
Read summary — Complaints policy and procedureThis policy outlines how personal data is managed to protect family privacy while meeting legal childminding obligations. We operate in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and EYFS requirements. As a data controller, we are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and renew this registration annually.
Read summary — Data protection and privacy (GDPR) policy and procedureOur emergency evacuation policy ensures the safety of all children and visitors at our premises in the event of a fire, gas leak, explosion, or flood. We maintain clear exit routes and conduct regular training to ensure a swift and calm response to any emergency.
Read summary — Emergency evacuation policyAt Seven Steps Childcare, the safety of the children in our care is our highest priority. We have established comprehensive procedures to manage various emergency situations at our premises in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Read summary — Emergency evacuation procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where every child is supported to reach their full potential. Our ethos focuses on threading equality through every aspect of our provision, promoting aspirational targets for all children while fostering an understanding of diversity and fundamental British values.
Read summary — Equality, inclusion and SEND policy summaryOur aim is to ensure all children receive a balanced and nutritious diet to support their growth and development. We are committed to promoting 'Best Start in Life' outcomes by encouraging healthy habits from an early age. As the sole provider, the lead practitioner is responsible for attending regular training, liaising with health professionals, and reviewing practice. We take full responsibility for promoting oral health, raising awareness of obesity concerns, and highlighting the benefits of physical exercise.
Read summary — Healthy eating food and nutrition policyOur primary goal is to protect the health of all children in our care, our staff, and our families. We maintain a duty to minimize the spread of infection to ensure a safe environment and to maintain the stability of our service.
Read summary — Illness and exclusion policy and procedureWe are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all children in our care by providing a transparent and safe framework for medical support. Our policy outlines how we support children with both short-term and long-term medical needs, in line with the EYFS Framework and local guidance.
Read summary — Medication and medical needs policy and procedureThe safety of every child is our absolute priority, and we implement robust systems to prevent a child from going missing. In the unlikely event that a child cannot be located, we act as the lead person for the incident and follow strict protocols.
Read summary — Missing child policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare we maintain a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy across the entire premises to ensure children are not exposed to second-hand smoke or the promotion of tobacco products.
Read summary — No smoking or vaping policy and procedureOutings are a fundamental part of our daily curriculum and are vital for a child's development and learning. We ensure every trip is planned with safety, education, and engagement at its core. Typical activities include visits to the local beach, river, and library, with a full list of our weekly routine available for review in the setting.
Read summary — Outings and trips policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, our goal is for your child to feel safe, confident, and at home. We view a successful transition as a gradual process that allows your child to build a bond with us and become familiar with our routines before their full contracted hours begin.
Read summary — Settling-in policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, we believe that when we take the time to slow down and travel on foot, we open up a world of discovery for children. Walking allows them to be in the elements, observe the changing seasons in real time, and connect with nature while benefiting their physical health and emotional well-being.
Read summary — Transport policy and procedureAt Seven Steps Childcare, the emotional wellbeing of the child and the professional requirements of the setting are prioritised by maintaining a calm, structured approach to late collections. Because the setting operates 46 weeks per year, timely collection is essential to maintain ratios, prepare for the following day, and respect scheduled time off. While it is understood that emergencies such as traffic or car breakdowns occur, consistent punctuality is vital for insurance compliance and the child's sense of security. The priority is always to keep the child calm and reassured while following a clear safety timeline.
Read summary — Uncollected child policy and procedure
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