Absence, Illness, Closures and Holidays Policy

(Including COVID-19)

Child Absence Policy

At PuliKidz, we are committed to the welfare and safety of all children in our care. If your child is unable to attend a booked session, please notify us promptly via phone or text. In cases where we do not receive prior notice, we may reach out to the school to confirm your child’s attendance. Following this, we will follow up with parents or guardians.

Please note that fees for pre-booked sessions will remain applicable. Failure to pay for these sessions may result in the revocation of your child’s place at PuliKidz.

Illness and Diseases

Our team at PuliKidz remains vigilant regarding the health and well-being of all children. Should a child exhibit signs of an infectious disease, such as chickenpox, we will immediately isolate the child from the rest of the group and seek a second opinion. If an infectious disease is suspected, one staff member will stay with the child while another informs the parent or guardian as soon as possible.

Parents and guardians will be advised to seek medical guidance and will need to update us once they have clarity on the child’s condition.

  • If a child is confirmed to have an infectious disease, we will notify all parents of the situation without disclosing the child’s identity.
  • All equipment and areas the child has come into contact with will be thoroughly cleaned before use.
  • A child must receive clearance from a medical professional before returning to our facility.
  • Our staff will communicate any health concerns regarding your child promptly.

Severe Weather or Emergency Closure

In rare instances, PuliKidz may need to close unexpectedly due to emergencies such as:

  • Severe weather conditions (especially if combined with heating failures)
  • Burst water pipes
  • Discovery of structural damage
  • Fire or bomb threats
  • Serious incidents involving staff or children
  • Any significant accident or illness

In such situations, the manager and staff will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the children and staff.

All children and staff will assemble at a designated safe area, where attendance will be recorded. We will then take steps to inform parents and guardians and manage the circumstances that caused the closure. Children will be supervised until they are safely collected.

In cases of closure due to uncontrollable circumstances (e.g., severe weather or widespread illness), we cannot provide refunds for missed sessions.

We follow local authority procedures regarding severe weather or emergencies. If local authorities decide to close schools due to hazardous conditions, PuliKidz will adhere to their guidance. Parents will be contacted if a closure occurs while children are in our care, and they will be requested to collect their children immediately.

  • If parents cannot be reached, staff will contact the emergency contact listed on the child’s registration form.
  • Under no circumstances will children be allowed to leave unaccompanied or with another adult unless explicit consent has been given by the parent.
  • Staff will also be released based on the distance they need to travel and any potential travel challenges.

COVID-19 Policy

In line with guidance from the Department of Education, we prioritize good hygiene practices for everyone at PuliKidz:

  • Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer is crucial and will be encouraged among children.
  • Respiratory Hygiene: We will promote the “catch it, bin it, kill it” approach to managing respiratory hygiene. Resources to support good hygiene will be made available.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Most staff will not need PPE beyond their usual requirements. Guidance regarding PPE usage in educational and childcare settings will be observed.

PuliKidz will continually monitor and comply with government guidelines concerning COVID-19.

  • Children and staff will be encouraged to wash their hands regularly, with appropriate facilities provided.
  • We will promote respiratory hygiene and ensure the appropriate use of PPE.
  • Isolation regulations will be monitored and followed diligently.
  • Families opting to isolate will still be responsible for payment of their pre-booked child places unless advised otherwise by PuliKidz.
  • All equipment and facilities will be regularly sanitized.

Holiday Policy

We recognize that every family deserves time off for holidays. If your child will be absent during term time, we ask that you provide written notice.

  • A minimum of one month’s notice is required, or charges may be incurred.
  • Special circumstances can be discussed with the PuliKidz manager.
  • If a child frequently takes holidays, we reserve the right to revoke their regular place to accommodate other children on our waiting list.