Category: Early Years Shop News

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Parental Agreement: Terms & Conditions – Template Pack Now Available!

Parental Agreement: Terms & Conditions Pack NOW available on The Early Years Shop! The relationship between a Service Provider and a Parent/Guardian starts at the very beginning. Therefore, having a ‘contract’ between both parties is essential if a positive, trusting relationship is to be built.

This ‘Small Print’ document has been developed in response to the expressed request from Canavan Byrne clients. Over the past year there has been an unprecedented number of disputes and differences of opinion with parents/guardians about such issues as adherence to COVID-19 procedures, payment of fees, exclusion when a child is ill, attendance requirements and much more.

Sadly, there has also been a small number of unpleasant exchanges between staff and parents. Using the Parental Agreement document allows services to set out the Terms and Conditions to parents and guardians in plain language, and seeks agreement on some of the more contentious issues before the child starts. It aims to give clarity, avoid disputes, build positive relationships and encourage respect.

Parental Agreement: Terms & Conditions – What Areas are Covered?

Canavan Byrne designed this document to provide a solid foundation to build the relationship where expectations are made clear from the outset and will benefit both parties. Similarly, it will provide clarity, alleviate stress and prevent unwanted disputes. Included in this Small Print Document are clauses on areas such as;

  • Policies
  • Fees
  • Closures
  • Collections
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Separated/Divorced Parents
  • Data Collection
  • Exclusion Policy
  • COVID-19 Exclusion
  • Termination  and Notice Periods
  • Code of Conduct

The document is in ‘Word format’ so it can be edited and tailor-made to suit your service and there is space at the end of the document for parents/guardians to sign. Remember  ‘prevention is always better than cure’! If you are a member of the Early Years Resource Factory you will receive a 15% discount on all form packs and tool kits across the Early Years Shop! If you are not already a member of the Early Years Resource Factory you can sign up here any time! If you are unsure what The Early Years Resource Factory is, you can complete a 7 day FREE trial here before signing up!

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COVID-19 High Risk Recognition: This Week’s Thursday Tip!

This week’s Thursday Tip from Canavan Byrne is COVID-19 High Risk Recognition (making a request for precautionary self-isolation). A Service Provider may recognise or identify the setting (or part of) as ‘high risk’. This could be a pod/s with a child/children or staff members who have compromised immunity, staff who are not or not yet fully vaccinated, or who may be in a ‘high-risk’ health category due to an underlying medical condition.

In this instance a service may decide to request that staff and/or registered children who travel overseas from 19 July onward self-isolate for up to 14 days on their return to Ireland. A Service Provider may decide to accept the production of a Negative PCR test taken no less than 5 days post arrival in order to end the quarantine. However, it is not advisable that services request that PCR testing of children is a mandatory condition for their return.

The newly revised Covid-19 Return to Work Rescue Pack from Canavan Byrne will be available on the shop in the coming weeks so please keep your eye on our website and social media pages for further details!

 

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New Customisable Newsletter Including Photos and News for Families!

We are delighted to announce the new customisable Newsletter with an improved user interface making it easier to edit and organise articles! Now it also has the ability to upload pictures! You can include pictures from your Early Years Setting showing the work that children have been busy with during the month.

If you prefer you can use the pre-supplied images to help make your newsletter colourful and engaging. Remember, if you are uploading pictures you need written permission from any staff and parents of children who are in the photos. Every month Canavan Byrne supply great content including colourful backgrounds, images and articles of general interest to parents. You have the option to add any of those articles to your content and/or your own news.

Furthermore, Canavan Byrne supply a monthly Family Notice along with the newsletter. The Family Notice provides extra useful information for the parents of your service. You can post these on your wall near the reception area or you can put them on your social media or email/whatsapp them onto parents.

New Customisable Newsletter: Now Add More Pages!

Previously the monthly newsletter only allowed for two pages of content but the newly improved newsletter allows you to create any number of pages, giving you more freedom for the months when you have more to talk about! When you complete your newsletter you simply download the final PDF and send out by email or you can print and distribute from your service!

‘A newsletter is an excellent way of developing a strong partnership with parents. It values parents and enhances their involvement with the service’ (Siolta Standard 3 : Parents and Families). It is important to engage with families on a regular basis, especially now that there is no regular face to face interactions with COVID-19 restrictions still in place. A newsletter is an excellent way of keeping regular communication with families to update them on any news or topical information.

Remember the monthly newsletter comes FREE as part of your Early Years Resource Factory membership! The membership not only gives you access to the newsletter but also printables, family surveys, curriculum plans, staff roster and many discounts on various products on the Early Years Shop. We currently have special sign-up offers that include a free Canavan Byrne training course and vouchers for the Early Years Shop! For more information call us on 01 6535 008 or see EYRF Membership products on the Early Years Shop!