Funcare is owned and operated by Ian & Josy Thompson who are local parents who set up the company in order to care for the children of Harrogate.
We have an extensive list of policies and procedures, which are available to all parents and carers on request. A headline selection of the most relevant are available below.
We are committed to providing appropriate care and education for all children, regardless of gender, colour, race, religion or any special needs they may have.
Our aim is to integrate all children, treating them as equals and allowing them to share the same experiences and opportunities. Our teams are committed to encourage, support and help our children in all areas of their development.
"There are effective systems in place to support children with special educational needs. The children develop a positive attitude to others and develop a good understanding about the wider world and community." PlayAway Ofsted 2006
Please note that if we have any concerns about your child's development, welfare or safety, we will speak to you immediately. We are required to keep records of these concerns and when we feel it necessary, the advice of other professionals will be sought (in accordance with our full written policy). All matters will always be dealt with in consultation with parents/carers and in the strictest confidence.
Our policy is to promote positive behaviour at all times. Our ultimate aim is that we will work in partnership with parents/carers to lay the foundations from which children will grow into happy, self-confident, well-adjusted individuals.
Children need to have set boundaries of behaviour for their own safety and the safety of their peers. Within our settings we aim to set these boundaries in a way that helps the child to develop a sense of the significance of their own behaviour, both on their own environment and those around them. Restrictions on the child's natural desire to explore and develop their own ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum. Sanctions applied in the case of unacceptable behaviour will take account of the age and stage of development of the child, be relevant to the action or actions and be fair. The Team leaders shall ensure that the parents/carers are fully informed about and support the actions being taken to modify the child's unacceptable behaviour.
Corporal punishment (slapping, smacking, or shaking) will never be acceptable practices and will not be used. Children will never be made to feel they are stupid or unworthy but that they are a valued human being.
"Children behave very well, they take turns, learn to share toys and consistently show respect and consideration for others. Good behaviour is well valued and children receive plenty of praise and encouragement throughout the day." Woodlands Ofsted 2006
If you have any cause for concern you should in the first instance take it up with your child's Key Worker or the Nursery Manager. We would always hope that any concerns a parent/carer may have would be raised and dealt with by negotiation and discussion between parent/carer and the appropriate staff at the time of occurrence. However should the issue remain unresolved then the Nursery Manager should be contacted either verbally or in writing. All verbal and written complaints (including email) will be investigated by the Manager. The findings of the investigation, including any procedure change, recommendations to staff and what will be done in the future to ensure this doesn’t happen again will be finalised within 28 days of the complaint being made, and the parents/carer will be informed of the outcome. Written records of the complaint will be kept, and OFSTED may be informed of the situation for their records.
If the matter cannot be resolved to the parents/carers satisfaction then they have the right to raise the matter with OFSTED on: : Tel: 0845 601 4772 or at:
