Safety is central to life at N, from the design of our schools to how we run each day.
Having received the RoSPA Gold Award in 2026 for our commitment to outstanding standards in the UK, we apply this same dedication to safety as we expand into the US.
Our policies ensure your child feels secure and supported, while Safi, our chameleon mascot, helps make safety engaging within our schools.
Teaching children about safety is vital to helping them navigate the world confidently. With the help of Safi, our safety mascot chameleon, we make learning about safety engaging and memorable. Safi helps children recognize everyday risks and develop age-appropriate safety habits within our schools and at home.
Each policy reflects our commitment to creating calm, safe, and nurturing environments where children can thrive, in full alignment with federal and state licensing and child protection requirements.
Children’s health and safety are central to everything we do at N Family School.
We work closely with families to understand each child’s individual allergy and dietary needs and to put thoughtful plans in place that support them safely and confidently. Clear procedures are followed to document, review, and communicate dietary information during enrollment and onboarding, and information is kept up to date as children grow and develop.
While we cannot guarantee that our schools are completely free of specific allergens, we take practical steps to reduce risk and to support children with diagnosed allergies throughout the day. Individual care plans are developed where needed, and emergency medications such as EpiPens are stored securely and accessed only by trained team members.
Strong communication and partnership with families are essential to this approach, helping ensure children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
We strive to make mealtimes enjoyable while supporting healthy development, helping children learn healthy eating habits, and building positive relationships with food. Children are given child-sized utensils and plates and are encouraged to take part in care routines, such as cleaning up after eating, supporting independence, and building confidence.
Children are always supervised during mealtimes by trained educators who create calm, unrushed environments where children can eat safely and comfortably. Our approach to food and nutrition is informed by widely recognized pediatric best practices and applicable state health and licensing guidelines, supporting children’s health and well-being throughout their early years.
At N Family School, we believe food is deeply personal and closely connected to family life, culture, and care. We work in close partnership with families to understand each child’s individual dietary needs, preferences, and routines. Menus are developed to reflect a wide range of cultural backgrounds, offering familiar foods alongside new flavors and experiences. We value and respect differences in eating habits, supporting children to feel confident and comfortable as they explore food at their own pace. Families can view menus in school and receive regular updates about their child’s eating through the N App.
We warmly welcome and support breastfeeding at N Family School. Families are invited to breastfeed at the school at any time in a comfortable and private space. For bottle feeding, families provide bottles prepared in accordance with school guidelines. All bottles are stored, handled, and served in compliance with applicable state health and safety regulations and our internal food safety procedures.
All food preparation, storage, and service practices follow federal, state, and local health requirements. Our team members receive appropriate training in food safety and hygiene to help ensure safe mealtime practices across all of our schools.
At N Family School, we focus on promoting positive behavior, helping children learn respectful and caring ways to interact with peers and adults in a safe, structured environment.
Our educators model positive behavior throughout the day, from using kind language to showing consideration for others, and we celebrate children’s efforts as they learn and grow. We guide children toward what they can do, rather than emphasizing restrictions. For example, if a child is throwing toys, educators will redirect them to an activity where throwing is appropriate, such as a supervised ball game.
Our approach to behavior guidance is developmentally appropriate and aligned with applicable state licensing standards regarding positive discipline practices. We do not use corporal punishment or harmful disciplinary methods.
We work closely with families to support consistency between home and school, helping children develop self-regulation skills in a calm, supportive environment. Educators use gentle, age-appropriate language and a steady, reassuring tone throughout the day.
Biting is a behavior commonly seen in young children, particularly between the ages of one and two, as they develop communication and self-regulation skills. As children grow and gain these skills, biting often decreases.
While not uncommon, biting can be upsetting and potentially harmful, and we take it seriously. We respond promptly and calmly to each incident, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all children involved. Families are notified in accordance with state licensing requirements.
The team at N Family School prioritizes fire safety and emergency preparedness as part of our daily operations.
Each school maintains written emergency preparedness and evacuation plans in accordance with applicable state licensing, fire code, and local regulatory requirements. These plans are clearly documented, accessible to staff, and practiced regularly.
Fire drills, alarm testing, and emergency preparedness exercises are conducted in line with state and local requirements to help ensure children and team members understand how to respond safely and calmly in the event of an emergency.
Prevention and maintenance measures, including professional inspections, testing, and servicing of fire safety equipment, are conducted as required by law to minimize risk and maintain compliance with fire and building codes.
All drills and emergency events are documented and reviewed as part of our ongoing safety oversight.
We take a proactive and structured approach to health and safety across all aspects of our schools, in alignment with federal, state, and local licensing and workplace safety requirements.
Reasonable and practical measures are implemented to maintain safe and healthy environments for children, families, and team members. This includes daily safety checks, ongoing supervision practices, and periodic in-depth environmental reviews to ensure continued suitability as children grow and programs evolve.
Health and safety are shared responsibilities. School leadership ensures appropriate training, equipment, staffing, and safety systems are in place. Team members are expected to follow established procedures, work within state ratio and supervision requirements, and promptly report any hazards, incidents, or concerns so they can be addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner.
We want every child to feel safe, supported, and part of our community. Consistent attendance helps children build strong routines, lasting friendships, and confidence in their learning.
To help us keep every child safe, families are required to sign children in and out each day using our secure attendance system upon arrival and departure. Accurate attendance records are maintained in accordance with state licensing requirements.
If your child will not be attending on a scheduled day, whether due to illness, vacation, or another reason, families are asked to notify the school promptly through the N App or by contacting the school directly.
As part of our safety procedures, attendance is reviewed daily. If a child is absent without prior notice, the school will attempt to contact the parent or caregiver to confirm the child’s safety. If contact cannot be established, emergency contacts will be called. If a child’s whereabouts cannot be confirmed within a reasonable timeframe, the matter may be escalated to the appropriate child protection, licensing, or law enforcement authorities in accordance with state requirements.
Attendance concerns and follow-up actions are documented in accordance with licensing guidelines.
N Family School does not provide babysitting services outside of normal operating hours.
While families may independently request private childcare arrangements with individual team members, such arrangements are outside the scope of employment and not affiliated with N Family School.
We prioritize the health and well-being of children attending our schools and take thoughtful steps to prevent the spread of illness. These procedures ensure that children who become unwell while at school are treated with care and respect, while also protecting the wider school community.
We use a “well-child” assessment tool to help support families in determining whether their child is healthy enough to attend school. COVID-19 is now treated in line with other illnesses, and families are encouraged to use the assessment tool if their child shows symptoms.
Exclusion periods follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities, as applicable.
For illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea, we ask that all families and team members observe a 48-hour exclusion period after symptoms have fully resolved, helping to protect the health of all children and the team in our schools.
We prioritize the health and well-being of children attending our schools and take thoughtful steps to reduce the spread of illness. These procedures help ensure that children who become unwell while at school are treated with care and respect, while also protecting the wider school community.
We use a “well-child” assessment tool to support families in determining whether their child is healthy enough to attend school. Families are encouraged to keep children at home when they are not well enough to participate comfortably in daily activities or when exclusion criteria are met.
We work in close partnership with families to understand potential causes and implement supportive, developmentally appropriate strategies to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. When patterns are observed, individualized support strategies may be developed.
Our teams focus on prevention as well as response, supporting children through guidance, reassurance, environmental adjustments, and close supervision.
N Family School maintains an open-door approach and welcomes parents and caregivers at any time. Our culture is built on accountability, clear communication, and transparency, helping us build strong, trusting relationships with families.
We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback, questions, and suggestions. If a concern arises, families are encouraged to speak with their child’s educator or the School Manager so that it can be addressed promptly and thoughtfully.
If a concern remains unresolved, families may contact their state’s early childhood licensing or regulatory agency for further guidance. Contact information for the appropriate agency is available at each school in accordance with licensing requirements.
Children’s safety is always our highest priority, both on and off the premises. We maintain preventive measures to reduce the risk of a child ever becoming lost, including secure access controls, regular headcounts, appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and active supervision at all times.
Children are kept within sight or hearing of educators in accordance with state supervision requirements. In the unlikely event that a child cannot be immediately located, established emergency procedures are implemented without delay. These procedures include immediate search protocols, prompt notification of families, and notification of appropriate licensing and emergency authorities as required by law.
All incidents are documented and reviewed to help prevent recurrence.
Smoking and the use of tobacco or nicotine products are prohibited within our buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles, and during any school-sponsored activities, in accordance with state and local health regulations.
At N Family School, learning is rooted in familiar, supportive environments. We focus on bringing enriching experiences into our schools, welcoming visitors such as artists, storytellers, and community helpers to share meaningful experiences on-site.
Where appropriate, older children may participate in occasional, carefully planned outings. All outings are age-appropriate, risk-assessed in advance, and supervised in accordance with applicable state ratio and transportation requirements. Families are informed in advance, and written permission is obtained where required.
Safety procedures are reviewed before, during, and after each outing to ensure children remain safe at all times.
We create a safe and calm environment for children to rest, aligned as closely as possible with their home routines while following safe sleep guidelines and applicable state licensing requirements.
Educators maintain regular communication with families regarding sleep preferences and patterns. Safe sleep practices are followed for infants, including placing infants on their backs to sleep unless otherwise directed by a licensed medical provider in writing, in accordance with state and federal safe sleep guidance.
While we encourage and support rest, we recognize that each child is an individual. Educators respond with care and sensitivity, supporting children’s needs without forcing a child to fall asleep or wake before they are ready.
N Family School is a fully inclusive environment, following federal and state laws and best practices for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), where applicable.
Our educators observe children’s development and implement strategies that support growth and learning within the classroom environment.
When a child may benefit from additional support, we tailor our approach using a four-stage process: assess, plan, do, review. This structured process allows us to respond thoughtfully and intentionally, keeping the child’s well-being at the center.
Individual Support Plans (ISPs) are developed in partnership with families and may involve collaboration with qualified external professionals where appropriate. While we strive to make reasonable accommodations to support each child’s participation, all accommodations are provided in accordance with licensing regulations and safety requirements.
Incidents and injuries are documented in accordance with state licensing requirements, and corrective actions are implemented where appropriate.
To help maintain a secure environment, all visitors enter through a designated main reception area, which serves as the controlled access point to the school.
Visitors are required to sign in and out, present valid identification when requested, and wear visitor identification while on the premises. Access beyond the reception area is limited and supervised in accordance with school procedures.
Unexpected or unknown visitors may be asked to provide identification, state the purpose of their visit, and schedule an appointment to return at another time.
Visitors are never left unaccompanied or unsupervised with children. For the purposes of this policy, visitors include any individual who is not a currently enrolled child’s authorized parent or caregiver, or who has not been formally approved for pick-up in accordance with school procedures.
Security procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure continued alignment with state licensing and child protection requirements.
Any private arrangement between a family and a team member occurs independently of the school and is not supervised, endorsed, or covered by N Family School’s insurance, policies, or oversight. The school assumes no responsibility or liability for private childcare arrangements made outside of school hours.
N Family School uses video monitoring systems within school premises to support a safe and secure environment for children, families, and team members, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local privacy laws.
Video monitoring is used for safety, security, and incident review purposes only. Access to footage is restricted to authorized personnel and is managed in accordance with written internal policies.
Footage is retained and disclosed only as permitted or required by law, including when necessary to support child protection, licensing, or law enforcement investigations.
N Family School is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children and team members.
The use, possession, distribution, sale, or being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances without a valid prescription, or impairing substances while at work, on school premises, in school vehicles, or during school-sponsored activities is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination, in accordance with applicable employment laws.
This policy supports compliance with state childcare licensing and workplace safety regulations.
N Family School is committed to creating inclusive environments where every child and family feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
We comply with applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other relevant civil rights protections.
We provide equal access to our programs and curriculum without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or other protected characteristics as defined by law.
Our inclusive approach supports children of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and family structures. We strive to make reasonable accommodations where required by law and feasible within licensing and safety requirements.
N Family School provides a structured schedule designed to support children’s safety and well-being.
If a child has not been picked up at the agreed upon time and the school has not received prior notice, the school will attempt to contact the parent or caregiver promptly. If unsuccessful, emergency contacts will be called.
If no authorized individual can be reached within a reasonable period of time, the school may contact appropriate child protection or law enforcement authorities in accordance with state licensing requirements.
Late pick-up incidents are documented in accordance with licensing guidelines. Repeated late pick-ups may result in additional administrative actions as permitted by enrollment agreements.
Diapering and toileting routines are conducted in ways that protect children’s health, safety, privacy, and dignity, in accordance with state childcare licensing and health department regulations.
Team members follow established sanitation, handwashing, and surface disinfection procedures. Diapering areas are maintained in compliance with applicable health standards.
Diaper changes and toileting assistance are documented and communicated to families through the N App.
If a child has a medical condition or disability affecting personal care, a written Health Care Plan is developed in partnership with the family and, where appropriate, medical professionals.
Team members of any gender may assist with diapering or toileting routines. All procedures are conducted professionally and in accordance with safety and supervision requirements.
The safety and well-being of children are at the heart of everything we do.
N Family School complies with all applicable federal and state child protection laws. All team members are mandated reporters and are trained to recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with state reporting requirements.
Safety is embedded throughout recruitment, training, supervision, and daily practice. Required background checks and clearances are completed before employment, and ongoing training is provided to maintain awareness and compliance.
If concerns around a child’s safety and well-being arise, we follow mandated reporting procedures without delay. Reports are made to the appropriate authorities as required by law. The safety of the child is the primary consideration in all decision-making.
All safety concerns are documented and handled confidentially in accordance with privacy laws.
We follow a rigorous recruitment and selection process to ensure we hire individuals with the skills and values that align with the culture of N Family School. These procedures provide clear guidance for managers and others involved in hiring, covering every step from candidate selection to final appointment.
We commit to following a safe recruitment process to fulfill our duty of care to safeguard and protect children. Individuals appointed to roles involving teaching and care responsibilities meet qualification and background clearance requirements in accordance with applicable state licensing standards before working independently with children.
We select team members who are a good cultural fit for N, have the right attitude and approach to support our values, and continuously improve both themselves and the setting.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
All new team members complete an induction process designed to ensure they understand N’s Policies and Procedures, culture, safety responsibilities, and supervision expectations.
Team members appointed to posts involving teaching and care responsibilities complete required training in accordance with state licensing requirements and participate in ongoing professional development.
We are committed to safety and promoting the welfare of children. We operate a safe recruitment policy and ensure all members of the team, including contractors, temporary staff, students, and volunteers, are screened in accordance with applicable federal and state childcare licensing requirements.
Screening includes required background checks, employment verification, identity confirmation, and credential review. All required clearances are verified prior to individuals working independently with children.
COVID-19 is treated in line with current public health guidance and applicable state and local requirements.
Exclusion periods follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state licensing regulations, and local public health authorities, as applicable. The school reserves the right to require exclusion when a child’s symptoms pose a risk to the health or safety of others or when required by licensing or public health authorities.
For illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea, families and team members are required to observe a minimum 48-hour exclusion period after symptoms have fully resolved, unless otherwise directed by a licensed medical provider or public health authority.
Illness-related incidents are documented in accordance with state licensing requirements.
Families are encouraged to use our well-child assessment tool to help determine whether their child is well enough to attend school. Final decisions regarding attendance are made in accordance with school policy and applicable health guidance. Click here for more details.