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Parent Information Handbook 2017/18
Parent Information Handbook 2017/18
Our vision: Children living in connected and enriched communities.
Head Office 3Bridges Community Limited Head Office: 1/72 Carwar Avenue, Carss Park NSW 2221
ABN: 96039601269 ACN: 607053127
Children’s Services Administration 23 St Georges Road Penshurst NSW 2222
3Bridges Community is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission ABN 96039601269.
Provider Approval Section 15, Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) - Approval number PR-00007692
Service Approvals Penshurst - Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care, Penshurst - (SE-00013338) Mortdale - After School Care, Mortdale - (SE-00013340) Penshurst West - After School Care, Penshurst West - (SE-00013341) Narwee - Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care, Narwee - (SE-00013334) 3Bridges Summer Hill - Before, After School and Vacation Care - (SE-40008405)
Excellence and Quality 3Bridges Community is committed to achieving and maintaining excellence. Our QMS certification represents quality, reliability and continual improvement. Our organisation has been certified by BSI to ISO 9001:2008 and NSW Disability Services Standards under certificate numbers FS537478 and 632737.
FS 537478 632727
3Bridges Community is a Registered Training Organisation No. 41056.
Section 1: Service Information 3• Eight School Communities can Easily Access
our OOSH Services 4• Who can access our services? 4• Service Locations and Contact Numbers 5• Where Your Child will Attend 5• Our Service Routines 6
Section 2: Administration 7• Making Contact with Children’s Services
Administration 8• Fees 8• Government Assistance 9• Australian Government Priority of Access 9• Priorities for Filling Vacant Places 9• How to Enrol and Book Care 10• Re-Enrolments 10• Casual Care 11• Changes to Family Details and Care
Requirements 11• Vacation Care 11• Cancellation of Vacation Care Days 12• Pupil Free Days 12• Invoicing and Payment Options 12• Direct Debit 12• Account or Booking Enquiries 12
Section 3: Education And Care 13• Our Philosophy 15• Our Policies and Procedures 15• Our Aim 15• Continuous Quality Improvement 16• Programs 16• Our Children’s Services Team: 17• Nominated Supervisors 17• Educators 17
Section 4: Rights And Responsibilities 19• Signing children in and out of care 20• Absences 21• Illness 21• Contagious/Infectious diseases and
conditions 21• Medical Management Plans 22• Accidents 22• SunSmart 22• Clothing and Footwear 22• Smoke Free Zone 22• Child Protection and Protective Behaviour -
Safety, Health and Hygiene 23• Food and Nutrition 23• Notices 23• Lost Property 24• Emergency Evacuation Procedure 24• Confidentiality 24• Feedback 24• Complaint Resolution 25• Our Behaviour Management Policy 25• Basic Rules/ Behaviour Guidelines 26
CONTENTS
pg 1
At 3Bridges we partner with local communities to provide an array of solutions that build happier, healthier, connected, educated and enriched communities. 3Bridges is a highly reputable provider of OOSH services in the South East Sydney region with over 40 year’s experience.
Our values are Vibrant, Openness, Innovation, Collaboration, and Excellence - VOICE.
By listening to your voices, we apply our values to make a positive difference for children and families.
As a niche expert in OOSH, we focus on educator and team development, compliance and continuous quality improvement to meet the needs of children, families and our school communities.
pg 2
SECTION 1: SERVICE INFORMATION
3B Children’s Services include six After School Care and four Before School Care programs. Four Vacation Care programs for primary school children and a School Holiday Program for 10 to 15s.
Eight School Communities can Easily Access our OOSH Services• Penshurst Public School• Mortdale Public School• St Declan’s Catholic School Penshurst• St Joseph’s Catholic School• Penshurst West Public School• Hurstville Grove Infants School• Narwee Public School• Oatley Public School• Summer Hill Public School• Rockdale Public School• Various Special needs school
Who can access our services?Children are supervised by our educators to and from school and our services by bus or by walking. Our Vacation Care and Holiday Programs are well regarded and open to all.
pg 4
Service Locations and Contact NumbersPenshurst Before School and After School (6.30am- 9.30am & 2.30pm- 6pm) Vacation Care (7am - 6pm) 3Bridges Hall, 23 St Georges Road Penshurst Service Mobile: 0449 257 890
Mortdale After School Care (2.30pm to 6pm) Mortdale Public School, Colbourne Avenue, Mortdale Service Mobile: 0451 518 425
Penshurst West After School Care (2.30pm to 6pm) Penshurst West Public School, Cnr Forest Rd & Scott St, Mortdale Service Mobile: 0411 405 226
Narwee Before School and After School (7am - 9.30am & 2.30pm - 6pm) Vacation Care (7am - 6pm) Narwee Public School, Broadarrow Road, Narwee Service Mobile: 0422 389 986
School Holiday Program (8.30am to 4.30pm) 3Bridges Hall, 23 St Georges Road, Penshurst Service Mobile: 0451 518 427 Vacation Care operates from Penshurst and Narwee from 7am to 6pm during public school holidays.
Summer Hill Before School and After School (7am – 9am & 3pm – 6pm) Vacation Care commences December 2017 (7am – 6pm) School Hall, 94 Moonbie Street, Summer Hill Service Mobile: 0437 244 146
Rockdale Before School and After School (7am – 9 am & 3pm – 6 pm Vacation Care (7 am – 6pm) In School, Lord Street, Rockdale 2216
Individual Services can be contacted on the mobile numbers above during service hours.
Where Your Child will Attend After School Care: • Mortdale After School Care: For children attending Hurstville Grove
Infants, Mortdale Public, Oatley Public or St Josephs Catholic schools.• Penshurst West After School Care: For children attending Penshurst West
Public• Penshurst After School Care: For children attending Penshurst Public or
St Declan’s Catholic (Penshurst) Schools.• Narwee After School Care: For children attending Narwee Public School• Summer Hill: children line up outside the school hall for roll call into
care.
pg 5
Before School Care: • Narwee Before School Care for children attending Narwee Public School.• Penshurst Before School Care: Children will have breakfast and join in
activities. Children attending Penshurst Public and St Declan’s Catholic Schools will be walked to school supervised by our educators. Or if your child attends Hurstville Grove Infants, Mortdale Public, Oatley Public, St Josephs Catholic or Penshurst West Public School they will be bussed to their respective schools in our 3Bridges bus under the supervision of an educator.
• Summer Hill: parents sign children into the Before School Care
Our Service RoutinesBefore School Care: Our aim is to start the day in a happy and relaxed way. Our educators greet the children and families as they arrive, introduce new children to the group and offer healthy breakfast options. The space is set up to provide children with choice, typically with board games, simple craft activities and supervised outdoor play. Educators escort the children to their school grounds.
After School Care: Educators call the roll, greet the children, promote the afternoon’s activity options and encourage them to relax after a busy day. A typical afternoon tea includes a dip, crudites of celery, carrot, cucumber, rice crackers, sliced fruit or sandwiches with cheese, tuna and spreads. Indoor areas are set up with arts/craft, board games, construction, imaginative play, dress ups, reading corner and a homework area. Outdoor play options can include free and imaginative play, games, modified sports and the playground equipment.
Vacation Care: 3Bridges Vacation Care, Penshurst, Narwee, Summer Hill and Rockdale are popular with our local communities. Feedback is keenly sought from children, families and educators and influences the excursions, activities and workshops on offer. We program for a balance of cultural, physical, natural, play and learning experiences. Favourites include: picnics, BBQs, play at local parks and beaches, theatres such as Monkey Baa, The Rocks Discovery Centre, Funarama, local and Olympic Park swimming pools and gymnastic centres, rock climbing. There is always something happening in-centre too with visits from e.g. Kindy Farm, Reptiles, Insects, Discos, Magic and Puppet shows; workshops like Build-a-Bear, science, pottery, tie-dye, origami and educator led activities like art/ craft, sewing, cooking, games, music and dancing.
School Holiday Program: 3Bridges School Holiday Program has a fun and challenging program for Tweens, 10 to l5. This program is based at 23 St Georges Rd Penshurst and goes out and about on excursion such as Kingpin bowling, laser siege, trapeze school, rock climbing and swimming and visiting local parks and our Parkview and Youth Zone facilities and returning to Penshurst by 4.30pm.
pg 6
SECTION 2: ADMINISTRATION
Making Contact with Children’s Services Administration• Phone our Admin Coordinator on 1300 327 434, Monday to Friday
9.00am to 5.00pm; or• Email us: [email protected]; or• Go to our webpages: www.afterschoolcare.org.au to access service
information, locations, booking and enrolment and our latest programs.
Fees - (January 2018) please check website for current feesBefore and After School Care
Annual Registration Fee including Vacation Care
$100.00 per child (maximum $200 per family)
Transport to or from +$3.00 per session
Casual Care +$2.00 per session
Vacation Care
Annual Registration Fee $25.00 per child (maximum $50 per family)
Vacation Care/SHP Booking Fee $20.00 per family each VC or SHP period
Additional Charges
Non Notification Fee $8.00 per instance you do not let us know your child will be absent 12noon on the day of absence
Late Fee $10.00 per 10 minutes past program end time
Wet Weather Hire $5.00 for supplying your with gear
Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up $10.00 for prearranged care of your participating in the SHP where care is required outside 8.30 am to 4.30 pm until 6.00 pm then additional Late Fee applies
pg 8
Government Assistance3Bridges is an approved provider and can offer Child Care Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Rebate (CCR) to registered families. To register for CCB and/or CCR contact Centrelink on 13 61 50 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au. Please elect to have both CCB and CCR paid directly to 3Bridges as care Provider to reduce the cost of care.
CCB and CCR are managed through the National Child Care Management System (CCMS). 3Bridges records attendance information and submits this weekly. This allows for the calculation of CCB and CCR and, for those eligible, JET, SCCB, GCCB. Your child’s absences are also recorded by these submissions and run across services for the Financial Year.
What determines if you can receive government assistance?
CCB Can help you with the cost of child care dependent on: ▪ Family income ▪ Hours in Care ▪ Is the service Approved by the Government ▪ Your reasons for care ▪ Number of children you have in care
CCR Can assist with your out-of-pocket expenses for approved care if you are working, studying or training. To get Child Care Rebate, you must make a claim for Child Care Benefit for approved care
JET Funding
Can help you with the cost of care if you’re eligible for Care Benefit in approved care and want to re-enter the workforce after having a break and doing activities such as study, work experience or job search
Australian Government Priority of AccessThe demand for child care sometimes exceeds supply. The Australian government has determined guidelines for allocating places in such circumstances. These guidelines apply to OOSH services.
It is a condition of approval and continued approval for Child Care Benefit (CCB) purposes that services must comply with family assistance law.
Priorities for Filling Vacant Places The Priority of Access Guidelines must be used by approved services to allocate available care places where there are more families requiring care than places available.
When filling vacant places, a service must fill them according to the following priorities: • Priority 1 – a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect • Priority 2 – a child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who
both satisfy, the work, training, study test • Priority 3 – any other child.
Within these main Priority categories, priority should also be given to children in: • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families • Families which include a disabled person
pg 9
How to Enrol and Book CareFor Before and After School Care, this is a two step process
Go to http://www.afterschoolcare.org.au/. Click on Enrolment and Hubworks and select After School Care, then click on the school that your child will be attending. If you are a new user, select the Hubworks ENROL button and complete the details on the Login/Enrolment Page – then Submit if you are only enrolling one child.
If you have a second child to enrol, please use the option at the end of the Login/Enrolment Page you’ve completed for the first child and then submit. It is very important that you correctly enter CRN’s for each person so that CCB and/or CCR will apply to your account.
You may need to set up files/accounts in more than one service location. If in doubt, call our office for assistance.
You will be emailed your log in details from [email protected] which allows you to LOGIN and view your bookings and financial details and view and update your family and details.
Once you have enrolled, select the OOSH Booking Form to print. Complete and return this in person or via email to [email protected] along with any relevant information such as your child’s Medical Management Plan, any Court Orders restricting access to your child or information about your child’s disability or additional needs.
Should your child have a disability or additional needs or special circumstances please phone the office and come in to meet with us prior to this process so that we can ensure we are able to provide quality care and support.
All bookings will be entered in the office on receipt of your form and fees entered to your account. If you have any questions about Enrolling or Bookings please phone the office.
Acceptance is automatic but should there be any problems with your bookings/account you will be contacted by the office.
The days you request will be permanent bookings and you will be charged even if your child is absent. If you would like to hold a place open for your child you will be charged for the days booked.
You will be informed if a place is not available and your child will be placed on a waiting list
Re-EnrolmentsFamilies are required to re-enrol at the beginning of each school year. This is to secure a place and ensure that your child and family details are up to date.
If you wish to re-enrol you child, simply login to your Hubworks account and update the information to ensure accuracy. The next step is to print and complete the Booking Form and return to the office to note the days of care required. You will also be required to sign off stating your on-line account is accurate and up to date. Booking forms are year specific and required annually.
Please contact the office if you need your login details resent to you.
pg 10
Casual CareCasual Before and After School Care may be available if there are vacancies in services. To book casual after school care:
• Check availability by calling 1300 327 434; or email [email protected] the day before care needed.
• Bookings are preferable the day before and no later than by 12noon on the day care is needed.
• The office makes a note in attendance diary which is passed on to the centre staff.
• So your child knows, contact the school to tell your child to line up for after school care that day.
• For casual BSC please bring your child in and add them to the roll for their school.
Changes to Family Details and Care RequirementsLog into your Hubworks account to make changes to family details e.g. phone numbers, addresses, authorised contacts, health information.
To change bookings for care days, notify the office as follows:
• Give one full week’s written notification of any changes or termination of care.
• Email notice to [email protected] or complete and return the Change of Day’s or Termination Form.
• If you terminate care for your child there will be an 8-week exclusion period should you wish to recommence care.
The days you request will be permanent bookings and you will be charged even if your child is absent. If you would like to hold a place open for your child you will be charged for the days booked.
You will be informed if a place is not available and your child will be placed on a waiting list
Vacation CareGo to http://www.afterschoolcare.org.au/. Click on Enrolment and Hubworks and select either Penshurst or Narwee and Enrol. An OOSH Booking Form needs to be completed for the current year and submitted to the office personally or via email [email protected].
Vacation Care Programs and Bookings are available 3 - 4 weeks prior to each public school holidays starting. Bookings commence at 6.30 am on the
pg 11
Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a Public Holiday) three weeks prior to the holidays. If you wish your child to participate in an excursion/ off-site activity the relevant Excursion Permission Form must also completed and returned with your Booking Form.
Confirmation is not necessary. Our Admin team will contact you if you have missed out on care, excursion or workshop. You will be offered a place on our waiting list or may wish to choose another excursion or activity for your child.
Cancellation of Vacation Care DaysTo cancel a booked vacation care day, one-week’s notice is required otherwise fees will still apply. If you would like any further clarification please contact the office.
Pupil Free DaysCare is offered as an extension of Vacation Care on the days of Public School Pupil Free Days.
Should your child attend a private or Catholic School, Before and After School Care will still be available should your school’s Pupil Free Day not coincide with the Public School’s Pupil Free Days.
Invoicing and Payment Options• Invoices are sent out of a Wednesday and are calculated on the previous
Monday to Sunday.• Any transactions after the Sunday cut off will show on the next invoice. • All invoices go out with BPay details that relate to the individual family.
This makes it easy for families to pay their account/s.
Direct DebitPayments are able to be set up through the HubDebit option by completing the section on the Enrolment Page of your Hubworks account. Select this option at the end of this page and enter your bank account or credit card details. This option incurs a $0.75 + GST charge for all transaction but with Visa or Master Cards also incurring an additional 0.9% or AMEX + 3.85%. Drawing is made from your account of a Friday and will credit to your account with us the following Tuesday.
Account or Booking EnquiriesPlease direct all enquiries to the office by phone or email, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. [email protected] or 1300 327 434.
pg 12
SECTION 3: EDUCATION AND CARE
At 3Bridges, our School Age Education and Care Service practice is guided by our Philosophy, Policies and Procedures and the National Quality Framework. The Children’s Services team or Educators are qualified (or studying for qualifications) and experienced in children’s education and care. Our team aims to make your child’s stay with us an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
3Bridges has Provider Approval to operate an approved education and care service and an associated children’s service. All our school age education and care services have Service Approval, authorised by the NSW Department of Education & Communities under the National Quality Framework. The Framework was implemented 1 January 2012 with the aim of raising quality, driving continuous improvement and providing a rating to inform families of service quality and compliance.
pg 14
Our Philosophy • We as Educators collaborate with children in our care and the wider
community to create VIBRANT programs and opportunities which empower each child to explore, grow and learn through meaningful life experiences, social connections, play and leisure.
• We believe in OPENNESS, facilitating children’s capacity to be competent, confident, co-contributors and active participants in their own learning.
• We value and celebrate our indigenous heritage and diverse cultural backgrounds.
• We COLLABORATE with other professions to include children of varying abilities.
• We strive to inspire responsibility for the natural environment and sustainability.
• We are committed to ongoing professional development and endeavour to apply INNOVATIVE approaches, striving toward EXCELLENCE in school age education and care.
Our Policies and Procedures3Bridges Policies and Procedure guide management and educator behaviour to ensure compliance with relevant regulations including• Education and Care Services National Law, Education and Care Services
National Regulations• Children Legislation Amendment (Wood lnquiry Recommendations) Act
2009 - Keep them Safe• Children Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 - working with
Children Check or Police Check on recruitment• NSW Food Act 2003• Work, Health and Safety Act 2011• Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (NSW) 1998 and guide
quality practice in accordance with National Quality Standards and My Time Our Place school age learning framework.
Our AimTo provide high quality play based education and care with the intention of promoting self expression, a sense of wellbeing, enhancing curiosity and creativity, developing children’s talents and interests and building positive relationships.
Our educational leaders, guided by the My Time Our Place school age learning framework, plan and implement programs that support children’s wellbeing, development and learning. The frameworks principles are:
• Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships • Partnerships with families• High expectations and equity • Respect for diversity• Ongoing learning and reflective practice.
pg 15
Continuous Quality ImprovementOur educators assess their practice against the elements of the National Quality Standards gaining confidence in their achievements and setting goals and actions to achieve benchmark standards where needed. Each service’s Quality Improvement Plan includes quality improvement goals and actions and progress notes and can be viewed on request. The seven Quality Areas are:
• Educational program and practice• Children’s Health and Safety• Physical environment• Staffing arrangements• Relationships with children• Collaborative partnerships with families and communities• Leadership and service management National Quality Rating and
Assessment
Under the National Quality Framework, our Approved Services are assessed and rated against each of the seven Quality Areas of the NQS and National Regulations. The rating and assessment process aims to drive continuous quality improvement at services and provide families with better information for making choices about their children’s education and care. So far, our Penshurst and Narwee services have been assessed. Both teams were pleased to receive the rating of Meeting National Quality Standards in all seven quality areas and exceeding in some quality elements.
ProgramsAll programs are designed to cater to the specific needs, skills, interests and abilities of your children and we seek parent feedback to help guide programming. We offer a flexible mixture of structured and unstructured experiences for children to learn through play. Each of our OOSH Services has developed a Quality Improvement Plan which includes goals, outcomes, progress notes to ensure continuous improvement against the seven Quality Areas and related quality elements of the National Quality Standards, and the principles of school age care learning framework – My Time Our Place.
The programmed experiences are reflected upon, evaluated and ideas for improvement and expansion are documented. A range of age/stage appropriate resources are offered to meet the interest and developmental needs of the children.
Homework is not a compulsory part of the program. A quiet place at each centre will be available should your child wish to complete homework during care time.
pg 16
Our Children’s Services Team:Our staffing arrangements are designed to enhance your children’s learning and development and ensure their safety and wellbeing. We are committed to providing highly competent staff focused on caring and developing your children. We are proud of our high staff retention rates and most of out staff is permanent and qualified and supported by our own panel of casual educators. Many of our educations have been with the organisation for more than 5 years and for a highly experienced and supportive team. All of our permanent educators require at least Diploma qualifications and we support three traineeships currently.
Manager Children’s Services - Tina Warner 27 years experience in the leadership of the range of children’s services. Masters of Management (MGSM) Diploma of Teaching (Primary) Certificate IV TAE Quality Management Certification
Assistant Manager Children’s Services - Daniel Emmerick 18 years experience in managing OOSH services Diploma Children’s Services Our Assistant Manager provides educational leadership to the teams.
Nominated Supervisors Daniel Emmerick 3Bridges Penshurst Before & After School Care and Vacation Care Karen Bekhit Penshurst West After School Care Tara Davison Narwee Before and After School Care and Vacation Care Yessica Inostroza Mortdale After School Care Louise Murra Summer Hill Before, After School and Vacation Care TBA Rockdale Before, After School and Vacation Care
Educators Our Educator team includes Minaxi, Liliana, Nina, Guissel, Diana, Angela, Mandy, Coralie Janette, Esther, Bruna, Ofa, Jaimee, Connie and Tatiana. All are at least Diploma qualified and Certified Supervisors with several years experience. Most are capable of stepping up as Responsible Person in the absence of a Nominated Supervisor. At each service, the name of the Nominated Supervisor and/ or Responsible Person is displayed.
Our casual educators are very much part of our team. Many have worked with us for several years and are well known to children and families. All our educators participate in workshops to update and improve their skills and meet on a regular basis to discuss programming and good practice. All have been deemed to be fit and proper persons to provide care for children. This evaluation is made through such things as Working with Children Checks, 100 point identification, contacting referees, establishing the person’s good character and assessing their capabilities to provide an appropriate standard of care. At times we roster agency educators from PULSE and BUZZ to ensure ratios.
pg 17
pg 18
SECTION 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Signing children in and out of careParents/carers or authorised persons MUST sign children in and out of the centre at the actual time of arrival and departure.
Before School Care: Parents/carers must accompany their child into the premises and sign the Parent Sign In Sheet indicating the actual time of arrival.
After School Care: Parents/carers must come into the Centre to collect their child and sign the Parent Sign-off Sheet also indicating the actual time of collection.
Vacation Care: Parents/Carers must come into the Centre and sign their children in and then out on the Parent Sign Sheets with the actual time of arrival and departure.
Person Authorised to collect children when you cannot: A person other than the parent/carer must be nominated by you in Hubworks to collect your child, this includes siblings (see Regulation 99).
In an emergency situation a parent/carer may contact the office/educator directly to inform them of a different person collecting on that day. You will be advised of how to send through written confirmation of this happening. The person collecting the child is to provide photo identification as evidence that they are the person nominated.
Children authorised to leave independently: Written permission must be submitted by you for your child to leave care independently (if they are 12 years or over). This authorisation is to nominate time of departure from the centre. An Educator will sign-off your child on your behalf.
Please Note: It is a legal requirement for families to follow these procedures, failure to do so pose risks for your child’s safety.
pg 20
AbsencesPlease email as soon as you know or phone in before 12 noon if your child will be absent for a booked session. Charges still apply. Fines apply for not advising as staff member’s waste time looking for your child. There are 42 days of care that you are allowed for your child to be absent each financial year. These are cumulative across all services and are recorded on your account by CCMS (Child Care Management System). Additional absences will require supporting documentation.
Following these guidelines will prevent additional charges being incurred.
Health, Hygiene, Safety and Medications
3Bridges understands that from time to time children in care may require medication. Medication will only be administered when a completed Medication Form is submitted. In case of emergency, an ambulance will be called and the family will be notified.
The Medication Authority Form can be obtained from the Service Coordinator, the office or at www.afterschoolcare.org.au on the Policies and Forms drop-down.
Prescription medication will only be administered from original packaging with the prescription sticker bearing the child’s name, dosage, Doctor’s name, time required and current use-by date. The medication must match that specified on the authorisation form.
Non-Prescription medication (Panadol) cannot be administered to children whilst in our care unless accompanied by a Medical Plan with Doctor’s authorisation. The medication must match that specified on the authorisation form.
IllnessKeep Sick Children Home From Care And School Parents/carers will be contacted immediately when a child becomes ill. Treatment and collection will be arranged ASAP.
Infection spreads rapidly among children and infection control measures are adhered to. If a child presents with an identified contagious condition they will be kept isolated until parent/carer collects the child.
Contagious/Infectious diseases and conditionsIf your child is absent and has contracted or been directly exposed to an infectious or contagious condition (chicken pox, head lice), please share this information with Educators. Notices can then be displayed for the benefit of other families. Should Educators detect any incidence of infectious disease, 3Bridges Infection Control procedures will be followed.
Infected children and children not immunised against the infectious disease will be excluded from the service for the period recommended by the Public Health Unit and until Doctor’s certificate stating the child is no longer infectious is produced.
pg 21
Children will be excluded until a certificate of clearance is produced indication the condition is no longer a threat. See policy for more information and exclusion periods.
Medical Management PlansParents/carers of any child with diagnosed anaphylaxis, asthma, severe allergy or condition are required to supply a colour copy of their child’s Medical Management Plan including their photo. These plans will advise Educators of the actions that they should take if your child becomes unwell. An appropriate form is available and should be completed by your doctor.
AccidentsEvery care will be taken with each child whilst in our care. We complete risk assessments to identify and manage risks. Where accidents do occur we follow up with first aid and ensure the child is safe and comfortable. In the case of more serious injuries or conditions, an ambulance will be called. Any expense will be borne by the parent/carer. On the day of the incident, an incident report is completed, the events that may have contributed to the incidents are analysed and where necessary action is taken to minimise risk of recurrence.
SunSmartEducators and children will wear protective clothing when outside.
When outdoors children will be encouraged to wear sun safe clothing with sleeves, collars or covered necklines.
Midriff, crop or singlet tops do not provide adequate protection and are not recommended. Children will be encouraged to wear sun safe hats that protect the face, neck and ears when outside. Bucket and Broad Brimmed hats are recommended, baseball caps and visors are not.
SPF 30+ or higher broad spectrum water-resistant sunscreen will be available at the service for children and Educators to use. Apply sunscreen to your before attending the centre.
Clothing and FootwearChildren need to have a hat for outdoor play (see above) and wear adequate clothing. It is suggested that children have a jumper with them and rain wear with them for their time at 3Bridges. Children not wearing appropriate clothing and footwear may be disappointed if they are not able to participate in activities for inappropriate wear. Thongs and loose footwear (backless) are not encouraged as the risk of harm is greater. Any clothing that you consider too good for play, painting and cooking is not suitable for wear at 3Bridges.
Smoke Free ZoneSmoking is not allowed in the Centre or its surrounding grounds. Signs are posted in all areas.
pg 22
Child Protection and Protective Behaviour - Safety, Health and HygieneChildren’s safety and wellbeing is the priority all children’s services educators are mandatory reporters under the “Keep Them Safe” government initiative. 3Bridges Educators are trained to Identify and Respond to significant risk of harm and are expected to uphold high level Duty of Care.
Risk assessments are conducted to identify, manage and minimise risks at our sites, our workshops and for every excursion. Our staff: supervision ratios are 1:15 in centre, 1:10 on excursion and higher to support children with additional needs and for higher risk activities. We have two staff on premises at all times.
Food and NutritionOur menu is developed by our educators using the principles set out in the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children.
In terms of children’s health and safety our procedures reinforce Part 4.2 of the Regulations in the following ways:
• If your child has a food allergy this needs to be indicated on registration and discussed with the Nominated Supervisor. (Refer to Medical Management Plans)
• We have strict health, hygiene and safe food practices guidelines for food (Section 77). We offer food and beverages appropriate to the needs of each on a regular basis (Section 78). Food and beverages are nutritious and more than adequate for children in our care (Section 79) and appropriate to each child’s dietary needs, growth and development, specific cultural, religious or health requirements
• We offer healthy nutritious breakfasts and afternoon snacks at all centres. Families are asked to pack a lunch and morning and afternoon snack for vacation care. Water is available at all times.
• Children are given the opportunity to develop their self help skills through food preparation and service. They are encouraged to use best practice in regards to food safety measures. Educators aim to create a calm atmosphere which incorporates the fostering of social skills.
• Programs and Menus are displayed at each service.• Provide healthy lunches and snacks for children throughout Vacation
Care
NoticesChanges to services will be advised in advance via email and also notices posted at individual centres. Parents are requested to read the information provided at the services.
Email notice are sent out via Hubworks whenever general communication is required eg Vacation Care Program availability.
pg 23
Lost PropertyPersonal Belongings are to be clearly marked with your child’s name. Lost property will only be kept for a short period of time. Toys, valuables or electronic devices of any type (such as phones, laptops, tablets) brought to care are the responsibility of children. 3BC does not have adequate security or storage areas to safeguard such items. It is strongly recommend that these are not brought to care as 3BC is unable to accept responsibility for their loss or damage.
Emergency Evacuation ProcedureTo ensure the safety of the children Emergency Exit and Lockdown procedures are practiced on a regular basis - once per term for BASC and once per each Vacation Care.
Our Educators behaviour is guided by A Code of Professional Practice ensuring respectful relationships with families and children. Mutual respectful behaviour is required of families and children. Where behaviour breaches the safety and wellbeing of others, a child’s place in the service will be reviewed. Where behaviour places others in danger, parent/carer may be excluded from the service.
Confidentiality3Bridges acknowledges and follows confidentiality guidelines as outlined in legislative requirements
FeedbackFeedback is welcomed and important in ensuring that services continue to meet the needs of children and families. We use your feedback to improve our service quality and to look into and respond to any issues of concern.
Feedback can be compliments, complaints and suggestions:
• Compliments are welcomed as affirmation of our education and care practice and customer service.
• Complaints: Let us know of any aspects of the service you are not satisfied with or that don’t meet your child care or customer service expectations.
• Suggestions: Our educators welcome ideas on improving the care, play and learning opportunities provided to the children.
Feedback is best provided to the service Coordinator in the first instance. We value our relationships with families and encourage open and respectful communication to build on those relationships and improve service delivery. Family Surveys are conducted twice annually via Survey Monkey to gain feedback on OOSH and Vacation Care. The feedback is summarised and areas for improvement addressed via an Action Plan.
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Complaint ResolutionShould a parent not be satisfied that a complaint has been resolved, the complaint can be directed to the Children’s Services Management team:
• By calling 1300 327 434, or 8558 4012• In person or by letter - 23 St Georges Rd Penshurst Children’s Services
Office; or • By email to [email protected]
Formal complaints will be acknowledged within one working day and should a resolution be required this will be dealt with promptly.
If you need to take a complaint further, contact:
The Commissioner for Community Services Level 3, 128 Chalmers Street SURRY HILLS NSW 2010
Our Behaviour Management PolicyOur service believes that children have the right to be physically and psychologically safe. We aim to provide an environment where all children and educators feel safe, cared for, and relaxed and which encourages cooperation and positive interactions between all persons (My Time, Our Place Outcome 1).
Our behaviour management policy is based on guidance, redirection and positive reinforcement and collaboration with families. Educators aim to use strategies to guide rather than control the behaviour of the children in our care and your support in achieving this aim is crucial.
Basic rules and behaviour guidance are based on safety and respect. Educators will intervene and take steps to correct behaviour where the behaviour negatively impacts safety. Our service promotes a positive approach to managing the behaviour of all children. Children will be encouraged to resolve problems, defeat and frustrations where appropriate. This can be achieved by exploring possible solutions, and helping children understand and deal with their emotions. This will depend on the child’s age and level of development (My Time, Our Place Outcome 3).
The service aims to encourage positive behaviour and will ensure no child is subjected to any form of corporal punishment, nor to strategies meant to shame, humiliate, belittle or exclude.
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Basic Rules/ Behaviour GuidelinesRespect and Safety are the core values that guide children’s and educators behaviours.
Respect means:• Listening to each others.• Valuing each other.• Speaking with respect to others. Communicating your needs, respectfully.• Supporting each other when feeling angry or that something is unfair
or unwanted; by using the 1, 2, 3 approach being 1. Tell the person what you want or tell them to stop 2. Walk away 3. Ask an educator to help you sort things out. Take time out to calm down before re-joining the group, if needed.
• Showing care and consideration when using centre games/toys/equipment and facilities.
• Sharing with other children and being inclusive;• Respecting individual needs and differences;• Helping to clean up after activities with keeping our environment a great
place to be
Safety means:• Behaving in ways that keeps everyone safe.• Not participating in physical fighting (play or real), for example, spitting,
throwing toys, stones or dangerous objects. Not bullying or engaging in any form of aggressive behaviour.
• Following educator directions to stay safe e.g. when walking and travelling, playing on equipment, using toilets, etc.
• Leaving dangerous items at home. If observed by Educators, the items will be confiscated
• Cooperating in managing risks e.g. to children with food allergies - food or cakes brought to be shared with the other children are to be given to the Coordinator to serve appropriately.
• Staying within the boundaries of the centre’s indoor and outdoor play areas as directed by educators. Keep balls, play equipment within the centre boundaries. Children are to remain in view of at least one Educator at all times. Remain at the service until collected.
• Ask for educator assistance to stay safe e.g. to retrieve balls or equipment that goes out of bounds, to use the toilet on excursion, to purchase items on excursion.
• Leave valued items at home - card collections, computer games, mobile phones, jewelry (or in the safe keeping of the Coordinator until collected by parent/carer).
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Guiding Children’s BehaviourSteps that educators take to support respectful and safe behaviours include:• Establishing positive relationships, which are the foundation for building
children’s self-respect, self- worth and feelings of security;• Observing children to identify triggers for challenging behaviours. Paying
attention to the child’s developmental level and any program issues that may be impacting on the behaviour;
• Using positive approaches to behaviour guidance. Some of these include redirection, positive acknowledgement, giving explanations, encouragement, giving help, collaborating to solve problems and helping children to understand the consequences and impact of their behaviour;
• Supporting children by providing acceptable alternatives when challenging behaviour occurs;
• Ensuring limits are consistent, carried out in a calm, firm manner, followed through and that children are helped to behave within the limits;
• Involving the family and the child in appropriate ways in addressing challenging behaviour;
• Using other professionals when necessary to help with behaviour guidance, for example, the Inclusion Support Facilitator (ISF);
• Identifying children’s strengths and building on them; and• Seeking support from other educators and management.
Correction StepsWhen a child’s behaviour negatively impacts safety, educators will actively intervene and take steps to minimise risk and where behaviour is intrusive to another person’s enjoyment, educators will assist in finding a solution that benefits all involved - assist negotiation, redirect, facilitate other activity, support to find own space etc.
The educator will ask the child, “What happened?” Ask, “What are some better ways to achieve what you needed?” Our values are respect and safety which means we talk nicely about what we would like. To assist children to manage frustrations before they lead to acting out behaviour, educators are to explain the 1, 2, 3 approach to the child.
If the child’s behaviour is no risk to others, the educator will calm the situation, assist negotiation, or redirect to another activity, or facilitate another activity, or support to find own space, etc.
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Should the child’s behaviour be a threat to others, seek necessary support to calm the situation, move other children from the area and reengage the other children in play. Explain to the child, “Hurting anyone is not okay here. We wouldn’t let anyone hurt you. Our values are respect and safety”. Once things are calm, the educator will ask the child what happened. Any instigators will be spoken to with the same expectations of respectful and safe behaviour.
If the child’s behaviour continues or instigator behaviour continues, the children will be moved away from the group to calm down and think about their actions. Once it appears a child is calm and ready for discussion, the educator will reiterate that the behaviour is unsafe and/ or disrespectful, receive reassurance of respectful and safe behaviour and take steps to re-engage the child in play.
In liaison with management and family, a child’s behaviour may be observed and recorded over a number of days and the behaviour and any factors contributing noted. The aim is to identify patterns and strategies to assist educators to address the behaviour and support the development of skills such as emotional regulation.
Aggressive behaviour harming others or selfIn the event that a child’s behaviour endangers or harms other children, educators or themselves, a period of suspension will be imposed. The period of suspension will be decided on a case by case basis, based on the severity or repetition of the behaviour. This could be for a day, two day or one (1) week.
If, after the suspension period, similar harming behaviour occurs, the parent/carer will be contacted immediately to collect their child.
Return to the service will be conditional upon a behaviour support plan being agreed with the child and family - to provide the supports needed to identify any skill deficits (e.g. self control) and the strategies to put in place to support skill development.
Should aggressive behaviours, harming others or self, continue in spite of reasonable efforts, care will no longer be offered i.e. expulsion from the Program. Fees are payable in the event of suspension or expulsion from care.
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We as Educators collaborate with children in our care and the wider community to create vibrant programs and opportunities which empower each child to explore, grow and learn through meaningful life experiences, social connections, play and leisure.
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