POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2019 - Squiggler · • Children being taken on excursions (Regulation 102)...

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2019

Absent and Missing Children Policy .................................................................................. 3

Acceptance and Refusal Authorisation Policy ................................................................... 7

Child Safe Environment Policy .........................................................................................11

Complaints, Concerns and Grievances Policy ...................................................................16

Confidentiality Policy ......................................................................................................20

Delivery and Collection of Children Policy .......................................................................27

Diversity, Inclusion and Special Needs Policy ...................................................................31

Emergency and Evacuation Policy ...................................................................................36

Enrolment and Orientation Policy ...................................................................................41

Environmental Sustainability policy ................................................................................48

Excursion and Transportation Policy ...............................................................................51

Fees Policy ......................................................................................................................56

First Aid, Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy ........................................................60

Governance and Management Policy ..............................................................................64

Infections, Diseases and Contagious Issues Policy ............................................................69

Interactions and Relationships with Children Policy.........................................................77

Manual Handling Policy ..................................................................................................80

Medical Conditions Policy ...............................................................................................83

Nutrition, Food, Beverages and Dietary Requirements Policy ..........................................89

Sleep and Rest Policy ......................................................................................................93

Staffing Management Policy ...........................................................................................96

Sun Protection Policy .................................................................................................... 110

Water Safety Policy ...................................................................................................... 114

Review and Version Control .......................................................................................... 118

ABSENT AND MISSING CHILDREN POLICY

AIM

It is Squigger’s aim to ensure that all children are safe and accounted for each day children through the use of

clear communication, checklists, roll-calls and cooperation between the service, parents and local schools

Squiggler supports daily. When children are expected, but absent or missing, Squiggler aims to confirm their

whereabouts as swiftly as possible.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)

• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Amendment (Parental Responsibility Contracts) Act

2006 (NSW)

• The Ombudsman Act 1974 (NSW)

• Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Amendment Bill 2009

• National Law, Section 174(2)(a)

• National Regulation 12

• National Regulation 176(2)(a)(ii)

LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS • QA2 Children’s Health and Safety

• QA5 Relationships with Children

RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the Approved Provider to ensure this policy is compliant with the national quality

standard at all times, and communicated to all stakeholders, and implemented effectively by all staff, carers

and responsible people at the service.

It is the responsibility of the team member who discovers a child is missing to determine where the child is by

contacting the school office, Nominated Supervisor and child’s parents, then recording the absence on the roll.

The Nominated Supervisor (NS) is responsible for also informing team members via email and/ or Deputy.

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to advise the service if their child will be absent on a day that they

are booked into care as early as possible. Where possible this change should be confirmed in writing. They

must also indicate the expected time of absence and inform the service when the child returns to school and

that the child will be attending the service on that afternoon. (After School Care)

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to account for all children in its care at all times, and to act swiftly to

locate children who are missing or absent without relevant notice.

Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will:

• Check in and check out each child expected at the service using both manual and digital sign in sheets

• Record the name of any child who is expected and is not present

• Account for absent children by contacting the school, parents and guardians to ascertain their

whereabouts

• In the instance that a parent/ guardian cannot immediately be reached, attempt to contact

parents/guardians at 30-60 minute intervals until successful

• Ensure there is sufficient supervision, which is in line with the required educator-child ratios at all

times

• In the case that a child is missing who has been signed in, but not signed out, to make all attempts to

find the child immediately, and contact parents as soon as the child cannot be found after reasonable

measures have been taken.

IMPLEMENTATION

Children may be absent from Squiggler at times, although it is essential that these absences are accounted for.

This requires clear communication with parents and immediate follow up when they are unaccounted for.

When children cannot be accounted for, this requires immediate action and may require contact with relevant

authorities.

Absent and Missing Children are:

• Children who cannot be accounted for on-site (OOSHC facility)

• Children who cannot be accounted for off-site (pick up/ drop off at school).

PROCESS FOR ABSENT OR MISSING CHILDREN Upon roll call in both before and after school care, absent children must be accounted for. Team members

must utilise the contact list to call parents to confirm the status of their children. The information is to be

recorded on the bus roll and sign in sheet.

Should a child not be present and/or waiting in the designated collection area, the educator’s member

will:

• Ask the children of their knowledge of where the child might be

• The team member responsible is required to check the office/ classroom for any children who may be

suspected as missing

• The team member must utilise the contact list to call parents to confirm the status of their children.

The information is to be recorded on the bus roll and sign in sheet.

• If the child attended school and is expected to attend the service, then the educators will:

o Inform the school of the missing child

o Ask them to find out if the teacher is aware of the parent or anyone else collecting the child

and assist in the search of the school area

o Ensure all the other children are well supervised during this time

• In the instance that a parent/ guardian cannot immediately be reached, contact is to be made at 30-

60 minute intervals until successful

• Upon confirmation that a child is deemed ‘missing’, the police should be called and a report made

immediately

• If the child is still not found, then the educator will:

o Take the other children back to the service

o Continue to try and contact the parent or authorised person to inform them and find out any

further information

o Continue to keep in contact with the school

o Follow up on any leads regarding the child going to a friend’s home, if possible.

• If the child remains missing:

o The parents/authorised persons are to be kept informed

o Contact the local police

• The team member must then notify the Nominated Supervisor, General Manager and Director

• If, after contacting parents the child was found to be absent or picked up but the OOSH wasn’t

informed, then the parents will be called to remind them of their failure to contact the service and to

find out if the child will be attending the next day or not.

VACATION CARE During Vacation Care should a child go missing/abscond during vacation care the educators will:


• Search the excursion facilities grounds

• Ensure all other children are well supervised during this time.

DURING ASC OR BSC If child runs away or becomes missing during ASC or BSC, the educator must:


• Follow or look for the missing child

• The team member must utilise the contact list to call parents to confirm the status of their

children

• Upon confirmation that a child is deemed ‘missing’, the police should be called and a report

made immediately

• Contact the parents/authorised persons

• Contact the Coordination Unit If the child is absconding

• Ensure an educator maintains sight of the child always, if they are running away

• Inform other educators to ensure all other children are well supervised during this time

• Try to persuade the child to come back to the service/grounds

• Contact the parents/authorised persons

• Contact the local police

• Advise the department.

CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT SURE IF THEY ARE ATTENDING OOSH

In the case that a child/children arrive at the designated assembly point and are not on the roll for that

particular session:

• Educator to check phone / email to see if an earlier booking has been made.

• If this hasn’t happened, call the parents to check if child/children will be attending the service for

that session.

• If no contact can be made with parents, take all children back to service with additional child and

continue to call parents or authorised person until someone is reached to inform them of the

child’s location.

• If parents have forgotten to book children into the service that day, remind them that is

imperative to ensure all children are collected safely from their schools.

• If child/children were not meant to attend the service that day, supervise the children at the

service until the authorised person or parent is able to come and collect them.

ACCEPTANCE AND REFUSAL AUTHORISATION POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure that authorisation (permission) is obtained from parents in certain

circumstances, so that a clear, compliant understanding can be maintained about child welfare and wellbeing.

This may include obtaining authorisation for:

• Administering medication to children (Regulation 93)

• Children leaving the premises of a service with a person who is not a parent of the child (Regulation

99)

• Children being taken on excursions (Regulation 102)

• Access to personal records (Regulation 181)

• When a child is leaving the service to attend an extra-curricular activity away from the service, for

example, attending a sporting activity, dance, drama, etc. that is run by a provider other than the

OSHC service

• When a child is leaving the service to attend a school disco or other event.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Regulation 84 Awareness of child protection law

• Regulation 85–89 Incidents, injuries, trauma and illness

• Regulation 90 Medical conditions policy

• Regulation 92 Medication record

• Regulation 97 Emergency and evacuation procedures

• Regulations 168–172 Policies and procedures

LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS

• QA2 Children’s Health and Safety

• QA6 Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

• QA7 Governance and Leadership

RESPONSIBILITY




The Nominated Supervisor is responsible for:

• Following the policy and procedures of the service

• Ensuring that medication is not administered to a child without the authorisation of a

parent/guardian except in the case of an emergency, including an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency

• Ensuring a child only departs from the service with a person who is the parent/guardian or

authorisation nominee, or with the written authorisation of one of these, except in the case of a

medical emergency or an excursion (refer to Deliver and Collection of Children Policy and Child Safe

Environment Policy)

• Ensuring a child is not taken outside the service premises on an excursion except with the written

authorisation of a parent/guardian.

Support staff are responsible for:

• Following the policies and procedures of the service

• Checking that parents/guardians sign and date permission forms for excursions

• Checking that parents/ guardians or authorised nominee sign the attendance record ( refer to

Definitions) as their child arrives at and departs from the service

• Administering medication only with the written authorisation of a parent/ guardian except in the case

of an emergency, including an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency

• Allowing a child to participate in an excursion only with the written authorisation of a parent/

guardian or authorised nominee (refer to Excursion and Service Events Policy)

• Allowing a child to depart from the service only with a person who is the parent/guardian or

authorised nominee, or with the written authorisation of one these, except in the case of a medical

emergency or an excursion (refer to Delivery and Collection of

• Children Policy and Child Safe Environment Policy)

• Following procedures if an inappropriate person ( refer to Definitions) attempt to collect a child from

the service (refer to Delivery Collection of Children Policy and Child Safe Environment Policy)

• Informing the Directors when a written authorisation does not meet the requirements outlined in

service policies.

Parents and guardians are responsible for:

• Reading and complying with the policies and procedures of the service

• Completing and signing the authorised nominee section (refer to Definitions) of their child’s

enrolment form (refer to Enrolment Policy) before their child commences at the service

• Signing and dating permission forms for excursions

• Signing the attendance record( refer to Definitions) as their child arrives at and departs from the

service

• Providing written authorisation where children require medication to be administered by educators,

and signing and dating it for inclusion in the child’s medication record.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that authorisation must be gained from parents for

• administering medication to children

• children leaving the premises in the care of someone other than a parent

• children to be taken on excursions.

Authorisation from parents is required to ensure the safety of the children, and staff may refuse a

parent/guardian’s request unless the authorisation is provided. For example, if a child is to attend an extra-

curricular activity for which authorisation is required, but has not been given, this will result in the child not

being able to participate in the activity. Preferably, authorisation is required in written format that is signed

and dated, however in an emergency verbal authorisation may be accepted at the discretion of the Nominated

Supervisor or Responsible Person.

IMPLEMENTATION

When authorisation is required from a parent or guardian, the Nominated Supervisor, or the person in day-to-

day charge (Responsible Person) of the service will ensure the following actions are taken.

• Documentation relating to authorisation (permission) from parents/guardian is collected and contains

details such as:

o The name of the child enrolled in the service

o The date

o Signature of the child’s parent / guardian or nominated person who is on the enrolment

form

o The approximate time if the child is leaving the service to attend an extra-curricular activity

and the time they will return to the service (if applicable)

o The original form/letter provided by the Centre

o Details of medication and doctor

o Name of the person/s authorised to collect the child/ren.

• Apply these authorisations to the collection of children, administration of medication, excursions and

access to records.

• Keep these authorisations in the child’s enrolment record.

• Ensure the child is not permitted to leave the service to attend any extra-curricular activity until

authorisation is obtained from the parent/guardian.

• Ensure that children are not permitted to sign themselves out or leave the service without an

authorised adult, unless written authorisation from the parent/guardian has been given.

• Ensure all people collecting children are above the age of 18. If authorisation has been given by the

parent of guardian for someone under the age of 18 to collect a child, a responsible adult (educator)

will sign the child out on behalf of the minor ensuring they see them leave with them. The service will

only allow this for pick up by minors between the ages of 16 and 18 with written consent from the

guardian acknowledging and accepting any associated risks. Form is available from the service.

• Obtain written authorisation if a person other than the parents/guardian or other nominated person

cannot collect the child.

• In an emergency, verbal authorisation, may be accepted at the discretion of the Responsible Person

on duty. In these instances, staff will record in the diary, the time of the telephone call with the

parent/guardian and name of the person who will be collecting the child. The identity of the person

collecting the child should be confirmed by sighting ID – preferably photographic ID, for example,

current driver’s licence. Parents must send an email or provide a written note confirming that they

have allowed someone else to pick up including their full name, and date of pick up as soon as

possible.

• Exercise the right to refuse if written or verbal authorisations do not comply with the requirements

outlined above.

• Waive compliance for authorisation where a child requires emergency medical treatment for

conditions such as Anaphylaxis or Asthma. The service can administer medication without

authorisation in these cases, provided they contact the parent/guardian as soon as practicable after

the medication has been administered. Refer to D-5 for more details.

In general, the service will ensure:

• Parents/guardians have access to or copies of all service policies

• All educators follow the policies and procedures

• All enrollment forms are completed and signed by parents/guardians

• Permission forms for excursions are provided to the parents/guardian or authorised nominee prior to

the excursion; that child/ren participate only in an excursion with the prior written and signed

consent of parent/guardian

• That a daily attendance record is maintained to account for all children attending the service

• Records of all visitors to the service, including time of arrival and departure

• That children requiring administering of medication is authorised in writing; self-administering

medication records are maintained and all medical conditions and medication records are kept up to

up to date; ensuring educators do not administer medication without the authorisation of a

parent/guardian or authorised nominee, except in the case of an emergency, including an asthma or

anaphylaxis emergency (refer to Medical Conditions Policy)

• Strict adherence to policies surrounding children departing the service with an authorised

person/nominee, and that there are procedures in place if an inappropriate person attempts to

collect a child from the service (refer to Dropping Off and Picking Up Children Policy).

CHILD SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to provide a safe environment for all children at the service, and that all staff and

educators take all precautionary measures to oversee the safety and wellbeing of the children under the care

of the service in regards to their health and safety. This will involve adequate supervision, demonstrating

appropriate behaviours and practices, and the development implementation and monitoring of procedures for

identifying, mitigating and, where necessary, preventing hazards.

Educators will support the needs of the children so they are safe, feel safe and return safely to

parents/guardians by developing and maintaining a culture where children feel safe, cared for and respected.

And, by showing an ongoing awareness of safety and hazards and take reasonable steps to protect against

these hazards as they arise.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Section 51(1)(a) Conditions on service approval (safety, health and wellbeing of children)

• Section 165 Offence to inadequately supervise children

• Section 167 Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazards

• Section 169 Offence relating to staffing arrangements

• Section 170 Offence relating to unauthorised persons on education and care service premises

• Section 171 Offence relating to direction to exclude inappropriate persons from education and care

premises

• Section 189 Emergency removal of children

• Regulation 82 Tobacco, drug and alcohol free environment

• Regulation 83 Staff members and family day care educators not to be affected by alcohol or drugs

• Regulation 86 Notification to parents of incident, injury, trauma and illness

• Regulation 87 Incident, injury, trauma and illness record


• Regulation 91 Medical conditions policy to be provided to parents

• Regulation 99 Children leaving the education and care service premises

• Regulation 100 Risk assessment must be conducted before excursion

• Regulation 101 Conduct of risk assessment for excursion

• Regulation 102 Authorisation for excursions

• Regulation 161 Authorisations to be kept in enrolment record

• Regulation 162 Health information to be kept in enrolment record

• Regulation 166 Children not to be alone with visitors

• Regulation 168 Education and care service must have policies and procedures

• Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 , as amended 2011

• Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005, as amended 2012

• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, as amended 2011

• Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010

• Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011: Regulations 84, 85, 86, 99, 100, 101, 102,

168(2)(h)

• Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), as amended 2008 and 2011

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

• Working with Children Act 2005

• Working with Children Regulations 2006


• QA3 Physical Environment

• QA7 Leadership and Governance

RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor to ensure:

• Adequate supervision is available for each shift, including a staff member who holds a first aid

qualification

• Risk assessments have been conducted on all premises, equipment and activities available at the

service

• Only authorised people are allowed to interact with, collect and spend time around children

• All equipment is checked on a daily basis, and removed or controlled if it poses a threat

• All hazards, dangers or threats are mitigated against, and communicated to the Approved Provider.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy that at all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision are

in place to ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.


• Maintain the premises and equipment, adhere to procedures regarding safe practices and operate in

line with legislative requirements relating to child protective practices and the Education and Care

Services National Regulations and Law

• Be aware of their legal responsibility as Mandatory Reporters to take action to protect and support

children they suspect may be at significant risk of harm

• Ensure that all visitors who are not legal guardians or carers sign in and out and are monitored wile on

premises

• Ensure that children are adequately supervised at all times and that every reasonable precaution is

taken to protect children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury or trauma

• Ensure that risk assessments are conducted on all new activities and equipment, and again annually

to ensure that safety is maintained and risks are reduced.

IMPLEMENTATION

The welfare and protection of all children is of paramount importance. Therefore, to provide an environment

that ensures the safety, health and wellbeing of children at all times, the following procedures must be

adhered to.

GENERAL SAFETY • All areas of the centre will be maintained in a clean and tidy manner.

• Pathways and floor spaces where appropriate will be kept clear and safe from tripping hazards.

• Educators will discuss dangerous situations, dangerous substances and items and safety practices

with the children regularly. This will be reflected in the educational program across the curriculum.

• Educators will post simple warning signs around the centre where potentially dangerous substances

or items are stored.

• All hot water taps will be temperature controlled to deliver water 43.5 degrees celsius or below to

prevent scalding.

• Children will not have access to water play activities unless under supervision by an educator.

Equipment used in water activities e.g. buckets and water trough will be emptied after use and safely

secured indoors so as not to be a catchment for water (drowning hazard).

• Children will be supervised at all times, in accordance with the licensing conditions on educators/child

ratios. Educators engaged in other tasks will not be required to supervise children simultaneously.

• Educators will be aware of the need to place themselves in positions which allow good supervision of

the play areas and children.

• Children will not be permitted to play on fences or gates, play with locks on gates, or throw sand or

water.

• When indoor and outdoor areas are available to children at the same time each area will be

supervised by at least two educators.

• No child will be allowed to leave the centre without an authorised adult.

• Children will not be allowed in the office unless supervised by a member of staff and/or their parent.

• Workplace, Health and Safety (WHS) is a standard item on staff meetings.

• Daily indoor and outdoor safety checklists are completed by educators who set up the environment.

• Detailed safety inspections are completed at least annually by management.

• All educators will have approved up to date First Aid and Asthma and Anaphylaxis training is

encouraged for all. The First Aid training is paid for by the centre. There will always be at least one

educator on site with current approved first aid qualifications.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARDS • Electrical outlets (power points) will be of a suitable approved safety type, located out of reach of

children if possible or will be covered with safety caps. When not in use all power points will be

covered with safety caps.

• Electrical appliances and cords will be kept out of reach of children unless under direct supervision by

an educator.

• They will be an approved electrical cut off switch installed at the centre/service, to break the

electrical circuit instantly if a person touches a live electrical source.

• Approved Fire extinguishers in good working order will be located throughout the centre/service.

• They will be an approved fire blanket in located in the kitchen.

• Smoke detectors will be installed by a professional tradesman and linked to the electrical system.

• No smoking will be allowed in the centre at any time.

• All educators will be informed of emergency exit evacuation procedures. Evacuation drill will be

practised regularly as required by the child care regulations .

• All electrical equipment will be checked regularly to see if it is in a good condition. e.g. extension

cords, appliances and compact disc players, computers, photo copier, phone, vacuum and air

conditioning. If electrical equipment that is required, is damaged it will be repaired or replace.

• Double adaptors will be only used in power points which are inaccessible to children.

• Heaters and fans will be keep out reach of children.

• The kitchen area will be out of bounds children. There will be a barriers to prevent access by children

to the kitchen and office.

STORAGE OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES AND ITEMS • The Centre/Service will have appropriate, secure and child safe storage facilities for:

o Medication

o First aid Equipment

o Cleaning and other harmful products

o Harmful Instruments and implements e.g. gardening tools, worked tools, knives, sharp

objects, adult scissors, matches and lighters.

• Storage facilities will be appropriate for the items, e.g. stored out of a child’s reach and height, made

by a lock and key mechanism, with the key stored away from the lock in a place inaccessible to a

child, or by the use of an approved child safety latch.

• Cleaning materials and fly sprays will not be stored in direct contact with food products.

• All areas where chemical solvents are used will be well ventilated.

• Nominated Supervisors will make available adequate information to the staff about any substance

used in the centre, to ensure that the substance will be safe and without risks to health when

properly used.

• When using chemicals substances, staff will:

o Make themselves familiar with any Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and follow the

manufacturer’s directions for use, storage and first aid on the label

o Use the approved personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles , masks, etc when

using chemicals

o Ensure all chemicals which are stored or decanted are labelled with a description of content,

hazards and precautions for use, ensuring that any new container is suitable for the type of

chemical being stored

o Never store chemicals in soft drinks bottles or other food or drink containers.

• Any bulk chemicals will be securely stored and be kept inaccessible to children.

BUILDING, FURNITURE, FITTINGS, FENCES AND GATES

• The building will be maintained in good working order.

• Fencing and gates at the service will be maintained in good condition and will meet the requirements

set down by regulations and Australian standards. They will be checked regularly for splinters, sharp

edges, protruding or loose screws or bolts.

• Gates will be fitted by approved child safe self-closing mechanism.

• The service will be kept cleaned and tidy.

• Floors will be smooth and even non- slip surfaces.

• Glazed areas accessible to children will meet Australian Standards and will meet the requirements set

down by the child care regulations.

• Furniture and fittings will be kept in good condition, cleaned daily and will be suitable for the age

group for the children it e.g height and size of the table,chairs ,shelving, toilets and basins.

• Shelving or cupboards as appropriate will be secure or will have castors.

• Furniture and equipment will be place in a safe positions, not blocking the walkways or posing

tripping hazards.

• Furniture will be checked regularly for possible safety hazards. If found, it will be withdrawn from use

till repaired.

TOYS AND EQUIPMENT • Equipment purchased will be checked for safety.

• Toys and equipment will be in good condition, clean and will be appropriate to the age and

development of the children.

• Damaged or broken toys and equipment will be repaired or replaced when they are found or will be

withdrawn from use until they are repaired.

• Toys and Equipment will be cleaned regularly with water and detergent.

• Toys and Equipment will be put away when not in use.

• Any toys or equipment purchased will be used to encourage non-violent play.

• All art and craft materials purchased will be non-toxic.

• Potentials dangerous items used with the children, e.g. knives for cooking experiences will be

supervised by educators/ carers during activities. Items will be removed from activities area when not

in use and stored appropriately.

• All outdoor equipment will comply with current Australian Standards and the child care regulations.

• When setting up playground environment, staff members will be aware of:

o the surface under and around equipment (or equivalent safety measures)

o the height from which a child can fall, the size of the equipment,

o the age and development of the children,

o the need to check for sharp or rough edges, holes or areas that can trap body parts,

o the need to maintain equipment in good order, with safe positioning on even surfaces so it is

securely anchored and not too close to other equipment or movement pathways.

• Adequate shade areas will be provided through shade sails, large trees, awnings or fixed coverings.

• Poisonous or toxic plants will be removed from the Service or made inaccessible to children when

found.

• Trees and shrubs found to have dangerous branches will be pruned.

• The service will be treated regularly by a professional pest controller for cockroaches, spiders, etc.

ROAD SAFETY • Parents will be encouraged to:

o Remove their child from the car door on the footpath side of the road (the safety door side)

o Always hold their child ‘s hand when crossing the roads

o Drive within the speed limit for the area for the area and the roads surrounding the service

watch for pedestrians

o Not double park

o Always use approved child restraints when travelling in cars.

The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will ensure that this policy is maintained and implemented at all

times.

COMPLAINTS, CONCERNS AND GRIEVANCES POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to maintain a harmonious environment where any concerns can be dealt with by

using a friendly, mature approach. The service recognises the rights of parents, contractors, volunteers and of

course children to express their concerns about any issues and to raise such concerns in an environment

designed to resolve problems and protect those involved.

All persons are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the service’s approach to issue resolution, or issues

raised with educators. Upon enrolment, parents sign a written agreement indicating they will follow the

grievance procedure below should they have any complaint with the service or educators.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 No 51

• NSW Community Service Complaints, Appeals and Monitoring Act, 1993


LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS • QA6 Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities


RESPONSIBILITY



and responsible people at the service. The Approved Provider must ensure that there is a clear process

implemented for concerned persons to be able to provide feedback at any time.

Responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor:

• Address all inappropriate behavior so that a suitable conclusion is agreed upon by the complainant.

• Increase educator awareness of appropriate interactions through professional development and

training.

• Welcome constructive feedback.

• Encourage staff to express opinions and work collaboratively with the Nominated Supervisor and

management to contribute to the success of the service and to facilitate continual improvement.

• Increase awareness of issues that may concern or have consequences for others.

• Address and monitor any further issues or concerns raised.

• Comply with any legal obligations regarding suspension of children or educators who have been

identified as acting inappropriately until completion of an investigation has been undertaken.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that families feel free to communicate any concerns they

have in relation to the centre, staff, management, programs or policies without fearing negative

consequences, and that they are made fully aware of the procedures to do this.


• Foster, in all programs, an atmosphere in which complaints and independent monitoring are viewed

positively as ways of enhancing the delivery of those services and programs

• Provide for the resolution of complaints about services and programs

• Encourage, wherever reasonable and practicable, the resolution of complaints at a local level

• Encourage, wherever reasonable and practicable, the resolution of complaints through alternative

dispute resolution

• Provide independent and accessible mechanisms for the resolution of complaints, for the review of

administrative decisions and for the monitoring of services, programs and complaint procedures

• Encourage compliance with, and facilitate awareness of, the objects, principles and provisions of the

legislation, including by education

• Provide for independent monitoring of services and programs, both generally and in particular cases.

No parent is permitted to address issues with other children. These issues must be directed to the Nominated

Supervisor, educators or the Approved Provider. If a parent’s behaviour is seen as unacceptable, either

towards children or educators, remedial action will be taken. Failure to do so may result in exclusion of the

family from the service until this is complete.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Squiggler Academy supports the rights of any person to raise issues of concern. When this occurs, we will

help to clarify the area of concern with reference to relevant policies and procedures and resolve them if

appropriate. In general the following actions will be taken.

• An issue of concern may include any issue a parent would like clarified, is concerned about or would

like us to consider.

• Educators will use effective and friendly communication which the service believes is essential to a

pleasant resolution and discussion of issues.

• The service will provide a user-friendly area to discuss any concerns or issues raised.

• A meeting of informal discussion will take place initially to see if any resolution can be found with the

educators member concerned.

• Children should direct their concerns directly to staff who will deal with the issue immediately or

inform the Approved Provider.

• Parents will be provided with clear written guidelines detailing the appropriate procedure used to

raise issues of concern.

• Conversations will remain confidential and will only involve other persons as is necessary and as

negotiated.

• Any parent who wishes to have a formal meeting is requested to make an appointment with the

Nominated Supervisor.

• If a resolution is not found then a meeting should be arranged with the Approved Provider and the

persons involved.

• The Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor will inform the parent of what has been decided

regarding the issue. This may be done verbally or if the issue has been dealt with more formally then

the Committee or Approved Provider will write personally to the parent. Staff will also be informed of

any relevant issues they need to address or be aware of. If any issues of concern cannot be resolved

internally to the parent’s satisfaction, external options will be offered such as an unbiased third party,

e.g. School Principal.

• The service will make sure that all effort be made by educators and the Approved Provider to resolve

any grievance issue as soon as possible and at the local level before the matter is escalated.

• Informal resolution at the local level is often the most effective way of dealing with many issues.

• If the grievance cannot be resolved at a local level then a formal grievance in writing is to be lodged.

• Malicious or vexatious claims will not be tolerated. If correct grievance procedures are not followed

i.e. using social media or Facebook, this may result in the child’s position being terminated at

Squiggler.

• The service will endeavor to incorporate any resolution of issues into their program.

• Centre policies may need to be reviewed as a result of issues of concern being raised.

FEEDBACK

Complaints, suggestions, issues and comments can be utilised for constructive and positive feedback about the

service, its program and its educators. The Approved Provider /Nominated Supervisor should ensure that any

positive feedback regarding educators should be acknowledged and passed on to the appropriate educators

concerned. A written positive feedback should be incorporated into the educator’s personnel file and a copy

given to the educators member for their own records.

Parents/guardians or members of the public can can provide feedback:

• Personally at the service, to the Nominated Supervisor

• Anonymously through the feeback box at the service

• Through email via [email protected] or directly to the Director or Nominated Supervisor

• Through periodic surveys delivered by Squiggler

• At any time necessary.

LODGING A FORMAL GRIEVANCE Directors and educators have a responsibility to resolve problems that may arise in the service

through the grievance process. Adherence to all principles of procedural fairness is paramount. This includes:

• Specific concerns or issue being made in writing

• The formal grievance officer being informed

• A meeting with service Approved Provider

• Approved Provider to provide written response

• Meeting to review issues or concern; options and/or recommendations of resolution

• When all of the above options have been exhausted and a resolution has not been established, a third

party may be involved to assist the process.

LODGING INFORMAL GRIEVANCES Educators and or the Approved Provider should still treat an informal grievance with priority, identify the

issues and have informal discussions with the complainant and educators and measures that can be put in

place to address the grievance or issue.

mailto:[email protected]

LODGING COMPLAINTS TO THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY

If a complaint has been raised with the centre but has not been resolved satisfactorily, or if you have a concern

regarding the health and safety of children at the service you can contact the regulatory authority for NSW:

NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate, Department of Education and Communities

Website: www.det.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Phone: 1800 619 113

http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/


CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

AIM

Squiggler aims to ensure that the personal details of every individual involved in the business are protected at

all times. We acknowledge that each person has the right to ensure their personal information is accurate and

secure, and only used or disclosed to achieve the outcomes for which it was initially collected. Personal

information will be managed openly and transparently in a way that protects an individual’s privacy and

respects their rights under Australian privacy laws.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)

• National regulation 181 Confidentiality of records kept by approved provider

• National regulation 181-184 Confidentiality and storage of records


• QA4 Staffing arrangements

• QA5 Relationships with children

• QA7Governance and leadership

RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that personal information is stored safely and securely, and that no

personal information is made accessible to persons who are unauthorized to access it.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is Squiggler’s policy to ensure that all information concerning each child, staff member, parent and guardian

is kept confidential. All documents will be kept for the amount of time required in the Education and Care

Services National Regulations.

Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will adhere to the points

below.

• Basic details are collected on enrolment directly from families such as names, addresses, phone

contacts but it is also necessary for educators to collect details regarding the child’s name, date of

birth, medical details, health, routines, likes and dislikes.

• The service is required to hold information regarding each child’s Child Care Benefit entitlements. This

information is used for processing fees and allocating payments such as CCB and CCR. Some of the

information collected is to satisfy the services legal obligations under the relevant childcare

legislation. This information will be made available to department.

• Information as stated above will only be used by our educators in order to deliver each child’s care to

the highest standards.

• It will not be disclosed to those not associated with the care of a child without the family’s express

consent.

• Families may seek access to the information held about their child and the service will provide access.

This access might be the inspection of their child’s records or by providing copies of information.

• The service will ensure always that the details kept about each family are accurate, complete and up

to date.

• The service will protect this information from misuse or loss and from unauthorised access or

disclosure.

• Educators are committed to respect these principles.

• If a student has a valid training requirement that involves the gathering certain information pertaining

to children or families, the student must have written consent from the family and the Nominated

Supervisor of the service.

• The service will make sure that any required disclosures of personal information are made on a ‘need

to know’ basis and where applicable, on a confidential basis and in accordance with the provisions of

the Education and Care Services National Regulations and may include Area Health or Child Protection

‘Keep Them Safe’.

• Personal information is never traded, sold or leased by the service to any external companies.

• All documentation concerning enrolment and personal details is to be kept in the locked filing cabinet

in the office. This information is never to be shared with anyone except the Nominated Supervisor

and service educators.

• All learning and developmental records are to be kept in a confidential place within the service. These

records are only to leave the service if needed by the educator for programming, observation or

portfolio purposes and not to be accessed by anyone other than educators who have a direct interest

in the child.

• Documentation may be shared with the parents of the child but never discussed with other people

unless the service has the approval of the parent to share it with other professionals who are working

with the child and require the service’s perspective. The information of any child is never to be

discussed with, or compared with, any other child or parent.

IMPLEMENTATION

We collect personal information if it is necessary for us to carry out Service operations or to comply with our

legal obligations. This includes information required to comply with the National Education and Care Law and

Regulations. Information may also be collected to comply with other Laws including State or Territory Health

Laws.

COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION During the enrolment process the Nominated Supervisor will:

• Explain what personal information we need to collect, why we need to collect it, whether the

information is required or authorised by Law and how it may be shared. Personal information

includes name, address, date of birth, gender, family contact details, emergency contact details,

authorised nominee details, parents’ occupations, cultural background, home language, religious

beliefs, payment details, child care benefit information, immunisation records, medical information,

medical management plans, photos of children and family members and information about children’s

strengths, interests, preferences and needs, including special needs. Personal information also

includes “government related identifiers” like Medicare numbers and CCB references.

• Advise families about our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy and how to access it.

• Attach a copy of our Privacy Notice to our Enrolment Form and other forms we use to collect personal

information.

• Verbally advise children’s emergency contacts and authorised nominees that we have some of their

personal information on file and explain the advice in the Privacy Notice.

• Explain the advice in the Privacy Notice to individuals who provide personal information verbally (eg

by phone).

We usually collect personal information directly from a parent or guardian either in writing or verbally, for

example during enrolment, when completing waiting list applications, or as we establish a partnership with

families in caring for and educating a child. We may also collect information through the school’s website,

Family Law court orders or agreements, special needs agencies and training courses.

We may occasionally request information from other organisations which you would reasonably agree is

necessary for us to educate and care for a child. For example, we may request a copy of a child’s immunisation

records where they are transferring to us from another Service, or where we request information about a child

from a special needs educator or organisation. We will not request information without obtaining the consent

of the individual (or parent) concerned.

In most cases, if we are unable to collect relevant personal information, we will be unable to enrol a child at

the Service.

The Approved Provider and/or Nominated Supervisor will advise individuals about any unsolicited personal

information we receive from other organisations and keep because it is directly related to our functions and

activities (unless we are advised not to by a Government authority). The Approved Provider and/or Nominated

Supervisor will destroy any unsolicited personal information that is not directly related to our Service

operations unless it adversely impacts the health, safety and wellbeing of a child or children at the service. If

this happens the Approved Provider and/or Nominated Supervisor will contact the appropriate Government

authorities and take action as directed while protecting the confidentiality of the individuals concerned.

USE OR DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION We will not use personal information for any purpose that is not reasonably needed for the proper or effective

operation of the service. Personal information may be accessed by and exchanged with staff educating and

caring for a child or by administrative staff.

We do not disclose your personal information to others unless you would have reasonably expected us to do

this or we have your consent. For example, personal information may be disclosed to:

• Emergency service personnel so they can provide medical treatment in an emergency

• Special needs educators or inclusion support agencies

• Volunteers, trainees and work experience students (with consent)

• Trainers or presenters if children participate in special learning activities

• Another Service to which a child is transferring where you have consented to the transfer.

• The new operator of the Service if we sell our business and you have consented to the transfer of

enrolment and other documents listed in Regulation 177 of the National Education and Care

Regulations.

We may disclose personal information where we are permitted or obliged to do so by an Australian law. For

example, personal information may be disclosed to

• Authorised officers when our service is assessed and rated under the National Education and Care

Law and Regulations

• Government employees (eg for CCB, Immunisation, Medicare purposes)

• Software companies that provide care management systems Management companies we may

engage to administer the Service

• Lawyers in relation to a legal claim.

• Officers carrying out an external dispute resolution process

• A debt collection company we use to recover outstanding fees

• Authorities if we are taking action in relation to unlawful activity, serious misconduct, or to reduce or

prevent a serious threat to life, health or safety.

We do not disclose personal information to any person or organisation overseas or for any direct marketing

purposes.

QUALITY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will take reasonable steps to ensure the personal

information we collect, use and disclose is accurate, current and complete. Educators and staff will:

• View original sources of information if practical when information is collected.

• Collect and record personal information in a consistent format, for example using templates for

enrolment, incident, injury, trauma and illness and administration of medication.

• Record the date personal information was collected or updated.

• Update information in our physical or electronic records as soon as it’s provided.

In addition the Nominated Supervisor will:

• Regularly remind families via newsletters, emails or through displays on the Service parent area to

update their personal information including emergency contact details and their child’s health

information.

• Ask parents to update their enrolment details annually, or whenever their circumstances change.

• Verify the information is accurate, current and complete before disclosing it to any external

organisation or person.

• Ensure documentation about children and families is based on facts and free from prejudice.

SECURITY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will take reasonable steps to protect personal information

from misuse, interference and loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. These steps include:

• Taking responsibility for the security of personal information and regularly checking the practices

implemented to protect it. This will include management of access privileges to ensure only people

who genuinely need to see personal information can access it.

• Ensuring information technology systems have appropriate security measures including password

protection, anti-virus and ‘malware’ software, and data backup systems.

• Ensuring physical repositories of personal information are secure in the Nominated Supervisors filing

cabinet in the office which is locked when a Responsible Person is not present.

• Ensuring all educators and staff are aware of their obligations in relation to the collection, use and

disclosure of personal information, through activities like mentoring, staff meetings or online training

courses.

• Requiring all educators, staff, volunteers and work experience students to sign a ‘Confidentiality

Agreement’ acknowledging that personal information:

○ Can only be accessed if it is necessary for them to complete their job

○ Cannot be disclosed to other organisations (including colleges, RTOs) or discussed with

individuals outside the service including personal family members unless they have written

consent from the person (or parent) concerned.

○ Must be stored in compliance with service practices which safeguard its security.

• Ensuring records which we don’t need to keep, including unsuccessful job applications and records

which fall outside the record keeping timeframes under the National Education and Care Law and

Regulations (refer to our Record Keeping and Retention Policy) are destroyed in a secure way as soon

as possible by, for example, shredding, incinerating or permanently deleting electronic records

including archived or back-up copies.

• ‘de-identifying’ personal information so that people (eg our accountant) who require the information

may access it without being able to identify individuals.

• de-identifying’ personal information which may come into the public domain. For example, removing

identifying names or details from newsletters etc.

• Ensuring staff comply with our Social Media Policy (for example by obtaining authorisation from a

child’s parents before posting any photos of their child on the Service social media page, and not

posting personal information on any social media page which could identify children or families.)

• Ensuring confidential conversations with parents or with staff are conducted in a quiet area away

from other children, parents and staff.

ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION Individuals may request access to their (or their child’s) personal information and may request the correction

of any errors. These requests may be made to the Nominated Supervisor by email at [email protected]

or [email protected]

Personal information will be provided as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days from a request. We will

provide the information in the form requested, for example by email, phone, in person, hard copy or

electronic record unless it is unreasonable or impractical to do this for example due to the volume or nature of

the information.

The Nominated Supervisor will always verify a person’s identity before providing access to the information,

and ensure someone remains with the individual to ensure information is not changed or removed without

our knowledge.

There is no charge for making a request to access the information. However, we may charge a reasonable cost

for staff, postage and material expenses if the information is not readily available and retrieving the

information takes a lot of time. We will advise you of the cost and get your agreement before we proceed.

There may be rare occasions when we are unable to provide access because we believe:


• Giving access would be unlawful, the information relates to unlawful activity or serious misconduct,

or it may prejudice the activities of a law enforcement body.

• There is a serious threat to life, health or safety.

• Giving access would unreasonably affect the privacy of others.

• The request is frivolous or vexatious, for example to harass staff.

• The information relates to legal proceedings (eg unfair dismissal claim) between the Service and the

individual.

• Giving access would reveal sensitive information about a commercial decision.

We may, however, provide the information in an alternative way for example by:

• Deleting any personal information which cannot be provided

• Providing a summary of the information

• Giving access to the information in an alternative format

• Allowing the individual to inspect a hard copy of the information and letting them take notes.

We will advise you promptly in writing if we are unable to provide access to the information, or access in the

format requested. The advice will include the reasons for the refusal to provide the information (unless it is

unreasonable to do this) and information about how to access our grievance procedure.

CORRECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION Individuals have a right to request the correction of any errors in their personal information. These requests

may be made to the Nominated Supervisor by emailed us at [email protected] or by mail PO BOX 667

Kensington NSW 1465.

The Nominated Supervisor will take reasonable steps to correct personal information that is inaccurate, out of

date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading as soon as it is available. The Nominated Supervisor will:

• Take reasonable steps to ensure information supplied by an individual is correct.

• Verify the identity of an individual requesting the correction of personal information.

• Notify other organisations about the correction if this is relevant, reasonable or practical.

• Advise the individual about the correction to their information if they are not aware.

• If immediately unable to correct an individual’s personal information, explain what additional

information or explanation is required and/or why we cannot immediately act on the information

provided.

• If unable to correct the information, include reasons for this (for example we believe it’s current) and

inform the individual about our grievance procedure and their right to include a statement with the

information saying they believe it to be inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading.

• Correct the information, or include a statement if requested, as soon as possible.

We will not charge you for making a request to correct your personal information or for including a statement

with your personal information.

COMPLAINTS If you believe we have breached Privacy Laws or our Privacy Policy may lodge a complaint with the Nominated

Supervisor by email [email protected] or by mail PO BOX 667 Kensington NSW 1465 The Nominated

Supervisor will follow the Service’s grievance procedure to investigate the complaint. Individuals who are

unhappy with the outcome of the investigation may raise their complaint with the Office Australian


Information Commissioner www.oaic.gov.au GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 or GPO Box 2999 Canberra ACT

2601, phone 1300 363 992 or email [email protected]


DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF CHILDREN POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to provide a safe experience for dropping off and picking up children which

ensures the absolute wellbeing of the children in our care. Parents/guardians will be required to follow specific

communication procedures to ensure the service can provide appropriate care of their child/children.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Section 161 Offence to operate education and care service without nominated supervisor

• Section 162 Offence to operate education and care service unless responsible person is present

• Section 163 Offence relating to appointment or engagement of family day care coordinators

• Section 164 Offence relating to assistance to family day care

• Section 164A Offence relating to the education and care of children by family day care service

• Sections 165,167 Record of visitors and Children not to be alone with visitors



• Regulation 118 Educational leader

• Regulation 119–120 Age and supervision requirements

• Regulations 121–124 Minimum number of educators and family day care coordinators required

• Regulations 125–128 Educational qualifications for educators

• Regulations 129–135 Requirements for educators who are early childhood teachers

• Regulation 137–143 Approval and determination of qualifications

• Regulation 143A Minimum requirements for a family day care educator

• Regulation 143B Ongoing management of family day care educators

• Regulation 144 Family day care educator assistant

• Regulations 145–152 Staff and educator records (centre-based services)

• Regulation 153 Register of family day care educators

• Regulation 154 Record of staff, family day care coordinators and family day care educator assistants

• Regulation 158 Attendance records

• Regulation 168(2)(i) Policies and procedures are required in relation to staffing including determining

the responsible person present at the service, and the participation of volunteers and students on

practicum placements



• QA4 Staffing Arrangements

RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor to ensure that:

• Where a bus service is required, the person driving the bus holds the correct qualifications

• Adequate staffing is in place at all times to cover the number of students attending the service on a

given day

• No children is left unattended at any time

• Parents are communicated with about their roles and responsibilities in enforcing this policy.

It is the responsibility of parents to pick up and drop off their children within the nominated timeframes, and

communicate with centre staff if problems arise that may affect pick up or drop off.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to have sufficient number of educators and staff members available at

all times when children are present, to enable the service to deliver quality education and care programs that

respond to and promote children’s learning and development. This includes times when children are picked up

from and dropped off to the service.


• Ensure that children arrive at and leave the service in a manner that safeguards their health, safety

and wellbeing

• Ensure educators manage this by adhering to clear procedures regarding the delivery and collection

of children, working with families so they understand their requirements and responsibilities and

accounting for the whereabouts of children at all times whilst in the service’s care

• Ensure that the numbers and ratio of educators rostered at the beginning and end of the day:

o enable effective communication with families at drop off and pick up times

o support adequate supervision of children

o offer children meaningful opportunities to engage with educators while rooms are set up or

packed away.

IMPLEMENTATION

It is the responsibility of parents to pick up and drop off their children within the nominated timeframes, and

communicate with centre staff if problems arise that may affect pick up or drop off. And to ensure these

responsibilities are understood, the below procedures must be applied.

DROPPING OFF OF CHILDREN • Children are not to be left prior to the service opening.

• When the centre is separate from the child’s school, children will be collected from their respective

schools in the afternoon and signed in by an educator at the service.

• On arrival, the person bringing the child is responsible to sign the child in on the attendance sheet

next to the child’s name, indicating time of arrival and expected departure time.

• Any points of information are to be recorded on the daily communication sheets, such as any

particular requirements for the day and who will collect the child.

• The person dropping off the child is to place their belongings in the designated area.

• The person dropping off the child must ensure that an educator receives the children before leaving

the service and that any special needs are communicated.

• Should a child require medication of any kind, parents/carers must fill in and sign the medication form

and have it sited and received by a qualified educator.

PICKING UP OF CHILDREN • Children must be collected by the closing time of the service.

• The authorised person who is collecting the child must fill out the sign-out sheet next to the child’s

name, indicating time of departure.

• Children who have permission to leave the service by themselves will be signed out by the

coordinators at the agreed time.

• The authorised person and children are to ensure that all belongings are collected.

• The authorised person must ensure that an educator is aware that they are taking the child from the

service.

• Educators are to be notified if the person collecting the child is to be later than usual.

• The child will be notified to avoid any anxiety.

• If the child is to be collected by anyone different than the name on the enrolment form, parents must

have personally informed the appropriate educators member prior to pick up. This change should be

confirmed in writing by email and the person picking up the child be asked to bring identification.

• The names and contact numbers of all people authorised to collect each child must be included in the

in the enrollment form. Any changes to these must be advise in writing to the service as soon as

possible.

• The authorisated person is required to give proof of identification to educators if they have not seen

them previously.

• The service will not release the child to anyone who is not authorised without prior consent and in

line the service policy.

• In the event of an emergency, where the parent or an authorised person cannot collect the child, the

parent must personally ring the service to let us know. The parent will be required to indicate who

will collect the child, give a description and ask the person to provide the service with proof of

identity, e.g. License or Medicare card.

• If the service has not been notified and someone other than the parent or authorized person comes

to collect the child, the service will ring the parent to get his or her authorisation. The child will not be

released from the service until proper authorization has been received.

CUSTODY AND ACCESS If a parent/guardian is experiencing issues associated with custody and access they are encouraged to discuss

this with the Nominated Supervisor. A copy of a current custody order is required for the service’s file to

ensure we comply with legal requirements. If there is any likelihood of problems occurring associated with the

collection of a child, or any changes to court orders, the parents guardian should immediately notify the

Nominated Supervisor.

CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING TO THE SERVICE

If your child is not going to attend to the service please inform the center. This will help us determine, child

ratios and also help us plan activities.

LATE PICK UP Please pick up your child by the time agreed to in your contract. An additional fee of $1 per minute will be

charged for each minute late.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY

AIM

Squiggler aims to provide an environment that is inclusive and respects and embraces diversity, and caters for

those children and families that have special needs. We aspire to maintain an organisation that is free from

bias and prejudice in which children learn the principles of fairness and respect for the uniqueness of each

person. Children are encouraged to develop their own sense of identity and educators will facilitate this in a

way that embraces the needs and abilities of each child (My Time, Our Place Outcome 1).

RELATED LEGISLATION

• National Regulations 73 – 76

• National Regulations 155 – 156

• National Regulations 168

• NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child


• QA1 Educational program and practice

• QA4 Staffing arrangements

• QA5 Relationships with children

• QA6 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of educators to ensure that children become aware of fairness and equity and have

opportunities to practice challenging bias in their play (My Time, Our Place Outcome 2). Staff must also:

• Role model and encourage inclusive attitudes and behaviours

• Role model and encourage respect one another’s differences

• Role model and encourage children to be actively involved in a variety of roles and use a variety of

materials regardless of gender

• Accept and respect all regardless of gender, ability, or age

• Treat all equitably

• Be sensitive and attentive towards all children

• Treat all children as individuals with a balance of competencies and interests as well as needs

• Monitor all children and adapt activities spontaneously to suit specific needs, interests and abilities

• Support children with additional needs

• Review practises to ensure the individual needs of children are met

• Use opportunities such as informal discussions during play to broach and address issues of fairness

and justice and actively encourage anti-bias behaviour

• Take into account professional support recommendations (eg. Psychologists, doctors, Inclusion

Support Staff) where possible and incorporate their goals into the care of the child.

The service involves the community to assist educators and children to understand and accept the range of

cultures and abilities of members of the local community. Differences in backgrounds, culture and abilities are

valued and families are actively encouraged to share their experiences with educators and other families and

cultural competence in children will be fostered. The service will ensure that appropriate inclusion support

services are accessed, and families are referred to them in order to support children’s well-being and full

access to the program.

POLICY STATEMENT

At Squiggler, it is our policy to ensure all children, staff and families feel respected and are treated equitably.

We encourage compassion, understanding, tolerance, acceptance and respect for all at the centre. We aim to

provide an environment where all are encouraged to develop to their full potential.


• Aim to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable

• Encourage self-control, active listening, resilience, tolerance, empathy and cooperation

• Display a positive attitude to diversity and respect the varying backgrounds and abilities of all

• Actively support and value employing staff from both genders

• Will provide resource materials which as far as possible will be non-stereotyped.

• Will provide an environment with a variety of accessible materials and equipment from which

children are free to make their own choices

• Actively put plans in place to allow for the inclusion and participation of children and families with

diverse needs.

IMPLEMENTATION

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

• Educators will actively seek information from children, families and the community about their

cultural traditions, customs and beliefs and use this information to provide children with a variety of

experiences that will enrich the environment within the service.

• Educators will work in partnership with families to provide care that meets the child’s needs and is

consistent with the family’s culture, beliefs and child rearing practices. Specific requests will be

acknowledged where practical, to demonstrate respect and ensure continuity of care of the child.

• Educators will obtain and use resources that reflect the diversity of children, families and the

community and increase awareness and appreciation of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander and multicultural heritage.

• Educators will be sensitive and attentive to all children and respect their backgrounds, gender, unique

qualities and abilities. The service will ensure that the environment reflects the lives of the children

and families using the service and the cultural diversity of the broader community, and ensure

children’s individual needs are accommodated at the service.

• Children with additional needs will be provided with the necessary support and resources to allow

them to fully participate in the service. This may require the assistance of specialty services,

adaptation of the environment, changes to routines and educator arrangements in order to facilitate

inclusion. The service will achieve this in collaboration with the child’s family.

• Educators will treat all children equitably and encourage them to treat each other with respect and

fairness.

• Educators will act as positive role models by encouraging all children to be involved in a variety of

activities, regardless of gender.

• Educators will role model appropriate ways to challenge discrimination and prejudice, and actively

promote inclusive behaviours in children.

• Children will never be singled out, or made to feel inferior to or better than others. Educators and

children will discuss incidents of bias or prejudice in children’s play or relationships with each other to

help children understand and find strategies to counteract these behaviours.

• The program will include experiences for the children that are not based on sex role stereotypes.

• Resource materials and equipment used in the service will, as far as possible, be non-stereotyped.

• Families will be consulted in the development of holistic programs that are responsive to children’s

lives, interests, learning styles, genders and reflect children’s family, culture and community.

• Educators will create opportunities for children to learn about, develop respect for, and celebrate the

diversity that exists in the service and in the broader community by:

o Encouraging all families, children and other educators to share their experiences, skills,

cultures and beliefs;

o Inviting community members to the service to share their stories, songs, experiences, skills,

cultures and beliefs;

o Accessing and using a range of resources (including multi-cultural and multi-lingual

resources) that reflect the diversity of children and families in the service and in the broader

community.

CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS Educators will provide each child, regardless of their additional needs and abilities with a supportive and

inclusive environment that allows each child to fully participate in their education and care at the service.

Educators will ensure that all children are treated equally and fairly and that each child will have the

opportunity to grow and develop to their individual potential.

When presented with a child who has special needs, Nominated Supervisor and Approved Provider will:

• Ensure the indoor and the outdoor environment will be suitable for children with additional needs.

The physical environment will be arranged so it is suitable for all persons regardless of mobility to

minimise barriers to participation

• Ensure the program and curriculum meets the needs of all children, including children with additional

needs

• Encourage families to meet with the Educators who will be working with the child before the child

commences care, allowing the Educators to discuss and understand the child’s needs and ensure the

appropriate resources and support are provided to both the family and the child

• Access professional development for educators to help the service meet the needs of each child with

additional needs

• Seek assistance, training and where possible, financial funding from inclusive support agencies to

promote the development of skills in children with identified additional needs

• Ensure no information regarding a child will be given out to a person who is not that child’s parent or

guardian, without the parent/guardians permission.

Staff and educators will:

• Treat all children equally and regardless of perceived differences and ensure each child is supported

to participate in the program

• Act as advocates for all children’s rights

• Ensure the environment and equipment used by Educators will be flexible and be able to adapt to

each child’s needs within the service to support the inclusion of children with additional needs

• Program experiences for each child to suit individual abilities, strengths and interests also considering

any professional support plans for the child

• Support children to treat all peers equally and fairly, with programming experiences that allow

children to explore emotions such as compromise and empathy. Educators will listen carefully to

children’s concerns and discussing diverse perspectives on issues of inclusion and exclusion and fair

and unfair behaviour

• Recognise families as having expert knowledge about their child’s needs, abilities and interests and

will consult with them regularly to collaborate and create a continuity of learning in conjunction with

professional support plans and cohesive practices from home

• Work with other professionals who play a role in supporting the child’s development

• Seek specific professional intervention and training to support a within the service

• Document about the individual child with additional needs may be used to develop an individual

support plan that will kept on file at the service and shared with families, the child’s medical

practitioners and/or professional support services

• Act as role models by displaying appropriate behaviour and language, being consistently aware of and

responsive to children who may require additional support, attention or assistance

• Discuss a wide range of emotions, thoughts and views constructively with the children within a

supportive environment

• Not judge or compare one child’s development with another.

EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• The nominated supervisor and educators will attend professional development that builds awareness

of their own cultural beliefs and values, increases their cultural competence and helps them to

challenge discrimination and prejudice.

• All educators will be provided with a copy of the Outside School Hours Care Code of Professional

Standards.

INCLUSION SUPPORT AGENCIES

• The service will access bicultural support workers when necessary and/or telephone translation

services and provide information on aspects of the service in languages that are spoken in the local

community to assist in communicating with families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• The service will access additional support, assistance and resources for children with additional needs

including children from diverse cultural backgrounds, children with high ongoing support needs and

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

• Educators will talk to children’s families about any concerns they have and offer the family links to

ther support services within the community such as Inclusion Support Agencies; FACS, Inclusion

Agency NSW/ACT, Community Health Services etc.

• Educators will work with families, inclusion support agencies and other specialists associated with the

child to develop individual support plans.

EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to provide an environment that facilitates the safety and wellbeing of children at

all times. All children and educators will be aware of, and practised in, emergency and evacuation procedures.

In the event of an emergency, natural disaster or threats of violence, these procedures will be immediately

implemented. Through implementing emergency drill procedures with children, educators will encourage

children to discuss possible scenarios where emergency procedures may be required and support children to

come up with solutions and ideas for improving on the procedures or discussing ways to avert emergency

situations.

RELATED LEGISLATION


• Regulation 85 Incident, injury, trauma and illness policies and procedures






• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

• Australian Standards for portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets

LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS • QA1 Educational Program and Practice



RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor to provide direction to other staff, children and visitors

about the required evacuation plan, protocols and behaviours if an emergency evacuation is required.

It is the responsibility of staff with specific first aid capabilities (the ability to apply treatments for first aid,

asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, asthma) to take charge of any situation requiring the administration of first aid,

and direct other staff available to assist in the most appropriate manner.

It is the responsibility of parents to provide written consent for educators to seek medical attention for their

child, if required, before they start at the centre. This will be recorded on the enrolment form. Parents are also

required to Inform the service of their child’s particular medical needs (if required) , and provide any relevant

paperwork to the service, such as dietary requirements, medical issues, immunisation status, preferred doctor

or dentist, Medicare number and expiry date etc.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders; parents, staff, children, to act in a safe and appropriate manner at all

times to ensure that no one is placed at risk or in danger of harm.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that effective emergency evacuation procedures are in

place and accessible at all times, and followed in the case of an emergency that requires evacuation..


• Ensure that emergency and evacuation procedures required under regulation 168 set out:

o instructions for what must be done in the event of an emergency

o an emergency and evacuation floor plan

• Ensure that a risk assessment is conducted to identify potential emergencies that are relevant to each

centre in operation by the service

• Ensure that emergency and evacuation procedures are rehearsed every 3 months by the staff

members, volunteers and children present at the service on the day of the rehearsal and the

responsible person in relation to the service who is present at the time of the rehearsal; and the

rehearsals of the emergency and evacuation procedures are documented

• Ensure that a copy of the emergency and evacuation floor plan and instructions are displayed in a

prominent position near each exit at the education and care service premise.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Squiggler Academy will act to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its children, staff and visitors by applying

the following safety precautions in relation to emergency situations.

• A risk assessment will be conducted by educators and management annually to review and refine

emergency procedures.

• Emergency evacuation procedures and floor plan will clearly be displayed in a prominent position

near the main entrance and exit of each room used by the service.

• All educators, including casual staff , will be informed of the procedure and their specific duties

identified in their orientation to the centre. Educators will make arrangements as to duties

undertaken in the absence of other staff.

• Children and educators will practice the emergency procedure at least twice a term, in all types of

care, before school, after school and at the beginning of vacation care.

• All emergency drills will be recorded with date, time and length of time it took to leave building.

Additional comments on recommendations for improvements can be also included in the record.

• Drills may be conducted more regularly when there are new children.

• Parents will be informed of the procedure and assembly points in the parent handbook.

• No child or educator is to go to their bags to collect personal items during an emergency evacuation,

as this will lead to confusion and delays.

• The centre will maintain the fire blanket and smoke detectors and have them checked regularly as per

the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Fire extinguishers will be installed and maintained in accordance with Australian Standard 2444.

Educators will be instructed in their operation.

• Educators will only attempt to extinguish if the fire is small, there is no threat to their personal safety

and they feel confident to operate the extinguisher and all the children have been evacuated from

the room.

• All staff members must be aware of the correct use of a fire extinguisher, the acronym PASS can be

used to train the staff in using fire extinguisher:

o Pull pin or release lock

o Aim low at the base of fire

o Squeeze handle

o Sweep fire extinguisher from side to side base of fire.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS

An emergency evacuation and fire drill will be conducted regularly with all children at least every 3

Months. When this occurs, educators are encouraged to make it a game aimed at reducing panic if emergency

occurs. The game should teach children to “STOP, DROP, ROLL” if their clothes catch fire and “ GET DOWN

AND GO, GO , GO” in case of a fire evacuation.

A record of each practice that includes an evaluation procedure and what action is to be taken if any, must be

kept for at least 2 years.

The evacuation plan will include:

• Routes of leaving the building suitable for all ages and abilities. These should be clearly mapped out

• Plan of the fire extinguisher are located displayed in a public place

• A safe assembly point away from access of emergency services

• An alternative assembly area in case the first one becomes unsafe

• List of items to be collected and by whom

• List of current emergency numbers

• Staff duties in the emergency.

Educators will be nominated to:

• Make an announcement to evacuate, identifying where and how

• Collect children’s attendance records and parent’s contact numbers

• Collect emergency services numbers

• Make the phone call to 000 or other appropriate service, management and parents as required

• Collect the first aid kit

• Check the building and playground is empty and that all doors and windows are closed as far as

possible, to reduce the spread of a fire

• Supervise the children at the assembly area, and take a roll call of children

• Educators should be aware of any visitors

• When the emergency service arrives the Coordinator will inform the officer in charge of the nature

and location of the emergency and if there is anyone missing.

No one should re-enter the building until the officer in charge has said it is safe to do so.

HARASSMENT AND THREATS OF VIOLENCE

If a person/s known or unknown to the service harasses or makes threats to children or educators at the

service, or an excursion, educators will:

• Calmly and politely ask them to leave the centre or the vicinity of the children

• Be firm and clear and remember your primary duty is to the children in your care

• If they refuse to leave, explain that it may be necessary to call the police to remove them

• If the Coordinator is unable to make the call, another staff member should be directed to do so.

Educators should liaise with team members in advance to determine a code phrase that will alert another

team member to a threat situation arising and prompt them to contact police.

• Where possible, educators must endeavour to calmly move the children away from the person and

this may be achieved quickly with the use of another code phrase that will encourage word of mouth

transmission between children to move quickly from the area to another safer environment without

causing them alarm (as an example, the reminder to a child that ice cream is being served today in

the hall for all children).

• No educator should attempt to physically remove the unwelcome person, but try to remain calm and

keep the person calm as far as possible and wait for the police.

• Educators should be aware of any unfamiliar person on the premises and find out what they want as

quickly as possible and try to contain them outside the centre.

EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN SITUATIONS Not all emergency situations will require services to evacuate from the premises. Some situations, such as the

threat of a violent person or a police operation in the vicinity, may require the service to go into lockdown.

Examples of potential lockdown situations: When there is a foreseeable threat of harm to educators, children or visitors caused by but not limited to the following:

• Bad weather.

• Toxic/chemical spills.

• Dangerous and/or threatening persons.

• Unwanted/uninvited visitors.

• Violent, intoxicated and/or drug affected persons.

• Dangerous animals.

• Unidentified external disturbance.

Lockdown means that the service locks all doors and windows and where possible removes children,

educators and other adults from view. These situations may take time to be resolved and locations should be

selected to allow for easy access to kitchen and bathroom facilities. These areas will need to allow for children

to engage in small or large group experiences during the lockdown period.

Lockdown Procedure

Whoever finds or is made aware of the emergency situation blows three loud whistles

(continue if needed) and notifies the Nominated Supervisor.

All educators lock external doors and windows and close blinds or curtains where possible.

All available educators are to assist with moving children to the designated assembly point.

Where Police did not notify the service of the emergency situation, the Nominated

Supervisor on premises calls either of the numbers below, stating name, address of the service and

the nearest cross street.

• Landline – 000

• Mobile – 112

The delegated first aid person collects the emergency pack, mobile phone, educators sign in

sheets and children’s attendance records.

5. Check attendance rolls. If a person is missing, advise the Nominated Supervisor as soon as possible.

6. All educators support and supervise children’s wellbeing until the situation is resolved.

7. Delegated first aid person administers first aid if necessary. 8. From the assembly point, the Nominated Supervisor continues to liaise with emergency

services and other relevant agencies. 9. Delegated communications person contacts families or emergency contacts to notify them

of the emergency situation. If advised, arrange for children’s collection. 10. Remain in lockdown until advised of the all clear by emergency services.

Emergency Packs These should be checked to ensure there are adequate and replenished supplies available should an emergency situation occur. Emergency packs should contain:

• A fully stocked portable first aid kit.

• A site plan identifying exits from the building, safe spaces to shelter and assembly points.

• Asthma inhalers, auto adrenalin injection devices and / or other emergency medications

• required by children and educators.

• Bottled water and plastic cups.

• Sunscreen.

• Portable emergency contact sheet (laminated).

• A fully charged, working mobile phone.

• A copy of the evacuation plan and procedure.

To contact emergency services, dial 000 from landlines or 112 from mobile phones. Be prepared for the information they may ask you by having the following information ready:

• A contact phone number and/or UHF radio channel (remotely located services). • Your name and the education and care service name. • Your location - know your street address and the nearest cross road. • Note any specific landmarks. • The exact location of the emergency within your service – e.g. in the backyard. • Best entrance to use. • A brief description of the emergency. • The name of the person who will meet the emergency services.

ENROLMENT AND ORIENTATION POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure that each child’s enrolment is completed effectively, compliantly and

positively to ensure a welcoming start for each child at the service. Additionally, we aim to ensure that each

child and family receives adequate enrolment information and an orientation that provides both clarity and

comfort, and allows the family and child to feel safe and secure in the level of care that Squiggler provides. The

service will ensure the confidentiality of our families through provision of secure recording and storing

procedures.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Regulation 31 Condition on service approval—quality improvement plan

• Regulation 73 Educational program

• Regulation 111 Administrative space (centre-based services)

• Regulation 157 Access for parents

• Regulation 160 Child enrolment records to be kept by approved provider and family day care

educator

• Regulation 168(2)(k) Education and care service must have policies and procedures in relation to

enrolment and orientation

• Regulation 172 Notification of change to policies or procedures

LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS • QA5 Relationships with children

• QA6 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor to ensure that the families and children being enrolled into

the service receive adequate information about the service, including its philosophies, policies, procedures,

contacts and programs, and an induction and orientation that is both welcoming and informative.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to develop supportive, respectful relationships with families and

children from their first interaction with the service, through a clear, informative, compliant and efficient

enrolment process. Sguiggler offers enrolments to the service for primary school age children in accordance

with funding priorities and guidelines.

Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will ensure that:

• Families are supported from enrolment to be involved in the service and contribute to service

decisions

• Prospective families are:

o invited and encouraged to visit and become familiar with the service before their child starts

o encouraged to talk with service staff about the values and expectations they hold in relation

to their child’s time at the service before, during and after the enrolment process

o encouraged to share information about other child-related services accessed by the family

• Families are encouraged to:

o stay with their child for as long as they choose during the settling-in period and on an

ongoing basis

o contact the service, and in particular their child’s educator/s during the day if they wish

educators assisting families to develop and maintain a routine for saying goodbye to their

child

• Each child is offered comfort and reassurance in a way that is suited to the child during separation

from their family

• Educators share honest information with families about how their child is settling into the service.

IMPLEMENTATION

An orientation process is in place for children and their families. The purpose of this is to:

Enable educators to meet and greet children and their families

• Provide essential operational information

• Form the foundation for a successful and caring partnership between home and the service.

• Help children develop a sense of belonging, feel accepted, develop attachments and trust those who

care for them.

ELIGIBILITY Access and eligibility will be subject to the Priority of Access Guidelines set down by the Department of

Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), these are:

• 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 under section 14 of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999

• Priority 3 – any other child.

Within these main categories, priority will also be given to the following children:

• Children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

• Children in families which include a disabled person

• Children in families on low incomes

• Children in families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

• Children in socially isolated families

• Children of single parents.

As well as the above, the service policy is that children must be enrolled in primary school in order to be

eligible to attend the service. Children of preschool age will not be accepted into the program, except for the

December/January Vacation care period immediately prior to them commencing Primary school – this

enrolment will be accepted if the child is enrolled to commence primary school.

INCLUSION OF CHILDREN ADDITIONAL NEEDS Parents will be asked to inform the service of any additional needs/medical conditions the child may have at

the time of enrolment. This information will be recorded by the parent on the child’s enrolment form and

upon notification the service will follow procedures set out in the medical conditions policy.

Provision of places for children with additional needs will be made wherever possible, with a regular review

period. Access to care will focus on the needs of the child and the service’s ability to meet these needs, and

may be dependent on receiving appropriate documents in order to apply for funding. Enrolment may be

subject to approval of government funding which may take up to 5 weeks to arrange. Ongoing arrangements

will be at the discretion of the Approved Provider in consultation with parents and centre educators.

WAITING LIST

Where demand for care exceeds the service’s number of approved places, families will be placed on the

service’s waiting list. When completing enrolment details for the waiting list families will be advised of the

Priority of Access Guidelines. To be placed on the waiting list you will need to do the following:

• Complete an expression of interest form or enrolment form.

• Contact the Centre Director by email to have your enrolment form dated and priority of access noted.

Parents on a waiting list will be notified as soon as practicable that a vacancy has become available for their

child.

Waiting lists will be refreshed annually by email. A request for updating family details and contact numbers

will be sent to each family on the waiting list. If the service does not receive an updated reply by email and the

form is not returned to the service, families will be removed from the list, as it is presumed the family no

longer requires care.

Waiting lists are managed by the Director and are managed in the order they are received. Preference is given

to siblings or currently enrolled children, and based on priority of access guidelines.

ENROLMENT Depending upon availability of care, children may be enrolled at any time throughout the school year. An

Enrolment Form is to be completed for each family prior to a child attending the centre. The completed form

must be handed in to the centre, or emailed to the centre before the child/ren’s first day.

• The enrolment form must contain all relevant details relating to the personal, medical, and custodial

details for each child, parent or guardian and emergency contacts along with any special

requirements relating to that child. This includes child’s up to date immunisation record.

• If a child is subject to an access order or agreement, the service must have a copy on file plus any

subsequent alteration registered by the court in order for it to be enforced.

• The enrolment form in PDF format will be available on the website or directly from the service.

• An expression of interest can be made through the service’s website.

• Enrolments for the next calendar year will not be accepted until July in the year before the enrolment

start date.

• Places are first allocated to siblings of children currently enrolled and then based on priority of access

guidelines and order in which the forms are received.

• If families have been utilising a spot on a day the service has reached capacity and the family does not

meet the work/study priority of access guidelines, their spot may be cancelled and given to a family

on the waiting list that meets the work/study higher priority listing. In this case, at least 2 weeks’

notice in writing will be given to the family.

• Enrolments will not be accepted from families without full completion of the enrolment form.

• Enrolments will be created in line with the Priority of Access Guidelines and the Child Care

Management System (CCMS).

RE-ENROLMENT (EXISTING FAMILIES ENROLLING FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR) • A re-enrolment form must be completed and returned before the re-enrolment due date.

• For families that have secured their existing booked days, if they require any further days or changes

to days, they will be put on the waiting list after siblings and new enrolling children.

• Enrolment forms will be updated annually and when there are changes to family circumstances and

details. Parents must inform the centre of such changes as soon as possible.

• Once all forms have been returned, each family will be issued with an offer for the new year. If any

cancellations are made before the end of Term 4, children may lose their place to those already on

the waiting list. Example: if you have been offered and confirmed a place/s for 5 afternoons in 2017,

but cancel your bookings for the remainder of Term 4 in 2016, you could potentially be losing places

for the new year.

• If families have been utilising a spot on a day the service has reached capacity and the family does not

meet the work/study priority of access guidelines, their spot may be cancelled and given to a family

on the waiting list that meets the work/study higher priority listing. In this case, at least 2 weeks’

notice in writing will be given to the family.

IRREGULAR BOOKINGS (I.E. NON-PAID, NON-STANDARD BOOKING PATTERNS) • Irregular bookings will be discouraged unless ratified by the Approved Provider. However, they may

be considered:

o Provided families pay for unused days, normal waiting list procedures and priority-of-access

guidelines apply (i.e. regular bookings)

o If requested, Committee will apply discretion in granting irregular bookings for not-at-

capacity days based on (but not limited to) individual circumstances, capacity of service to

accommodate request and/or mirror bookings with other families (delegated to Director in

consultation with Committee).

• Irregular bookings are only valid for one term at a time and will be reviewed before the start of each

new term

• No irregular bookings on at-capacity days.

ATTENDANCE AND ENROLMENT RECORDS Accurate daily attendance records will be kept, which:

• Records the full name of each child attending the service

• Records the date and time each child arrives and departs

• Is signed on the child’s arrival and departure by either:

o the person who delivers or collects the child

o the Director (Nominated Supervisor) or an educator (Regulation 158)

• Meets the requirements of the Child Care Management System (CCMS)

• Will be kept in storage for three (3) years after the record was made, as stated in the Regulations.

An enrolment record for each child will be kept at the service which includes all details outlined in Regulations

160, 161 and 162.

CHILD’S ATTENDANCE ONCE ENROLLED • The service’s responsibility for the child begins when placed in the educator’s care by a parent or

guardian, or when they arrive from school for the afternoon session. If a child is to be absent on a

day they are normally booked, the family must notify the service as soon as possible. The rules for

Allowable Absences under CCMS will be followed in relation to all absences.

• A non-notification/search fee of $5 will be applied for those families who fail to notify the service by

3pm on the day the child is absent.

• If a child who is enrolled with the service, but is not on the roll for a particular day, arrives at the

service, the Director (Nominated Supervisor), or the educator in day to day charge (responsible

person) will be contacted immediately to see if the child has been booked in for the day.

• If a child who is enrolled with the service but fails to arrive at the centre the Director (Nominated

Supervisor), or the educator in day to day charge (responsible person) will be contacted immediately

to see if the parent has contacted the centre regarding an absence. The centre will then contact the

parent.

• If a child has not been enrolled they must not be taken into care under any circumstances. In this

case, please contact the school and/or child’s parents (if possible) immediately.

CANCELLATION OF ENROLMENT Cancellation of an enrolment may be initiated in two different situations:

a) A parent advises the service that no further care needs to be provided (in writing), or

b) The service identifies that care is no longer required or being provided (CCMS Ending Enrolments)

When cancellation occurs, the following actions apply:

• Cancellations to Before or After school care bookings can only be processed during school terms.

• Cancellation periods cannot commence during school holiday periods, as vacation care runs entirely

as a separate service.

• Families wishing to cancel their child’s place at the service are required to provide two (2) weeks

written notice to the Director during school term, or they are liable to pay the equivalent of two

weeks’ child care fees to the service.

• If families cancel their bookings during term 4, their re-enrolment for the following year may be

cancelled also if there is a waiting list for those days, and their place may be given to a family on the

waiting list. We advise families to keep child/ren enrolled if they need those places again for the

following year to ensure those positions are held.

• CCMS guidelines will be followed once an enrolment is cancelled.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND STORAGE OF RECORDS Enrolment information will be kept in strict confidence according to the services Confidentiality Policy. All

enrolment records will be kept in a safe and secure place and kept for the period of time specified in the

Regulations (Regulations 158, 159,160, 183).

ORIENTATION • Families who are enrolling their child for the first time will be given a range of information and

notified of where policies are available to be read prior to the child’s first day at the service. Families

should read this information so that their child is prepared for their first day at the service and to give

them time to complete all relevant forms.

• For kindergarten starters and new year starters, an orientation will be planned so that children can

meet Squiggler educators, familiarise themselves with the environment and meet other children who

will be starting. Parents will attend an information session with the approved Provider to go through

important information and processes such as signing in and out, absences, payments, vacation care,

and receive information about the committee and service operations.

• For enrolment throughout the year, we recommend parents bring their children down to visit the

Approved provider and core staff. At this time, we can show the family around and show the child

where they will need to meet in the afternoons.

• Children are welcome to stay and play with their parent/guardian leading up to their start date.

FOR BEFORE SCHOOL CARE AND VACATION CARE • Parents should advise staff when they are greeted that it is their child’s first day at the service.

• An educator will introduce themselves and guide them through the sign-in/out process and show

them around the centre.

• An educator will team up the child with a child they know or who is in the same grade to show them

where the boundaries are, help make them aware of our routines, look after them and be a friend to

them.

• The parent will then meet with the Nominated Supervisor, or the responsible person on duty who will

answer any questions the parent may have.

FOR AFTER SCHOOL CARE • The child will be greeted on arrival at the service and an educator will show the child where the roll is

marked.

• An educator will team up the child with a child they know or who is in the same grade to show them

where the boundaries are, help make them aware of our routines, look after them and be a friend to

them.

• Educators will introduce themselves to new children and keep an eye on them as they settle in.

FOR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR • An educator is allocated to the new kindies for the first few weeks to help them settle in. The

Educator will introduce the kindies to other educators, show them the routines, take them on an out-

of-bounds walk and familiarise them with how our sessions are structured and how to gain the most

out of them. They will show them our equipment, explain any safety requirements, and train them in

any socialisation aspects that are expected of them.

• Parents must inform their child’s kindy teacher of the days their child will be attending Squiggler, and

if they are attending any extra casual days.

GENERAL ENROLMENT

• An enrollment form must be fully completed for each family before the child can attend the service.

• The Approved Provider is to go through the form with the parents prior to starting case to ensure all

the details have been completed when a parent is having difficulty in completing the form an

enrolment interview should be conducted and if necessary organized in the parent’s first language.

• The enrolment form must contain all relevant details relating to personal, medical and custodial

details for each child, parent or guardian and emergency contact along with any special requirements

relating to that child.

• If a child is subject to an access order or agreement, the service must have a copy on record plus any

subsequent alteration registered by the court.

• Evidence of court orders or agreements will be considered part of the enrolment in order to minimize

the likelihood of distressing situations occurring in the future.

• All enrolment forms are to be kept in a locked file and kept confidential from all but the approved

persons who enrolled the child, relevant educators, management and commonwealth and or State

Department officers.

• Enrolment forms are to be updated yearly or when there are changes to the family’s circumstances .

• To confirm re-enrolment in the following year, current parents are asked to fill in a simple re-

enrolment form at the end of each year, which updates their current circumstance and any changes

to care required.

• Parents will be advised that it is their responsibility to notify educators of any changes to their current

details on enrolment and through the parent information booklet.

• Depending on availability of care, children may be enrolled at any time throughout the year.

• Parents may also place their child on the waiting list for the current or upcoming year if they do not

require care immediately, care will be determined by availability and priority of access guidelines.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to increase the awareness of environmental responsibility amongst the children

who attend and all who operate within the service,. We aim to make our practices eco-friendly and involve all

children, families and educators so that we are successful. Sustainability is embedded in both our philosophy

and program.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• National Law Section 168 Offence relating to required programs

• Regulation 73(2)(b) Educational program is to contribute to the outcome that each child will be

connected with and contribute to his or her world


• QA1 Educational Program and Practice


RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of each carer, educator and facilitator at the service to set an example by demonstrating

sustainable practices to children and colleagues; follow the policy in place; educate children on how to act

sustainably; reuse, recycle and conserve resources at all possible times and develop educational activities to

increase the children’s awareness of sustainability.

It is the educational leader’s responsibility to ensure that sustainability is an element that exists within each

educational program in place at Squiggler, and that those who deliver programs understand how to ensure

these practices are facilitated.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy that our centre, programs and operations will always operate in an

environmentally sustainable manner, conserve resources, and embrace the concepts of recycling and reuse

wherever possible.


• Comply with all relevant government legislation, policies and planning instruments

• Meet obligations required for Australian Government environmental and sustainability reporting

• Minimise adverse environmental impacts and promoting sustainability

• Follow efficient, effective and economical procurement practices, including:

• the assessment of products on a whole-of-life cycle basis and evaluating suppliers for social

responsibility

• carefully managing resource consumption and demand thereby improving product utilisation,

efficiency and financial performance,

• adhere to environmental standards, principles and practices for energy use, greenhouse gas

emissions, ozone depleting substances; resource use; product, supplier and materials selection;

materials waste and resource recovery; and potable water use and waste water treatment.

IMPLEMENTATION

Squiggler supports commitments to reduce its impact on the environment and to adopt practices that use

resources sustainably.

ROUTINES Children, families and educators to share and engage in eco-friendly practices, to aim to give children and their

families an awareness of the need to protect the planet and its future for the generations to come. The service

will make the following part of their daily routine:

• Recycling

• Water Conservation

• Energy Conservation

• Gardening

• Purchasing sustainable equipment

• Using recycled material for craft

• Sustainability to be included in newsletters

• Sustainability to be an item on meeting agendas and relate to the Quality Improvement Plan

• Maintaining a sustainability checklist

• Saving leftover drinking water to place in the garden.

• Turn off taps, light switches etc.

Additionally, on a regular basis, the Squiggler Academy will:

• Review procedures and policies regularly to make them more sustainable

• Reduce paper by considering electronic newsletters, invoices, enrolment records etc

• Keep up to date with your local council and Government departments regarding information on

sustainable practices in your local community

• Look for grants that allow improved water and energy conservation

• Ensure educators role model good sustainable practices

• Use recycled materials as containers instead of using new plastic containers

• Encourage children to recycle paper and put a recycling container on the craft table to encourage

them to use it

• Embed sustainability the program; discuss it with the children and the families; ask the children and

the families to come up with some ideas to improve the sustainability of the service

• If possible, establish a garden, a worm farm and a compost bin and discuss with the children how it all

works and why we need to do this

• Reduce the amount of plastic and disposable equipment at the service and aim to purchase materials

made from natural fibres

• Place “Reduce, re-use and recycle” signs at the service

• Communicate with families about how they can help their children learn about sustainability and

what they can do at home, as well as at the service.

EXCURSION AND TRANSPORTATION POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy believes that children and staff travelling to and from school and excursions have the

right to be safe. As such, Squiggler will aim to ensure that all modes of transportation undertaken are safe and

comply with all the required regulations, risk assessments are conducted on all proposed external excursions

and activities and that at all times when on excursions, reasonable precautions will be taken and adequate

supervision provided to ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.

Squiggler aims to include excursions in some of its programs, including vacation holiday care and special

events. Excursions will be designed to allow children to explore their physical and social environment,

including their local community, away from the centre’s premises, and nurture children’s development of life

skills and provide new play and leisure experiences.

RELATED LEGISLATION







premises



• Regulation 83 Staff members and family day care educators not to be affected by alcohol or drugs













• NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2001





RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor/Centre Manager to ensure:

• That adequate numbers of staff are rostered for each excursion so that adequate supervision can be

provided to ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.

• That sufficient risk assessments have been conducted for all activities being undertaken while on

excursions.

• That parents are informed and fully aware of the excursion activities proposed, and the risks involved

and have signed a consent form.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that at all times when on excursions, reasonable

precautions will be taken and adequate supervision provided to ensure children are protected from harm and

hazard.

• Parental permission will be sought for all excursions, and each excursion will be carefully planned and

the potential risks assessed.

• When planning excursions, educators will take into consideration experiences that encourage

children to investigate ideas, solve problems and use complex concepts and thinking, reasoning and

hypothesising and to transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.

• Children will:

o be supervised in all areas of the service, by being in sight and/or hearing of an educator at all

times, including during toileting, sleep, rest and transition routines

o be unable to access unsupervised or unsafe areas in the service

o only be taken outside the service premises by an educator, coordinator, nominated

supervisor, parent or authorised nominee.

• Educators will:

o supervise children closely when they are in a situation that presents a higher risk of injury—

for example, during water play or woodwork experiences or on an excursion

o adjust their levels of supervision depending on the area of the service and the skills, age mix,

dynamics and size of the group of children they are supervising

o talk with children about safety issues and correct use of equipment and the environment

and, where appropriate, involving children in setting safety rules

o discuss sun safety with children and implementing appropriate measures to protect children

from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation such as sunburn.

IMPLEMENTATION

When on an excursion, or being transported to or from the service, the procedures below must be adhered to.

• All children travelling on Squiggler activities must have the written consent of their parents.

• An all-weather meeting place will be established when collecting children from school.

• All vehicles used by the centre will comply with the appropriate road and transport regulations, will

be mechanically sound, undergo regular maintenance and have third party and possess

comprehensive insurance.

• Before travelling in the vehicle the staff member will ensure that all children wear a seatbelt or, in a

bus, where seatbelts are fitted.

• A First Aid Kit will be carried on the vehicle.

• Children will be required to remain seated and not behave in a dangerous or distracting manner.

• The driver will stop the vehicle if necessary, in a safe place until the children comply with instructions.

• When dropping off or picking up children, the bus should be parked in a location which limits

potential hazards to children.

• The driver will ensure that the vehicle can carry the appropriate number of passengers for the vehicle

and that it is not overloaded.

• All drivers will carry the centre’s name, address and contact number at all times. An emergency

contact number should also be provided.

IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN • Either the staff person in charge or the driver will phone the centre to inform the Coordinator (if they

are not present).

• The Coordinator and the staff member will discuss suitable alternative transport and organise for this

to be undertaken.

• The Nominated Supervisor will ensure that the children are kept safe at all times.

• The Coordinator will inform the parents of the breakdown if necessary.

IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT • The staff person in charge or the driver will:

o Check to see if any children or staff are hurt, conduct first aid and phone for an ambulance if

necessary; phone the police if necessary (in the event of personal injury or property damage)

o Comfort and calm the children

o Ensure that the children are safe at all times

o Take the required details of the other driver involved: name, contact, registration number,

driver’s licence, insurer and any damage made to either vehicle

o Phone the centre to inform the Coordinator, and organise alternative transport

o Make a written statement to police regarding circumstances of the accident

o Make an accident report on return to the centre.

• Where possible, a mobile phone should be carried in case of accident or emergency and children

should be instructed to stay with the vehicle until assistance arrives.

• The centre’s details will always be carried on the vehicle.

• In a situation where there is only one staff member in attendance, a mobile phone will be allocated to

take on the journey, so that no one needs to leave children unattended.

• The Coordinator will inform the parents of the incident, and ensure that all the appropriate accident

procedures are undertaken.

WHEN TRANSPORTING CHILDREN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT • Staff will:

o Ensure that a list of the children’s names and number of children travelling is taken

o Take the centre’s name, address and contact numbers with them

o Conduct a head count on a regular basis assist children in getting on and off the mode of

transport

o Ensure that all children are accounted for before allowing the vehicle to leave.

WHEN TRANSPORTING CHILDREN BY FOOT • Staff will:

o Ensure that the safest route is taken

o Ensure children cross the road at the crossing or lights where available, and obey the road

rules

o Undertake extreme care crossing all roads

o Keep children together as a group and walk in line on pavements. Staff members are to

remain vigilant to ensure that no child runs ahead, lags too far behind the group or acts

inappropriately

o Take appropriate wet weather gear, jackets or sun hats to use as required

o Make children aware of all the rules associated with all the modes of transport and will

ensure that these rules are enforced.

FAMILIES AND VOLUNTEERS • Families will be encouraged to participate in excursions to assist in maintaining suitable child/staff

ratios. If the parent needs to bring their child’s sibling because they cannot find suitable care, the

siblings must be included in ratios.

• If additional adults are required volunteers will be invited. Volunteers will be mature, responsible

people who are aware of the hazards and responsibilities of taking a group of children out the service.

• Family members/volunteers will not to be left in sole charge of children and must be supervised by an

educator at all times.

• All volunteers/family members’ details will be entered into the appropriate staff record for that day.

TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC

• Safety of children will be considered in the choice of route and mode of transport. Our service will

follow all applicable NSW road rules as well as the Kids and Traffic best practice recommendations for

transporting young children safely in buses. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to protect

children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury.

• Educators will ensure children obey road rules and cross roads at a crossing or lights where available.

Educators will remain vigilant to ensure no child runs ahead or lags behind the group.

SUPERVISION • Supervision on excursions will ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children for the duration of the

excursion, taking into account ratios and all risks and hazards likely to be encountered.

• The venue will be assessed as safe for all children and adults on the excursion and will be easily

supervised and accessible.

WATER HAZARDS • No excursions will be conducted to a swimming pool or other water related activity. Where there are

significant water hazards (such as rivers, lakes or beaches), risk management strategies will be

identified and implemented.

CONDUCTING THE EXCURSION • All educators, volunteers and children attending will be informed of excursion timetable/itinerary,

special requirements, safety procedures, grouping of children and responsibilities.

• A list of children on the excursion will be left at the service and a copy carried by the delegated

Certified Supervisor.

• Before leaving on the excursion, a notice will be prominently displayed at the service which includes:

o itinerary and timetable

o mobile contact phone number.

• Items to be taken on excursions include:

o a suitable stocked first-aid kit including EpiPen

o a mobile phone

o children’s emergency contact numbers

o children’s medication, if required

o other items as required e.g. sunscreen, drinking cups, jackets etc.

If a child is lost on an excursion, we will always leave a staff member behind to look, while the other group

leaders escort the children’s back.

FEES POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to set fees which are affordable, fair and clearly communicated, and to collect

fees from families in a prompt and efficient manner. We will strive to ensure that our service is reasonably

priced and accessible for families in each community, and that there are clear systems in place that enable

seamless fee payment to be made.

RELATED LEGISLATION


• Regulations 173–176A Display and reporting of prescribed information

• Regulation 174A Prescribed information to accompany notice

• A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999

• Child Care Subsidy CCS Legislation

LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS • QA6 Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities


RESPONSIBILITY



and responsible people at the service. The Approved Provider must also be responsible for making sure fees

are always clearly communicated to parents through regular communication and the website, and that any

changes are made in line with the national regulations.

It is the responsibility of parents to pay fees in whole, on time, and in line with the stipulations set out during

enrolment.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to set fees annually, which ensure financial stability, and also equity

and accessibility for families. Fees will be paid by parents using an online, direct debit system, determined at

the time of enrolment.

Our service will set fees in accordance with its annual budget, in order to meet the income required to develop

and maintain a quality service for children and families. To maintain this system, the Approved Provider will

ratify the budget annually, or as necessary, and monitor it closely throughout the year.


• Ensure parents pay fees on time using the direct debit system, through clear communication at the

time of enrolment and payment reminders when required

• Direct parents and families to the website for clarification of fees and fee payment procedures

• Issue receipts to families once payments are made

• Provide a minimum of two (2) weeks’ notice to parents in the case of fee changes being made.

IMPLEMENTATION

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE Most Australian families are eligible to receive a Child Care Subsidy. Families who are eligible for the Federal

Government’s Child Care Subsidy will only be required to pay the daily gap fee, applicable to their daily

applicable to their financial circumstances. To have CCS applied to accounts, families must first register with

Centrelink and Confirm their child’s enrolments. Once this is done, Squiggler will be provided with a set

percentage to deduct from a child’s fees for to a certain number of hours each fortnight. Once this cap is

reached, full fees will apply, however, the allocated number of hours resets each fortnight. Where required,

the service will provide will provide families with information relating to Special Child Care Subsidy, Jobs

Education and Training, and Grandparents Child Care Benefits.

BOOKINGS AND CANCELLATIONS Each family is expected to make bookings in advance, for the care sessions required. Bookings will only be

accepted when families have completed the service’s enrolment form in full. Families wishing to cancel their

child’s place at the service are required to provide two (2) weeks’ written notice to the Administration Officer

or Approved Provider, or they are liable to pay the equivalent of two weeks’

childcare fees to the service.

ABSENCES Fees are payable for family holidays and sick days if those days fall on a day that a child is booked into the

service. The service will provide families information about approved and allowable absences and will adhere

to the Child Care Management System (CCMS).

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS If a public holiday falls within the school term, then normal before and after school care fees ARE PAYABLE as

usual for all permanent bookings. However, for Public holidays that fall within the school holiday period,

before and after school care fees are NOT PAYABLE.

SERVICE CLOSURE No fee is charged while the service is closed over the Christmas/New Year period.

PAYMENT OF FEES Fees must be paid once invoiced, by the stated due date. Families will be provided with a statement of fees

charged by the service. Failure to pay unpaid fees may result in debt recovery action being taken and

discontinuation of care for the child unless the family has initiated a repayment schedule for the unpaid fees

with the Administration Officer or Approved Provider.

DEBT RECOVERY

The Approved Provider reserves the right to take action to recover debts owing to the service. This may

include the engagement of debt collectors to recover the monies owed. Where a family owes any overdue fees

to the service, the child’s place may be suspended, until all outstanding monies are paid, or both parties agree

to a payment plan. Fees not paid by the due date will be followed up as below:

1. An initial letter stating fees are overdue will be sent 7 days after the fees due date, giving 10 working

days for payment. A late fee of $50 will be added to the invoice.

2. If payment is not received, families will be invited, by telephone, to attend a meeting with the

Administration Officer or Managing Director within 7 days to discuss a payment plan.

3. Failure to attend the meeting and continued non-payment for a period of 5 working days will result in

a second and final letter notifying the family that unless payment is made within 5 working days, or a

payment plan entered into, the child will be unable to attend the service.

4. If a signed payment plan is not adhered to, a follow-up process will commence at point

5. The approved provider will reserve the right to employ the service of a debt collector and the family

will be responsible for all fees associated with recovering the debt.

LATE COLLECTION FEE Childcare services operate during the following time periods

• 7:00am- 9:00am (Morning School Care)

• 3:00pm- 6:00pm (After School Care)

• 7:30am- 6:00pm (Vacation Day)

Staff are unable to accept children in the service outside of these hours. Should children be present after the

closing time, a late fee of $1 per minute after 6pm will apply. This fee must be paid in cash to the carer when

children are collected.

The hours and days of operation of the service will be displayed prominently within the service and on the

website. In circumstances that are beyond the control of families, for e.g. weather and traffic accidents, which

may result in them arriving late to collect their child, the educators/staff will have discretion to decide if

families will be charged the late fee.

Families who are frequently late collecting their children without a valid reason, may jeopardise their child’s

place at the service. Should be the case, the Administration Officer or Managing Director will meet with the

family to discuss this.

METHODS OF PAYMENT

Fees must be paid by using the Ezi-Debit System. This is a direct debit system that will be set up at the time of

enrolment.

Families will be given 14 days’ notice of any changes to the way in which fees are collected.

CONFIDENTIALITY All information in related to fees will be kept in strict confidence. Members of staff or the approved Provider

will not discuss individual names and details openly. Information will only be available to the nominated

persons required to take action, for e.g to initiate debt recovery. Families may access their own account

records at any time, or particular of fees will be available in writing to families, upon request.

INCREASE OF FEES The fees are set by The Approved Provider in order to meet the budget for each financial year.

There will be ongoing monitoring of the budget and, it should it necessary to amend fees, families will be given

a minimum of fourteen days’ notice of any fee increase.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FEES Families are required to read and sign Section 9, Payment of Fees and Section 10, Disclaimer/Informed

Consent of the service’s Enrolment Form.

FIRST AID, INCIDENT, INJURY, TRAUMA AND ILLNESS

POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, educators and visitors during the

service and on excursions, through proper care and attention in the event of an incident, injury, illness or

trauma.

In the case of an incident, Squiggler staff will make every attempt to ensure the situation is managed

effectively, to prevent any exacerbation. Family members or emergency contacts will be informed immediately

where the incident, injury, illness or trauma is deemed serious and be reported to the NSW Regulatory

Authority as per the National Law and Regulations.

Squiggler also aims to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of each child by using practices that promote

sensible, safe actions, minimising the risk of harm to children, educating children to act in a safe and

responsible manner and providing adequate supervision by staff trained in the required emergency protocols

(including the administration of first aid) required by the national quality standards.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Work, Health and safety Act 2011


• Regulation 77 Health, hygiene and safe food practices




• Regulation 88 Infectious diseases

• Regulation 89 First aid kits




• Regulation 93 Administration of medication

• Regulation 94 Exception to authorisation requirement – anaphylaxis or asthma emergency

• Regulation 95 Procedure for administration of medication

• Regulation 96 Self-administration of medication

• Regulation 136 First aid qualifications



• Regulation 177 Prescribed enrolment and other documents to be kept by approved provider

• Regulation 178 Prescribed enrolment and other documents to be kept by family day care educator






RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of staff with specific first aid capabilities (the ability to apply treatments for first aid,

asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, asthma) to take charge of any situation requiring the administration of first aid,

and direct other staff available to assist in the most appropriate manner.

It is the responsibility of parents to provide written consent for educators to seek medical attention for their

child, if required, before they start at the centre. This will be recorded on the enrolment form. Parents are also

required to Inform the service of their child’s particular medical needs (if required) , and provide any relevant

paperwork to the service, such as dietary requirements, medical issues, immunisation status, preferred doctor

or dentist, Medicare number and expiry date etc.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders; parents, staff, children, to act in a safe and appropriate manner at all

times to ensure that no one is placed at risk or in danger of harm.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that sufficient and effective first aid, trauma, illness and

injury management and hygiene practices are promoted, facilitated and implemented at all times. It is also

Squiggler’s policy that the health and safety of children while at the centre is the responsibility of all staff,

children and educators.


• Ensure that ensure that each of the following persons are in attendance at the centre and

immediately available in an emergency, at all times that children are being educated and cared for by

the service:

o at least one staff member or one nominated supervisor of the service who holds a current

approved first aid qualification

o at least one staff member or one nominated supervisor of the service who has undertaken

current approved anaphylaxis management training


current approved emergency asthma management training.

• Ensure that at all times, educators model and reinforce health and personal hygiene practices with

children and promote the continuity of children’s personal health and hygiene by sharing ownership

of routines and schedules with children, families and the community.

• Ensure that all programs, equipment, and services have undertaken adequate risk assessments by the

Approved Provider identification and risk benefit analysis and risk assessments have been completed.

• Ensure groupings of children are arranged to minimise the risk of illness and injuries

• Ensure educators:

o observe and promptly respond to signs of illness and injury in children

o observe the symptoms of children’s illnesses and injuries and systematically record and

share this information with families (and medical professionals where required)

o discuss health and safety issues with children

o involve children in developing guidelines to keep the service environment healthy and safe

o communicate with families about children’s health requirements in culturally sensitive ways

o implement appropriate practices when administering medication, including:

▪ checking the written authorisation from the parent or guardian

▪ checking that the medication does not exceed its use-by date and is supplied in its

original packaging

▪ checking that prescribed medication displays the child’s name

▪ storing medication appropriately

▪ completing records to indicate when medication is administered.

IMPLEMENTATION

When addressing incidents, injuries, trauma and illness, the following actions will be applied and considered by

the staff involved, the Nominated Supervisor and the Approved Provider.

• Parents must be notified of any incident, injury, trauma or illness as soon as practicable, but no longer

than 24, hours after the noticed incident, and will be provided with a copy of the report. Receive

access to this policy and notification of its existence.

• Educators are required to supply an emergency contact in case of an emergency or accident involving

themselves.

• If a child, educator or visitor has an accident while at the service they will be attended to immediately

by an educator who holds a first aid certificate.

• In case of medication being required in an emergency without prior consent of the parents/

guardians, educators are to secure that consent from a registered medical practitioner. anyone

injured will be kept under adult supervision until they recover and an authorised person takes charge

of them.

IN THE CASE OF A MINOR ACCIDENT • The first aid attendant will:

o Attend to the injury person, Assess the person

o Apply First aid as required

o Ensure first aider wearing disposable gloves used with any content with blood or bodily fluids

o Make sure that all blood or bodily fluids are cleaned up and disposed of in a safe manner

o Ensure that anyone who has come in contact with any blood or fluids wash in warm soapy

water

o Record the incident and treatment given in the incident book, indicating name, date, time,

nature of injury, how it occurred, the treatment given, by whom and ensure it is signed by

educators and witnessed if possible

o Obtain parent signature confirming knowledge of the accident

o Notify the parents either by phone after the incident if seen fit or on their arrival to collect

the child

• Parents should sign on a separate from that they have been informed of the accident.

IN THE CASE OF A MAJOR ACCIDENT REQUIRING MORE THAN FIRST AID • The first aid attendant will:

o Assess the injury, and decide whether the injured child needs to be attended to by local

doctor or whether an ambulance should be called and tell the Director/s of their decision

o Not transport the child to medical assistance in an staff member’s car

o If the injury is serious the first priority is to get immediate medical attention, although

parents or emergency contacts should be notified straight away

o If not possible there should be no delay in organising proper medical treatment, and other

educators can keep trying to contact the parents or emergency contacts in the meantime if

available

o Attend to the injured person and apply first aid as required

o Disposable gloves are used with any contact blood or bodily fluid as per the hygiene policy

o Ensure educators stay with the child until suitable help arrives, or further treatment is

delivered

o Ensure educators try to make the child comfortable, reassure them that they will be ok and

that their parent/caregiver’s will be on their way

o If an ambulance is called and the child is taken to hospital, ensure an educator accompanies

the child and takes the child’s medical records with them

o Complete a centre accident report and report to the regulatory authority.

• The other responsible educators will:

o Notify parents or emergency contact person immediately regarding what happened and the

action that is being taken including clear, directions of where the child is being taken.(e.g

hospital)

o Ensure every effort is made not to panic the parents and provide minimal detail regarding

the extent of the injuries

o Ensure that all blood or bodily fluids are cleaned up in a safe manner

o Ensure that anyone who has come in contact with any blood or fluids washes their hands in

warm soapy water

o Comfort other children and keep them calm, keeping them informed about what is

happening, and away from the injured child.

REPORTING SERIOUS INJURY Accidents which result in serious injury to a child must be reported as soon as possible and within 24hrs to:

• Parents/Guardians

• NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate,Department of Education and Communities

(Regardless if all documentation is not completed) www.det.nsw edu.au phone no: 1800619113

Fax no: 02 8633 1810

• The Directors

• Clear emergency procedure should be maintained for the other children at the service.

• The service will notify the parent/guardian that a serious incident has happened and advise them

to contact the relevant medical agency

• This information should be provided in an extremely sensitive manner.

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure it practices effective governance and leadership throughout the

organisation, in line with Quality Area 7 of the NQF, by operating with a skilled and engaged workforce, sound

administrative and risk management systems, well documented policies and procedures, regular reflective

practice, and a safe and healthy learning environment for children.

Consequently, Squiggler will strive to operate effectively and ethically, so that decisions are made in a

legitimate manner, and children, families, stakeholders and the local community continue to have confidence

in the service.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Section 12 Applicant must be fit and proper person

• Section 13 Matters to be taken into account in assessing whether fit and proper person

• Section 21 Reassessment of fitness and propriety

• Section 56 Notice of addition of nominated supervisor

• Section 56A Notice of change of a nominated supervisor’s name or contact details

• Section 161 Offence to operate education and care service without nominated supervisor

• Section 161A Offence for nominated supervisor not to meet prescribed minimum requirements

• Section 162 Offence to operate education and care service unless responsible person is present

• Section 162A Persons in day-to-day charge and nominated supervisors to have child protection

training

• Section 163 Offence relating to appointment or engagement of family day care coordinators

• Section 164 Offence relating to assistance to family day care educators

• Section 164A Offence relating to the education and care of children by family day care service




service premises

• Section 172 Offence to fail to display prescribed information

• Section 173 Offence to fail to notify certain circumstances to Regulatory Authority

• Section 174 Offence to fail to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority

• Section 174A Family day care educator to notify certain information to approved Provider

• Section 175 Offence relating to requirement to keep enrolment and other documents

• Section 188 Offence to engage person to whom prohibition notice applies

• Regulation 16 Matters relating to criminal history

• Regulation 31 Condition on service approval—quality improvement plan

• Regulation 55 Quality improvement plans

• Regulation 56 Review and revision of quality improvement plans

• Regulation 84 Awareness of child protection law

• Regulation 85–89 Incidents, injuries, trauma and illness




• Regulations 99–102 Collection of children from premises and excursions

• Regulation 116 Assessments of family day care residences and approved family day care venues

• Regulation 117A–117C Minimum requirements for persons in day-to-day change and nominated

supervisors

• Regulation 143A Minimum requirements for family day care educators


• Regulations 145–152 Staff and educator records – centre-based services

• Regulations 153–154 Register of family day care educators, coordinators and assistants

• Regulations 158–162 Attendance and enrolment records

• Regulations 163–166 Residents at family day care residences and family day care educator assistants

Regulation 167 Record of service’s compliance


• Regulations 173–176A Display and reporting of prescribed information

• Regulation 174A Prescribed information to accompany notice

• Regulations 177–179 Prescribed records

• Regulation 180 Evidence of prescribed insurance

• Regulations 181–184 Confidentiality and storage of records

• Regulation 185 Law and regulations to be available



• QA4 Staffing Arrangements


RESPONSIBILITY



and responsible people at the service. In relation to the regulations set out within the NQF, the company

Managing Director is the Approved Provider. The Managing Director, as the Approved Provider will ensure that

copies of the current policies and procedures required under regulation 168 are available for inspection at the

service at all times.

The responsibilities of the Approved Provider include the areas below:

• Compliance monitoring: Ensuring compliance with the objects purposes and values of the service,

and with its constitution.

• Organisational governance: Setting or approving policies, plans and monitoring performance against

them.

• Strategic planning: Reviewing and approving strategic direction and initiatives.

• Regulatory monitoring: Ensuring that the service complies with all relevant laws, regulations and

regulatory requirements.

• Financial monitoring: Establishing and maintaining systems of financial control, internal control and

performance reporting; reviewing the service’s budget; monitoring management and financial

performance to ensure the solvency, financial strength and operational performance of the service.

• Financial reporting: Considering and approving annual financial statements and required reporting

for the government.

• Organisational structure: Determining staffing balance, ensuring the right people are recruited in the

right roles for the right outcomes, and evaluating the performance of, rewarding staff, and if

necessary, dismissal.

• Risk management: Reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of risk management and compliance

in the service; agreeing to or ratifying all policies and decisions on matters which might create

significant risk to the service, financial or otherwise.

• Dispute management: Dealing with and managing conflicts that may arise within the organisation,

including conflicts arising between staff, or volunteers.

Each site will also have a nominated supervisor, who assists the educational staff with daily operations. This may be the Approved Provider, or another person.

Responsibilities of the Nominated Supervisor include:

• Developing and implementing organisational strategies and making recommendations to the

approved provider on significant strategic initiatives.

• Making recommendations for the appointment of staff, determining terms of appointment for staff,

evaluating performance and developing and maintaining succession plans for staff.

• Having input into the manual budget and managing day to day operations within the budget.

• Maintaining an effective risk management framework.

• Keeping the approved provider informed about any developments that may impact on the

• organisation's performance

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure there are systems in place to manage risk and enable the

effective management and operation of the service at all times. This includes ensuring there are processes,

plans and staff in place to maintain efficient and effective operational direction, confidentiality and privacy,

administration, risk, and complaints management.

Subsequently, the Approved Provider will maintain an effective governance and leadership framework by

ensuring the following items are in place and available for use and reference at all times.

• A statement of philosophy based on the service’s beliefs, values and aims for the educational

program that the framework provides.

• An effective and efficient management system to:

o enable the operation of a quality service

o ensure that all aspects of its operations, including policies and procedures, are consistent

with the principles underlying the National Law, National Regulations and any other

legislation that applies to the service

o manage foreseeable and long-term risks to the service’s operations and to children while

they attend the service.

• Ethical codes and practices that guide decision-making.

• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities that support effective decision-making and operation of the

service.

• An effective complaints management process.

• A continuous improvement approach to all aspects of the service and its educational program.

IMPLEMENTATION

The governance and management of the Squiggler Academy will involve adherence to and understanding of

the below articles, by each relevant staff member.

PHILOSOPHY AND POLICIES

• Policies and procedures will provide clear documentation that will define agreed and consistent ways

of doing things to achievement the stated outcomes.

• The development and review of the philosophy and policies will be an ongoing process.

• The philosophy and associated statement of purpose will underpin all other documentation and the

practices of the service and will reflect the principles of the service and will reflect the principles of

the Approved National Framework for school age care.

• There will be a collaborative and consultative process to support the development of the philosophy

that will include children, parents and educators.

• The statement of philosophy will be included in the quality improvement plan for the service.

• The Managing Director as Approved Provider will notify all stakeholders of the philosophy and the

policies. Policies can only be altered by the Approved Provider and the changes minuted as a record.

All documents will be dated and include nominated review dates.

• There will be a comprehensive index for the service policies, as it is likely that some policies may

address several aspects of operational practice.

• The service philosophy and policies will be available for all parents and staff and there will be

reference to this in all general service information.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• The Approved Provider will be responsible for developing and overseeing the budget of the service

and ensuring that the service operates within a responsible, sustainable financial framework. In line

with this responsibility the Managing Director will conduct a budget planning meeting each year as

part of its annual business planning. The details of budgeting and fees setting are set out under the

Fee Policy.

EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

• Appropriate equipment and furniture to meet the needs of the children and educators, will be well

maintained and safe. Processes will be in place for routine cleaning of toys and equipment

REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF THE SERVICE

• Ongoing review and evaluation of the service underpin the continuing development of the service.

The Managing Director will ensure that the evaluation involves families, children and educators/staff.

The development of a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) will form part of the review process of

reflection on what works well and what aspects of the service need further development. Suggestions

will be included in the QIP and discussed at staff meetings.

CONFIDENTIALITY

• All Staff members will maintain confidentiality in accordance with the national standards, legislation

and regulations. This is addressed in the Confidentiality Policy.

MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS

• The Service has a duty to keep adequate records about staff, families and children in order to operate

responsibly and legally.

• The service will protect the interests of the children, their families and the staff, using procedures to

ensure appropriate privacy and confidentiality.

• The Approved Provider assists in determining the process, storage place and timeline for the storage

of records.

• The service’s orientation and induction processes will include the provision of relevant information to

staff, children and families.

• Clear guidelines on who will have access to which particular records will be given to educators and

families: These will be available at all the times at the service.

• The Approved Provider will need to ensure that the record retention process meets the requirements

of the following government departments.

o Australian Tax Office (ATO)

o Family Assistance Office (FAO)

o Department for education, Employment and workplace Relations (DEEWR)

o In the event of operational cessation, the managing director will identify where the records

will be kept and seek professional advice on the winding up of the service.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Policies and procedures will be in place to address the legal requirements relating to safety in the

workplace and this information should underpin and service specific requirements, including

grievance/complaints procedures.

• Educators or staff will report back to the Managing Director or any Workplace, Health and Safety

issues as they arise.

INFECTIONS, DISEASES AND CONTAGIOUS ISSUES

POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to provide a safe and hygienic environment that promotes the health of children

and reduces the spread of infectious diseases through cleanliness, sterilisation, education, control and role-

modelling appropriate behaviours.

Squiggler understands that while it is not possible to prevent the spread of all infections and illnesses, effective

illness management practices and maintaining high standards of hygiene significantly

reduce the likelihood of children becoming ill. This involves reducing children’s exposure to materials, surfaces

and body fluids that may cause infection or illness. In helping children to take growing responsibility for their

own health and physical wellbeing, Squiggler aims to model and reinforce health and personal hygiene

practices with children, while promoting the continuity of children’s personal health and hygiene by sharing

ownership of routines and schedules with children, families and

the community.

RELATED LEGISLATION

























RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of all staff and educators to ensure the children attending the service each day are

healthy, and infection free, and that if children are found to possess an infection, that the policy is discussed

with their parents, and preventative action is taken in line with the policy.

It is the responsibility of parents to adhere to the stipulations spelt out in this policy, and keep any children

away from the service who have a contagious infection.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that the risk of, and spread of infectious diseases is

minimised at all times, so the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, educators, parents and families is

maintained.

As the care needs of a sick child cannot be met without dramatically reducing the general level of supervision

of the other children or risking other children’s health, parents may not to bring sick children to the service

and must collect children who are unwell. All care and consideration will be given to the child who becomes ill

while at the service.

Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will ensure:

• All floors, play surfaces, kitchen areas and equipment are cleaned and sterilized daily

• That play resources (like lego and toys) are regularly sterilised

• Children with infectious diseases are excluded from the service for the period recommended by the

Department of Health

• That all duty of care preparations and procedures are put in place when an infectious disease has

been identified as listed below

• Educators or children with identified infectious illness are not be accepted back into the service

without written authorisation from a general practitioner or medical professional

• That the service will, upon notification from parent, guardian or medical authority including general

practitioner, hospital, New South Wales Health Department, a pathology laboratory or registered

clinician, comply with the instructions of the New South Wales Health Department “Disease

Notification” procedures as below

• Adherence to The Public Health Act 2010, which requires that certain medical conditions be notified

to the Director-General, NSW Ministry of Health. This includes diseases and conditions which should

be notified to the local public health unit by the following groups:

o Medical Practitioners Pathology Laboratories Hospitals

o Primary Schools Child Care Centres

o NB: The Public Health Act 2010 also allows for Medical Practitioners and pathology

laboratories to make a notification if they believe a patient is suffering from another medical

condition or disease that may pose a significant risk to public health.

• All notifications remain strictly confidential.

IMPLEMENTATION

A child or adult will be considered sick if he/she:

a) Sleeps at unusual times or is lethargic

b) Has a fever over 38 degrees

c) Is crying constantly from discomfort

d) Vomits or has diarrhoea

e) Is in need of constant one on one care

f) Has an identified health issue or infectious disease.

Generally, when a child is sick, the following rules will be applied.

• If a child is unwell at home parents will be asked not to bring the child to the service.

• If a educators member is unwell they should not report for work. Educators should contact the

service Co-ordinator as soon as possible to inform them that they are unable to attend work.

• If a child at the service becomes ill or develops symptoms of an illness, the parents will be contacted

to take the child home.

• If a staff member becomes ill or develops symptoms at the service they can return home if able or

organize for someone to take them home.The Nominated Supervisor will organise a suitable

replacement as soon as possible.

• Any child who is ill will be comforted, cared for and placed in a quiet isolated area with adult

supervision until the child’s parent or other authorized adult takes them home.

• If the child has a fever, the parents will be informed and asked for permission to give paracetamol.

Paracetamol will not be given without permission.

• During a fever other methods will be employed to bring the child’s temperature down until the

parents arrive or help is sought. Such methods include: clothes removed as required, clear fluids

given, tepid sponges administered.

• If a child’s temperature is very high, cannot be brought down and parents cannot be contacted, the

child’s doctor will be contacted and permission sought to give paracetamol. If the situation becomes

serious the child will be taken to the doctor or an ambulance called.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES • Children and educators will be excluded from the service if they are ill with any contagious illness.

This includes diarrhoea and conjunctivitis.

• The period of exclusion will be based on the recommendations outlined by the Department of Health.

• The decision to exclude or re-admit a child or staff member will be the responsibility of the

Nominated Supervisor, based on the person’s symptoms, medical opinion and Department of Health

guidelines for children who have an infectious disease or who have been exposed to an infectious

disease.

• The Nominated Supervisor or staff members have the right to refuse access if concerned about the

child’s health.

• Children with diarrhoea will be excluded for 24 hours after the symptoms have disappeared or after a

normal stool.

• A doctor’s clearance certificate will be required for all infectious diseases before returning to the

service.

• Parents will be informed about the illness and infectious diseases policy on enrolment.

• Parents will be informed about the occurrence of an infectious disease in the service ensuring that

the individual rights of educators or children are not infringed upon.

• All educators will ensure proper hygiene practices are carried out at all times.

• Infectious diseases should be directed to the local Public Health Unit, and should be notified within 24

hours of diagnosis. All infectious diseases notification forms are available from Public Health Units.

• Under the provisions of the Public Health Act 1991 and Regulation, doctors, hospital chief executives

(or general managers), pathology laboratories, directors of childcare services and school principals are

required to notify the following diseases:

Diphtheria Measles Mumps Poliomyelitis

Rubella (German Measles) Pertussis (whooping Cough) Tetanus

HEAD LICE Head lice causes concern and frustration for some families, educators and children. This policy is intended to

outline roles, responsibilities and expectations of the service to assist with treating and controlling head lice in

a consistent and coordinated manner.

Whilst families have the primary responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice our service will

work in a cooperative and collaborative manner to assist all families to manage head lice effectively.

• Children’s hair should be checked by families on a weekly basis, at home, using the recommended

conditioner/combing detection method.

• Children are not to attend the service with untreated head lice. Children with noticeable head lice

symptoms will be sent home immediately. (Children with only eggs present will sent home. Live lice

are able to spread but must not return until treatment has commenced).

• All household members will regularly check and treat if necessary. (Families will notify the service if

their child is found to have live lice so the service can monitor the number of cases and act

responsibly if a high number of cases are reported).

• Children with long hair will attend the service with their hair tied back.

• Families will only use safe and recommended practices to treat head lice.

• Families will maintain a sympathetic attitude and avoid stigmatising/blaming families who are having

trouble with control measures.

• Contact and inform the service as soon as lice are detected, and treatment has started so the service

can monitor cases and act responsibly.

To support families and the broader community of the service, and to achieve a consistent, collaborative

approach to head lice management the service will undertake to:

• Distribute up to date and accurate information on the detection, treatment and control of head lice

to families and educators

• Include information and updates in service newsletters

• Alert all families when a case of head lice has been detected (Maintaining confidentiality) through a

notice or sign

• Provide practical advice and maintain a sympathetic attitude and avoid stigmatising/blaming families

who are having trouble with control measures

• Exclude a child from the service only if live head lice are detected and re-commence care once

appropriate treatment has commenced

• Accept the advice of families that appropriate treatment has commenced

• Record confidentially all cases so an outbreak can be avoided

• Encourage children to learn about head lice to help them understand the issue and how to prevent

further outbreaks

• Be aware of real difficulties some parents may encounter and seek extra support if required

• Act responsibly and respectfully when dealing with families of the service especially around issues of

head lice and always treat all cases with strict confidentiality

• Continue to seek opportunities to increase our collective understanding of and response to managing

head lice.

Where do head lice come from?

Head lice have been around for thousands of years. As with any insect, they learn to adapt to their

environment in order to survive. We are never going to be completely rid of them, but we can make managing

them easier.

Do head lice fly or jump?

No, Head lice do not have wings, so cannot fly. They cannot jump, as they do not have “knees”.

So how do head lice move around?

Head lice CRAWL very fast and require head to head contact for transmission. It is possible that because of the

way young children play, head lice are seen more widely amongst primary school children than adolescents or

adults.

Can head lice spread disease?

No. A head lice infection is not a life-threatening health condition like similar health conditions such scabies

Do head lice live in carpets, clothes, hats or sheets?

No. Head lice very rarely fall from the head. They require blood to survive. Head lice feed 3 to 4 times a day

and without blood; will dehydrate in 6 hours in a dry climate and 24 hours in a humid climate. An egg requires

warmth to hatch and is the reason why they are laid close to the scalp. The further away from the scalp, the

less likely they are to survive.

Is it true that head lice only like clean hair?

No. Head lice are not selective. They don't care if hair is long, short, blonde, brown, washed this morning or

last week. As long as they are warm, and have blood to drink, then they are content.

What treatment kills 100% of head lice or eggs?

There is no single treatment that kills 100% of head lice or eggs. Whichever treatment you choose it can take

time and persistence to get rid of head lice. Use a method that will not risk the health of your child.

Is there a way to prevent head lice?

Not that we know of. It's important to check your child's head regularly with conditioner even if you think your

child has head lice. There is no research to prove that chemical or herbal therapies can prevent head lice.

How does the conditioner and comb method work?

Conditioner does not kill lice, but it does stun them for about 20 minutes, meaning they do not move around,

and it is difficult for them to hang on. This gives you time to comb through the hair with a lice comb.

How does a chemical treatment work?

Only use products that are licensed or registered for head lice. There are four different active chemicals that

target head lice, each works differently and aim to kill lice and/or eggs.

Do some products work better than others?

Over time, head lice may develop resistance to some chemicals. It is important to check if a treatment you

used has worked, and if not, treat again with another product that has a different chemical.

Why do you have to treat again in seven days' time?

Head lice eggs take 6 to 7 days to hatch and days, you are aiming to kill and comb out any lice that have since

hatched from eggs, which were missed.

Should I treat everyone in the family?

It is important to check each family member, using conditioner and comb, for head lice but only treat those

with live lice.

What should I wash or treat at home?

As head lice only live for a short time off the head, the only extra cleaning needed is to wash the pillowslip on

the hot cycle or place in clothes dryer. Head lice combs can be cleaned in water hotter than 60 degrees.

Why does my child keep getting re-infected?

Re-infection is the least likely reason for head lice returning in a week's time. If eggs do not die, or were not

removed during the original treatment they may hatch and the lifecycle occurs all over again. To break this

lifecycle, you must retreat (regardless of treatment method) seven days after the first treatment and continue

with weekly checking.

Does my child have to miss school?

According to the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001, children with head lice may be readmitted to

school after head lice treatment has commenced. A certificate from a doctor or council is not required before

your child goes back to school. Children do not catch head lice from school; they catch it from other children

when they gather together at schools. Head lice are not the fault of schools.

Helpful hints:

• Using the conditioner and comb method every week is the best way to detect head lice early and

minimise the problem.

• Tying back hair can also help prevent the spread of head lice.

• Many parents will complain that they are doing the right thing but other parents aren’t. Placing the

blame will not achieve anything. Instead of pointing the finger, help each other.

Treatment:

• Chemical: Treat and comb to remove the head lice and eggs, and repeat in 7 days.

• Non- chemical: Use conditioner and comb to remove the head lice and eggs, and repeat every 2 days

until no live lice have been found for 10 days.

NOTIFICATION PROCESS Squiggler staff should notify their local Public Health Unit by phone as soon as possible when made aware that

a child enrolled at the school or facility is suffering from one of the following vaccine preventable diseases:

Diphtheria Rubella (German measles) Haemophilus influenzae Type b

Mumps Tetanus Poliomyelitis (Hib)

Meningococcal disease Measles Pertussis (whooping cough)

In addition, in accordance with the NSW Health, the Centre Manager must notify Squiggler’s local Public

Health Unit by phone as soon as possible after they are made aware that a child enrolled at the facility is

suffering from one of the following diseases or medical conditions:

(Notifier codes: MP-Medical Practitioner; H-Hospital; L-Laboratory; SC-School / Child Care Centre Notification

by phone recommended)

AIDS [MP/H] Hendra virus [L] Paratyphoid [H/L]

Acute viral hepatitis (MP) Hepatitis A [L Pertussis [MP/H/L/SC Adverse event following immunisation [MP/H/L]

Hepatitis B [L] Plague [H/L}

Anthrax [L } Hepatitis C [L]

Poliomyelitis [H/L] Arboviral infection [L]

Hepatitis D (Delta) [L Psittacosis [L]

Avian Influenza [MP/H/L] Hepatitis E [L

Q Fever [L] Botulism [H/L

HIV [L] Rabies [H/L] Brucellosis [L

Influenza [L] Rotavirus [L]

Chancroid [L] Invasive pneumococcal infection [L]

Rubella [L/SC] Chlamydia [L]

Legionella infection [H/L] Lead poisoning (level of or above 10μg/dl) [L] Salmonella [L] Cholera [H/L]

SARS [MP/H/L] Creutzfeldt - Jacob disease [MP/H/L]

Leprosy [MP/H] Shigellosis [L]

Cryptosporidiosis [L] Leptospirosis [L]

Smallpox [MP/H/L] Listeriosis [L]

Diphtheria [H/L/SC] Donovanosis [L] Syphilis [MP/H/L] Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) [L]

Tetanus [H] Lyssavirus [H/L]

Food Borne illness [D/H] Tuberculosis [MP/H/L]

Malaria [L] Typhoid [H/L]

Gastroenteritis in an Institution [D/H] Giardiasis [L]

Measles [MP/H/L/SC] Typhus (epidemic) [H/L] Gonorrhoea [L] Meningococcal disease [H/L]

Verotoxin - producing E coli infections [L] Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome [H]

Mumps [L/SC] Viral haemorrhagic fever [H/L]

Haemophilus influenzae type b [H/L] Yellow fever [H/L]

As a matter of course educators of the service must be immediately notified by educators at other centres

where a disease or medical condition has been confirmed. Contact should be made by telephone immediately

upon receipt of information. In NSW calling 1300 066 055 will direct you to your local Public Health Unit.

The Approved Provider is also encouraged to seek advice from their local Public Health Unit when they suspect

an infectious disease outbreak is affecting their school or centre, such as outbreaks of a gastrointestinal or

respiratory illness. Other information can be obtained from the NSW Health website.

FOR BRIEF EXPLANATION ON DISEASES • http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Pages/a-to-z-infectious-diseases.aspx

• http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/controlguideline/Pages/default.aspx - for Control

• Guidelines and assistance in the prevention of spreading notifiable diseases

INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN

POLICY AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure that all interactions with children by educators and staff are positive

and conducive to their well-being, which convey mutual respect, equality and recognition of each child’s

strength and skills. Furthermore, that educators/staff and coordinators at Squiggler are intentional, purposeful

and thoughtful in their decisions and actions, that they undertake reflective practice as a form of ongoing

learning that involves engaging with questions of philosophy, ethics and practice, in order to enhance their

positive interactions and relationships with children. All educators and staff aim to ensure positive peer

interactions are encouraged and observed.

Additionally, it is Squiggler’s aim to ensure that interactions with and between families, parents, children and

the community are positive, supportive and constructive. This includes interactions between staff and parents,

parents and parents, and parents and children.

Additionally, the mixing of age groups is accepted, and encouraged, and programs are configured to provide

for each child’s comfort and to minimise the risk of overcrowding, while providing adequate supervision as

required by the Education and Care Services National Regulation 2011.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Section 166 Offence to use inappropriate discipline

• Regulation 155 Interactions with children

• Regulation 73 Educational program

• Regulation 156 Relationships in groups

• Regulation 168(2)(j) Policies and procedures are required in relation to interactions

• with children, including the matters set out in regulations 155 and 156


• QA5 Relationships with Children

RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of all educators to actively engage in children’s learning and share decision-making

with them, use their everyday interactions during play, routines and ongoing projects to stimulate their

thinking and to enrich their learning.

It is the responsibility of parents, guardians and children to be supportive, responsible and appropriate in all

their interactions, and to discuss any situations that occur to be otherwise.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy that respectful and equitable relationships are maintained with

each child, and that each child is supported to build and maintain sensitive and responsive relationships.


• Facilitate responsive and meaningful interactions build trusting relationships which engage and

support each child to feel secure, confident and included

• Ensure the dignity and rights of every child are maintained

• Ensure children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other

• Ensure Each child is supported to regulate their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the

behaviour of others and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts

• Provide an environment that reflects the principles in “My Time, Our Place” where the developments

of secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships with children are fostered and encouraged and

genuine respect for diversity and a commitment to equity is reflected in all our interactions with

children

• Endeavour to nurture each child’s optimism, happiness and sense of fun and recognise and respond

to barriers which may impact on children achieving a positive sense of self identify

• Utilise opportunities during interactions with children to develop an understanding of each other’s

expectations leading to a deeper understanding of each other and the negotiation of clear boundaries

regarding safety, respect for others and procedures for creating a caring environment.

IMPLEMENTATION

To facilitate an environment where interactions and relationship with children are positive, Squiggler commits

to undertaking the following actions.

STAFF TO CHILDREN INTERACTIONS • Provide relationships that are responsive, respectful and promote children’s sense of security and

belonging, free them to explore the environment and engage in learning.

• Educators/staff will communicate closely with parents/guardians to determine how individual

children indicate their needs, such as: hunger, toileting, tiredness, and emotions (happiness, sadness,

frustration).

• When tantrums occur, educators/staff must allow a child to calm down and then reassure the child.

The Educator/staff member can simply discuss what has happened with the child and then give an

alternative behaviour. For example: “If you are being hurt, next time come and tell me”.

• A kindergarten need for emerging independence will be encouraged where possible, Educators/staff

can utilise routine activities to initiate meaningful interactions.

• Most grade school children have a need for affection and reassurance. Grade school children can

often become frustrated, and are affected by separation from family. Educators/staff will be

responsive to this in ways appropriate to each individual family.

• When a staff member sees that an issue has occurred, they will work with children to determine what

has happened and set the best course of action to solve the problem by involving the child in the

discussion about right, wrong and moving forward, instead of dictating punishment.

CHILD TO CHILD INTERACTIONS • Educators/staff will support and encourage children to:

o Build and maintain sensitive and responsive relationships with other children and adults

o Verbalise feelings and ideas

o Listen to other children

o Show respect for others

o Develop good social skills

o Accept others of different culture, race and religion

o Be co-operative

o Have good relationships with one another

o Share experiences

o Show acceptance of routines

o Seek help when frustrated

o Interact with other children

o Be relaxed and happy with each other

o Contribute to activities and participate

o Respond to positive discipline practice

o Feel comfortable with themselves

o Respect other children’s space and privacy.

PARENT TO CHILD INTERACTIONS

• Educators/staff will support and encourage parents and guardians to:

o Maintain positive relationships with their children and the children of others, that are

conducive to their well-being, and convey mutual respect, equality and recognition of each

child’s strength and skills

o Adhere to the aims of this policy by demonstrating decisions and actions towards other

children that are intentional, purposeful and thoughtful in their execution

o Act responsibly and discreetly if there are any external issues that may affect a child’s

wellbeing, participation, sense of self or self-confidence

o Act maturely and calmly if there are any issues that exist between their child and another

child, and discuss these with Squiggler staff so they can be dealt with rationally.

MANUAL HANDLING POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, reduce the costs of manual

handling injuries both to the organisation and individuals, address any workplace factors which may increase

the risk of manual handling injuries and provide access to information on safe work procedures.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Work health and Safety Act 2011

• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017


• QA2 Children’s health and safety

• QA3 Physical environment

• QA7 Governance and leadership

RESPONSIBILITY



and responsible people at the service. The Approved Provider must take all reasonable action to protect

Squiggler workers and other people in the workplace from foreseeable risks to health and safety. This

includes:

• Implementing manual handling risk control strategies

• Developing safe work procedures

• Ensuring that equipment is available and well maintained

• Providing adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to workers on the risk of

manual handling, safe work procedures developed and the safe use of equipment provided.

Staff are also required to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of others and to

cooperate with the Approved Provider in activities to reduce the risk of injury. This includes:

• Cooperating with the employer in the identification of any manual handling hazards and

implementation of manual handling controls

• Follow safe work procedures

• Utilise equipment provided for manual handling

• Attend training as required

• Reporting any manual handling incidents.

POLICY STATEMENT

Squiggler is committed to the provision of a safe, healthy and productive workplace. Squiggler’ recognises that

hazardous manual tasks increase the risk of injury to workers and clients and will work towards reducing this

risk.

Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will undertake a number of

actions including:

• Thorough risk assessments of all identified hazardous manual tasks

• Provision of suitable lifting equipment for hazardous manual tasks

• Development of safe work procedures both client specific and generic, to outline how to undertake

the hazardous manual tasks safely

• Training of staff in manual handling principles and how to undertake the safe work procedures

• Encourage reporting of any manual handling incidents or hazards

• Investigation of all incidents where warranted.

IMPLEMENTATION

Squiggler has implemented a ‘minimal lift’ policy within this organisation. The implications of this policy are

that workers are required to avoid manual handling whenever possible and if not possible to avoid to utilise

assistance whenever possible to undertake hazardous manual tasks.

PROCEDURES FOR MANAGING AND MONITORING SAFE MANUAL HANDLING

• Staff are encouraged to use their common sense and not to take unnecessary risks when handling

large/heavy objects.

• When lifting a child or object weighing more than 15 kilos, staff are required to seek assistance.

• Manual handling and correct lifting/back care training will be provided every two years depending

upon staff turnover. Training will be provided by a physiotherapist or by Work cover. Application for

training in specific areas will be considered.

• It is the responsibility of all staff to follow the attached procedures and assist by identifying manual

handling hazards and risks.

• Staff are to be provided with the handouts - 'Understanding your Back'; 'Child Care and Your Back'

and 'Exercises for your Back' during their orientation.

• The OH&S Officer will conduct checks each semester to monitor use of manual handling across the

centre. Any difficulties noted in these checks will be dealt with immediately.

MANAGING RISKS FOR MANUAL HANDLING

• Identify risks - discuss issues with staff and check past records of incidents/accidents.

• Assess risks - how much strain, pressure, stress, weight, force, grip, skill and duration is required for

each activity.

• Control risks - when designing tasks in order to minimise injury, look at changing the way jobs are

done, changing the layout of the workplace and changing the equipment.

• Storage of equipment. Every reasonable effort will be made to store all heavy equipment below

shoulder height.

CORRECT LIFTING PRACTICES

• Staff must never twist while lifting.

• When staff lift a child or object they should not stretch over and lift, but lean close and raise as close

as possible to their body.

• When lifting staff must:-

o place their feet apart in a striding position

o keep their breastbone elevated

o bend their knees

o brace their stomach muscles

o hold child or object close to their body

o move their feet not their spine to stand up

o prepare to move in a forward direction.

• Staff should transfer heavy items to smaller containers to reduce weight.

• Staff should:-

o kneel where possible

o avoid sitting on child sized chairs where possible

o refrain from carrying children on their hip

o lift children with one arm under their buttocks and the other arm under their backs, with the

child facing them.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure that any child with a permanent medical condition is accommodated at

the service by ensuring that measures are taken to provide a caring, nurturing, inclusive environment, and that

adequate facilities, supervision and care are available. The service is committed to effectively respond to all

medical conditions, and provide assistance with medical administration where necessary, through qualified

staff.

RELATED LEGISLATION
























RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to:

• Complete the enrolment form including medical conditions and treatment/medication required

• Notify the service of ‘self-administering’ of medication required by their child

• Inform the centre and educators at the time of enrolment or as soon as child is diagnosed of their

child’s illness

• Provide specific requirements such as Ventolin or an EpiPen where necessary

• Provide the centre with any management plan signed by a medical practitioner which clearly outlines

any procedures to be followed by educators in the event of an incident relating to the child’s specific

health care need

• Inform the nominated supervisor of any changes to their current management plan

• Provide an adequate list of contacts to use in the case that a child suffers from a medical emergency

• In case of a medical emergency, understand that an authorised person may remove a child from the

centre without written permission, provided they are specified as lawfully authorised person.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that any children with specific medical conditions have their

health and safety managed appropriately, are not excluded from or disadvantaged by the service unless their

condition is contagious, and are provided appropriate supervision when at the service.


• Ensure that ensure that each of the following persons are in attendance at the centre and

immediately available in an emergency, at all times that children are being educated and cared for by

the service:

o at least one staff member or one nominated supervisor of the service who holds a current

approved first aid qualification;


current approved anaphylaxis management training;


current approved emergency asthma management training

• Be informed of any new technology or treatment for permanent conditions wherever possible

• Be notified of each child’s specific requirements and educators have access to all medical records kept

at the service

• Maintain up-to-date medical records on each child

• Provide financial statements to parents/guardians with a detachable section on which medical

conditions can be updated for each child

• In accordance with the Ministry of Health (NSW Health Department) direction as at January 2014,

ensure no child will be accepted by service without medical evidence of vaccination

• In accordance with National Regulation 94, administer immediate action in the event of a

child/children having anaphylactic shock/attack and an asthma attack. Educators are trained in First

Aid and keep this training up to date

• Ensures the service adheres to privacy and confidentiality procedures when dealing with individual

health needs

• Ensure medical conditions are up to date and current

• Have easy access to medical records in the event of an emergency

• Keep current information about each child up-to-date, such as Medicare card numbers, private health

cover details, General Practitioner’s details, Dentist details, Religious requirements in case of an

accident

• Be afforded every available opportunity to keep qualifications related to medical conditions and First

Aid current.

IMPLEMENTATION

The service’s Enrolment Form provides an opportunity for parents to help the service effectively meet their

child’s needs relating to any medical condition. Each enrolment will be carefully assessed on a case-by-case

basis to ensure that the physical environment and educators’ training are adequate enough to ensure the

health and wellbeing of the child can be guaranteed at all times.

INFORMATION THAT MUST BE PROVIDED ON THE ENROLMENT FORM The following information must be completed on the Enrolment Form, and any information will be attached to

the enrolment form as necessary and kept on file at the service:

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Allergies

• Anaphylaxis

• Diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis

• Any other specific medical condition(s) mentioned by a child’s parents or registered medical

practitioner using the Enrolment Form.

• Any other specific medical condition(s) mentioned by a child’s parents or registered medical

practitioner at any point during the child’s education and care at the service.

COMMUNICATION AND DISPLAY OF MEDICAL INFORMATION

• A communication plan will be discussed and incorporated into the Induction and Orientation of new

and existing staff of the Medical conditions Policy, the medical management plan and risk

minimization plan for children. The purpose of the communication plan is to ensure all educators and

volunteers have access and are informed of each child’s requirements or needs and where necessary,

the service will ensure training is undertaken where specific needs are required such as the use of a

EpiPen, ventilator for asthmatics.

• The service will display ‘emergency procedures’ for incidents such as epilepsy, accidents and minor

incidents. The service retains information on medical conditions such as Asthma and Anaphylaxis

guidelines. A CPR chart is actively displayed. Parents are encouraged to provide specific requirements

for their child’s needs.

• The communication plan includes providing several avenues for parents to communicate any changes

to the medical management plan. This can be done via webpage, email, phone, communication box,

verbally to Admin staff or during our six monthly information update sent out by Admin. Upon

enrolment, parents will be advised of how to and the importance of updating the medical

information.

• Parents record known allergens or triggers on enrolment form. This information is printed out daily,

for educators and volunteers to view at sign in at the start of their shift.

• Any child enrolled at the service with anaphylaxis allergies, diagnosed asthma or required medication

will not be able to attend the service without medication prescribed by their medical practitioner.

DIABETES PROGRAM The service acknowledges that students with diabetes can do everything their peers can do, but due to their

diabetes they may require:

• Special consideration

• special provisions for privacy if testing blood glucose levels and injecting insulin at school

• Extra consideration if unwell

• Special provisions when sitting exams

• Extra toilet privileges

• Close supervision

• To eat at additional times, especially with physical activity.

RISK MINIMISATION PLAN TO MINIMISE ALLERGIC REACTIONS This plan has been developed to minimise potential allergens and risks to children in our care who have been

identified who suffer from Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergies or other conditions. If your child needs additional

strategies to minimize an allergic reaction, please speak to the Nominated Supervisor or Admin staff. These

extra triggers will be placed on our Medical Quick Reference list, which is printed with the daily roll. This list is

viewed daily by all educators at commencement of their shift.

ANAPHYLAXIS In developing a risk minimisation plan, several factors were taken into account including: age of children at

risk; what the child and/ or children are allergic to; the severity of the child and/or children’s allergy; the

environment; level of training or education educators have received and consultation with parents/guardians

regarding any risk/allergy that their child/children have had diagnosed or family history. The strategies

outlined below will only apply to the children that have been identified as suffering from allergies. At least one

educator will hold a current approved First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma training certificate. The service

considers obligations for children at risk of anaphylaxis include food allergies, insect allergies and asthma and

pollen.

INSECT STING ALLERGY Strategies that reduce the risk of insect stings vary depending on the insect the person is allergic to. Strategies

both at OOSH and on excursions will include:

• Considering plant allergies when gardening or planting

• Where practicable, wearing shoes outdoors near ant mounds and wear gloves when involved in

outdoor gardening activities

• Asking parents to supply and apply insect repellents that contain DEET Diethyltoluamide, N, N-diethyl-

3-methylbenzamide)

• Ensuring educators are cautious around bodies of water that may invite insects, e.g. Chlorinated pools

attract bees; stagnant water attracts mosquitoes

• Having mounds/nests removed during regular maintenance

• Keeping grass mowed

• Educating children about stings, insects and not aggravating mounds or nests and report any found to

educators.

FOOD/BEVERAGE/CANTEEN PRACTICES Practices and procedures in relation to safe food handling, preparation, consumption and service of food are

contained on the website.

• Practices promoted with the children on a regular basis.

• Parents to be responsible for reading the menu and ingredients in food supplied by the service.

Alternatives provided by parent if not suitable.

• All medical records are noted where a food allergy is diagnosed and all Educators sight medical

records after parents/guardians have updated information to be contained on those records. This

Action Plan must include a recent photo of the child, indicate allergy triggers, treatment/medication

required and signed by a medical practitioner. We accept all Medical Action Plans from child’s school.

• Medical Action Plan to be displayed for Educators to recognize the child. To be kept o the service

premises and in medication box.

• Ensure that practices and procedures are available to ensure that the parents are notified of any

known allergens that pose a risk to a child and strategies for minimising the risks are developed and

implemented.

ASTHMA The service will act to minimise triggers of asthma by:

• Minimizing plants containing pollens and promoting a low allergen garden

• Keep the service as dust free as possible

• Enforcing no smoking rules

• Keep abreast of back burning operations in the areas

• Ask parents to identify detergents and soaps being used at the service that may cause allergy

• Ensure kitchen/food areas are kept clean and practices are promoted such as washing hands

immediately after food preparation and eating.

ALLERGIES Where allergies are identified by parents/guardians, the service will endeavor to remove or contain those

elements e.g peanuts or foods containing peanuts will not be provided and children will be encouraged not to

bring into the service and share with other children food/s brought from home.

OBLIGATION OF THE SERVICE Squiggler will ensure the following obligations are carried out to protect the health and safety of all children

who participate in the service. This includes:

• Ensuring educators and parents/guardians are aware of their obligations and the best practice of

Management of asthma, allergies and anaphylaxis

• Offering annual training by the Royal Lifesaving Association

• Ensuring that all necessary information for the effective management of children with asthma or

allergies is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when required

• Adding allergy triggers to the Quick Reference list when made known and printing it daily

• Identifying children with asthma and allergies during the enrolment process by Admin and

communicating this to educators

• Ensuring at least one staff member is or has qualifications in first aid, Asthma & Anaphylaxis at all

times

• Facilitating communication between management, educators and parents/guardians regarding the

services strategies

• Ensuring that all educators are aware of first aid procedures and are trained at induction in methods

for evacuating a child/children experiencing any symptoms of anaphylactic shock, including calling an

ambulance and ensuring an adult remains with the child, and that other educators are containing any

element thought to have caused the anaphylaxis and alerting the Director/s who will undertake

communication with parents/guardians

• Ensure medication is administered in accordance with the Medical Records of the child Medication/s

to be carried by educators on excursions.

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN & OBLIGATIONS OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS Managing allergies/medical conditions requires clear communication methods between the families and the

service. The service will discuss the variety of options parents can use to inform us of a change in their child’s

medical conditions and how this information will be relayed to all educators. To support this, parents and

guardians have a number of obligations, which include:

• Providing up-to-date medical information on each child

• Ensuring the Medical Action Plan is accurate with Photos and the correct emergency contact details

• Clearly identifying any allergies or triggers which may cause the need of a management plan (We

accept School Action Plans signed by a medical practitioner0

• Providing the service with medication/s to administer on a daily basis; and providing EpiPens and

inhalers for emergency provision on excursions etc. Children will not be enrolled without correct

medication supplied daily

• Supplying each child with correct clothing and food to minimise risks

• Identifying known triggers at the service and bringing them to the educators’ attention, e.g. hand

soap, which can easily be changed or restricting a play area near animals if they are a known allergy

trigger

• Parents to be responsible for reading the menu and ingredients in food supplied by the service.

Parents to provide alternatives if not suitable.

NB: At Squiggler Academy we regularly have spontaneous celebrations (birthdays) and occasional food

rewards. To ensure your child’s participation please supply a “treat box” or safe cupcakes to be stored in the

freezer with your child’s name.

EXCURSIONS

While the service aims to provide a range of activities for children of all ages the service is unable to cancel or

re-book activities to accommodate one child with, for instance, an allergy. For example, if an activity of horse

riding has been planned by the service and a child is allergic to horse hair, the service reserves the right to

continue with that activity. Parents/guardians can utilise other services of the Squiggler Academy to

accommodate that child, that is to make arrangements to have their child dropped off at another service in

the area (e.g KPS Art/Drama/Music classes). The service apologizes for any inconvenience but endeavors to

promote a wide range of activities for all children in accordance with in legislation of the Australian Children’s

Education and Care Quality Authority Framework.

NUTRITION, FOOD, BEVERAGES AND DIETARY

REQUIREMENTS POLICY

AIM

Good nutrition is essential to healthy living and enables children to be active participants in play and leisure.

Therefore, The Squiggler Academy aims to provide many opportunities for children to experience a range of

nutritious, healthy, safe and varied food and beverages of good quality at each centre, relevant to each child’s

needs.

Children will be encouraged to develop good eating habits through good examples and education. Parents will

be encouraged to share specific dietary requirements, family and multicultural values and ideas to enrich the

variety and enjoyment of healthy food and beverages by the children. High standards of hygiene will be

maintained throughout all food preparation.

RELATED LEGISLATION



• Regulation 78 Food and beverages

• Regulation 79 Service providing food and beverages

• Regulation 80 Weekly menu


• NSW Food Authority – www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au

• Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia

• 2011 Early Years Learning Framework

• NSW Government Family and Community Services Diabetes Program:

o The service acknowledges that students with diabetes can do everything their peers can do,

but due to their diabetes they may require:

▪ Special consideration

▪ Extra consideration if unwell

▪ Special provisions when sitting exams

▪ Special provisions for privacy if testing blood glucose levels and injecting insulin at

school

▪ Extra toilet privileges

▪ Close supervision

▪ To eat at additional times, especially with physical activity




RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of all staff involved with food preparation, menu development and food service, to

ensure that all food and beverages offered to children are healthy, nutritious, adequate and safe, and align

with the expectations that parents have of the quality being offered at the service.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to provide well planned, safe and healthy eating options for all

children, that consider their personal, physical and cultural requirements while at the centre.


• Ensure any food and beverages served at the centres meet the needs of children with special dietary

requirements

• Ensure program planning exists that includes cooking experiences that promote healthy eating

and knowledge of nutrition

• Ensure written procedures exist for the safe storage and heating of food and drink

• Provide resources for families and children on healthy eating and referrals to further

Information

• Develop written menus (where the service is responsible for providing food) on display, detailing the

food provided for children that are consistent with the:

o Australian Government guidelines Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for

Early Childhood, and/or

o Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia

• Consult with families and children to learn about children’s individual requirements for food, their

likes and dislikes in relation to food and any culturally appropriate food requirements, and

incorporate those requirements into the program where necessary

• Support families’ choices regarding infant feeding, including breastfeeding and bottle feeding (if

applicable)

• When food is brought from home, encourage families to provide food that is consistent with the

Australian Government guidelines (Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Early

Childhood, and/ or Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia), and is focused on

developing respectful relationships and supporting families in their parenting role

• Ensure educators:

o engage children in experiences, conversations and routines that promote relaxed and

enjoyable mealtimes and promote healthy, balanced lifestyles [Early Years Learning

Framework, p. 32; Framework for School Age Care, p. 31]

o use cooking experiences to further children’s understandings of healthy food and nutrition

o follow the service’s procedures for the safe storage and heating of food and drink

o never use food to reward or punish children

o encourage children to eat healthy food without requiring them to eat food they don’t like or

to eat more than they need, including supporting children to recognise when they are hungry

or ‘full’

o sit with children and model, implement and reinforce healthy eating and nutrition practices

with children during mealtimes

o consult children about their routines and meal times

• Ensure children: o show an awareness of healthy lifestyles and good nutrition o are provided with food that is consistent with the:

▪ Australian Government guidelines Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Early Childhood, and/or

▪ Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia o eat food that is consistent with advice provided by families about their child’s dietary

requirements, likes, dislikes, and any other requirements families have regarding their child’s nutrition

o who have not eaten at the routine time or who are hungry are provided with food outside of routine meal and snack times

o are provided with food and drinks consistent with the menu o have ready access to water and are regularly offered water throughout the day o are involved in choosing and preparing healthy meals adequate quantities of food available

for children that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia, as well as sufficient food for children who may request more.

IMPLEMENTATION

In order to facilitate and maintain an approach to nutrition that is healthy, sufficient and enjoyable for children, the following actions will be undertaken.

• Each morning, fresh, healthy, nutritious food and drink will be provided for breakfast, if required by

children.

• Each afternoon, food and drink will be provided for afternoon tea, with small nutritious snacks

available as necessary.

• Fresh drinking water will be available at all times for the children and educators.

• During vacation care, parents are requested to supply a nutritious, morning and afternoon tea, snacks

and drinks, unless otherwise stated on the program.

• All food provided at the service will be nutritious and varied.

• Where possible local fresh produce will be used.

• The majority of food will be from the five food groups (grains, cereals, fruit and vegetables) with

sweets and treats available only occasionally. Parents will be informed if treats are being

programmed into the day’s activities, who can then decide if they wish their children to partake.

• All food will be prepared and stored in a safe and hygienic manner.

• Where children are involved in food preparation, this should always be supervised and hygienic

conditions maintained.

• Food will be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from any chemicals.

• Food requiring refrigeration will be stored in the refrigerator. During excursions this may not be

possible, so parents may need to pack items in cooler bags if requiring refrigeration.eg medications.

• Snack times are seen as social events, where children and educators can relax, talk about their day

and experience a variety of foods.

• Educators will demonstrate good healthy and hygienic eating habits at all time while with children.

• Children should be seated while eating or drinking. This is in line with Department of Education and

Community guidelines and is age appropriate.

• Children and parents are encouraged to contribute to the menu ideas.

• Parents are encouraged to share family and multicultural values, ideas and recipe ideas with the

service.

• All family and multicultural practices will be acknowledged and addressed in the provision of food.

• All children’s individual needs such as allergies etc will be addressed in the menus.

• Educators will keep a list of all children’s allergies or food restrictions near the food preparation area

to ensure all educators follow these.

• The menu is displayed weekly to allow parents to pack additional food if your child has food allergies

or sensitivities.

• Education of healthy eating habits will be developed through ongoing examples, specific programs,

relevant activities, notices, posters and information sheets to parents.

• The denial of food will never be used as a punishment.

• Room temperature drinking water will both be made available to suit the varying tastes and needs.

• One educator member will ensure that this is available and topped up throughout the operation of

the service.

• Children will be encouraged to get water themselves when required, using separate drinking

containers.

• Meal/snack times will be scheduled according to activities programmed. eg: excursion sessions.

• Containers are to be cleaned and stored appropriately.

• Children’s cooking activities will be encouraged to develop life skills.

• At all times, safe and hygienic practices will be followed.

• Safe food handing and heating of foods will be practised and encouraged.

If a child becomes unwell after consuming food/beverage at the service the service will:

• Put the child in an isolated area

• Notify the parent/guardian and ask if the parent/guardian would collect the child

• Advise the parent/guardian of the severity of the illness

• Advise whether the educators member’s course of action would be to call an ambulance or seek

medical assistance

• Remove and package the food/beverage

• Supervise the child/children until action has been taken

• Ensure the kitchen area is hygienically dealt with

• Fill in appropriate documentation and advise Director/s.

SLEEP AND REST POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure that the wellbeing and comfort of each child attending the service is

maintained according to their individual needs of rest, quiet and relaxation. Although children attending

Squiggler will be of a school age, and usually not require a period of sleep, Squiggler recognises the importance

of physical, psychological and spiritual balance in relation to providing before and after school, and vacation

care services for school aged children. Consequently, it is Squiggler’s intention to recognise and make available

a range of active and restful experiences throughout each day to support children’s individual requirements

for health, nutrition, sleep, rest and relaxation. These activities may include:

• the sociocultural background of the child and the family

• the child’s personal preferences

• the routines and activities that are in place at the child’s home.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• National Law Section 51(1)(a) Conditions on service approval (safety, health and wellbeing of

children)

• National Law Section 166 Offence to use inappropriate discipline

• National Regulation 81 Sleep and rest

• National Regulation 168(2)(a)(v) Education and care service must have policies and procedures in

relation to sleep and rest for children




RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor to:

• Take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs for sleep and rest of children being educated and

cared for by the service are met, having regard to the ages, development stages and individual needs

of the children

• Ensure that all staff, contractors and carers are aware of this policy, and facilitate it on a daily basis, or

where required

• Ensure there are adequate numbers of rest areas available for children

• Ensure that areas for sleep and rest are well ventilated and have natural lighting

• Ensure that supervision windows will be kept clear to ensure safe supervision of sleeping children.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy that each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for on a daily basis, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation. Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will ensure that:

• children: o feel comfortable demonstrating a sense of belonging and comfort in their

environment by recognising and communicating their bodily needs and seeking comfort and assistance from educators when required

o are supplied with clean, appropriate spare clothes when they need them and knowing where they can access them independently

o who do not require sleep or rest are given choice and opportunities to engage in quiet play experiences

o are provided with and access to comfortable spaces away from the main activity areas for relaxation and quiet activity

• children’s needs for privacy during toileting and/or dressing and undressing times are respected and facilitated

• children’s and families’ individual clothing needs and preferences are met to promote children’s comfort, safety and protection within the scope of the service’s requirements for children’s health and safety

• sleep and rest practices are consistent with current views about children’s health, safety and welfare and that meet children’s individual needs

• physical spaces are made available for children to engage in rest and quiet experiences

• educators: o demonstrate awareness of children’s comfort and avoid overcrowding when

children are grouped for rest and sleep o provide a range of active and restful experiences throughout the program and support

children’s preferences for participation.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Nominated Supervisor and Educators are responsible for implementing this policy during each shift, or where required. Implementing this policy requires that staff will:

• Maintain up to date knowledge regarding safe sleeping practice and communicate this information to educators and families

• Consult with families about children’s sleep and rest needs. Educators will be sensitive to each child’s needs so that sleep and rest times are a positive experience

• Ensure that rest areas are clean, safe and in good repair • Ensure that bed linen is clean and in good repair and is for use by an individual child and will

be washed before use by another child • Arrange children’s rest areas to allow easy access for children and staff • Create a relaxing atmosphere for resting children by reducing stimulation and ensuring

children are comfortable • The environment should be tranquil and calm for both educators and children

• Be available to help children relax and support them by encouraging them to relax and listen to music or stories

• Remember that children do not need to be forced to sleep, but allowed to rest • Encourage children to rest their bodies and minds when appropriate • Maintain adequate supervision and maintain educator ratios throughout the rest period • Assess each child’s circumstances and current health to determine whether higher

supervision levels and checks may be required • Communicate with families about their child’s sleeping or rest times and the service policy

regarding sleep and rest times • Respect family preferences regarding sleep and rest and consider these daily while ensuring

children feel safe and secure in the environment • Encourage children to dress appropriately for the room temperature when resting or

sleeping • Consider the room temperature to ensure maximum comfort for the children

STAFFING MANAGEMENT POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to ensure that all staff and educators are purposefully recruited in a fair and

equitable manner based on merit and without bias. And, that all staff demonstrate an ability to meet and

maintain the standards expected by the Federal, State and Local Governments, the service and the community

in relation to the provision of quality child care.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Fair Work Act 2009

• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 The Ombudsman’s Act 1974 Act 68 of

1974

• Work Health & Safety Act 2011(NSW)

• Work Health & Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW)

• Regulation 117B Minimum requirements for a person in day-to-day charge

• Regulation 117C Minimum requirements for a nominated supervisor

• Regulation 143A Minimum requirements for a family day care educator


• Regulation 168(2)(i) Policies and procedures are required in relation to staffing including a code of

conduct for staff members

• Regulation 169(2)(d) Additional policies and procedures in relation to monitoring, support and

supervision of family day care educators (family day care service)

• Regulation 169(2)(g) Additional policies and procedures in relation to the provision of information,

assistance and training to family day care educators (family day care service).

• NSW Regulations 271–272 Minimum number of educators and qualifications and training required

• NSW Regulation 278 Qualifications for primary contact staff members-saving

• NSW Regulation 388 Educator to child ratios (centre-based services)

LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS • QA4 Staffing Arrangements


RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of Centre Managers to ensure staff are hired, managed and developed in line with the

expectations of this policy and the Federal and State legislation.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to employ staff with a high level of competence, experience and

knowledge related to the role they are undertaking. These capabilities will be specified through a position

description, aligned to each role.


• Undertake a company induction upon the commencement of employment

• Work towards the achievement of their own role-related, and the company’s strategic objectives

• Operate in line with the company’s philosophy and code of conduct

• Ensure a flexible, harmonious working environment is maintained

• Undertake regular, relevant personal development

• Maintain a current knowledge of the industry standards, expectations and legislations

• Address employment-related grievances in line with company policy.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Squiggler Academy recruitment process will be undertaken in line with the following items.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS • The Approved Provider/ Nominated Supervisors will require the following qualifications and

experience:

o Diploma of OSHC or Children’s Services or a minimum 3 years’ experience in a relevant field

and demonstrated ability to work with children and staff.

o A current first aid certificate and a certificate in the management of Asthma and Anaphylaxis.

o A current Working with Children Check.

o Be a person of good character and maturity who can be entrusted with providing adequate

care for the welfare of the children.

o Awareness of child protection responsibilities.

o An interest and desire to work with children.

o Ann ability to communicate with adults, children and management.

o An ability to supervise and support educators.

o Meet all the requirements of the appropriate job description and be appointed by the

management committee.

• Educators and Support Staff will require the following qualifications and experience:

o Certificate IV in OSHC or equivalent and 3 years’ experience in a relevant field, or the ability

and willingness to perform prescribed duties as per the opinion of a relevant Nominated

Supervisor.

o A current first aid certificate and a Certificate in the management of Asthma and Anaphylaxis

management or willing to undergo training to obtain this.

o A current Working with Children Check.

o Be a person of good character, who can be entrusted with providing adequate care for the

welfare of the children.

o Awareness of child protection responsibilities.

o An interest and desire to work with children.

o An ability to communicate with adults and children.

A minimum of 18 years.

o Further specifications to be outlined on to job description

SELECTION PANELS • When a permanent Approved Provider position becomes available, management committee will

appoint a panel to conduct the selection process.

• Three people will be on the panel, two members of the management committee and a senior

Educator. A convener of the panel will be nominated.

• When the position is for other permanent positions, the Approved Provider will conduct the interview

and selection process.

• Once the applicants are known, panel members will be asked to declare in writing any conflict of

interest with applicants including personal relationships. Declared conflicts of interest will be

assessed by the panel and may result in removing member from the panel if it is considered there

may be a potential for unfair or bias preference.

• The panel/Approved Provider will:

o Approve the job description and select criteria for the position

o Determine the method and placement of advertising and place the advertisement including

notification of the Working With Children Check (WWCC)

o Ask applicants to apply for or supply current WWCC

o Short-list the applicants

o Arrange interview questions, date and time

o Contact the applicants for interview

o Conduct the interviews

o Ensure that approval for selected educator has been approved under WWCC

o Make a decision on a suitable applicant, and for Approved Provider roles, put a decision

before management for final approval

o Offer the position to the successful applicant and contact the unsuccessful applicants after

the position has been accepted

o Set date for the commencement of employment and orientation of the new person.

o Prepare letter of employment and contract.

ADVERTISEMENTS • Advertisements may be placed in Seek, Career one, Child care Jobs, Network of Community

Activities job board and the school newsletter. Recruitment companies may also be used.

• Advertisements are to include:

o Job title

o Brief position description

o Specific employment information, including hours of work and Award rate.

o Include that a WWCC is required.

o Advice to applicants to include their contact telephone numbers, a resume, a minimum of (2)

referees with at least one a work reference, and full contact details.

o Closing date and postal/email address for applications.

o Contact name and number where the applicant can obtain more information.

INTERVIEWS

• For interviews, the following will apply:

o A selection panel will draw up suitable interview questions, which relate to all aspects of the

position and ensure equal opportunity guidelines are followed. The panel will decide who will

ask each question.

o The panel shall draw up a list of essential requirements for each answer.

o No longer than 5 days after the closing date the panel will meet to discuss the applications,

develop a short list and decide on the interview date and times.

o An appropriate time frame (approximately 30 minutes) will be allocated to each interview,

with a short break between, for discussion.

o The convener on the selection panel will contact the applicants to determine the time and

date of interview.

o Each applicant will be given a copy of the job description before the interview.

o Each applicant will be asked the same questions with their answers recorded.

o The panel can use a rating scale to evaluate each applicant's answers.

o The panel will discuss each applicant and their suitability for the position based on their

answers, qualifications and experience, comments from referees, and the selection criteria

drawn up by the panel. The panel may decide to consult the committee or senior staff at

OOSH.

o Should the panel have difficulty in deciding between two applicants, a second interview for

these applicants will be conducted, with new questions or referees’ reports will be used.

o The panel will then make a decision on the applicant for the job according to the selection

criteria. The preferred applicant's referees will be contacted to confirm applicant's suitability

and checked with the approved screening agency before offering the applicant the position

in a 'child related' field.

o Should the applicant decline the position, management will either make a second choice

from the other applicants or if none are seen as suitable, re-advertise the position.

NOTIFICATION • Applicants will be given an approximate time that they will be contacted regarding their success for

the position.

• The convener on the selection panel will notify the successful applicant and negotiate a starting

date. Preferably offers of employment will not be made until the screening check has been

completed. If this is not reasonably practical, the employment is to be offered subject to the check

being completed. Applicants are to be notified of this condition and will be made aware that they

may not commence working in the service until WWCC details are received.

• A letter of confirmation will be sent to successful applicant requesting acceptance in writing.

• After the appointment has been made and accepted the other applicants will be notified that the

position has been filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES • All educator positions will be advertised according to Equal Opportunity Legislation.

• No one will be discriminated against on the basis of their cultural background, religion, sex, disability,

marital status or income.

• All applicants and referees will be asked the same questions.

• All applicants will be selected according to equal opportunity guidelines.

• Selection will be based only on suitability for the position based on the selection criteria, which have

been drawn up by the panel. The criteria will cover issues such as qualifications and experience,

appropriate knowledge to meet the children's needs, good communication skills, and demonstration

in being a fit and proper person for the job, including Working with Children Check and appropriate

answers to the interview questions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All relevant conditions set down by the award will apply to all employees.

o This includes sick leave, annual leave, rostered days off, overtime, jury duty, study leave,

carers leave etc.

• Management will ensure they are aware of the appropriate conditions and keep up to date in relation

to any changes in the Award.

• Educators are encouraged to remain up to date with their appropriate conditions and inform

management of any changes.

• Educator appraisals will take place after a period of three – six months in the position.

• Appraisals will then be conducted on an annual basis, with half yearly performance and goal setting

meeting.

• All educators will maintain professional behaviour at all times.

• All grievance issues are to follow the appropriate procedures as outlined in the grievance and

discipline and dismissal policies.

• Educators are responsible for clocking in and out on the app to ensure they are paid for their shifts.

• Educators will be paid weekly by the bookkeeper into their nominated bank accounts

• Annual leave will be taken as negotiated with management.

• Annual leave when necessary will be rostered to ensure the required staffing levels are maintained at

all times.

• Applications for leave must have 4 weeks prior notice and be approved by management.

• Management, based on each individual's request, will determine applications for leave without pay.

• Prior to employment each educator will supply and record their full name, address, date of birth,

emergency contacts, evidence of any qualifications they hold including first aid and the identifying

number of the employees Working With Children Check. The Approved Provider will validate and

keep records of information in staff file.

STAFF ORIENTATION • A member of management or the Approved Provider will conduct the orientation process as soon as

possible after the applicant has accepted the position.

• The orientation process will include:

o Introductions to existing educators and management

o Guided tour of the service

o Being shown where all relevant records are kept

o Discussion about working arrangements and expectations, including professional code of

conduct and duty of care

o Information about the review and appraisal system

o Opportunity to ask any questions regarding the service or expectations.

• The new educator will be provided with the following information during orientation:

o Handbook including: Centre and Approved Provider contacts, centre routine, staff

obligations and communication, information about programming and the School age care

framework, Centre operation and hours, and the service philosophy and policies. Please refer

to the Induction and orientation checklist.

• After a period of employment of 1-4 weeks, management or the Approved Provider will sit down with

the new employee to address any further issues they may have once they have been in the service.

• In the case of permanent employment, at the end of the probationary period outlined in the

employment contract, The Approved Provider/Management Committee will meet with the individual

to discuss performance and further employment within the centre.

STAFF PROFESSIONALISM/CODE OF CONDUCT • The OSHC Code of Professional Standards, duty of care and expectations will be provided and

discussed in the initial orientation process of all new educators.

• Educators will be made aware of their duty of care and their responsibility in relation to supervision,

health and safety of the children.

• Educators will be made aware of the centre’s policies and will discuss with the Approved Provider

their responsibility in regards to reading and adhering to these policies.

• Professional behavior in all areas will be reviewed as part of the ongoing employment of all

educators.

• Management, in conjunction with the Nominated Supervisor, will immediately address any breach in

the professional expectations outlined. If the concern involves the Coordinator, two representatives

from management, will conduct the discussion.

• All discussions will be recorded and standard of behavior and expectations clearly explained.

• Any further problems will be addressed as per the discipline procedure.

• Educators will be made aware of the services philosophy and policies and will be expected to follow

these. Should educators have any concerns with the policies, they are to raise this with the

Coordinator or management liaison officer.

• Educators will be expected to know, understand and perform their duties as per their job description.

• Educators will be expected to start duties on time.

• Educators will be expected to dress appropriately for their duties.

• Educators must not attend work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Educators should not attend work when they are unfit to do so due to injury or sickness and must

inform the service as soon as possible.

• Educators will use only suitable language that is not offensive to other educators, families and

children.

• Educators will be expected to follow all confidentiality issues.

• The service is a smoke free zone. Educators may not smoke in or around the building, school grounds,

or in the sight of the children.

• Educators will be expected to know and follow the child protection policies (D-11).

• The quality of the service and positive working environment are dependent on good educator and

parent relationships. Educators will follow proper communication procedures as outlined in the

appropriate policies and procedures.

• The maintenance of good teamwork will be an expectation outlined in all job descriptions.

• Any conflicts that arise must be addressed as outlined in the grievance procedure.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

• Management committee will ensure that sufficient funds are made available in the budget for all in-

service training and development.

• The Approved Provider will inform management committee of any specific training and development

needs of the educators.

• Appraisals and the services requirements will be used to ascertain further training needs at the start

of each calendar year or as the need arises.

• The Approved Provider, in conjunction with management, will access all training available and

determine what will be attended and by whom.

• Where possible a yearly plan of training will be made, including dates, educators attending, and costs.

• All educators will be given the opportunity to be involved in some form of training throughout the

year.

• All educators will be given opportunities to upgrade their qualifications in line with the National

Quality Framework.

• A variety of training methods will be used including:

• Internal workshops, which can be conducted by educators or outside presenters.

o Webinars through training organisations

o External meetings with other service to exchange ideas.

o Time allocation made to educators to review any new resources that may be of value.

o External workshops, conferences and seminars.

o Accredited short courses provided by registered training organizations.

• Educators are encouraged to share relevant skills and knowledge they obtained from any training

with the other educators in staff meetings or where more time is required in an internal workshop.

• Permanent educators will be considered to be at work for the duration of any training activity they

attend for the service.

• The service will cover the costs of all authorised training. The individual however will cover tertiary

study costs. We will also cover costs of recertification for educators.

• Course fees will be paid by OOSH, however casual educators will need to attend on their own time to

receive their training/qualification.

TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP

• For a training application to be considered by the management committee, the following criteria must

be met:

o The employee must be a permanent employee.

o The employee must have been in a permanent, continuous employment with the Centre for

a minimum of twelve (12) months.

o The employee must be undertaking a course that directly relates to their employment with

the service.

• The maximum amount payable by the Centre, towards any one course, is 50% of the course cost up to

a maximum of $1000.

• The decision to provide financial assistance to any employee is at the sole discretion of the

management committee, and must come via the Centre Approved Provider.

If the employee leaves the service within 12 months of completing the course, the amount contributed by the

service must be paid back, or taken out of leave balance at termination of employment.

• If the educator does not complete the course within the timeline set by the management committee

in writing, the educator will be responsible for paying back the contribution made by the centre.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE AWARENESS • On commencement, all educators and management members will be given the Staff Policy including

this guideline for grievance procedure.

• To facilitate communication between educators and management, management will annually appoint

one of its members as the Liaison Contact.

• Educators and management will annually be offered the opportunity to participate in some form of

conflict resolution training.

• All persons involved in the grievance should attempt to resolve the issue through informal discussion

and use of problem solving techniques.

• Persons directly involved in a legitimate grievance process will be expected to continue to conduct

themselves at and around the service in a professional manner.

• Malicious or vexatious claims will not be tolerated and will be the subject of disciplinary action where

appropriate.

• Any problem, complaint or concern arising between educators or between management should be

dealt with by the persons concerned as close to the event as possible in order to avoid an escalation

of the issue.

• Meetings of educators and/or management provide regular opportunities to raise and discuss general

issues or concerns about the service. All discussions will be conducted in a confidential manner and

involve only relevant persons. Only when all parties agree there is a benefit, should the discussion

broaden to involve children and/or parents as appropriate.

• Either party may withdraw their grievance at any time. However where the grievance identifies other

issues of concern, management may decide to investigate those other issues.

• Where the resolution of a grievance has not been satisfactorily achieved through the informal

procedure, then a more formal approach should be taken.

• The continued grievance(s) will firstly be investigated by the Approved Provider or management as

appropriate.

• The investigation will involve:

o Interviews with both parties and/or witnesses

o Assessment of relevant documentation e.g. job descriptions, policies etc.

o Preparation of a clear description of the issue

o Arranging a formal meeting between parties

• A meeting will be conducted by a neutral third person. This person will manage the conduct of the

meeting, be impartial having no input to the content of the meeting, and will prepare a written record

of the outcome(s) of the meeting.

• Where the service cannot identify a suitably impartial person, management will agree to invite a

qualified mediator to assist.

• The meeting will:

o Identify the issue(s) of concern and persons who are involved

o Arrange all parties to be involved and to put forward their views

o Identify alternative solutions

o Attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution of the issue(s).

• At formal grievance resolution meetings all parties are entitled to invite a support person to attend.

This person does not provide input to the meeting, but may offer support and advice to their party

during the meeting.

• A confidential written record of the outcome of the meeting will be given to all participants who are

to acknowledge their agreement by signing the record. A signed copy will be kept with educator files.

• The neutral party will inform management of the meeting's outcome(s).

• Management will ensure that outcomes are included in job descriptions or service policies as

appropriate.

• If one party remains dissatisfied with the meeting's outcome(s) then this should be put in writing to

the management committee asking that the process be reviewed or stating that they intend to

pursue the grievance further through other suitable avenues.

• Where the issue of grievance is between management and educators and concerns standard of work

performance or work practice, then the discipline procedure will be followed.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

• It is important that the educators are fully aware of their expectations as an employee in the service

and that clear guidelines are given regarding educators’ duties, code of conduct and professionalism.

• Management will ensure that all educators are given clear job descriptions and orientation into the

position with opportunity to clarify any issues.

• Educators are responsible to address any concerns and clarify any issues in the job description or

expectations that they are unsure of.

• Educators are encouraged to maintain good working relationships and have a commitment to

maintaining a quality standard of work.

• Educators will be given clear notification should their standard of work or conduct fall below what is

expected and outlined in their job description.

• Educators have the right to appeal against any allegation and the right to speak on their behalf or to

have a union representative appear on their behalf.

• Should educators fall below clearly identified standards then the steps below will be followed to deal

with poor work performance or conduct. There may not be the need to go through all the steps when

the issue is resolved however staff should be aware of the whole process.

STEP 1: VERBAL WARNING. 1. Give a verbal warning as soon as possible indicating the specific problem regarding the performance

of their work or conduct. The issues must clearly relate to the job description. 2. Indicate what should happen to improve the situation and how the educators can improve their

performance. 3. Identify any support needed to assist the educator to make the changes and take steps to implement

these. 4. Indicate how the improvements will be measured, and when a review will take place. (1-4 weeks

depending on the circumstances) 5. Give an opportunity for the educator to respond to the concerns and seek union representation if

required. 6. If this resolves the issue, then there is no need to go any further.

STEP 2: WRITTEN NOTICE. 1. Where the problem continues to occur the educator will be given written notice of the complaints

against them. 2. A formal documented interview with management will take place. The educator should attend and

has the right to reply and discuss any complaints against them, or to be represented by a union member or other representative of their choice.

3. The educator will be given at least 48 hours notice of the meeting. 4. Minutes will be taken of the meeting and copy put on the educators file and given to the educator.

The educator may attach a written reply to the minutes. 5. The aim of the meeting is to negotiate how the situation may be improved. 6. The educator will again be given specific indication of where their performance standards are not

being met, indicate where changes are required and ways of achieving these, and told the method and date of review of their performance.

7. The educator will be granted another probationary period. 8. The educator will be informed at this stage that termination will be considered if no changes occur. 9. If this resolves the issue, then there is no need to go any further.

STEP 3: FINAL WRITTEN WARNING. 1. If the problem still persists another meeting of management should be called and the educator given

notice to attend. 2. The matter should be discussed as per the first meeting and further action considered. 3. At this stage the educator will be given a "final written warning". 4. Again, the educator has the right of reply and can discuss the situation. They also have the right to

have a union representative or person of their choice attend the meeting. 5. If this resolves the issue, then there is no need to go any further.

STEP 4: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. 1. If the problem still continues after the 3 warnings, another special meeting of management will be

called and a decision made as to the employment of the educator. 2. If management believes that the educators performance is unlikely to improve then the educator will

be dismissed. 3. A written notice will be given indicating date of dismissal (1 week from notice) and reasons for

dismissal. 4. The educator may be paid out in lieu of such notice.

DEALING WITH SERIOUS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR • Where an educator in the workplace:

o Intentionally endangers life.

o Is found stealing.

o Reports to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

o Inflicts or threatens physical or sexual abuse or harassment.

• The Approved Provider or management will suspend the employee without loss of pay pending an

investigation.

• The investigation is to be completed within 72 hours and an interview date determined. If the

investigation goes longer than 72 hours, the Educator will still be paid.

• If the employee is a union member, the union representative will be informed.

• The interview is to be attended by the Approved Provider, a nominated representative of parent

management committee, the person reporting the unacceptable behaviour (if deemed appropriate by

the committee) and the union representative if desired. The employee is to be advised formally of the

findings of the investigation and the action being taken.

• When immediate termination is required, a dismissal notice is prepared at the interview. When

continued, employment is recommended a warning letter will be issued.

• All the relevant records will be recorded on the employees file.

• If the employee is vindicated of the accusation, all relevant formal documentation is to be removed

from their file, and the person making the report may be investigated.

RELIEF EDUCATORS • The service will employ relief educators on a casual basis to fill short-term vacancies or absences

• The Approved Provider will keep a register of relief educators, which will be maintained and updated

regularly.

• A file recording experience, qualifications and completed Working with Children Check, will be kept

with staff files.

• Unless in an emergency, all relief educators will need to have been through an interview with the

Approved Provider, have referees and references checked, and are deemed a fit and proper person to

care for the children. They will need to provide evidence of qualifications and WWCC check to be

verified by Approved Provider.

• When no one from the services list is available to fill the position, the Approved Provider may engage

an employment agency to fill the vacancy or absence.

• Job descriptions have been drawn up for all relief educators.

• Relief educators will be asked to fill out a casual work agreement before commencement of duties.

Please refer to ‘Casual Letter of engagement’.

• The Approved Provider will, where possible, provide a modified induction to the service, which will

include a tour of the service, introductions to educators, a copy of the staff handbook, job description

for relief educators, code of conduct and copies of relevant policies. The Approved Provider will

ensure that they are fully aware of their duties and the services expectations prior to

commencement.

• Relief educators must adhere to all areas of confidentiality.

• All relief educators will be paid the appropriate wage and minimum hours as outlined for casual

educators under the relevant award.

VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS AND VISITORS Volunteers, students and visitors must have their own insurance to cover them while volunteering at the

service, this will be kept on file. The Approved Provider will provide a modified induction to the service, which

will include a tour of the service, introductions to educators, job description, of conduct. The Approved

Provider will ensure that they are fully aware of their duties and the services expectations. Participation will be

negotiated through the Approved Provider and placement be only accepted on the discretion of the Approved

Provider based on issues such as staff ability to supervise and be available to help the students. In addition,

they

• Will be required to sign on and off.

• Are not to discuss children's development or other issues with parents.

• Must adhere to all areas of confidentiality.

• Should never be left alone with or in charge of any children.

• Will not be counted towards educator: child ratios, except for volunteers on excursions.

• Will work with the Approved Provider in relation to times and expectations.

• Emergency contact and any medical information will be provided and kept on file

Specifically:

• Regarding volunteers

o They must provide two suitable referees and where possible references, and will be required

to comply with the WWCC guidelines and provide a valid WWCC.

o They will receive a job description for volunteers outlining their responsibilities

o Volunteers will be given a copy of relevant policies such as behaviour management.

• Regarding students

o Placements will be offered to high school students who wish to gain work experience as part

of a school program.

o The participating school or family must initiate the work experience

o The school must provide written authorisation for the student

o Students attending other registered training organisations and studying a relevant field, such

as childcare, teaching, recreation or community services. The training organisation must

initiate the placement, identify the students suitability. The training organisation must

provide written authorisation for the student.

o Students should be made aware of relevant policies such as behaviour management.

Visitors

• Regarding visitors

o They may be invited to the service to stimulate the children's program.

o Visitors could include local people or parents with a skill or ability to share, or local

community resources such as police, fire brigade etc.

o All visitors that come onto site to interact with the children in any way must provide a valid

WWCC. This include sporting coaches and incursion suppliers.

o All other visitors must make an appointment to see the Approved Provider

o Professional access to the service will be at the discretion of the Approved Provider or

management or when required by law to do so. Professionals include union representatives,

State and Federal Government Departmental Officers, Occupational Health and Safety

inspectors, building inspectors and police.

o Any unwelcome visitor will be calmly asked to leave the service. If they refuse, the Approved

Provider or educator directed by the Approved Provider will call the police for removal.

o No educator is to try to physically remove the unwelcome person, but try to remain calm and

keep the person calm as far as possible.

EDUCATOR: CHILD RATIOS • 15 children to 1 educator for regular in centre days

• 10 children to 1 educator for excursions.

• 5 children to 1 educator for swimming excursions.

• There will always be 1 Responsible Person extra, over the above allocation of staff unless not possible

due to staff absences.

• There will be a minimum of 2 educators present at all times.

• When educators are sick or unable to attend work, appropriate relief educators will be employed to

meet the standards.

• For an emergency or if an educator becomes sick, a replacement should be obtained where possible

before the educator leaves the service.

• Volunteers, Students, and educators who are under 18 years of age will not be counted as part of the

educator: child ratio, at any time, unless parents volunteer for excursions.

COMMUNICATION Educators are expected to interact professional and ethically with other educators, children, management and

families as per the code of conduct.

STAFFING MANAGEMENT

• The service’s Nominated Supervisor will be responsible for the service at all times regardless of their

attendance at the service.

• In the absence of the Nominated Supervisor at any time, a Responsible Person will be selected to be

in charge of the daily operation of the service. This person will not adopt the Nominated Supervisor’s

legal responsibilities during this time, however will take on a basic supervisory role to ensure the

service runs smoothly in the Nominated supervisor’s absence. The service will display the details of

the Nominated Supervisor and Responsible Person at all times the service is operating.

• A Responsible Person will be selected at the Approved Provider’s discretion based on sufficient skills,

experience, qualifications, and approval to work with children.

• The service will appoint an Educational Leader and display the name of this person for families should

they wish to discuss the service’s programming practices.

• At all times the service is operating, there will be at least one educator who holds a current approved

first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma management qualification.

• Educators will record their name and the hours they have worked directly with children each time

they are working in the service. This record will also include the name of the Responsible Person, the

Educational Leader, and the names of any students and visitors on the staff sign in and out sheet in

the staff area.

SUN PROTECTION POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to reduce the risk of skin cancer from excessive contact with the sun by educating

children about the risks associated with it, the actions they can take to avoid harm, role-modelling the bet

approaches to sun protection, and maintaining a sensible balance between exposure to vitamin D using

adequate sun protection at all times of high risk.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best source of vitamin D.

Children need vitamin D to maintain good health and to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy.

Therefore, in addition to guidance and role-modelling, Squiggler aims to support education and independent

decision-making in children when it comes to sun safety, and to encourage and empower children to take

responsibility for their own health and wellbeing (“My Time, Our Place” Outcome 3).

RELATED LEGISLATION

• National Regulation 114 “Outdoor space – shade”

• National Regulation 100 “Risk assessment must be conducted”

• WHS Act and Regulations 2012 NSW Cancer Council






RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of all staff involved with children playing outdoors to ensure that children approach sun

protection with care, by being encouraged to use adequate sun protection, and be informed about the risks of

over-exposure to vitamin D. It is also the responsibility of all staff to liaise with parents to discuss their child’s

approach to sun protection, to ensure children make the best decisions they can about their own sun

exposure.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to ensure that each child is protected from over exposure to the sun,

educated on the effects of over exposure and encouraged to act responsibly to ensure their own personal

wellbeing in relation to sun protection.

Subsequently, it is Squiggler’s expectation that all staff, managers and educators will ensure that:

• Children are taught not to rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine the need for sun

protection and provide them with exposure to resources and materials that will reinforce this

message and assist children to understand the complexities of their decisions.

• All children in attendance at the service, when the UV forecast is 3 or above, are protected from

harmful rays of the sun.

• All staff model appropriate sun protection behavior and enforce the sun protection policy at all times.

• Strategies for teaching sun protection in the service are based on children actively practicing and

monitoring their own implementation of sun protection strategies as active learners. This will include

children having opportunities to access UV alerts and monitoring the exposure to the sun of both

themselves and their peers. Our service believes that educating children about UV radiation will have

a major impact on reducing their chance of developing skin cancer in later life.

IMPLEMENTATION

Where appropriate, outdoor activities will be scheduled outside of peak UV times or planned for shaded areas

with sun protection used for all children. During non-daylight saving time (April-Sept) outdoor activities can

take place at any time as long as sun protection (hats, clothing, sunscreen, shade) is used when the UV Index is

3 or above. Where the UV Index for that day is not known, sun exposure will be minimised between the hours

of 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm during daylight saving). When planning all outdoor activities (including

excursions) sun protection will be included in the risk assessments for service participation. All sun protection

practices will be maintained while staff are escorting children to and from school and on any future excursions.

The following procedures will be implemented when scheduling activities when the UV Rating is 3 or above.

SHADE

• Structured outdoor activities will be held in shaded areas whenever possible when the UV Index is 3

or above.

• The service will identify shade options at various times of the day and the year within the outdoor

space and promote these to the children. Educators will set up activities and play spaces to make best

use of the shade.

• Children will be encouraged to use available shade when playing outside during times when the UV

Index is high.

CLOTHING

• Educators and children will wear protective clothing when outside during periods of time when the

UV Index is 3 or above.

• 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. The

Family Handbook will remind families and children of the appropriate clothing to wear to the service

to meet the sun protection policy.

• Recommended hats are bucket hats and broad brimmed hats. Baseball caps and visors are not

recommended.

• All educators will be required to wear tops with sleeves and collars or covered necklines and longer

style skirts, shorts or trousers.

• Children who do not have a hat must play in a sheltered area. Staff are to enforce the rule that where

a child has not got a hat or is wearing clothing that is not recommended as appropriate they must

access shaded areas in which to play.

SUNSCREEN

• SPF 30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen will be available at the service for children and

educators to use.

• Educators will ensure there are regular reminders (minimum every 2 hours) to apply sunscreen prior

to outdoor play during the months of October to March between 11am and 3pm or when the UV

Index is 3 or above.

• Permission to apply sunscreen will be included in the service enrolment form. Educators will respect

the parents’ right to refuse authorisation to apply sunscreen however will require children to wear

appropriate clothing or play in the shade.

ROLE MODELLING OF STAFF

• Educators will wear protective clothing and practice a combination of sun protection strategies (sun-

safe hats, clothing, sunglasses, SPF 30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen) when in

attendance at the service.

• Wherever possible, staff will seek out shade when undertaking outdoor supervision in months where

the UV Alert is 3 or above.

• Educators will use opportunities to discuss with children sun protection and demonstrate a positive

and proactive approach to the management of sun protection in the service.

COLLABORATION WITH CHILDREN

• Children will be provided with opportunities to take leadership roles in managing sun protection.

• Children will be encouraged to access the internet/ newspaper to check the UV ratings for the day

and advise educators of the times when the UV Index will be 3 or above.

• Opportunities for children to set alarms for when the UV Index increases above or drops below 3 will

be provided and children assigned duties regarding UV reminders, hat reminders and management of

sunscreen.

• Children will be reminded that they can remove their hats when the UV Index falls below 3.

EDUCATION & INFORMATION

• The sun protection policy will be available to all families using the service.

• All parents, including for vacation care, will be informed of the sun protection policy including

appropriate hat, clothing and sunscreen requirements during enrolment.

• For vacation care services only: parents are encouraged to apply sunscreen to children before spring

and summer program sessions.

• Where children have allergies or sensitivity to the sunscreen, parents will be asked to provide an

alternative sunscreen, or the child encouraged to play in the shade.

• The centre will incorporate sun and skin protection awareness activities in the program and provide

notices and posters about the topic from Cancer Council NSW as appropriate.

WATER SAFETY POLICY

AIM

The Squiggler Academy aims to provide a safe environment for all children at the service when in and around

water. This includes ensuring there are adequate safety precautions taken, there is adequate

supervision of children and appropriately qualified staff with first aid capabilities present. This relates to water

play, excursions near water, hot water, drinking water and hygiene practices with water in the environment.

RELATED LEGISLATION

• Section 51(1)(a) Conditions on service approval (safety, health and wellbeing of

• children)




• Section 170 Offence relating to unauthorised persons on education and care service

• premises

• Section 171 Offence relating to direction to exclude inappropriate persons from

• education and care premises



• Regulation 83 Staff members and family day care educators not to be affected by

• alcohol or drugs













• NSW – Regulation 274 Swimming pools




RESPONSIBILITY




It is the responsibility of the Nominated Supervisor to:

• Ensure that all children are adequately supervised, with a first aid staff member present when in or

around water

• Provide guidance and education to educators, staff and families on the importance of children’s

safety in and around water

• Ensure work, health and safety practices incorporate approaches to safe storage of water and play.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Squiggler Academy to prevent child accidents, illness and trauma relating to water or

bodies of water, by ensuring:

• Children are closely supervised when near any water at all times

• Children are never left alone near any bodies of water

• Children are taught about staying safe in and around water

Buckets of water used during cleaning after craft or throughout the day are filled immediately before

use, supervised by an adult while in use, emptied immediately and cleaned thoroughly after use.

Clean drinking water is provided for children’s consumption at all times

• That drinking water is supervised to ensure that it is safe and hygienic for consuming

• That water containers are securely sealed and at the end of each day each water container is emptied

and cleaned thoroughly

• Hot water is accessible to children and will be administered by a responsible person if required

• That if adults carry and consume hot drinks, they are to do so only in an approved thermal mug

• A risk assessment is conducted prior to any excursion taking place where children will be in or around

bodies of water

• At all times, when children are present, there will be at least one contact staff member with a current

approved first aid qualification, on the premises

• All first aid staff keep their first aid qualifications up to date.

• Children are encouraged to learn about, explore, experiment and consider appropriate risks related to

the use of water as a medium for play, in both the outdoor and indoor environment and on

excursions, while being adequately supervised

• Children wear sun smart clothing for a water based activity, for example, hats and collared shirts and

staff will role model effective sun smart behavior, for example, seeking shade, wearing sunglasses and

encourage the children to do the same.

IMPLEMENTATION

The safety and supervision of children is paramount when in or around water. This relates to water play,

excursions near or at bodies of water, hot water, drinking water and hygiene practices with water in the

service environment. Children will be adequately supervised at all times during water play experiences, be

encouraged to use safer participation in and around water during weekly swim activity and excursions and be

taught to understand key messages regarding swim safety, such as swim with adults where possible.

The service will endeavour to teach all children about water safety including:

• Never swim alone

• Check water conditions if at the beach, ask someone who is familiar with the area, e.g. lifeguard

• Swim between the red and yellow flags when at the beach; and

• Read and obey all safety signs.

• Shut the pool gate Check for water safety signs Beware of slippery rock areas

• Never swim immediately after the consumption of food and/or beverages

• Use sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming

• If you feel cold in the water, get out as quickly as you can

• Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards

• What to do if caught in a rip.

EDUCATION, HYGIENE , AND SAFETY • Ensure that all water carrying vessels are emptied and allowed to dry thoroughly at the end of each

water play activity to prevent the build-up of potentially harmful bacteria and mould.

• Ensure children thoroughly wash and dry their hands following service procedures after each water

play activity to reduce the risk of cross infection.

• Provide guidance and education of educators, staff and families on the importance of children’s

safety in and around water.

• Supervision and access to water within the service is managed effectively by staff to ensure children

remain safe and healthy.

• Staff are required to follow appropriate WH&S guidelines relating to back care and safety equipment

when moving or securing vessels containing water.

• Empty buckets used for cleaning immediately after use. No buckets are left in play areas or accessible

to children.

WATER SAFETY IN RELATION TO EXCURSIONS

Squiggler recognises the risks posed by bodies of water. The service will ensure that every precaution is taken

so that children are able to enjoy water-based excursions safely. Risk assessments will be carried out for

programmed water-based excursions.

The Regulations do not specify a specific educator to child ratio for activities where water is a feature. The

number of educators present is to be determined by a risk assessment of the proposed activity. It must also be

noted that in sections 165, 167 and 169 of the National Law there are clear statements about adequate

supervision. A range of factors shall determine the adequacy of supervision, including:

1. Numbers, ages and abilities of the children

2. Number and positioning of educators

3. Each child’s current activity

4. Areas where children are playing, in particular the visibility and accessibility of these areas

5. Risks in the environment and experiences provided to children

6. Educators’ knowledge of each child and each group of children, the experience, knowledge and skill of

each educator.

A risk management plan will be undertaken for all excursions near or at bodies of water. Please refer to the

service’s Excursion Policy.

DEFINITION OF A BODY OF WATER The service recognises the following locations are bodies of water:

1. Swimming pools and /or water fun parks

2. Wading pools

3. Lakes

4. Ponds

5. The sea / ocean

6. Creeks

7. Dams

8. Rivers

9. Equipment used by the service that could contain 5cm or more of water and would allow a child to

submerge both nose and mouth at the same time.

WATER SAFETY IN RELATION TO WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE SERVICE • Water use within the service will be supervised to ensure that the safety of children, and educators is

a priority. The hygienic state of water will be assessed before it is used for children’s play.

• At the completion of the activity the water containers will be emptied and the containers turned

upside down or packed away.

• Educators will ensure water troughs or containers for water play are filled to a safe level. These

activities will be supervised at all times by adults and containers or troughs will be emptied onto

garden areas after use. Children will be discouraged from drinking from these water vessels.

• Children will be instructed in the safe use of equipment used during water- based activities, for

example, slip and slide, water “guns”, bubble machines, etc.

• Any buckets of water that may be used for cleaning or hand washing will not be left unsupervised

near the children and will be emptied immediately after use.

• The children’s play areas will be checked each morning to ensure that no containers or pools of water

are accessible for children. If rain occurs during the day, outdoor play areas will be checked for safety

prior to the children entering the outdoor environment.

REVIEW AND VERSION CONTROL

These policies will be officially reviewed every 12 months or when legislation becomes amended. All

stakeholders may provide feedback on them at any time. This includes parents, staff, the community,

regulators and children.

Version Implementation Date Approved by Review Date

1.0 July 2015 Approved Provider July 2016

2.0 January 2017 Approved Provider January 2018

3.0 January 2018 Approved Provider November 2018

4.0 November 2018 Approved Provider January 2019

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