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Botany Vacation

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Parent Handbook

CONTENTS Page

CHILDREN SERVICES CONTACTS ...................................................................................................... 1

OOSH SERVICES

Botany Vacation Care .............................................................................................................................................. 1

Botany Outside School Hours Care (OOSH) ........................................................................................................... 1

Pagewood Outside School Hours Care (OOSH) ...................................................................................................... 1

EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES

Mascot Child Care Centre ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Hillsdale Child Care Centre ...................................................................................................................................... 1

HOME BASED EDUCATIONAL AND CARE

Botany Family Day Care .......................................................................................................................................... 2

COMPLAINTS TO BE ADDRESS TO ...................................................................................................................... 2

REGULATORY AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 2

WELCOME TO BOTANY VACATION CARE ......................................................................................... 3

OUR PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................................. 3

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION ....................................................................................................... 4

National Quality Framework ..................................................................................................................................... 4

National Legislative Framework ............................................................................................................................... 4

National Quality Standard ..................................................................................................................................... 4-5

National Quality Rating and Assessment Process ................................................................................................... 5

SERVICE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................... 5-6

EXCURSIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6

OUR STAFF ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Educator to Child Ratios .......................................................................................................................................... 6

HOURS OF OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 6

ORIENTATION FOR NEW FAMILIES .................................................................................................... 7

ENROLMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Enrolment procedure ................................................................................................................................................ 7

PARENTAL CUSTODY ........................................................................................................................... 7

FEES ........................................................................................................................................................ 8

LATE PAYMENT OF FEES ..................................................................................................................... 8

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................................... 8

Child Care Benefit (CCB) ......................................................................................................................................... 8

Child Care Rebate (CCR) ........................................................................................................................................ 8

ALLOWABLE ABSENCES ..................................................................................................................... 9

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................. 9

CHILD PROTECTION ......................................................................................................................... 9-10

FOOD AND NUTRITION .................................................................................................................. 10-11

SUN PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................... 11

MEDICATION ........................................................................................................................................ 12

Medical Emergency Management Plan .................................................................................................................. 12

HEALTH – ILLNESS OF A CHILD ........................................................................................................ 12

ACCIDENTS AT THE SERVICE ...................................................................................................... 12-13

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES .......................................................................................................... 13

CHILDREN COLLECTED AFTER 6:00PM ........................................................................................... 13

CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR .............................................................................................................. 13-14

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS ................................................................................................................ 14

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 14

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 14

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SERVICE USERS ..................................................................................... 15

Complaints Management .................................................................................................................................. 15-16

Feedback from Families ......................................................................................................................................... 16

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE FLOWCHART ....................................................................................... 17

REFERENCE AND USEFUL WEBSITES ............................................................................................. 18

APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 19

Appendix 1 – Exclusion and Symptoms Guidelines ......................................................................................... 20-22

Appendix 2 – National Immunisation Program Schedules ................................................................................ 23-24

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 25

Botany Vacation Care Parent Handbook Page | 1

CHILDREN SERVICES CONTACTS

OOSH SERVICES Our Outside School Hours operate 41 weeks of the year (during school terms only) and closed for school holidays, Public holidays and designated Pupil‘s free days. Botany Vacation Care Operates during school holidays only From 5-12 year sold 7:00am – 6:00pm Botany Public School – 1076 Botany Road, Botany 2019 Tel: 9316 5828 Email: [email protected] CRN: 555 007 619B Botany Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) Before School Care 7:00am – 8:45am After School Care 3:00pm – 6:00pm Botany Public School - 1076 Botany Road, Botany 2019 Tel: 9316 5828 Email: [email protected] CRN: 406 948 608K (after / before) Pagewood Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) Before School Care 7:00am – 8:45am After School Care 3.00pm – 6.00pm Pagewood Public School - 60 Page Street, Pagewood 2035 Tel: 9666 6128 Email: [email protected] CRN: 555 006 656S (before)

CRN: 555 006 746H (after) EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES Our Early Childhood Services operate 48 weeks of the year and close for 4 weeks between the December /January Period. Mascot Child Care Centre From 2 yrs to school age 7:30am – 6:00pm 53 Coward Street, Mascot 2020 Ph: 9669 3626 Fax: 9313 4196 Email: [email protected] CRN: 555 000 773K Hillsdale Child Care Centre From 8 weeks to school age 7:30am – 6:00pm Cnr. Flint & Tierney Avenue, Hillsdale 2036 Ph: 9349 8648 Fax: 9314 3158 Email: [email protected] CRN: 555 002 431L

mailto:[email protected]






HOME BASED EDUCATION AND CARE Botany Family Day Care From 6 weeks to school aged care 8:00am – 4:30pm 149 Coward Street, 2020 Ph: 9366 3576 Fax: 9366 3592 Email: [email protected] CRN: 555 000 653X COMPLAINTS TO BE ADDRESSED TO: Ms Laura Browning Children‘s Services Coordinator Community Services Section City of Botany Bay Central Library PO Box 331, MASCOT NSW 1460 Ph: 9366 3876 Fax: 9366 3838 Email: [email protected] Ms Hayla Doris Manager Libraries, Museum & Community Services Community Services Section City of Botany Bay Central Library PO Box 331, MASCOT NSW 1460 Ph: 9366 3875 Fax: 9366 3838 Email: [email protected] REGULATORY AUTHORITY NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate Department of Education and Communities Locked Bag 5107 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 Ph: 1800 619 113 Fax: 8633 1810 Website: www.det.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected]




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



WELCOME TO BOTANY VACATION CARE

Botany Vacation Care is managed by the City of Botany Bay Council. The Service operates from

Botany Public School for school aged children up the 13 years of age. This handbook provides new

and continuing families with important information about the service, including the most relevant

operating policies and procedures. A complete set of policies and procedures is available at the

Vacation Care service. Please read the following information carefully, as it is necessary to

understand and agree to all policies and procedures.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The City of Botany Bay Council Outside of School Hours Service is committed to the care and

education to children‘s growth, learning and developments. We believe that we enable this by

providing a safe, fun and stimulating environment, which encourages children rights to explore their

capabilities and interests, express their ideas, knowledge and creativity and have their views

considered in decisions that will inevitably affect them.

We acknowledge that each family is different, important and unique. We have a commitment to

creating a welcoming and family like environment where individual and cultural identity are valued and

respected. We believe families bring strength to our work through their expert knowledge about their

child. We aim to foster respectful relationships with families to guide our practices and work with

children.

We believe that the child‘s experiences at our Services will be strengthened with building and

maintaining respectful relationships with our local schools and community.

Our team of Educators is made up of a diverse group of professionals with expertise and knowledge

about their work with children and families. This collective knowledge and wisdom enriches the quality

of Service we provide to our community. We believe that a strong team is based on principles of

confidentiality, trust, and respect for ourselves and others.

Council is committed to the ongoing professional development of our Educators, and by doing so

supports them to reflect on their profession and on the ethical conduct of their Services and work with

children, families, other professionals and community members.


REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

On 1 January 2012, the National Quality Framework was established it applies to most long day care,

family day care, preschool (or kindergarten) and outside schools hours care services.

National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and

consistency in education and care services through:

The National legislative framework

The National Quality Standard

The National quality rating and assessment process

The National body called the Australian Children‘s Education and Care Quality

Authority – ACEAQA

The National Quality Framework took effect on 1 January 2012 with key requirements being phased in

overtime. Requirements such as qualification, educator-to-child ratios and other key staffing

arrangements will be phased in between 2012 and 2020.

National legislative framework

The national legislative framework is established through an applied laws system and consists of:

The Education and Care Services National Law

The Education and Care Services National Regulations.

It creates a jointly governed uniform national approach to the regulation and quality assessment of

education and care services and replaces existing separate licensing and quality assurance

processes. For many services this integrated approach means less red tape.

A Regulatory Authority in each state and territory will be primarily responsible for administering the

National Quality Framework, including approving, monitoring and quality assessing services.

for NSW – Children’s Services will report to the Department of Education and Communities. This

Department will be our first point of contact for our services.

The Australian Children‘s Education and Care Quality Authority—will oversee the National Quality

Framework and ensure the consistent and effective implementation of the new system.

National Quality Standard

The National Quality Standard sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care

services.

The National Quality Standard is divided into seven Quality Areas:

1. Educational program and practice

2. Children‘s health and safety

3. Physical environment

4. Staffing arrangements

5. Relationships with children


6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

7. Leadership and service management.

The National Quality Standard aims to promote: the safety, health and wellbeing of children a focus

on achieving outcomes for children through high-quality educational programs families‘ understanding

of what distinguishes a quality service.

National Quality Rating and Assessment Process

Approved Services will be assessed and rated against each of the seven Quality Areas of the National

Quality Standard and the National Regulations. They will also be given an overall rating. The rating

and assessment process aims to drive continuous quality improvement at services and provide

families with better information for making choices about their children‘s education and care.

The National Quality Framework will require all providers to improve services in the areas that impact

on a child‘s development and safety and to provide families with quality information to help them make

informed choices about services.

Educators and Staff wishing to work in the City of Botany Bay Council Children‘s Services must

understand that everything that we do within the Service is governed by:

The national Quality Framework -

Family Tax Act as well as other Acts and Regulations

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

Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Local Government Act 1993

The Education and Care Services National Law 2011

The Education and care Services National Regulation

As a Service we report to and can be audited at anytime by:

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)

Food Safety Auditors,

Council Food Safety Inspectors

Australian Taxation Office and external Finance Auditors

Workplace safety Audits

Department of Education and Communities – compliance spot checks

SERVICE PROGRAM

The Botany Vacation Care program aims to provide children with the opportunity to play and have fun

in a supervised safe, stimulating and challenging environment.

The Staff aim to build a trusting and secure environment for both the children and parents. The

children are free to choose the areas of interest in which they will participate throughout the day, as

an individual and as part of a group. Our professionally trained and experienced staff collaborate with

children to provide play and leisure opportunities that are meaningful to children to support their well


being, learning and development and reflecting the National Framework for school aged children ‗My

Time Our Place‖ outcomes to extend and enrich children‘s wellbeing and development.

Activities each day will generally include a wide range of planned and spontaneous activities to suit

the age group of the children attending the service. Children are asked to have input into these by

adding their own ideas and requesting favourite excursions to be repeated.

The Service provides opportunities for free play where children make choices about the activities they

will participate in. The activities may include craft, cooking, sport, board games, construction and

reading. The program is flexible to accommodate the interests and needs of the children.

EXCURSIONS

At Botany Vacation Care we value the importance of excursions in providing authentic experiences

outside of the service that are relevant to the everyday lives of children, families and educators.

Excursions provide an opportunity for children to engage in meaningful ways with their communities.

Excursions are planned to be safe and meaningful experiences for both adults and children.

Excursion costs must be paid in cash on the enrolment evening.

Council transport is provided for outside excursions, so places are limited.

Children cannot swap excursions or get a refund if they do not attend the

excursion.

Please be advised that if your child is under the age of 7, an approved booster

seat is needed for all excursions requiring transport by Council bus.

OUR STAFF

The Service consists of a team of people with a wide range of qualifications and experience. Staff

photos are displayed at the service noticeboard.

The educator to child ratios as outlined in the standards will be met at all times.

Educator to Child Ratios:

There will be a maximum of 15 children to 1 educator

There will be a maximum of 8 children to 1 educator for excursions

Rosters and supervision requirements are based on this information. All educators are provided with

specifications for job roles and responsibilities within a shift. The roles and responsibilities include the

areas of supervision that educators are responsible for.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Botany Vacation Care operates during each NSW State School holiday period from Monday to Friday

between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm. The service caters for children from 5 to 12 years.

The Service is closed on all designated public holidays and pupil‘s free days. During the

December/January school holidays, our Service opens the first full week after the New Years Day

public holiday.


ORIENTATION FOR NEW FAMILIES

At Botany Vacation Care, your child‘s safety and well being is our highest priority. To assist us in

providing a high standard of care we encourage all new families using the Service to find out as much

information as possible about the Service before their child commences care.

Families attending the Service for the first time are invited to spend time on their child‘s first day at the

Service. They can meet the staff and observe how the Service operates.

ENROLMENTS

Enrolment procedure

1. Read the Botany Vacation Care Enrolment Information Parent Handbook

2. Complete Enrolment Form for each child - Enrolment forms, as per the Confidentiality and Privacy Act, can only be accepted from the child‘s parent/guardian, an immediate family member or a person nominated by the Parent/Guardian in writing. All enrolment forms remain the property of Botany Bay City Council.

3. Complete Booking Form for each child

4. Complete the Excursion form and ensure you have the correct amount of cash at the enrolment night.

5. If your child requires medication to be administered or has a specific health or medical needs please bring all the necessary medical information from your doctor.

6. Provide the Service with a copy of your child‘s Immunisation record. Children who have not been immunised will be excluded from the program in the event of an outbreak of an infectious disease. Families must provide evidence of immunization or have exemption to be eligible for the CCB allowance.

7. Provide the Service with a copy of your child‘s birth certificate

8. Register your child with Family Assistance office to be eligible for Child Care Benefit and/or Child Care Rebate

9. It is important that you always inform staff of any changes to your circumstance. For example: home address, telephone numbers, persons authorised to collect your child etc.

10. Enrol your child at the Vacation Care Registration night usually (2 weeks before the school holidays start)

11. A non-refundable enrolment fee applies as per City of Botany Bay Council‘s fees and charges schedule. The enrolment fee is payable for all new enrolments and re - enrolment following termination of care or termination of care due to non - payment of fees.

12. You will be required to complete a full enrolment form for your child at the beginning of every year with Botany Vacation Care and all information will be treated confidentially.

PARENTAL CUSTODY

In cases where a residency order has been made by a court order to one or other parent/guardian

and restricted access or no access has been specified, a copy of the court order must be given to the

service Supervisor. If a court order prohibiting access has not been supplied, the service cannot deny

access.


FEES

Fees are based on a daily rate and are reviewed annually by The City of Botany Bay by June; any

increases are usually implemented in January of the following year.

All fees must be paid on your child‘s first day of attendance at the Service. Fees can be paid by

cheque/ or money order, BPay or Eftpos at the Service. There are no refunds for booked days or

excursions. Bookings must be paid for whether your child attends or is absent. The Service has a ―NO

CHANGE‖ policy. Full fees will be charged to you if your child is absent on their first or last booked

day as per requirements set out by the Federal Government‘s Family Assistance Office (FAO).

LATE PAYMENT OF FEES

If fees are outstanding at the completion of Vacation Care, an account will be sent to the family and

re-enrolment in future Botany Vacation Care programs will cease until the debt is finalised.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

Child Care Benefit (CCB)

Government assistance is available to families and children attending any approved service provider

from the Federal Government‘s Family Assistance Office (FAO). . Please contact the Family

Assistance Office on 13 61 50 or www.familyassist.gov.au to be assessed for the eligibility to CCB. All

parents are encouraged to apply for the Child Care Benefit. To obtain CCB, children must be 5 years

of age and/or attending school that year. Under the new CCMS system you no longer are required to

link your child to the individual centre. We will do this for you on receipt of your family and child‘s

Customer Reference Number (CRN) and birth date. Families who do not provide CCB details will be

charged full fee.

Child Care Rebate (CCR)

In addition to Child Care Benefit, families may be eligible to receive the 50% Child Care Rebate

provided by the Federal Government, which may cover 50% of your out‐ of‐ pocket child care costs.

The Child Care Rebate is not income tested. Families must be assessed for CCB to receive child care

rebate.

More information on Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate can be obtained from:

www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/CCfactsheetkit.aspx

www.mychild.gov.au

or by calling FAO on 13 61 50 between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. Families are entitled to claim

back 50% of out of pocket expenses for childcare for each child. This is paid directly to you quarterly

from the FAO. You may elect for this to be paid annually if you choose.

Parents must provide the Service with all required information on the Registration Form to receive the

Child Care Rebate. Please be advised that it is not the responsibility of Botany Vacation Care to

recover Child Care Benefit or Rebate payments.

http://www.familyassist.gov.au/

http://www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/CCfactsheetkit.aspx

http://www.mychild.gov.au/


ALLOWABLE ABSENCES

CCB is payable for 42 absences per child each financial year. Parents may be required to pay full

fees for absences exceeding 42 days.

A child is not considered to have commenced care until the first day the child attends the service and

receives care. Once the commencement date has been confirmed by the centre, all absences from

this date until the child commences will be charged at full fees as outlined in the CCB funding

guidelines. Allowable absences cannot be claimed for these days and CCB may not be paid.

A child is considered to have ceased care after the last day the child actually attended the service.

Families are required to give 2 weeks written notice to terminate their enrolment. Absences recorded

from the last time the child was in care to the date of termination given, will be charged at the full fee

rate as outlined in the CCB funding guidelines and allowable absences cannot be claimed.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will inform services if

special circumstances can be accommodated in any of the above circumstances. Your child care fees

statement will show the number of allowable absences your child have used during the financial year.

If your child is booked in to attend the Service and is not attending on any day, you must inform the

Service staff. Please notify the Service by 8:00am if your child is going to be absent-phone 9316 -

5828

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The practice of teaching and caring for children in our Botany Vacation Care is guided by a number of

policies and procedures. These procedures have been developed over a period of years to reflect the

ever-changing nature of education and the changes in research and practice. A full copy of these

procedures is on display at each service. Policies and Procedures are available on request at the

service level or from Council‘s Children‘s Services by Phone (02) 9366 3876.

CHILD PROTECTION

Botany Vacation Care is committed to providing safe environments where children are safe, nurtured

and respected. Children and Young people under the age of 18 years should be safe, protected and

free from the risk of harm or abuse of any type. Council‘s practices and procedures to ensure that the

duty of care, and legislative requirements outlined in the Child Protection Act is effective and assist

management and Educators/Staff in the protection of children and young people.

It is understood by Management, Educators/Staff, children and families that there is a shared

responsibility between the Service and all stakeholders that the Child Protection Policy and

Procedures are accepted as a high priority.

The Service encourages practices that ensure the wellbeing of children and staff while at the services.

These include:

Rostering 2 staff members on premises at all times

Ensuring staff are never left alone with children or without ready access to or

within visibility of other staff members


All Educators, Employees and Management of the City of Botany Bay Council who in the course of

their professional duty deliver child related employment are considered to be Mandatory Reporters.

This means that they must notify the Department of Families and Community Services if:

There are reasonable grounds to suspect risk that a child or young person is at

risk of significant harm from child abuse or neglect.

These grounds arise during the course of, or from, the Staff Member‘s

employment.

The NSW Department of Family and Community Services is the statutory authority responsible for

child protection. They have the powers under legislation to respond when there are concerns of

‗significant‘ risk of harm.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Each child will need to bring a healthy lunch, a piece of fruit or vegetable for morning tea and drinks

for a full day (REFILLABLE DRINK BOTTLES). The Service at times will have planned lunches and

families are often informed of this. Chilled drinking water is available to the children to refill their drink

bottles throughout the day.

The Service provides breakfast and afternoon tea to the children. The Service ensures that the food

provided is nutritious and varied. Please see our noticeboard for our afternoon tea menus.

Botany Vacation Care aims to reduce the provision of nut products within our service. Please ensure

your child does not bring any nut products to Vacation Care. This includes nutella, peanut butter,

muesli bars containing nuts and fruit and nut mix. We appreciate that you understand this and help us

in providing a safe centre for all our children.

Please inform the staff if your child has any special dietary needs, requirements or allergies.

LUNCHBOX CHECKLIST FOR VACATION CARE.

Please Note: Our Service is NUT FREE ZONE

Use this checklist to help provide nutritious food for your child each day:

Is your child provided with:

PLEASE TICK

Dairy or high calcium foods?

High calcium foods are dairy products including plain or flavoured milks, hard and soft cheeses,

Yoghurts and custard. Calcium- added soya milk and tofu are also good sources of calcium. Other

high calcium foods are milk based desserts such as fruche, creamed rice, milk puddings and ice-cream. Protein and high iron foods?

Protein foods include beef, lamb, veal, beef sausage, pork, ham, fish, egg, chicken (breast leg or loaf), legumes

Cereal – based foods?

Cereal – based foods include bread (all varieties including fruit bread), rice, pasta, noodles, cracker biscuits (plain, unsalted crackers, rice cakes, rice crackers), fruit buns, scones, pikelets, muffins and crumpets


Fruit?

Fruit includes fresh, canned or dried but NOT JUICE.

Vegetables?

Vegetables include raw or cooked (fresh, canned or frozen)

A drink?

The best drinks for children are milk or water. Fruit juice is not essential if your child eats fruit. If you choose to pack juice, dilute it half and half with water.

Limit the following foods

Sticky snacks like heath food bars, lollies and fruit straps as these may lead to tooth decay.

Foods high in fat and sugar like creamed filled and chocolate coated biscuits, chocolate and chocolate or yoghurt coated heath food bars.

Foods high in fat and salt like chips and savoury snack biscuits

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Sandwiches/wraps – salads, ham, chicken, cheese, spreads

Fruit – bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries, sultanas

Crackers, cheese, carrot/celery sticks and dip

Yoghurt

Water, milk

Keeping food in the Lunchbox cool

Food poisoning occurs when bacteria in food have the right conditions to grow. Bacteria grow best when the temperature is between 5-60oC. To keep food in the lunchbox safe it is important that food is kept cool.

Use insulated bags as lunchboxes

Place ice bricks in lunch boxes

Place frozen drinks (water) in lunch box

Freeze suitable foods eg. Sandwiches, yoghurt

Store lunch in a cool area out of the sun

Reference: Nutrition Ready to go at OOSH

SUN PROTECTION

The Service recognises that it has a role in promoting sun safety practices for Educators/Staff,

children and families, and recognises its obligation to contribute to the health and wellbeing of children

and Educators/Staff through managing a healthy balance of UV exposure.

All children are required to wear a hat and sunscreen for outdoor play. Children without hats may only

play in a sun shaded or protected area. Please ensure that your child has a hat every day. We do

have spare hats available in case your child or their parent forgets their hat.


MEDICATION

If your child needs to take medication during the vacation care program, you will be required to fill out

a medication administration form, sign it and inform a staff member. Only prescribed medication will

be given to your child. Over the counter medication will not be administered by staff. Do not leave any

medication in your child‘s bag.

Medication must be provided in its original container, which shows:

your child‘s name

the dose and frequency to be given

the date it was dispensed/expiry date

Staff will only administer medication in accordance with the information on the form you completed

and instructions on the container. A staff member with First Aid qualifications will administer the

medication. Another staff member will witness this.

If your child develops a high temperature whilst at the Service, ―Panadol‖ may have to be

administered. Parents will be contacted and will obtain consent to do so. Parents will have to confirm

consent to 2 staff members over the phone and you will be required to sign a medication form when

collecting your child.

Medical Emergency Management Plan

If your child suffers from a condition, which may escalate into a medical emergency, (e.g. asthma,

febrile convulsions, epilepsy), the parents must inform the Vacation care supervisor and staff about

the illness or allergy and its management BEFORE the commencement of the program.

HEALTH – ILLNESS OF A CHILD

Children must not attend vacation care unless they are able to cope adequately with group normal

care routines and activities. If your child is found unwell during the day, the parents will be contacted

and asked to take the child home.

The staff have a duty of care and must ensure the wellbeing and safety of all children at all times.

Sick children with contagious illness must not attend the service. Please notify staff if your child has

contracted a contagious illness or other health concern while attending the Service, i.e. Measles,

Chickenpox, Head Lice, etc.

The Service has adopted the Department of Health‘s regulations regarding the exclusion of children

with a contagious disease and exclusion of children who are not fully immunised.

A medical certificate must be presented to staff before a child can be re-accepted into the Service

after having a contagious disease.


ACCIDENTS AT THE SERVICE

In the case of a minor accident, staff with current first aid will assess the injury and administer

appropriate first aid. In the event of a serious accident, you will be contacted and your child taken to

Prince of Wales Children‘s Hospital by ambulance if necessary – approval is requested on the

registration form for the Supervisor to act on medical advice given by the hospital.

If the parents cannot be contacted, staff will ring emergency numbers and an ambulance will transport

the child to the nearest hospital if deemed necessary. A staff member will accompany the child to the

hospital, and remain there until the parent or familiar adult arrives. Any fees incurred by an ambulance

will be covered by Botany Bay City Council‘s ambulance cover.

All accidents are recorded on an accident forms. The staff that witnesses the event records details of

how the accident happened, the injuries incurred and treatment provided. The parent is required to

sign the accident form after the staff member has discussed the incident with them.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Parents are required to sign their children in and out of the service each day, stating the time. It is

important that a staff member is advised of the arrival and departure of your children, for their own

safety.

Children will not be allowed to leave the centre with any person who does not have Parent

Authorisation. Written notification is required to allow another person to collect your child.

CHILDREN COLLECTED AFTER 6:00PM

All children must leave the Service prior to the closing time. Parents must be at the service at least

five (5) minutes prior to closing to exchange any necessary information with educators. Parents must

contact the Service if they are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances. Your child may only

be collected by the parent or a person nominated on your enrolment form.

Staff will endeavour to make contact with the parent/guardian. If no contact can be made, the

emergency contact will be contacted. If nobody can be found to come to the Service by 6:30pm, the

nearest Police Station will be notified for further action.

A late Collection fee will incur after 6:00pm - a penalty of $15.00 per 15 minutes or part thereof per

child. When a late fee is incurred, Child Care Benefit cannot be claimed for late collection of children

and it cannot be claimed as an out-of-pocket expense.

CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR

Botany Vacation Care Program aims to create an environment that cares for and promotes the

children‘s wellbeing, their involvement and participation, personal responsibility, respect for others and

cooperation.

Our guiding children‘s behaviour policy is based on guidance, redirection and a positive

reinforcement. We aim to guide rather than control the behaviour of the children in our care. We

believe learning appropriate behaviour is a developmental task like any other, although it is far more

complex, than any other skill a child will learn.


The staff aims to provide a positive and consistent methods of behaviour management in partnership

with families. Children are encouraged to contribute to setting Service rules and discuss with staff the

reasons for these rules. Our policy aims to encourage self-control and regulation as well as the

enhancements of feelings of self worth.

As adults we need to evaluate our own behaviour, ensuring that we model positive social skills, e.g. in

negotiation, encouragement, kindness and empathy towards children, staff and families. Both children

and staff are expected to respond to, rather than react to situations.

Staff include children in the conflict resolution process by exploring alternatives to solving the conflict

and finding a solution that is acceptable to all. Guidance never involves punishment such as the

withdrawal from activities, food, or prolonged involvement in peer interactions. Any behaviour

concerns is always discussed and shared with the family and the staff member.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

Children are welcome to bring their own plaything, such as, DS, PS3, balls and other games to

Botany Vacation Care for use during specific times of the day.

If your child brings a personal item to the Service, please remember that they are still the property and

responsibility of your child during that time. Botany Vacation Care will not to accept liability for any

loss or damage that may occur.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Botany Vacation Care builds and sustains a strong sense of belonging and connection between

families and their community. Families are encouraged to participate in the programs, provide written

and verbal feedback, provide input into policy reviews, and provide input to educators about their

child‘s learning, interest and development so that it can be incorporated into the service program. As

well as visit the service at any time.

Botany Vacation Care encourages families to feel involved and to participate in the program. Talk to

the staff each day. Building a good relationship with the staff will help you and your child feel relaxed

while using the service.

Information about daily happening is on display every day to provide families with the opportunity to

be involved and disuses the day with their children.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Sign attendance sheet on both your child‘s arrival at the Service and their

departure from the Service.

Read notice boards daily.

Inform staff if custody or access arrangements change.

Keep the Service up to date with any changes in address or employment details.

Always inform the staff if someone, other than those nominated will be collecting

your child.

Pay fees on your first day at the Service.


Ensure your child brings a sunhat to the Service each day and is appropriately

dressed to attend the Service. For example; closed in shoes, no singlet tops etc.

Ensure that your child has enough food and drinks to last them the whole day.

Remind your child that any personal items that they choose to bring to the Service

are their responsibility. Staff accepts no responsibilities for these items.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SERVICE USERS

The Services are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all

service users through appropriate interactions. This code of conduct relates to the behaviour of adults

- parents/guardians, educators, volunteers or visitors when visiting our Services.

The following behaviours will not be accepted or tolerated:

Swearing/ offensive language

Yelling

Aggression i.e. slamming doors, throwing equipment

Violence

Harassment

Discrimination

Vilification

Bullying

Defamation

Ignoring or abusive behaviours

Other anti-social behaviours

Management reserves the right to take appropriate action in order to provide a safe and protective

environment for all service users, staff and children, including withdrawing or denying services to any

group or individual in breach of the Code of Conduct for Service Users.

Complaints Management

Our Services aim to ensure that a good working relationship is maintained, free from unresolved

conflict between families and educators/staff. We encourage feedback as it keeps us accountable and

is an important approach to continuous improvement to learn and continue to provide a Service that

meets our families and children‘s needs.

There is a formal procedure for the settling of concerns that may arise for families in Children‘s

Services.

The procedure for parent/ guardians to find resolution of any concern is as follows:

In the first instance all concerns should be addressed to the Service Nominated Supervisor, who will

also inform the Children‘s Services Coordinator. The Service Nominated Supervisor will attempt to

resolve the issue with the Parent/Guardian.

If a parent/guardian feels that their concerns have not been reasonably addressed

or that an unsatisfactory situation persists, they will be referred to the Children‘s

Services Coordinator.


If the matter is still not resolved to the parent/guardians satisfaction they will be

referred to the General Manager or the delegate Deputy General Manager.

An accurate record will be kept of all interviews conducted and families provided

with a copy of the record. All parties are required to respect confidentiality of the

issues raised and maintain a respectful relationship.

Any complaints made in writing will receive a written response within a reasonable

timeframe.

Parents/Guardians for culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have the

right to discuss their complaint with the use of the Telephone Interpreter Service

(TIS); in the presence of an interpreter, or with the use of Council‘s language

aides where necessary.

All complaints concerning child protection matters will be investigated in

accordance with relevant legislation. The Approved Provider will be informed and

the Service will report this allegation to the Department of Education and

Community Services (DEC).

Parent/Guardians will be advised at enrolment that any complaint involving child

abuse (verbal, physical, sexual, psychological) or suspected abuse must be

considered very serious. Educators are legally obliged to report any such

allegation to the Department of Families and Communities, and further

investigation may be required. If the allegation is against a staff member this will

be thoroughly investigated and appropriately reported according to legislation and

Service policy.

In general, when there is a grievance between the Service and parent/guardians,

either party has the right to have another person present for purposes of

objectivity and or support at the meetings and discussions.

Feedback from Families

The Service welcomes family feedback, ideas and or concerns. Parent/guardian feedback and

suggestions assist us in providing our families and community with a Service that strives for

excellence in meeting their needs.

Should there be something you are concerned about or would like to see improved it is requested that

you follow our feedback procedure:

Organise a mutually convenient time to meet with the Service Nominated

Supervisor to discuss your concern, or;

Complete a Parent Feedback Form and forward this to the Nominated Supervisor.

The Nominated Supervisor will then organize a time to discuss this concern with you. If you are not

comfortable discussing the issue with the Service Nominated Supervisor please contact the Children‘s

Services Coordinator on 9366 3875.

If you are still not satisfied with the way your concern was handled you may write to Botany Bay City

Council‘s General Manager, PO BOX 331, MASCOT NSW 1460.

Should the communication process breakdown; alternative care or exclusion from Councils Children‘s

Services may result.


COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE FLOWCHART

If unresolved, discuss concern /

complaint with Centre Director or

Responsible Person at the service.

If unresolved, contact the Children Services Coordinators 9366 3875

Complaint

Resolved

If unresolved, contact the Deputy General Manager 9366 3666

NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate Department of Education and Communities Locked Bag 5107 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 Phone: 1800 619 113 Fax: 8633 1810 Website: www.det.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected]

If appropriate, discuss complaint /

concern with educator concerned




REFERENCES AND USEFUL WEBSITES

City of Botany Bay www.botanybay.nsw.gov.au

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

www.deewr.gov.au/childcarehandbook

NSW Department of Education and Communities. www.det.nsw.edu.au.

NSW Children’s Health Australia. www.health.nsw.gov.au

Department of the Officer of the Privacy Commissioner NSW Privacy Act www.privacy.gov.au

The Australian Government Family Assistance Website www.familyassist.gov.au

“My Child” website www.mychild.gov.au

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority www.acecqa.gov.au

Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Bill 2010

Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.

DEEWR (2009) Belonging Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.

http://www.botanybay.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.deewr.gov.au/childcarehandbook


http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.privacy.gov.au/

http://www.familyassist.gov.au/

http://www.mychild.gov.au/

http://www.acecqa.gov.au/


APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 - EXCLUSION AND SYMPTOMS GUIDELINES

APPENDIX 2 – NATIONAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE


APPENDIX 1 EXCLUSION AND SYMPTOMS GUIDELINES

Source: ―Staying Healthy - Preventing Infectious Disease in Early Childhood Education and Care

Services 5th Edition‖. National Health and Medical Research Council, 2013

Condition Exclusion of case Exclusion of contacts*

Campylobacter infection Exclude until there has not been a loose

bowel motion for 24 hours** Not excluded

Candidiasis (thrush) Not excluded Not excluded

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

infection Not excluded Not excluded

Conjunctivitis

Exclude until discharge from the eyes has

stopped, unless a doctor has diagnosed

non-infectious conjunctivitis

Not excluded

Cryptosporidium Exclude until there has not been a loose


Diarrhoea

(No organism identified)

Exclude until there has not been a loose


Fungal infections of the skin or

nails (e.g. ringworm, tinea)

Exclude until the day after starting

appropriate antifungal treatment Not excluded

Giardiasis Exclude until there has not been a loose


Glandular fever

(mononucleosis, Epstein Barr

virus [EBV] infection)

Not excluded Not excluded

Hand, foot and mouth disease Exclude until all blisters have dried Not excluded

Haemophilus influenzae type b

(Hib)

Exclude until the person has received

appropriate antibiotic treatment for at

least 4 days

Not excluded. Contact a public health unit

for specialist advice

Head lice (pediculosis)

Not excluded if effective treatment begins

before the next day at the education and

care service. The child does not need to be

sent home immediately if head lice are

detected

Not excluded

Hepatitis A

Exclude until a medical certificate of

recovery is received and until at least 7

days after the onset of jaundice


for specialist advice about vaccinating or

treating children in the same room or

group

Hepatitis B Not excluded Not excluded


Hepatitis C Not excluded Not excluded

Herpes simplex (cold sores,

fever blisters)

Not excluded if the person can maintain

hygiene practices to minimise the risk of

transmission. If the person cannot comply

with these practices (e.g. because they are

too young), they should be excluded until

the sores are dry. Sores should be covered

with a dressing, where possible

Not excluded

Human immunodeficiency virus

(HIV)

Not excluded. If the person is severely

immune compromised, they will be

vulnerable to other people’s illnesses

Not excluded

Human parvovirus B19 (fifth

disease, erythema infectiosum,

slapped cheek syndrome)

Not excluded Not excluded

Hydatid disease Not excluded Not excluded

Impetigo

Exclude until appropriate antibiotic

treatment has started. Any sores on

exposed skin should be covered with a

watertight dressing

Not excluded

Influenza and influenza-like

illnesses Exclude until person is well Not excluded

Listeriosis Not excluded Not excluded

Measles

Exclude for 4 days after the onset of the

rash Immunised and immune contacts are

not excluded

For non-immunised contacts, contact a

public health unit for specialist advice. All

immune compromised children should be

excluded until 14 days after the

appearance of the rash in the last case

Meningitis (viral) Exclude until person is well Not excluded

Meningococcal infection Exclude until appropriate antibiotic

treatment has been completed


for specialist advice about antibiotics

and/or vaccination for people who were

in the same room as the case

Molluscum contagiosum Not excluded Not excluded

Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes

down (whichever is sooner) Not excluded

Norovirus Exclude until there has not been a loose

bowel motion or vomiting for 48 hours Not excluded

Pertussis (whooping cough)

Exclude until 5 days after starting

appropriate antibiotic treatment, or for 21

days from the onset of coughing

Contact a public health unit for specialist

advice about excluding non-vaccinated

and incompletely vaccinated contacts, or

antibiotics


Pneumococcal disease Exclude until person is well Not excluded

Roseola Not excluded Not excluded

Ross River virus Not excluded Not excluded

Rotavirus infection Exclude until there has not been a loose

bowel motion or vomiting for 24 hours** Not excluded

Rubella (German measles) Exclude until fully recovered or for at least

4 days after the onset of the rash Not excluded

Salmonellosis Exclude until there has not been a loose


Scabies Exclude until the day after starting

appropriate treatment Not excluded

Shigellosis Exclude until there has not been a loose


Streptococcal sore throat

(including scarlet fever)

Exclude until the person has received

antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours

and feels well

Not excluded

Toxoplasmosis Not excluded Not excluded

Tuberculosis (TB)

Exclude until medical certificate is

produced from the appropriate health

authority

Not excluded

Contact a public health unit for specialist

advice about screening, antibiotics or

specialist TB clinics

Varicella (chickenpox)

Exclude until all blisters have dried—this is

usually at least 5 days after the rash first

appeared in non-immunised children, and

less in immunised children

Any child with an immune deficiency (for

example, leukaemia) or receiving

chemotherapy should be excluded for

their own protection. Otherwise, not

excluded

Viral gastroenteritis (viral

diarrhoea)

Exclude until there has not been a loose

bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded

Worms

Exclude if loose bowel motions are

occurring. Exclusion is not necessary if

treatment has occurred

Not excluded

* The definition of ‗contacts‘ will vary according to the disease—refer to the specific fact sheet for more

information.

** If the cause is unknown, possible exclusion for 48 hours until the cause is identified. However,

educators and other staff who have a food handling role should always be excluded until there has not

been a loose bowel motion for 48 hours.


Source: Immunise Australia

http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/5403D77C07E1

973ACA257D49001E3775/$File/nips.pdf

Accessed: September 2015

APPENDIX 2 – NATIONAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE

http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/5403D77C07E1973ACA257D49001E3775/$File/nips.pdf



Source: Immunise Australia

http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/5403D77C07E1

973ACA257D49001E3775/$File/nips.pdf

Accessed: September 2015




ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

Prior to the commencement at the Service, it is a requirement that the Parent/s or Guardian/s

sign the form below.

Parent / Guardian

I _____________________________________________________(name) have read and

understand the information outlined in this Parent Handbook. In addition I am aware of The

City of Botany Bay Children Services Policy and Procedure Manual which outlines the terms

and conditions by which the Service operates. I understand I can get further details from the

Policy and Procedure Manual.

I acknowledge that the care and education of children in early childhood settings is a shared

responsibility between staff and families.

I understand that Council reserves the right to amend Children Services policies and

procedures from time to time in response to changes in regulations or laws and I understand

that I will be advised of any major policy or procedural changes.

Parent/Guardian (1) Parent/Guardian (2) Parent/Guardian (3)

Name: ____________________ Name: __________________ Name: __________________

Please print Please print Please print

Signed: ___________________ Signed: __________________ Signed: ________________

Date: _____________________ Date: ____________________ Date: __________________

Witness – Service Nominated Supervisor/ or Certified Supervisor

Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Please print

Signed: _________________________________________ Date: _____________________

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