nbasc - bundaberg north, queensland · 2018-08-01 · play and learn. we embrace and encourage...

NBASC Family Information Booklet

01-Jan-18

North Bundaberg After School Care Leisa Selley: Nominated Supervisor

P a g e | 2 © QCAN INC.

Where to find us: C/- North Bundaberg State Primary School MT Perry Road North Bundaberg Queensland 4670 Contact details: Nominated Supervisor: Leisa Selley Phone: 41501142 (Between 6:30 am to 8:30 am or 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm) Mob: 0427513417 Email: [email protected] Approved Provider: (The Approved Provider is the governing management of the service.) Our Approved Provider is the North Bundaberg State School Parent and Citizens Association. We encourage parent(s)/Guardians to try and get along to the P & C meeting every month. It is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Email: [email protected] Executive of the P & C: President: Christine Ewald Secretary: Terri-Ann Norval Treasurer: Jackie Goodwin Operating Times:

Before School Care 6:30 am – 8:30 am After School Care 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Vacation Care 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Pupil Free day 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Public Holidays Closed Christmas Period To be announced

2018 fees and charges:

Before school care (includes a light breakfast) $20.00 * After school care (includes a light afternoon tea) $25.00 * Vacation Care $55.00 * Pupil free days $55.00 * *Subject to CCB and CCR % rates Additional fees are charged for excursion/incursion days.

mailto:[email protected]



Table of Contents

About the Service:

1.1: Service Philosophy 1.2: Service Goals 1.3: Our Aim 1.4: Sponsor Information 1.5: Policy and Procedures 1.6: Enrolment and Orientation 1.7: How we communicate with Families 1.8: Respect for children 1.9: Child Protection 1.10: Use of Photos 1.11: Priority of Access and Non-Discriminatory Access 1.12: Confidentiality 1.13: Parent Code of Conduct 1.14: Staffing 1.15: Concerns, Complaints and Suggestions 1.16: School and Service Map

2. Caring for Your Children:

2.1: Arrivals and Departures 2.2: Late Collection 2.3: Children leaving without permission 2.4: Child Code of Conduct 2.5: Custody 2.6: Safety 2.7: Health and Hygiene 2.8: Illness and Injury 2.9: Medication 2.10: Daily Routines 2.11: Homework 2.212: Morning and Afternoon tea 2.13: Behaviour Management 2.14: Damage to Equipment of Facilities 2.15 Students, Visitor and Volunteers 2.16: Excursions 2.17: Transport 2.18: Clothing 2.19: Babysitting 2.20: Programming 2.21: Personal effects


3. Payment for Care:

3.1: Payment of Fees and Outstanding Fees 3.2: Childcare benefit 3.3: Bookings 3.4: Attendance 3.5: Allowable Absences 3.6: Approved Absences


Section.1: About our Service

1.1: Our Philosophy: This Philosophy statement provides the foundation for all activities, policies and procedures of the Service. Wherever there is uncertainty as to the Service’s policy or procedures on any issue, the Service uses these principles and philosophies to help resolve the issue. The written policies and procedures of the Service have been developed and will be monitored and reviewed with these values in mind. We recognise the importance of middle childhood as being a stage of growth and development. As such our educators will endeavour to provide an environment that will challenge, stimulate and support each child on an individual level.

• We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians of our land upon which we work, play and learn. We embrace and encourage educators and children to discover respect for the land and indigenous culture within our curriculum and learning environments.

• We aim to provide a physically safe and emotionally secure setting where children can explore, socialize and expand their interests through play using a variety of experiences.

• We encourage a supportive, confidence building atmosphere that promotes physical, emotional, intellectual, creative and social growth.

• We are inclusive and value children with diverse family backgrounds, abilities, additional needs and religious affiliations.

• We believe that all children have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. • We offer an environment with a curriculum which supports each child’s capabilities and

interests according to their individual needs. Based on the “My Time, Our Place Framework”

• We support the family unit by acknowledging the importance of the link between the family and service, by having open and honest communication and having respectful relationships.

• We encourage a spirit of warmth and respect with you and the children. • We provide qualified/qualifying educators who show genuine care, support and concern

for the children in their care and a service that is safe and well supervised. • We operate under strict workplace health and safety legislation and acknowledge and

respect all individuals and their confidentiality. • We encourage awareness for sustainability within our learning environment this benefits

the wellbeing of all within our community for a sustainable future.

1.2: Our Goal: NBASC has many goals on which our service is based. These goals are based on the outcomes for children as outlined in the ‘My Time, Our Place’ Framework for School Age Care. Our goals are to encourage children to:

• Have a strong sense of identity – NBASC aims to teach children to demonstrate a capacity for self-regulation, negotiating and sharing behaviours by motivating and encouraging children to succeed when they are faced with challenges.

• Be connected with and contribute to their world – NBASC aims to demonstrate awareness of connections, similarities and differences between people and how to react in positive ways by encouraging children to listen to others and to respect diverse perspectives.


• Have a strong sense of wellbeing – NBASC aims to teach children to show self-regulation and manage their emotions in ways that reflect the feeling and needs of others by showing care, understanding and respect for all children.

• Be confident and involved learners – NBASC aims to teach children to use reflective thinking to consider why things happen and what can be learnt from these experiences by encouraging children to communicate and make visible their ideas, theories, collaborate with children and model reasoning, predicting and reflecting processes and language.

• Be effective communicators – NBASC aims to teach children to convey and construct messages with purpose and confidence, including conflict resolution and following directions by modelling language and encouraging children to express themselves through language in a range of contexts and for a range of purposes including leading and following directions.

A child’s physical, emotional and social needs to be met in a safe, caring and supportive environment

1.3: Our Aim: We aim to achieve the following:

• Work in partnership with families and the community to provide quality services and offer opportunities for participation.

• Provide a caring and nurturing environment that is accepting of diversity, is complementary to a child’s home and school life and creates a sense of trust and security.

• Respect all families by promoting parent/guardian and child’s participation in the planning, development and evaluation of the program/curriculum.

• Foster the development of each child’s self-esteem and pride in their cultural heritage. • Encourage children to be active, enthusiastic and creative explorers of their learning and

natural environment. • Encourage and support individual children to express themselves, creatively. • Support children to become independent, confident and inquisitive learners, considering

the needs of the child as an individual and as a member of a family, group and community.

• Foster non-discriminatory programs/curriculum that is inclusive. • Provide and support opportunities for the professional and personal development of all of

our professional educators. • Adhere to all relevant sector legislation and requirements.

Policies and procedures that are reviewed annually or as required are based on operational or legislative change with key stakeholders informed of any changes.

1.4: Approved Provider

The Bundaberg North State Primary School Parent and Citizens Association are our Approved Provider and Management.

Parent participation is encouraged throughout all aspects of the service. A parent sub-committee supports the staff and Approved Providers with the day to day running of the service.


Members of the sub-committee may be members of the Bundaberg North State Primary School Parent and Citizens Association. General P & C meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Contact details for Bundaberg North State Primary School Parent and Citizens are on page 2 of this information booklet.

1.5: Policy and Procedures

NBASC has an extensive Policy and Procedure manual which reflects the Philosophy, Goals and Aim of our service. This manual is a large document, which will be made available to you to read on enrolment of your child. For easy referencing a copy is kept in a red folder on the white book shelf near the T.V area. Please speak to a team member if you would like to access the Policy and Procedures document.

In this Family Handbook we provide a snapshot of policies, which will affect you, your family and individual child during their time with us.

Details in this manual are correct at the time of printing.

Policy and Procedures are subject to change at any time.

1.6: Enrolment and Orientation

Parents/Guardians are required to complete an enrolment form before any child is to attend the service. A meeting will take place on enrolment of your child. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to discuss with us what will help make his/her time with us enjoyable, particularly the initial few weeks. Each newly enrolled family will receive a copy of this Parent Handbook, via email, detailing selected policies and conditions of enrolment. You will be shown around the service and be given a rundown on basic operations such as staffing and programming.

Information will be required from the parent/guardian. Refer: 9.2 Enrolment Policy for details.

If your child has additional needs a meeting will take place between relevant parties (e.g. parents/guardians; Co Ordinator; Occupational therapist, Teacher) before the child commences.

• Issues which will be discussed: • Level of support the child requires; • Duration of support; • Necessary training of team members and volunteers; • Environmental factors; • Safety of all children enrolled; • Sources of information and resources/support services that will ensure the best possible

care of the child.

This information will help us to meet the needs of your child and where necessary, seek assistance from specialist support workers. All information obtained through the enrolment procedures will be kept in a strictest confidence and used only for the purposes for which it is obtained. It is in your child’s best interest that these forms are kept up to date.

See: 9.2: Enrolment Policy & 9.3: Communication with Families Policy.


1.7: How we communicate with Families

We have many ways we communicate with you as a family. These include newsletters, emails to families, the school website, the Service Facebook page and the school newsletter. Please check these forms of contact regularly to ensure that you are fully up to date with the happenings at NBASC. Posters and Brochures are available throughout the service relating to many subjects such as health and nutrition, through to contact numbers for various community support groups and we can help with further contacts if you need them.

Your feedback is important to us. We have many surveys throughout the year and provide a suggestion box and confidential grievance procedure for all service users.

See: 9.3: Communication with Families, 9.4: Communications with Community, 9.5: Complaints handling.

1.8: Respect for Children

NBASC recognises and acknowledges that the children, their wellbeing, health and safety are the focus. Children are to be treated by educators and other staff members always with respect and dignity and as unique and valued individuals. Educators will:

• Foster all children’s self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to make choices and initiate their own play;

• Promote children’s sense of belonging, connectedness and wellbeing by interacting in a consistently positive, genuinely warm and nurturing manner;

• Have high expectations for each child, valuing their individual capacity to achieve and ensuring they experience pride in their achievements;

• Respect the diversity of all children’s backgrounds and abilities and accommodate the individual needs of each child;

• Treat all children equitably and respond positively to all children who require their attention; and

• Communicate with children respectfully, taking the time to listen and value what they say. See: 2.1: Respect for children policy 1.9: Child Protection The service regards as of utmost importance its role in the protection of children in its care. This includes the moral and legal duties to care for children associated with the service whilst not in the care of their parents or other primary caregivers, and to commit to the safety and wellbeing of children whilst attending the OSHC service. All Team Members have been made aware of the Child Protection Policy and the Reporting of Child Abuse Policy of the Service through induction and training procedures. See: 2.2: State of Commitment to the Safety & wellbeing of Children and the Protection of Children from Harm Policy 1.10: Photos The service acknowledges the privacy of families and right to give approval for the use of photographic and video images of their child that support and promote their involvement in


relevant program and activities. Parent permission is obtained prior to any photographs/videos of children being taken or displayed. See: 2:13: Use of Photographic and Video Images of Children Policy 1.11: Priority of Access and Non-Discriminatory Access This service is available to all school age children and is primarily for those whose parents work or study. The program is designed to include children irrespective of background, culture, religion, gender, disability, marital status or income. All areas/members of the community are respected, valued, catered for and encouraged to be involved in the operation of the service.

If demand for places provided at this service exceeds those available, priority of access will be given based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education Children’s Services Handbook.

• 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.

If your child is in the third priority group within these guidelines, you may be required to relinquish your place to a child who is in the first or second priority group. You will be given 14 days’ notice to examine care options for your child. Your child will then be placed on a waiting list and be re-entered into the program when a place becomes available. See: 9.1: Access Policy 1.12: Confidentiality In its provision of an education and care program, the service obtains and deals with personal and sensitive information relating to families, children, staff and others. The service respects the privacy of all individuals and seeks only information which it needs to protect and care for children and handles that information with confidentiality and sensitivity and in keeping with legal requirements.

You may have access to your child’s personal records at anytime if you are the authorised guardian who has enrolled the child. Please see the Co Ordinator about accessing these records.

See: 10.8: Information Handling (Privacy and Confidentiality) Policy 1.13: Parent Code of Conduct The service strives to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and a caring and supportive environment for children and families. The service expectations of parent conduct whilst attending the service are clearly explained in the parent information package and are further supported by this policy.

See: 9.8: Parent Conduct Policy

All Team Members are available for parents to speak briefly to, at all times while the service is open. Longer more confidential appointments can be made to speak with the Co Ordinator. If you wish to speak to some other than the Co Ordinator you can follow the Complaints Handling Policy outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual. This ensures an opportunity for you to


express any concerns you may have regarding the operation of the service in a suitable manner.

• There will be no swearing or raised voices • Team Members have the right to ask a person to leave the premises if they feel

intimidated in any way. • Police will be called if a person does not respond to request to leave the premises.

See: 9.8: Parent Conduct Policy, 9.5: Complaints Handling Policy

1.14: Staffing Educator to child ratios will be in keeping with, or better than, those set out in the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011. In setting ratios, consideration will be given to the activities undertaken, the ages and abilities of the children and any special needs that the children may have as well as the ongoing obligation to ensure effective supervision. All NBASC Staff qualifications and our child to staff ratios are in accordance with or better than the guidelines set in the National Quality Standards and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011. Children are actively supervised by at least 2 adults at all times to ensure that they are protected from harm.

NBASC service runs their children staff ratio at the following:

• At the service: 1 Educator for every 12 children (under normal circumstances) • On excursions: 1 Educator for every 8 children • During water activities: 1 Educator for every 5 children

The Management of the Service supports in-service and outsourced professional development for all team members and believe that it should continue through each staff member’s career. All team members have First Aid qualifications and have a wide variety of experiences in OSHC recreational sport and childcare settings. Staff employment and training procedures are used to ensure that the Service employs suitable people and that they have been made aware of the Service’s Child Protection Policy. All team members and volunteers hold a current Suitability Care for Child Related Employment, issued by the Commission for Children and Young People. Two staff are present at the service always.

Photos of current Team Members are displayed on the office window at the Service, this is done so you are aware of who is supervising your children.

Refer Policies of Group 8: Educators, Staff Members and Volunteers Policies & 2.3: Educator Ratios Policy

1.15: Concerns, Complaints and Suggestions To ensure service provision is in keeping with these policies and procedures and other applicable requirements, the service invites comments and complaints from children, parents/guardians, employees and the community. The service respects and considers all complaints, which require a resolution seriously, and attempts to find a satisfactory resolution wherever possible.


We encourage all Stake holders with any concerns, complaints or suggestions, to please see the Co Ordinator. If this is not satisfactory, our Management Committee will handle complaints. Contacts for Management Committee are at the front of this handbook. The happiness and well-being of your child is our top priority and we are continually striving to improve the quality of care we provide to families.

See: 9.5: Complaints Handling Policy

1.16: School and Service Map


Section.2: Caring for Your Child

2.1: Arrivals and Departures

The service’s responsibility for the child begins when the child enters the premises and ends when the child leaves the premises. For the safety and protection of children, and in keeping with Duty of Care considerations, the service has strict procedures regarding the arrival and departure of children and particularly the persons who may collect children from the service. See: 2.4: Arrival and Departures of Children Policy

All children must be signed in and out by the parent, guardian or other person whom the parent/guardian has nominated on the enrolment form, or prior arrangement made with the Co Ordinator for any other than those stated on the enrolment for. For those who are not on your enrolment form we will need it in writing from you, as being authorised to do so (authorised nominee) and please advise the person collecting your child we will need proof of identity (i.e. License). Also, a sample of their signature is required. In emergencies you can email us a letter of authorization. If your child is to leave the school NBASC to attend activities with the school grounds written authority must be given by using the Extra Curricular Activities Escort Form found in the policy and procedure manual. Staff will not be available to escort your child/children to these activities due to staffing ratios. Parents should consider this when enrolling children in these activities.

The staff will not permit children to leave the Service unaccompanied unless written authorisation detailing time of departure indicating a release of Duty of Care. If children who are booked in to the Service for care have not arrived within ten minutes of expected arrival, parent/guardian will be contacted on the numbers provided.

See: 3.8.1: Extra Curricular Activities Escort Form

Before School Care:

• All children must be signed in by an authorised person and signed out by an educator;

After School Care:

• All children must be signed in by an educator and signed out by an authorised person;

Vacation Care/Pupil Free Days:

• All children must be signed in and out by an authorised person.

Absences and non-signature sessions will be initialed by an educator and must be signed by an authorised person as soon as possible. Cancellation of bookings will only be accepted by parents/guardians. As from when the child has been duly signed in by the authorised person, the service takes responsibility for the child until the child is duly signed out by the authorised person collecting her/him.


Unauthorised Collection:

• If an unauthorised person attempts to remove a child from the service, the Co Ordinator will be notified immediately. All efforts will be made to ensure that the child remains at the service however, in doing so, the Co Ordinator and/or educators are not to put the safety of themselves or others at risk.

• If the child is removed from the service by an unauthorised person the child’s parent/guardian will be notified and the police will be called.

See: 2.4: Arrival and Departures of Children Policy

2.2: Late Collection and Fee Payable

We ask for your cooperation by collecting your child/children prior to 6:00pm. Late pick-ups are upsetting for the child/children and stressful for all staff. If you are unavoidably delayed, a telephone call is appreciated – 41501142 (direct line to the service). There will be a charge of $20 per child, for the first 15 minutes and $1 per minute thereafter.

• If at closing time children have not been collected or parents have not decided for collection within 15 minutes of normal closing time, parents/guardians will be contacted on the most recent numbers, and if necessary, emergency contact numbers provided by the parent/guardian.

• In the event there is no response from contact numbers or parents are unable to arrange collection, advice will be sought from the police.

See: 2.4: Arrival and Departures of Children Policy

2.3: Children Leaving without Permission

If a child leaves the service in any other circumstances and for any reason without permission, the Nominated Supervisor/Responsible Person will assess the situation immediately and will call the police and a parent / guardian as quickly as reasonably possible. Educators will not leave the service to pursue a child if:

• It will or may leave the other children in the service with insufficient supervision; and/or • It will or may expose that staff member to an unacceptable risk of personal harm.

See: 2.4: Arrival and Departures of Children Policy 2.4: Child Code of Conduct

As part of our commitment to quality care for the children at our centre, we have basic rules for the children to follow. These rules are developed with input from the children themselves to give them a sense of ownership over what happens within “their” space and are displayed prominently throughout the service.

• We will walk inside • We will walk where this is cemented areas • We will respect ourselves and others • We will speak to others the way we want to be spoken to, with respect and dignity • We will open our eyes to new things and give them a go!


• We will stay where we can see staff, (and they can see us) at all times • We have the right to feel safe • We say no to bullying

2.5: Custody

Parent/guardians who have custodial rights and do not wish the other parent/guardian to have contact with their child/children must provide a current copy of the custodial papers.

Whilst every care will be taken to prevent a child being taken by an unauthorised person, there may be instances in which we cannot prevent this form happening. Our staff cannot expose themselves or the other children to an unacceptable risk of personal harm. If a child is taken the police will be called immediately.

See: 2.4: Arrival and Departures of Children Policy 2.6. Safety

An evacuation and harassment plans are situated in the entrance area. We ask all parents, staff and children to familiarise themselves with the procedures. Fire, evacuation and harassment drills are practiced regularly should you be present during a drill, please participate. Regular evacuations procedures give the children an opportunity to become familiar with the routine and planned evacuation/harassment procedure. All service firefighting equipment is serviced every six months.

Refer: 10.9: Risk Management and Compliance Policy, 7.1: Emergency Equipment and Facilities Policy, 7.2: Drills and Evacuations Policy, 7.3: Harassment and Lockdown Policy

2.7: Health and Hygiene

The wellbeing of all children who attend the Service is of the highest priority, so we ask for your cooperation. To safeguard the health of all children and prevent the spread of infection, we ask if you could please keep your child/children at home until he/she is fully recovered from an illness. All children who are suffering from an infectious disease will be excluded from the Service to prevent others being introduced to the infection. The Service does not have facilities to care for sick children. Staff observe stringent hygiene practices throughout the day and the Service is cleaned daily. Equipment is routinely checked to ensure that it is well-maintained, clean and safe for children’s use. In the case of a minor injury or illness a staff member will attend to the incident and a report will be completed advising you of the details. Please sign this form after speaking with staff to verify you have been advised of the incident.

Children and staff will wear hats and appropriated clothing when outside. Staff will encourage children, including by way of modelling behaviour, to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and to wear suitable sunscreen (at least SPF 30+), which is reapplied according to the manufacturers recommendations.

The North Bundaberg State Primary School and North After School Care are smoke free environments.

Refer: Health and Wellbeing Policies


2.8: Illness and Injury

The Service actively strives to avoid injuries occurring at the Service and to minimise the impact of injuries and illnesses by responding appropriately and as quickly as possible. The rights and responsibilities of parents with respect to injuries and illnesses of their children is acknowledged and will be considered in administering all procedures.

Children with infectious diseases will be excluded from the Service. This is for the safety and wellbeing of the children and staff as well as your child. Re-inclusion of your child will be considered after consultation with and recommendation from appropriate health agencies such as Department of Health.

The Co Ordinator will promptly telephone a parent/guardian if a child has been involved in an accident or becomes ill. Qualified staff will administer basic First Aid only. If contact cannot be made and it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately, an ambulance will be called, and the child will be taken to hospital. Please ensure emergency contacts are updated on enrolment forms regularly.

Refer: 4.5: Illness and Injury Policy, 4.1: General Health and Safety Policy and 4.2: Infectious Diseases Policy

2.9: Medication

In the interests of the health and wellbeing of the children, the service will only permit medication to be given to a child if it is in its original packaging with a chemist label attached. The chemist label must state the child’s name, dose of medication required and expiry date. If there is no Pharmaceutical label on prescribed or non-prescribed medication it will not be administered.

All medication will be administered by the Co Ordinator or Team Member nominated by the Co Ordinator and will be recorded in a Medication Authority and Administering Form which will be signed off by another witness and at the end of the day when collecting your child/children signed again by you.

The service will work collaboratively with families, and with the parent’s written authorisation, enable children to self-administer medications.

Children who become ill at the service will be provided a quiet area with a sick bed to rest while their parents/guardians are contacted. Parents are requested to advise the Service (via enrolment forms) of their child’s particular health needs, including medication.

If a child has a severer reaction or other illness in which timing is vital, an action plan may be developed between the Service, guardians and health professional to ensure immediate action in the case of an incident. Please ensure service is aware of this by detailing on the enrolment form.

Educators will only be permitted to administer medication to a child if it is:

• In its original package with a pharmacist’s label which clearly states the child’s name, dosage, frequency of administration, date of dispensing and is within the expiry date period; and


• Accompanied by a Medication Authority Form and Medication 4.6.2: Medication Authority and Administering Form (see 4.6.1 & 4.6.2) completed by the parent/guardian.

Refer: Health and Wellbeing Policies

2.10: Daily Routines

Before School Care:

Children are signed in by parents each morning. If your child/children have not yet had breakfast, they may have some supplied by the service. Morning routine can consist of children competing homework, reading, playing board games, watching a movie or an organised craft activity. Students from Year 1 to Year 6 can leave the premises and go to school at 8:30 am or before if there is written authority from parents/guardians. Prep children will be walked over to their classrooms by a Team Member, at the same time the other children leave at 8:30am.

After School Care:

Children are signed in by a staff member immediately after school. A light, nutritious snack will be served between 3:00pm and 3:30pm. From 3:30pm to 4:00pm children will have an opportunity to do their homework (optional), this is also the time when the children can have some outside play whether it be organised, or child initiated. There is also a variety of structured activities which can be:

• Cooking experiences • Craft activities • Physical activities

There are also opportunities for unstructured play available to all children.

2.11: Homework

To support families and children, the service will endeavour to provide adequate time, quiet space and supervision to enable children to do their homework as necessary; with the express understanding that time in school age care may be the optimal opportunity for homework completion.

• The Co Ordinator may create and keep a homework list with the names of children who are to do homework each day.

• Children doing homework will be supervised in a quiet environment, away from the other children if possible.

• Educators will assist children with projects and homework to the extent possible, taking into consideration supervision and duty of care issues in relation to the other children in care.

• Educators will not be responsible for monitoring and signing off on homework.

See: 3.4: Homework Policy

2.12: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea

This service recognises and acknowledges the importance of providing food that is both nutritious and appropriate to the needs of the children. The service encourages and promotes


the health and wellbeing of children by providing positive learning experiences during meal/snack times where good nutritional food habits are developed in a happy, social environment. Parents are supported to understand the benefits of this approach to nutrition for their children.

Where the service provides food, educators will seek to provide food which:

• Is healthy, balanced, varied, age appropriate and consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines;

• Includes a good balance of fresh foods, as opposed to pre-packaged and prepared foods; and

• As far as reasonably possible, accommodates the special dietary needs of children which the service has been made aware, or becomes aware of.

• Service menus are planned to ensure that food provided is varied and encompass the main food groups as per the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Families, children and educators are encouraged to contribute ideas for the menu.

• For all foods and beverages provided by the service to the children, e.g. breakfast, afternoon tea and/or additional foods provided during vacation care and/or as part of cooking activities, a weekly menu will be displayed which accurately describes the foods to be provided.

• Foods provided to the children during vacation care will be decided upon following consultation with management and families of the service.

• The Co Ordinator will discuss with all parents/guardians any food allergies and restrictions (including cultural or religious) which are required by the parent/guardian to be enforced at the service. Details of these restrictions will be noted on the enrolment form and passed on to educators. Food allergies will be accompanied by a letter from a medical practitioner or other health professional.

• Where children have special dietary needs, which is not reasonable that the service meet, the Co Ordinator will consult with parents and where necessary, the meal will be supplied from home.

• When parents provide food for their child, healthy food and drink choices are encouraged.

Refer: Food and Nutrition Policies

2.13: Behaviour Management

This service recognises the wide range of age groups that access Outside School Hours Care, the differing developmental needs of individual children and the variety of diverse backgrounds. Behaviour support and management strategies play a vital role in providing a safe and happy environment for all children. Families, staff and children all have roles to play, as detailed in this policy. Behaviour support and management are approached through:

• Consistency, understanding and supporting children to self-regulate their behaviour;• Respecting each individual child, preserving and promoting their self-esteem; • Encouraging positive behaviour using praise and effective programming; and • Having regard to all principles as set out in the service Philosophy Statement...

Educators are trained to respond to various developmental stages of the differing ages of the children who attend the service and will apply appropriate behaviour support and guidance techniques which will be consistent with the Philosophy Statement of the service.


Educators involve the children as far as reasonably possible in developing behaviour expectations for the service. These behaviour expectations will be clear, child focused, based on acceptable wider community expectations, easy to understand and will be on display throughout the service. This information is also provided in the Educator Handbook and in the Family Handbook issued to all parents/guardians on enrolment. Educators are required to discuss the behaviour expectations with the children on a regular basis, reinforcing why they are important. Educators are required to:

• Model appropriate behaviour, including using positive language, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice;

• Monitor children’s play, pre-empting potential conflicts or challenging situations and support children to consider alternative behaviours;

• Constantly and consistently use positive guidance strategies when reinforcing the service behavior expectations;

• Support children to make choices, accept challenges, manage change, cope with frustration and to experience the consequences of their actions; and

• Acknowledge children through encouragement or reward when they make a positive choice in managing their own behavior.

• Educators are not permitted at any time to use physical force/restraint or physical, verbal or emotional punishment and practices that demean, humiliate, frighten or threaten a child.

• Prompt and support children, who are experiencing anger, frustration or fear, to move to another activity, or a prearranged downtime /safe place.

• Follow the service behavior management strategies and techniques, including completion of an incident report to be signed by the parent/guardian at the end of the day.

See: 2.6: Behaviour Support and Management Policy

2.14: Damage to Equipment or Facilities

As part of everyday experiences involving children we recognise that fair wear and tear will occur. However, if damage is done which cannot be attributed to fair wear and tear but can attributed to a malicious or intentional act on the part of a child, it will become the expense of the parent.

2.15: Students, Visitors and Volunteers

Volunteers are a valued and integral part of the service and are managed in a consistent and professional manner, in accordance with the other policies of the service which apply to employees, modified only as necessary to reflect the voluntary nature of the role.

The purpose of this policy, volunteers also refer to students who are unpaid and volunteering for skill/knowledge acquisition.

Childcare students, visitors and volunteers may visit the service from time to time. During this time, they may be required to complete tasks pertaining to the course they are undertaking including general observations of the service operations and programs. If individual child


observations are required, parents will be informed, and written permission will be sought prior to any observation taking place. In addition, no student, volunteer, or visitor will be left in charge of a group of children. All visitors to our service are required to operate within our philosophy and policies.

See: 8.5: Volunteers Policy

2.16: Excursions

This service will include excursions as a valuable part of its overall program. Excursions will provide enjoyment, stimulation, challenge, new experiences and a meeting point between the service and the wider community. Risk assessments will be conducted, and all safety precautions identified and maintained, and parent permission will be obtained before a child is taken on an excursion. Excursion permission forms are required to be signed by a parent/guardian prior to every excursion. The permission form will contain the following information as a minimum:

• The child’s name; • The reason the child is to be taken outside the premises; • Excursion date; • Description of the destination; • Method of transport; • Proposed activities to be undertaken; • Departure and return times (the period of time to be away from the premises; • Anticipated number of children likely to be attending the excursion • The anticipated ratio of accompanying educators to anticipated number of children; • Anticipated number of staff members or other adults to accompany and supervise the

children: and • That a risk assessment has been prepared and is available at the service.

children are required to have closed in shoes for all excursions. Children must wear a hat and sunscreen always during outdoor activities. The Service does not have hats for the children to wear. Please check Vacation Care schedule for daily requirements. Please note that there will be no changes to the notified itinerary except in an emergency or due to changed weather conditions.

See: 3.5: Excursion Policy

2.17: Transport

Children have the right to be safe while travelling in transport provided by the service. All vehicles used need to comply with the appropriate legislation and regulations and the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act, 1995. Maximum safety precautions will be maintained, and parent permission will be obtained before a child travels on any type of transport. See: 3.6: Transport for Excursion Policy 2.18: Clothing

During Before School Care and After School Care children will usually be dressed in school uniform. However, during Vacation Care, we ask that children wear comfortable clothing which will enable them to participate in activities. Clothing may get dirty during sport or craft activities,


so if you have a child who may possibly need more than one change throughout the day, could you please pack them.

When it comes to wearing shoes to Vacation Care children must wear closed in shoes always attending our service. A Wide brim hats is to be worn while playing outside. Appropriate clothing should be worn always such as:

• Shirts must have sleeves (No Singlets) • Appropriate pants which are comfortable for the children to play and relax in.

See: 4.4: Preventative Health and Well Being Policy

2.19: Babysitting

The service does not encourage or endorse staff and parents entering into a private babysitting arrangement outside of service hours and therefore we take no responsibility or accept any liability in relation to such arrangements.

2.20: Programming

Using the approved learning framework, My Time, Our Place Framework for School Age Care in Australia, the appointed Educational Leader of a OSHC service, in consultation and collaboration with educators, children and families, plans, designs and delivers programs that cater to the diversity of ages, developmental needs, skills, interests and abilities through a variety of challenging and recreational activities. In providing opportunities for children, the service recognises the importance of play, relationships, collaborative decision making and respect for diversity. See: 3.1: Educational Program Planning Policy 2.21: Personal Effects

The service acknowledges that children will bring to the service or carry with them certain items of personal belongings. This policy details the types of belongings that children may bring with them on a regular basis and the level of responsibility associated with bringing those belongings. The family shall be responsible for providing the child with appropriate belongings and property required for active participation in the service. Such property may include (but is not limited to):

• Footwear; • Clothing; • Hats; and • Bags, lunch boxes and water bottles.

All personal property and belongings shall be clearly named or labelled. The service shall inform parents/guardians through relevant newsletters and publications such as the Family Handbook of appropriate personal belongings required at the service.


The service shall not take responsibility for any of the children’s personal property or belongings, but will endeavour to:

• Actively encourage children to care for their belongings; • Remind children when belongings need to be placed in storage e.g. lunch box into bag;

Electronics locked away in a cupboard when not in use. • Provide suitable storage to keep safe (at parent/family or child request) any item of

personal belonging which is either special, expensive or at risk of being damaged; • Ensure that participation in service activities and experiences does not wilfully damage

belongings; and • Provide protective equipment such as painting smocks for relevant activities.

Throughout special program times i.e. Vacation Care or Pupil Free Days, the children may on occasion, and when advised be able to bring with them personal belongings other than day to day necessities e.g. games and toys. This shall be done solely at the discretion and responsibility of the family. No responsibility shall be taken whatsoever for any items brought to the service which become lost or damaged as a result. See: 2.15: Children’s Property and Belongings Policy


Section.3: Payment of Care

3.1: Payment of fees and outstanding fees

This service aims to provide a quality service to families at an affordable price. The Approved Provider will set fees based on the annual budget required for the provision of quality childcare in keeping with the service’s philosophy statement, program goals, and these policies and procedures. Child Care Benefit is available to all families who meet residency and immunisation guidelines.

Fees & Payments: Our accounts are STRICTLY SEVEN DAYS. Accounts are emailed to you every week and if you do not have an email address we place your account on the sign in and out desks for parents to pick up. There are many ways you can pay your account:

• By cash • Via direct deposit • EFTPOS (surcharges apply to this method) • Cheque

1. Fees are payable by Parents/Carers as agreed on the enrolment forms. Child Care

Benefits may be claimed for Before School Care, After School Care, Vacation Care and Pupil Free Days. This amount, as approved by the Family Assistance Office, is deducted before invoices are issued. Application for Family Assistance must be made to Centrelink.

2. Children may be excluded from the Centre if fees are not forthcoming. 3. Fees maybe changed at any time at the discretion of the Management Committee.

Parent/Carers will be given one month’s notice of fee increases. 4. It is important that all details of your account are kept up to date. 5. Families who anticipate or are having trouble in paying Child Care fees should contact

the Co Ordinator.

Fees outstanding for more than two weeks may result in enrolment being terminated until fees are cleared. Your child will then go onto a waiting list, re-attending the service when a place becomes available. An outstanding fee collection policy is adhered to by Our Approved Provider is the North Bundaberg State School Parent and Citizens. A debt collection agency will be appointed to recover monies outstanding for more than four weeks. Contact the Co Ordinator to discuss payment of outstanding fees, confidentiality is assured.


Please check current fee structure on the front of this family information booklet. Fees can be reduced with Child Care Benefits. Please contact FAO for you family’s entitlement. Please see below for contact information Centrelink and Medicare Address: 26 Woongarra St, Bundaberg Central QLD 4670 Phone: 13 24 68 Hours:

Tuesday 8:30am–4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am–4:30pm Thursday 8:30am–4:30pm Friday 8:30am–4:30pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Monday 8:30am–4:30pm

3.2: Childcare Benefit (CCB)

Child Care Benefit (CCB) is a payment from the Australian Government that helps you with the cost of child care. ... The CCB is income tested and is usually paid directly to Child Care Services to reduce the fees that eligible families pay. You can apply for the CCB online or in person through Centrelink Child Care Benefits & Child Care Rebate:

1. Child Care Benefit (CCB) and/or Child Care Rebate (CCR), is available to all Parents/Carers who meet the eligibility requirements. All information and applications are available through the Family Assistance Office (FAO)

3.3: Bookings

The service management seeks to implement processes to ensure that the OSHC service operates efficiently and effectively and that future planning considerations for the service are met through maintaining appropriate records and procedures for children’s bookings and cancellations. This will ensure future needs of the service can be assessed through the maintenance of appropriate waiting lists and availability of places. When bookings are made by authorised parties for children to attend the service, it shall be required that:

• The priority of access guidelines is followed with priority given to primary school age children;

• A completed enrolment form is received for that child prior to their attendance at the service; and requires to be updated every 6 months.

• Booking forms need to be completed at the start of each term. • Parents/guardians are made aware of the service policies and procedures and have

been provided with appropriate information in respect of the booking processes.

https://www.google.com.au/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enAU774AU774&q=centrelink+and+medicare+bundaberg+address&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LVT9c3NEwqTzPPMiqs0JLNTrbSz8lPTizJzM-DM6wSU1KKUouLASs_PyYwAAAA&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiq4ZnNkf7YAhVKJJQKHWmaAM0Q6BMIkwEwEA

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https://www.google.com.au/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enAU774AU774&q=centrelink+and+medicare+bundaberg+hours&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiq4ZnNkf7YAhVKJJQKHWmaAM0Q6BMIlgEwEQ


All staff shall be trained in the taking and management of bookings and these shall be recorded on appropriate forms and lists.


Permanent bookings:

• A permanent booking shall be defined by a regular pattern of attendance throughout each term on one or more occasion per week.

• All fees associated with permanent bookings, should the child not attend care due to illness or for any other reason, shall be required to be paid in full. CCB will apply in accordance with allowable and approved absence provisions.

The service shall comply with reporting of bookings requirements as prescribed by the Australian Government Department of Education through the Child Care Services Handbook. Bookings are required by all families who seek to use the service on a permanent or casual basis. See: 2.14: Bookings and Cancellations Policy 3.4: Attendance

Please notify the Co Ordinator if your child/children will or will not be attending on any day. Full fees are charged if booking is cancelled without the below adhered too. The below is necessary to ensure that adequate staff numbers are rostered at all times. Changes to bookings and/or cancellations will only be taken:

• From a parent/guardian/authorised person; and • Verbally, in writing or by text message. • If a message is received via the child, the parent/guardian will be contacted to confirm

the change of arrangements. • Cancellation of bookings for Before School care must be made by 6:00 pm the day

before the before school care session, or a fee, equal to the fee for that session will be charged.

• Cancellation for After School Care must by 8.30 am on the morning of the after-school care session prior to the session starting, or a fee, equal to the fee for that session will be charged.

• If the child’s booking hasn’t been cancelled and the service makes attempts to locate the child, a non-cancellation fee may be charged in addition to the prescribed fee for that session.


Vacation Care: In relation to Vacation Care and Pupil Free Days, bookings shall:

• Be completed on an appropriate booking form distributed with the program. • Cancellation of bookings for vacation care must be made with 24 hours’ notice or a fee,

equal to the fee for that session will be charged. • Cancellations for vacation care excursions must be made by the end of the school term.

Once vacation care has started you will be charges a fee, equal to the fee for that session will be charged.

• Cancellations on the day of the excursion will be charged the full fee for the session and the full excursion cost.

See: 2.14: Bookings and Cancellations Policy

3.5: Allowable Absences

Childcare Benefit (CCB) is paid in certain circumstances when a Family is charged for care that their child does not attend.

1. Absences: Under the Child Care Management System (CCMS) CCB is strictly monitored. A child can have 42 absences in a financial year for any reason, but a fee must be charged to gain CCB. Once 42 absences have been reached, documented proof is required for any additional absences for continued CCB entitlement as assessed by FAO. A fee is still required to be charged to gain CCB.

3.6: Approved Absences

After the initial 42 absence days have been paid for a financial year only absences which meet additional absences criteria will attract CCB. Additional absences reasons are:

• An illness with a medical certificate • An outbreak of infectious disease, when the child is no immunized • A parent on a rotating shift or RDO • A temporary closure of a school or pupil free day • Shared custody arrangements due to court/consent or parenting order • Exceptional circumstances


Section.4: Important Contact Numbers

Emergency Numbers

Police: 000 Ambulance: 000 Fire Station: 000 General Numbers

Centre link: 13 24 68

Early Childhood Education and Care DET: 13 7468

Maryborough regional office

PO Box 142Maryborough Qld 4650Telephone: (07) 4122 0814Fax: (07) 3320 6436Email: [email protected]

Family Assistance Office (FAO): 136150

Bundaberg Regional Council Contacts: 1300 883 699

Health Bridges Health & Community Care: Mental health service 61 Barolin Street, Bundaberg South, Queensland, 4670, Bundaberg South QLD 4670 Phone: 1300 707 655 Bundaberg Base Hospital Bourbong St, Bundaberg QLD 4670 Phone: (07) 4150 2222 IWC 184 Barolin St, Bundaberg Central QLD 4670 Phone: 1300 492 492


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Counselling and Support Lifeline: 13 11 14 Poison Information Centre: 13 11 26 Inclusion Support Agency: (07) 4032 1713 Woman’s Infolink: 1800 177 577 Domestic Violence Hotline: Mensline:1800 600 636 Womensline: 1800 811 811 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Bundaberg Child Safety Service Centre: (07) 4131 5517

tel:0741315517

nbasc - bundaberg north, queensland · 2018-08-01 · play and learn. we embrace and encourage...

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