robe ccows - district council of robe, south australia 2016... · slide-shows and family visits are...

Robe CCOWS

Child Care On Wheels Service

Annual Report 2015-16

1

CONTENTS

MOBILES

Introducing Robe Child Care on Wheels Service……………………………..2

Overview of the Service .................................................................................................................3

The CCOWS Purpose .................................................................................................................... 4-5

2015-16

Director’s Message ..............................................................................................................................9

The CCOWS Year in Review

- Staff .......................................................................................................................................... 10

- Children ................................................................................................................................. 10

- Venues ................................................................................................................................... 11

- Daily Operation ................................................................................................................ 11

- Vehicles .................................................................................................................................. 12

- Shed .......................................................................................................................................... 12

- Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 12

- Work, Health And Safety ............................................................................................ 12

- Training .................................................................................................................................... 13

- Shared Events ..................................................................................................................... 14

- Director’s Journal............................................................................................................. 15

CCOWS Acknowledgements ............................................................................................ 16

- Committee Members ................................................................................................... 16

- Staff ............................................................................................................................................ 16

- Community .......................................................................................................................... 16

- Departments and Agencies ................................................................................... 16

2 The CCOWS Year in Review

ROBE CHILD CARE ON WHEELS SERVICE

Known as ROBE CCOWS

The Service

This year CCOWS celebrates fourteen years of operation.

The service is funded from the Child Care Services Support Program, by the Australian

Government Department of Education and Training.

The incorporated body of the Robe District Council acts as Approved Provider for the

service.

The service is accountable to the eecsrsb (SA National Regulatory Authority) for

compliance with regulations.

Mobile Services

Robe CCOWS was the first MOBILE Child Care service to be established in South

Australia. Lateral thinking and creative problem-solving skills have been required to

guide planning through research, trial, to implementation and operation.

The definition of MOBILE services from CONTACT INC. (1993) is:

Mobiles provide an itinerant service for children and families living in isolated

communities or disadvantaged localities, or where a stand-alone service is not viable.

A vehicle is used to transport staff, equipment and appropriate materials to these

localities as an integral part of the educational programs being offered.

When this definition is applied to the CCOWS service:

Isolation refers to those who lack contact with other people, services or resources.

In our service we offer the provision of child care as well as educational programs.

Our PHILOSOPHY

To create an early childhood service that values children’s learning, respects

children’s rights, and understands the critical nature of connection between families

and early year’s educators in delivering the best experience for children.

Statement of Purpose

Robe CCOWS aims to provide accessible, affordable, quality care and education to

children between 6 months and 5 years in a long day care setting, to facilitate a

positive difference for the wellbeing of children and families in Robe and the

surrounding districts.

The Management and staff of CCOWS acknowledge the Bunganditj people as the

traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we operate our services. We

remember their ancestors with respect and continue to work towards reconciliation

and justice for aboriginal people.

The CCOWS Year in Review 3

OVERVIEW OF THE SERVICE

The CCOWS office is located at the Robe Council. The CCOWS service presently operates at four different venues over a five day week.

The Robe RSL Kindergarten on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8.30am until 5.15pm.

This venue is presently capped at places for 20 children, but may accommodate more.

The Robe RSL Hall on Wednesday and Thursday from 8.30am until 5.15pm.

This venue is presently capped at places for 20 children, but may accommodate more.

At Beachport Primary School in the CPC room on Wednesdays from 8.45am until 5.00pm.

This venue is licensed for 15 children.

And the Kangaroo Inn Area School CPC Centre on Thursdays from 8.45am until 5.00pm.

This venue is licensed for 12 children.

There are 127 possible places available each week, with a current waiting list for 137 places.

DISTANCE is an outstanding difference between offering long day care with a Mobile service,

compared to that of a traditional Centre.

Distance presents challenges to the service in both communication and the nature of a day’s work.

COMMUNICATION The Manager is at a different location from the service operation sites.

The staff members live far from each other, the venues and the office.

The families travel long distances to reach the service.

The challenge for staff to find an opportunity to meet together and exchange information and

ideas is always apparent in Child Care, where attention to children is the first priority. But in a

working week where staff do not all work on the same day, nor at the same site, and the

Manager is in a different location …. it takes persistence and ingenuity to maintain a bonded,

enthusiastic and committed staff team.

Informing and interacting with families is a challenge when children do not attend consecutive

days in care, and parents work in remote locations e.g. at sea, in vineyards, on farms. Having

blank spots in mobile phone reception adds to the communication challenges.

We constantly aim for improvement in communication between staff members, families and

staff, staff and Manager. Newsletters, communication books, message pouches, e-mail links,

slide-shows and family visits are some of the methods with which we communicate.

Distance affects timely communications between stakeholders, government departments,

training organisations, and the service. This can leave a short lead in time for administration.

NATURE OF A DAY’S WORK The staff drive long distances to;

meet at the CCOWS shed

load activities into a vehicle / or trolley (if needing to use the trailer).

hitch the trailer to a vehicle( when required)

drive to a site

unload and set up premises for the day (temporary fences, changing tables, portable cots,

activities and administration needs)

then care for the children

pack up

leave the premises as they were found

put equipment/trolleys back into the vehicle/or trailer/or small shed

return to the “home” shed (sometimes 55kms, through kangaroo country)

park the vehicle and unload the activities……that makes a LONG day.

after that many staff have a long drive home.

Adequate breaks are taken so that fatigue does not become a risk factor.


The CCOWS Purpose

CCOWS aims to provide accessible, affordable, quality care and education for children

between six months and five years in a long day care setting, to facilitate a positive difference

for the wellbeing of children and families in Robe and the surrounding districts.

ACCESSIBLE CARE

.

AFFORDABLE CARE

As the Service is funded by the Commonwealth Government, CCOWS is able to offer fees with an

inbuilt subsidy.

This means that the fee structure is reasonable in relation to the parent’s income.

Funding is accessed from the Commonwealth Government Child Care allocation, which allows us to

maintain this present form of operation.

The vehicles, trailer and trolleys are essential for

the CCOWS model of mobile delivery.

The vehicles are housed in a purpose-built shed

at the Council Depot, along with shelves of

equipment.

It is from this shed that staff select equipment

and set out each day, to travel to different

venues to set them up so that they meet

licensing regulations for child care.

Negotiations have enabled CCOWS to store

some trolleys with equipment at the sites.

This means that the trailer does not need to be

taken on every day of service, to every site.

This facilitates more flexibility with routine and

daily rosters.

Parents bring their children to the venue.

The mobile model of service has helped bring

child care to many families who were unable

to access any form of child care previously.

There is still an unmet need for child care in

surrounding towns and districts. Many families

still need to travel considerable distances to

reach CCOWS.

For isolated, disadvantaged and/or rural

families, other forms of children’s services such

as crèches, farm and in-home care, family day

care may be an alternative way to supplement

care, but only if they are accessible. Mobiles

remain an innovative and effective way to

bring long day care and other assistance (such

as health and social services) to these families.

Mobilers know that we are the “first point of

contact” for many families, and we recognize

the potential of offering information and

knowledge about other organizations which

may support and assist them


QUALITY CARE

Engagement between staff and children improves the educator’s knowledge about the interests,

capabilities and needs of the children. In that engagement, the quality of interaction is vital for the

facilitation of wellbeing, trust and respectful, responsive relationships.

The balance of activities and a structured flow to the day allows flexibility to meet each child’s

particular needs.

This is further assisted by team leaders and staff, who recognize each child as an individual and respond

to his particular stage of development, while also introducing him to the social skills he will need with

others.

QUALITY EDUCATION

Staff members assist the team leaders and qualified supervisors to program for the child’s growth of

understanding and skills. Programming incorporates EYLF (the Early Years Learning Framework), which is

the curriculum recommended by the National Education Reform Agenda.

CCOWS embraces the National Quality Standards as a guideline for daily operation and improvement.

Observation of children informs the ability of staff to select activities, challenges and timetables which

are appropriate and relevant for each child.

ACCOUNTABILITY

C Through the CCOWS Advisory Group, CCOWS is accountable to the Robe District Council (as Approved

Provider) for effective, efficient management.

CCOWS is accountable to the Commonwealth Government (through the Australian Government

Department of Education and Training) for both the financial and operation management.

CCOWS works with an ongoing Quality Improvement Plan, and at regular intervals throughout the year

submits outcomes, budgets, financial statements, utilization reports and funding acquittals to the

Australian Government Department of Education and Training.

Funding renewal depends on satisfactory compliance with agreed standards of performance.


July 2015 – June 2016


DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

“Let’s put our minds together and see what kind of life we can make for our children”.

That sounds like it could be parents, carers or educators talking about their children’s future.

Or even Government Departments talking about legislation. But no, that quote is from Sitting

Bull, a Native American chief, who lived from 1831-1890.

Native Americans based important life decisions on what they thought the impacts of those

decisions would be for the lives of their children’s children. That’s thinking about the future!

A fact we all know to be true, is that the children of today are the adults and leaders of the

world in the future. How does that affect our points of view, our planning, our behaviour? This

year CCOWS has been mindfully preparing and planning daily programs and routines “from a

child’s point of view”. That’s not easy, when we know each child will view and experience life

differently. We need to spend time with children, have patience and listen with respect to

their conversation. Then perhaps we will remember the awe and wonder of the little things

that make up each child’s day; the feeling of sand in the shoe, a raindrop landing on a

tongue, seeing leaves spinning from a tree, the taste and feel of cold watermelon, discovering

one’s own shadow. The challenge is to be aware of that awe and wonder while offering

opportunities for children to experience and explore. We know that children learn more

readily when they are curious, interested and engaged. What a responsibility we have.

Article 4, of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child says “a Government has a

responsibility to make sure children’s rights are protected. That the Government must help

families to protect children’s rights and create an environment where children can grow and

reach their potential.” There is new legislation to be passed by the Australian Government,

regarding the “Jobs for Families Child Care Package”. The legislation needs to embrace

equity of opportunity for all children (regardless of their culture or location) and improved

infrastructure to support families in their parenting. Investment in children today, is an

investment for future productive citizens and communities. We should be” putting our minds

together to think what life we can make for our children”.

CCOWS works towards encouraging skills for peaceful living, protecting the environment and

respect for others. I don’t think we’ve reached the ability to think as far ahead as to how

decisions will affect “our children’s children”, sometimes it seems that “survival for the day” is

all we can manage. Our mantra for our mobile has been, “We do the best we can, with what

we have, where we are”. Perhaps we need to think how we can somehow involve and

include “planning for the future” into that worthy incantation.

CCOWS appreciates the collaboration, respect and assistance it has received from friends,

colleagues, departments, and stakeholders in Local, Regional and Federal areas.

I appreciate the positive support and consideration offered by:

Chairperson Anne Legoe, and members of the CCOWS

Advisory Group

Fellow NAMS executives

Members of the Federal Ministerial Advisory Council

I am privileged to work with a flexible, capable, concerned and

committed CCOWS staff.

We are all working together to improve the lives of our children.

Robyn Paterson

Director Children’s Services Robe


The CCOWS Year in Review

Staff is the most important resource of a service

CCOWS operates with 16 members of staff. There is a combination of permanent, permanent

part-time and casual employment.

There are eight staff members with Diplomas, four have Certificate 3 and two others are

studying.

We have welcomed former Team Leader Bron Wilkin back after maternity leave, and aslo

welcomed her son Archer to CCOWS.

Hannah Seamer is working as an SSO at Kangaroo Inn Area School, while completing her

Apprenticeship with CCOWS. Her completion of Certificate 3 is imminent.

Staff educators continue to maintain and update their training requirements in First Aid,

anaphylaxis and asthma training, and mandatory reporting.

Staff professional development appraisals are held regularly and continue to inform the training

needs for staff, and guide personal improvement plans.

Staff has valued (and enjoyed) a series of training opportunities with TAFE presenters These have

been focused on Vibrant Programming and Critical Reflection.

Many staff members live locally, and their knowledge of the communities and families is an asset

to building rapport and effective working relationships.

CHILDREN are our future

Children are staying in child care longer as a result of a State change in admission policy to

school. There is not the continual admission to school through the year now. Some children stay

with us until they are more than five years of age,( until the February school admission takes

place). By this time they are more than ready to be transitioning to school. These older children

bring a difference to programming and operation strategies considered by CCOWS educators.

School age children left CCOWS as a group at the beginning of the year, leaving an ”age”

imbalance in the children attending, and in the waiting list. The Robe under-two spaces are

filled, with a large number of under-twos still on the waiting list. There has needed to be a

change in daily routines to incorporate the influx of younger children beginning together as a

group.

Children are capable and confident. They quickly learn to separate comfortably from their

parents, find educators they can trust and get to know the “usual” routines. In response,

educators quickly learn what is “normal” behaviour for the children in their care, and are alert

for any changes.

The “mixed ages” of children at any of our sites, enables sharing, tolerance and co-operation.

We know that even the most independent children need practice in those social skills.

CCOWS staff at training day


VENUES are where we offer a safe, happy environment

At the Robe Kindy site

The garden has a number of aesthetic additions as a result of Kindergarten efforts. Thanks Sal.

Continued collaboration and assistance from the Kindergarten Director has included sharing of

room setup plans and strategies for older children. The building has new outward opening doors and some windows have been replaced. At the Robe RSL Hall site

Changes in cleaning personnel at this site has improved the daily operation, and strengthened our

partnership with the RSL members. CCOWS is excited to be collaborating with RSL Executives to plan and implement a new outdoor

playspace at this site. At the Beachport site Children’s attendance, liaison with school staff, and implementation of appropriate children’s

programs are all consistently high at this site.

Parents have been able to view Children’s learning portfolios during holiday breaks.

Feeding the chickens with scraps has been a popular addition to routine.

At the Kangaroo Inn site

Refurbishing the indoor space and extending the outdoor play area has enhanced the program of

activities for children at this site. Access to the newly established school “natural playground” has been a bonus for CCOWS children

and staff.

DAILY OPERATION the “how”

Our focus during the last year has been to look at the daily service “from a child’s point of view”.

So daily… that has meant:

Making sure children are welcomed when they arrive at site (and their parents, too).

Recognising that children don’t necessarily “go at the same pace’ all day. Timing activities to

match energy levels means keen observation and learned knowledge of each child.

Having a room set up to reflect interests and encourage exploration. Having a balance

between calm and energetic activities, restful and stimulating spaces.

Each site is different in its physical aspects, space, lighting, surfaces. This requires the educators to

consider different approaches to setting up each environment.

CCOWS has encouraged educators to talk about children’s accomplishments in a professional manner,

and to record children’s achievements showing reflection of the awareness, interaction and

understanding they have, of each child as an individual.

When we succeed in operating “from a child’s point of view”. We will notice:

Children who seek comfort and acknowledgement from educators (often children show a

preference), choosing different educators for different needs.

Children who invite adults to join in their play- as they know they will not be “bossed”, and their

activities will not be “taken over”.

Team Leader Shan has been sharing with and mentoring her colleagues, so that we will achieve a

consistent recording of programs and children’s progress across all sites. It is tricky to observe, program,

implement, record and reflect each child’s ability and progress… particularly when we may see some

children only one day a week.

The daily operation needs to include a reassurance to parents that their child has been cared for and

cared about. Sometimes this happens in conversations , sometimes it can be evident in “floor books”

showing the children’s activities during the day. When parents share the children’s learning journals (or

portfolios) with their children and with educators ….it becomes apparent that we view each child as

unique, and encourage their independence while caring for their needs.


VEHICLES are what makes us Mobile

Two vehicles have been replaced during the last year. With the assistance of a Federal Grant, the

Ford Everest has replaced the Territory. The CCOWS Falcon (80,000kms) has been replaced with a

Ford Mondeo.

Regular vehicle maintenance and service assists educator’s ability and confidence on the road.

Aquaplaning and animal life are always challenges to our drivers.

SHED our shelter from the storm

Maintenance on the electrical system at the large CCOWS shed, has been necessary on

the occasions when it has not been possible to open the remote roller-door. This has also

affected access to the RSL Community bus at times. The bus utilizes a space in the CCOWS

shed.

The small CCOWS shed at the RSL site is being relocated to the rear of the Hall . This will

provide a greater area for the playspace establishment planned for the western side of the

hall.

EQUIPMENT is a tool for development

We endeavor to store resources in small containers which enable children to visually

identify the contents. This allows them to select the activities which interest them.

Equipment is cleaned regularly, particularly in winter months when children are playing

inside with activities more often. This helps to prevent cross-infection during this time.

Educators are being encouraged to use resources innovatively in a variety of ways,

instead of continually purchasing more resources.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY systems for survival

Our accident statistics show us that “transition times”, ( when children are moving from one

resource to another, or one part of the room to another, or from one routine to another), are the

times when there are more likely to be bumps , falls, hesitancy, imbalance or distraction. Educators

are aware of this, and ways to counteract this are being discussed.

Physical sites continue to be monitored by DECS and LGA Safety officers.

Before welcoming children each day, sites are inspected both indoors and outdoors, to ensure

appropriate safety standards are being met.

A CCOWS representative continues to be a member of the Robe District Council WHS working

party.


TRAINING for empowerment, improvement and understanding

The CCOWS educators are experienced in all the “care routines”, so the greater need for training

has been to improve the knowledge and capability to deliver the learning outcomes as outlined in

the Early Years Learning framework. We are regularly revisiting the understanding and

implementation of professional principles such as intentional teaching, pedagogy, children’s

agency and scaffolding.

Staff professional appraisals have included the review of Position Descriptions, and constructive

discussions regarding work satisfaction, longevity of commitment, competencies, challenges and

aspirations. This sharing of information helps determine the training needs of the individuals or staff

as a whole.

Staff educators have participated and attended training at:

CCOWS planning day .............................................................................................................. (Robe)

Challenging moments, supporting children’s emotional development and wellbeing:

Belinda McLaren, Inclusive Directions

Programming for Vibrant Learning ………………………………………………………………….(Robe)

Parts one and two, presented by TAFE Mount Gambier)

Critical Reflection ...................................................................................................................... (Robe)

All staff, presented by Karen Hancock-Saunders, TAFE Mount Gambier

Budget Lockdown …………………………………………………………………………. (Canberra)

With Minister Simon Birmingham

Visitors are welcome and help us to be aware of the quality of our service delivery.

Anne Legoe (CCOWS Advisory Group Chairperson)

Karen Hancock-Saunders (TAFE SA)

Belinda McLaren from Inclusive Directions

Leanne Cameron (Business SA)

Eecsrsb officer

Coastal Leader journalist

RDC WHS representatives

Many Parents

RSL Executive members

Staff Training Planning Day 2016


SHARED EVENTS celebrating community partnership

It has been rewarding to work through the necessary details which will enable the establishment of an

outdoor playspace for the children who attend the RSL site. After meetings and information sessions with

RSL Executives and members, permission has been granted to establish a “natural” play area which will

not detract from the dignity of the RSL building.

A plan has been approved, and support from the community, parents and Departments is being

sought.

A fund-raising raffle, submission for a Lion’s grant , contributions from Mayor Petr Riseley, and purchased

vouchers from Mitre10 and Harcourt’s Nursery will assist with the establishment of the area..

This is a great partnership project.

Sustainability is the adult version of what the children see as “fun”.

Delighted children enjoy taking food scraps to feed the chickens

at Beachport School.

CCOWS and Kindergarten

enjoyed the music program

at the Jack and Molly show.

CCOWS children at Kangaroo Inn Area School are fortunate to

share the great natural playground which was erected during the

Christmas break. With input from the upper school classes it has

many features to thrill children.

RSL future Outdoor Playspace

Feeding the chickens

Bopping with the kinder kids

Adventures at KIAS


DIRECTOR’S JOURNAL

During the year the Director has represented CCOWS in the following way……..

The Director continued as an invited member of the Ministerial Advisory Council.

This Council works with the Federal Minister for Education and Training (Simon Birmingham) and

officers from the Department of Education and Training, meeting in Canberra 3 times a year,

and other occasions as needed.

Continued responsibility as NAMS deputy chairperson.

Continued as Board Member of Inclusive Directions (an organization supporting children and

families needing intervention and assistance).

Advocated for mobiles by responding to invitation to be a representative at:

o National Stakeholders Reference Group for the Department of Education and Training

Implementation of Jobs for Families Child Care Package.

o The eecsrsb Reference Advisory Group, regarding the physical environments for

children’s service operations.

o SA National Reference Group for the Development and Implementation of the

Childcare Assistance Package

Updated the CCOWS Quality Improvement Plan document.

Submission to the Federal Government re: the “Jobs for Families and Child care Package”.

Participated in regular meetings with discussions, submissions and reports to:

o CSN (Children’s Services Network, and alliance of SE services)

o SERCHS (South East Regional Community Health Service)

o SEDA (South East Childcare Director’s Alliance)

o COALITION of Children’s Services National Peak Bodies(with eca)

Promoted CCOWS through media:

o Articles in the Robe Community Newsletter, CCOWS Chit Chat (parent’s newsletter)

o Reports to Council Elected members, CCOWS Advisory Group and Staff.

o Coastal Leader (Regional newspaper)

o Interviews with ABC regional station

Teleconferences with:

o NAMS Executive ( x6 sessions)

o Tim Watts, Chief of Staff for the Shadow Minister for Childcare and Education

o Inclusive Directions Board

Met with Advisers for Minister Simon Birmingham in Parliament House, Canberra.

Conversations and teleconferences with

o Federal Government Child Care IT Branch

o SA DET Remote Services Consultations

Discussions , information, communication shared with:

o Tony Pasin MP

o Mitch Williams MP

o Senator Sarah Hanson-Young

o Skye Kakoshke- Moore (Nick Xenaphon team)

o Hon Kate Ellis, Shadow Minister for Child Care

o Peter Emmerton , Advisor to Minister Birmingham

Please note:

NAMS: National Association of Mobile Services for Rural and Remote Families and Children

EECSRSB: Education and Early Childhood Services Registration and Standards Board

NQF : National Quality Framework

eca : early childhood Australia

DET: Australian Government Department of Education and Training


The CCOWS ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS

Whose governance is appreciated

Anne Legoe Chairperson

Roger Sweetman CE, District Council of Robe

Robyn Paterson Director Children’s Services

Wendy Higgins CCOWS staff representative

Peta Baverstock Parent representative

Karla Dew Council representative

CCOWS STAFF

Permanent Staff

Director Robyn Paterson DipT (SA Educ),

Dip Arts and Education (Adelaide Uni)

Team Leaders Shannon Whitbread Dip. Children’s Services (Centre-based)

Certified Supervisors Stefan Kurray Dip. Children’s Services

Wendy Higgins Dip. Children’s Services

Permanent Part-Time Bronwen Wilkin Dip. Community Services (Child Care)

Amy Reilly Dip. Children’s Services

Sue Guyett RPL Recognition

Casual Staff Alana Stenner Dip. Children’s Services

Peta Uotila Dip. Children’s Services

Mardi Brooks Cert 3 in Children’s Services

Cristy Hann Cert 3 in Children’s Services

Bronwyn Matthews Cert 3 in Children’s Services

Jess McAllister Cert 3 in Children’s Services

Leah Franklin-Thorpe Studying Diploma in Children’s services

Hannah Seamer Apprentice, studying Cert3

Administration Assistant Karla Dew Cert 3 in Children’s Services

CCOWS ACKNOWLEDGES

Appreciation for the assistance and cooperation received from the ROBE Community including…

Robe RSL Kindergarten Robe District Council Depot Staff

Robe District Council Administration Staff Robe Supermarket

Robe RSL Sub-Branch Robe Hardware

Robe Library Robe Police

Robe Parts and Motor Services Robe Pharmacy

Polly’s at the Marina/ Mahalia Coffee/ Vic Street Pizza Project

Appreciation to these Agencies, Departments and Organisations for their support…

AGDET Australian Government Department of Education and Training SA and Canberra

SERCHS South East Regional Community Health Services Mt Gambier

SEDA South East Director’s Alliance Southeast SA

CSN Children’s Services Network Group Limestone Coast ..

EECSRSB Education and Early Childhood Services Standards Board Adelaide SA

NAMS Members and Executive Across Australia

INCLUSIVE DIRECTIONS Mt Gambier, Adelaide

CONTACT INC NSW

TAFE SA Mt Gambier

COALITION of National Children’s Services Peak Bodies Canberra

This report prepared by Robyn Paterson, Director Children’s Services, July/August 2016

CCOWS correspondence to: PO Box 1, Robe, SA 5276

Telephone: (08) 8768 2003 Facsimile: (08) 8768 2432

robe ccows - district council of robe, south australia 2016... · slide-shows and family visits are...

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