Nundle CWA Preschool Policy Review Schedule

Month

Policy to be Reviewed

Completed

February

• Nundle CWA Preschool Philosophy

• Nundle CWA Preschool Goals

• Programming Policy

• Fees Policy

March

• Food and Nutrition Policy

• Medical Conditions

• Asthma Policy

• Anaphylaxis

• Diabetes Management

• Immunisation for Children and Staff

April

• Excursion Policy

• Arrival and Departure of Children Policy

• Hand Washing Policy

• Cleaning Policy

May

• Sun Smart Policy

• Child Protection Policy

• Emergency and Evacuation Policy

• Water Safety Policy

June

• Medication Policy

• First Aid Policy

• Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness

• Head Lice Policy

• Infectious Diseases and Sick Children Policy

July

• Gender, Equity and Diversity Policy

• Provide Child Safe Environment Policy

• Physical Activity Policy

• Dangerous Products, Plants, Vermin and Objects Policy

August

• Permanent Staff Policy

• Relief, Casual Staff Policy

• Volunteers and Students Policy

• Determining Responsible Person

• Code of Conduct

• Safe Sleep & Rest Policy

September

• Interaction with Children

• Behaviour Guidance Policy

• Supervision of Children Policy

• Work Health and Safety Policy

October

• Complaints and Disputes

• Conflict of interest

• Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

• Privacy Collection Statement

• Grievance Procedure

November

• Enrolment and Orientation

• Communication Plan For Educators, Staff and Families

• Parent Involvement

• Governance and Management of Nundle CWA Preschool

• Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisation Policy

• Technology/mobile phone/social media policy

Quality Area 1- Educational Program and Practice

Nundle CWA Preschool Philosophy

At Nundle CWA Preschool, we believe that childhood is a most important stage of life which should offer opportunities to maximise each child’s potential. The National Quality Framework principles guide our delivery of quality education. We believe in providing a safe environment for our children which promotes the health of each child. We believe the preschool is part of the wider community in which we live and we aim to have respectful and supportive relationships with our children’s families. By supporting our staff to be well trained and by providing enough staff to support each child in their learning we will be able to provide an environment where educators are focused, active and reflective in designing and delivering a program for each child. In relationship with the Early Years Learning Framework, we believe children’s lives can be characterised by their: Belonging, Being and Becoming

Belonging

We place importance on the family, cultural groups and the wider community all of which the child belongs to. We understand that these groups help form the children’s identity and assist in building lifelong relationships.

Being

We believe that childhood is a time for the children to be engaged: to be engaged with life’s joys, explore their environment, be faced with challenges and be exposed to stimulating learning opportunities. We recognise the significance of the “her and now” in a child’s life, not only the preparation for the future.

Becoming

We recognise that children face rapid growth and change in their early years. We encourage them to participate actively in their society and become able to build relationships, knowledge and skills for the future. We see childhood as being a time of dynamic, complex and holistic learning. We understand that all areas of development are interrelated: including physical, social, emotional, creative, moral, cognitive and linguistic. We celebrate the benefits of play base learning and place importance on communication and language as well as emphasising literacy, numeracy and the development of pro-social skills. Our educators engage in intentional teaching in order to encourage deliberate and purposeful learning programs. With input from children’s interests and families our educators are able to promote children’s learning through modelling, demonstrating, open questioning and problem solving. We celebrate diversity and understand the differences which exist amongst children, families and staff at our centre. We see childhood as being a time for fun and enjoyment, a time for stimulating experiences, where children are encouraged to interact at their own pace as a unique individual.

To be reviewed: February 2022

Nundle CWA Preschool Goals

Belonging

• Knowing where and to whom they belong

• Acknowledging children’s independence with others, forming relationships with peers and carers

Being

• Encouraging self-confidence and self-esteem in our environment

• Creating and meeting challenges in everyday life

• Building and maintaining positive relationships with peers and carers

• Encouraging the children to take on the responsibility of self-learning through questioning and experimentation, and coupling this with teacher guided experiences

Becoming

• Develop confidence in social skills, to enable children to learn and grow

• Encourage confident and involved learning skills, incorporating problem solving, experimentation and increasingly complex thought processing skills

• Using the children’s existing knowledge and skills to foster and nurture further growth in all developmental areas

• Becoming ready to transition to school by offering opportunities and challenges

To be reviewed: February 2022
Source: EYLF

Programming

Background

• To ensure all children at Nundle CWA Preschool receive a quality program suited to their individual needs, capabilities and interests, the following procedures have been formulated.

• Programs are developed weekly and are available for families to view. Families are encouraged to take the time to view these.

• Qualified staff structure their programs around curriculum areas appropriate to each age group. All programs are focused at enhancing intellectual, social, emotional and physical development, as per our Philosophy and the EYLF curriculum.

• Observations of children are documented regularly and are available to families in individual portfolios which are sent home at the end of each year. Observations form the basis for individual planning and assist staff to plan experiences for the group as a whole.

• Developmental checklists are completed and are used as a tool to assess children’s development. These checklists highlight children’s individual strengths and areas for future development. Staff use these checklists to refer to when conducting parent teacher interviews.

• Families are encouraged to be involved in the Centres programs and their feedback is invited on the program sheet and also the suggestion box on the sign in table. Feedback received is used in the development of future programs and planning.

Source: EYLF
Education and Care Services National Regulations : 73,74,75,76
NQS: 1.1, 1.2
To be reviewed February 2022

Gender, Equity and Diversity Policy

To create an environment that equally supports people of different backgrounds, reflect and promotes equitable and inclusive practices, celebrates culture every day and encourages all children to develop to their fullest potential. Nundle CWA Preschool provides all children with the opportunity to be offered a wide range of experiences which respect each individual and groups of people. All children are given equal learning opportunities regardless of gender

Nundle CWA Preschool places an importance on respecting differences and similarities by ensuring that play and learning experiences is child focused, relevant and meaningful. Nundle CWA Preschool believes that the educational development programs must support a child’s self-esteem and pride in their family, the community, and their ethnic and linguistic origins.

Procedure

Nundle CWA Preschool will achieve this through cohesively working with all stakeholders including children, staff, families and the wider community by offering a learning environment that provides the following:

• A non-bias or prejudice approach.

• Inclusive practices.

• Opportunities which do not make comparisons between children, families and staff regardless of their backgrounds, abilities or additional needs, but the recognising and valuing of the differences and similarities that exist in children, families and staff of the centre.

• Equal employment opportunities for both males and females.

• Offering children storybooks that depict male and female characters in non-gender specific roles e.g. fire fighters rather than fireman or Police Officers rather than Police Women.

• The opportunity for both genders to access all activities and experiences.

• Create an environment and opportunities which treat and respect everyone equally regardless of gender, age, socio-economic status, race, language, beliefs, additional needs and family structure.

• Experiences and opportunities to support bilingual children and families.

• Show the diversity of families within the Centre by way of the program, photographs, newsletters, posters and welcoming the community.

• Ensure that equipment and resources bought into the Centre are free of any bias to gender, race, disability or family structure etc.

Nundle CWA Preschool Staff will:

• Interact with children and families equitably and respectfully.

• Use language that promotes equity.

• Use empowerment as a prime teaching technique for all children and themselves.

• Avoid making comparisons between children, families and staff.

• Utilise their diverse life experiences to contribute to and enhance the program and the Centre environment.

• Encourage and support children to be fair and respectful of others, learn empathy and the skills to be assertive and challenge unjust behaviours.

• Be role models for children in guiding and educating children and families in relation to diverse and equitable behaviours and practices and be aware of their actions, language, sign language, family lifestyles, festivities, celebration and opportunities for the development of critical and analytical thinking.

• Encourage contributions that children, staff, families and the wider community can make to the Service.

Source: EYLF
Education and Care Services National Regulations : 73
NQS: 1.1.1, 1.1.2,
To be reviewed: July 2021

Quality Area 2 Child Health and Safety

Provide Child Safe Environment

Safe Sleep and Rest Time Policy

Physical Activity Policy

Food and Nutrition Policy

Sun Smart Policy

Asthma Policy

Anaphylaxis Policy

Diabetes Management Policy

Immunisation for Child and Staff Policy

Infectious Diseases and Sick Children Policy

Head Lice Policy

Medication Policy

Child Protection Policy

First aid Policy

Incident, injury, trauma and illness Policy

Arrival and Departure Policy

Excursion Policy

Water Safety

Provide Child Safe Environment Policy

The education and care setting will:

Ensure that children are adequately supervised at all times; Organise rooms and environments to minimise risks to children; Monitor and minimise hazards and safety risks in the environment; Implement our Child Protection and our Incidents, Injury, Trauma, Illness Policies; and Take every reasonable precaution to protect children being educated and cared for by the service from harm and from any hazard likely to cause injury

Strategies -

Supervision

The Approved Provider will:

Ensure that sufficient numbers of educators are employed to ensure adequate supervision of children at all times; and Adopt policies and procedures to protect children being educated and cared for by the service from harm and from any hazard likely to cause injury.

The Nominated Supervisor will:

Draw up rosters to ensure that adequate numbers of educators are on duty to meet ratio and qualification requirements and to ensure adequate supervision of children at all times; Engage casual staff as appropriate; Ensure staff are aware of the need for adequate supervision of children at all times and Adopt policies designed to protect children being educated and cared for by the service from harm and from any hazard likely to cause injury are implemented and that all staff are aware of these policies and procedures.

Educators will:

Adequately supervise children within their room/group at all times; and inform the Nominated Supervisor whenever supervision is inadequate within their room to ensure the health and safety of all children.

Organisation of Rooms and Environments

The Approved Provider will: Make sufficient allowance within budgets to allow for the replacement of worn and damaged equipment and resources which may provide safety risk for children; and Make sufficient allowance within budgets to allow the adequate maintenance of all indoor and outdoor environments.

The Nominated Supervisor will:

Organise rooms and groupings to enable adequate supervision of children and so to minimise the risk to children; and Organise repairs and maintenance to equipment and environments in a timely manner.

Educators will:

Organise indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure risks to the health and safety are minimised; and Inform the Nominated Supervisor of repairs and maintenance needed within the service to ensure the health and safety of children.

Risk Assessment

The Nominated Supervisor will:

Conduct a risk assessment of the service environment on a quarterly basis to determine any risks to children’s health and safety; Analyse and evaluate the risks associated with identified hazards; Determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control identified hazards; and Review risk assessments after any serious incident report is made to the Department of Education and Communities.

Educators and staff will:

Report any risks or hazards within the service to the Nominated Supervisor as soon as possible.

Child Protection

The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor and Educators and Staff will comply with the requirements of the service’s child protection policy to ensure the minimisation of children’s risk to harm.

Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations: 165& 167, 168 (2) h
Link to National Quality Standard: 2.1,2.2
To be reviewed: July 2021

Safe Sleep and Rest Time Policy

Introduction

Nundle CWA Preschool recognises that all children have individual sleep and rest requirements. Children need a comfortable, relaxing environment to enable their bodies to rest. This environment must be safe and well supervised to ensure children are safe, healthy and secure in their environment

Strategies

Approved providers, nominated supervisors and educators have duty of care to ensure children are provided with a high level of safety when sleeping and resting and every reasonable precaution is taken to protect them from harm and hazard. They will ensure that all children have appropriate opportunities to sleep rest and relax in accordance with their individual needs

The nominated supervisor will

• Ensure the children’s safety, health and wellbeing are upheld at all times including providing safe sleeping equipment

• Ensure that areas for sleep and rest are well ventilated and have natural lighting

• Ensure that supervision windows will be kept clear to ensure safe supervision of sleeping children

• Maintain up to date knowledge regarding safe sleeping practices and communicate this information to educators and families

Educators will

• Consult with families about children’s sleep and rest needs. Educators will be sensitive to each child’s needs so that sleep and rest times are a positive experience

• Ensure that mattresses are clean and in good repair. Mattresses will be wiped over with citrus cleaner between each use

• Ensure that each child has their own bed linen provided by families. Each child’s bed linen is to be stored in their own bag provided by the preschool  and sent home for laundering when soiled

• Arrange children’s mattresses to allow easy access for children and staff

• Create a relaxing atmosphere for resting children by playing relaxing music, reading stories, turning off lights and ensuring children are comfortably clothed and the room temperature is set to provide maximum comfort for the children.  The environment should be tranquil and calm for both educators and children.

• Encourage children to rest their bodies and minds for 20-30 minutes. If children are awake after this time, they will be provided quite activities for the duration of rest time

• Maintain adequate supervision and maintain educator ratios throughout the rest period

• Communicate with families about their child’s sleeping or rest times. Conversations with families may be necessary to remind families that children will neither be forced to sleep nor prevented from sleeping

• Ensure children will sleep and rest with their faces uncovered

Education and care services national Regulations 81, 103,105,110,115   NQS 3
To be reviewed August 2021

Physical Activity Policy

Nundle CWA Preschool recognises the importance of physical activity for young children. Implementation of appropriate physical activity in children’s services supports the health and development of children in care as well as assisting to establish positive lifestyle habits for the future.

Aim:

The aim of this policy is to ensure that children in care are supported and encouraged to engage in active play, develop fundamental movement skills and limit small screen recreation time in line with the current draft recommendations.

Strategies:

Promote physical activity and skill development

• Aim to encourage pre-schoolers to accumulate one hour of physical activity during their time in care

• Activities and physically active play indoors and outdoors.

• Ensure staff model and join in active play time.

• Ensure staff use verbal prompts to encourage children and give positive reinforcement to participate in active play.

• Adopt a participatory approach emphasise fun rather than competition.

• Ensure inclusive practices for ALL children.

Provide physical activity based learning experiences for children both opportunistically and throughout the program

• Ensure physical activity learning experiences are planned consistently throughout the program and curriculum.

• Ensure that staff routinely identify opportunities to engage and educate children in active play.

• Discuss with children the role of small screen time in their lives and support them in healthy choices.

Limit small screen recreation and time spent being sedentary

• Aim to minimise time that pre-schoolers spend viewing small screen recreation during their time in care.

• Aim to limit the time children spend being seated or inactive (other than during meal or rest times) during their time in care.

Ensure all staff have appropriate knowledge and skills in the area of physical activity

• Develop a program of regular education regarding physical activity for primary contact staff.

• Include information on the physical activity policy as part of staff orientation

Provide a physical environment that promotes physical activity

• Ensure that indoor and outdoor physical environments provide adequate space and resources to facilitate active play

• Provide space, time and resources to support children to create their own opportunities for physical activity.

• Follow safety procedures and risk management strategies when implementing physical activity.

Ensure communication with families regarding physical activity, skill development and small screen recreation

• Routinely consult and inform families of physical activity practices and policies.

• Communicate regularly with families and provide information and advice on active play, fundamental skill development and limiting small screen recreation.

• Invite families to participate in physical activity experiences with their children where appropriate.

Monitoring and Review

• Monitors children’s physical activity progress as part of routine observations of children’s development.

• Review the physical activity policy every 12 months.

Source: Good for kids good for Life program
Education and Care Services National Regulations : 73, 168 (2) a
NQS: 2.1.3
To be reviewed: July 2021

Food and Nutrition Policy

Goal: to ensure children have food and drink that is safe, varied, nutritious and culturally diverse.

The following strategies are enforced by the Nundle CWA Preschool to ensure that children receive food and drink which is safe, varied, nutritious and culturally diverse:

• Families will be provided with guidelines on food and suggestions for nutritious and safe foods.

• Families will be provided with the preschools Food and Nutrition Policy.

• The preschool has a procedure in place detailing what is to be done when inappropriate foods are brought to the school, or if additional food is necessary.

• Parents will be advised when their child is not eating well, or of any other concerns.

• An eating environment which promotes family and multicultural values will be provided.

• Staff members will sit and supervise children during meal times.

• Children will be taught about food and nutrition through food awareness activities, practical food preparation activities and discussions about food.

• Tap water will be the main drink and will be available, supplied by the centre, at all times.

• Food will always be available in case of an emergency.

• The preschool will implement and encourage practices that assist children to minimise food contamination.

• The preschool will have procedures about the disposal of unused food, food storage and cleaning.

• The preschool will implement practices that ensure children receive food hygienically, e.g., washing hands.

• Parents and carers will be informed of any items of food that they have sent to preschool which may be inappropriate.

• Failure of a parent or carer to comply with requests not to send inappropriate foods will result in the teacher taking the food away from the child and returning such to the parent or carer at the end of the day when they arrive to collect the child.

YES FOODS

Healthy Foods from Home

• Good nutrition involves eating a variety of foods. Encouraging healthy choices from an early age ensures good habits in the future. Healthy food choices include:

Breads and Cereals

• Breads, bread rolls, bread wraps

• Breadsticks

• Fruit loaf, fruit buns

• Scones

• Pikelets

• Pasta (including tin spaghetti)

• Rice

• Noodles – NOT 2 minute noodles

• Crisp breads

• Rice cakes

Milk and Dairy Products

• Milk (fresh, long life, plain)

• Custards (fresh or long life) – plain flavour only

• Calcium fortified soy drinks

• Yoghurt

• Fromage/fruche

• Cheese, cheese dips

Fruit and Vegetables

• Fruit (fresh, frozen, packaged or tinned)

• Vegetables/vegetable sticks (raw, cooked)

• Salad

Meat and Meat Substitutes

• Cold meats, meat balls – NO processed meats

• Tinned fish (tuna, salmon)

• Legumes and legume products (baked beans)

• Eggs

• Tofu

• Plain nut pastes

NO FOODS

Foods such as chips and chocolate bars contain fat, salt and/or sugar and are NOT considered suitable for children.

Foods that are high in sugar (chocolate, lollies, and sticky fruit snacks) are also not good choices as they increase the likelihood of tooth decay.

Please do not send:

• Chocolate

• Chips

• Processed meats e.g. Devon, ham, frankfurts

• Muesli bars

• LCM bars

• Roll-ups

• Fruit bars

• Sweet biscuits

• Lollies of any variety

• Muffins or cakes

• Cordial or fruit juice

• Nuts

Source: Good for Kids Good for Life program
Education and Care Services National Regulations : 78, 168 (2)a
NQS: 2.1.3,
To be reviewed: March 2022

Sun Smart Policy

·       UV levels and daily sun protection times are used to plan daily activities and ensure a correct understanding of local sun protection requirements. When children are on excursions all sun protection practices are planned, organised, understood and available. All outdoor activities will be planned to occur in shaded areas. Sun protection practises are required at all times when outside.

·       The preschool will provide adequate shade for outdoor play. Shade is provided by several large trees and by shade cloth over the sandpit and over both soft fall areas. Play based learning activities are set up and moved throughout the day to take advantage of shade patterns.

·       All children will wear a Sun Smart hat that protects the face, neck, ears and crown of the head whenever they are outside or on an excursion. Suitable hats include:

o   A broad brimmed hat with a brim size of at least 6cm.

o   A legionnaire hat.

o   A bucket style hat with a brim size of at least 5cm and a deep crown.

o   Note: baseball caps do not provide protection for the neck, ears and cheeks and are therefore not permitted.

·       Children without hats will be asked to play in the shade.

·       All activities outdoors will be set up in shaded areas.

·       When outdoors, all children will wear Sun Smart clothing that protects as much of the skin as possible, especially the shoulders, back and stomach. Clothing requirements include:

o   Loose fitting shirts or dresses, with collars and sleeves that cover the shoulders and chest.

o   Trousers or longer style skirts and shorts.

o   Closed toe shoes to protect feet

o   Closely woven fabrics

o   Note: midriff and singlet tops are not permitted.

·       Staff and children will apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply after 2 hours. The preschool will provide a SPF 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen but families may provide their own sunscreen for children with allergies and sensitivities. Families must notify the preschool of any allergies or sensitivities on enrolment

·       Staff, families and visitors will act as positive role models and demonstrate Sun Smart behaviour when attending the preschool by:

o   Wearing a Sun Smart hat

§  A broad brimmed hat with a brim size of at least 6cm.

§  A legionnaire hat.

§  A bucket style hat with a brim size of at least 5cm and a deep crown.

o   Applying SPF 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying after 2 hours

o   Using shade whenever possible.

o   Wearing Sun Smart clothing

§  Loose fitting shirts or dresses, with collars and sleeves that cover the shoulders and chest.

§  Trousers or longer style skirts and shorts.

§  Closely woven fabrics

o   Sun protection awareness activities (both planned and spontaneous) will be included in the learning program. Children understand why sun safety is important and learn how to take effective sun protection actions

o   Sun protection information will be promoted to staff, families and visitors.

o   SunSmart App daily UV times are promoted to guide staff, families and children behaviour

o   All staff, families and visitors will be provided with a copy of the preschool Sun Smart policy. The SunSmart policy is included in the families handbook

o   Management and staff will monitor and review the effectiveness of the Sun Smart policy when necessary and revise the policy as required.

Source: Cancer Council of NSW 

Education and Care Services National Regulations:  168(2) (a)

NQS: 2.1.3, 2.2.1

To be Reviewed: May 2022

Asthma Policy

Asthma is a chronic health condition affecting approximately 15% of children. Community education and correct Asthma management will assist to minimise the impact of Asthma. It is generally accepted that children under the age of six do not have the skills and ability to recognise and manage their own Asthma effectively. With this in mind, Nundle CWA Preschool recognises the need to educate its staff and parents/carers about Asthma and to promote responsible Asthma management strategies Nundle CWA Preschool recognises that all asthmatics suffer to varying degrees.

This Asthma policy aims to:

• Provide the necessary strategies to ensure the health and safety of all persons with Asthma involved with Nundle CWA Preschool.

• Provide an environment in which children with Asthma can participate in all activities to their full capacity.

• Provide a clear set of guide lines and expectations to be followed with regard to the management of Asthma.

Procedure:

Staff will:

• Provide parents with a copy of the Asthma policy upon enrolment.

• Request families to identify children with Asthma on the Preschool’s Enrolment Form during the enrolment process.

• Request an Asthma Action Plan from the child’s doctor upon enrolment if necessary and their plan is to be reviewed every six months.

• Record a copy of any Asthma Action Plans with the child’s enrolment records.

• Inform parents of their requirement to provide the Preschool with a clearly labelled blue reliever puffer (e.g. Ventolin) and a clearly labelled spacer device.

• Encourage open communication between parents/ guardians and staff regarding the status and impact of a child’s Asthma.

• Promptly communicate any concerns to parents should it be considered that a child’s Asthma is limiting his/her ability to participate fully in all activities.

• Only administer prescribed Asthma medication in accordance with the information on the child’s Asthma Action Plan and the Preschool’s Medication Policy.

• Ensure that children with Asthma are treated the same as other children.

• Ensure Asthma medication is taken on excursions.

• Ensure children’s Asthma medication is accessible at all times.

• Ensure parents/carers complete preschool’s “Medication Form” for scheduled administration of Asthma Medication.

• Asthma Medication is to be administered as stated on the “medication Form” completed by parents on relevant days as stated in the Preschool’s Medication Policy.

• Notify a child’s parent/carer if child has had a suspected Asthma attack.

Parent/Carer will:

• Communicate all relevant information and concerns to staff as the need arises e.g. if Asthma symptoms were present last night.

• Ensure in consultation with staff, the health and safety of their child through supervised management of the child’s Asthma.

• Complete the Preschool’s “Medication Form” for scheduled administration of Asthma medication.

• Inform staff, either upon enrolment or on initial diagnosis, that their child has a history of Asthma.

• Provide all relevant information regarding the child’s Asthma via an Asthma Action Plan, complete by the doctor within 7 days of enrolment or on diagnosis, if necessary. This plan is to be reviewed every six months.

• Notify the staff, in writing, of any changes to the Asthma Action Plan.

• Ensure that their child has an adequate supply of appropriate Asthma medication, including reliever, at all times.

• Ensure they provide the Preschool with a clearly labelled blue reliever puffer, e.g. Ventolin, and a clearly labelled spacer device.

Source: www.asthmafoundation.org
Education and Care Services National Regulations : 94, 168(2) d
NQS: 2.1.2, 2.2.2
To be reviewed: March 2022

Asthma Risk Minimisation Plan   

Child’s Name:

1. Does the child need any dietary modifications?

(If yes what are they)

2. Risk – What are the issues and/or the actual/potential situations that could lead to an Asthma attack/emergency for this child?

e.g. Asthma is more likely to occur if the child is suffering from a cold or respiratory illness

3. Strategy – What can be done to reduce these risks? What resources are needed?

e.g. Indoors

• A ‘No Smoking’ Policy is in place.

• Cleaners are employed 5 nights per week to keep dust and dust mites to a minimum, floors vacuumed daily, hard surfaces mopped daily and checks are made for mould.

• Ceiling fans are cleaned regularly.

• Air conditioning vents and filters are cleaned annually.

• Staff wearing perfume is kept to a minimum and room deodorises are not used.

• Powder free gloves are used.

• Rooms are well ventilated

• Food allergies are kept on file to eliminate possible asthma triggers through food.

e.g. Outdoors

• On extreme hot or cold days children have the option to stay indoors.

• Children with pollen allergies have the option of remaining indoors on high pollen days.

• Lawn, weed and insect sprays are used only out of hours.

• A low allergy plant friendly landscape is maintained.

4. Who – Who needs to be included in the process? Why?

All educators who work in the same area as this child are to be familiar with this plan to ensure the health and safety of the child through supervised management of the child’s asthma in order to identify and, where practicable, minimise asthma triggers.

Asthma Communication Plan

This communication plan has been developed to ensure that relevant staff members are informed about the Asthma Policy and to outline avenues of communication between families and the Centre.

Anaphylaxis Policy

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threating.

Nundle CWA Preschool is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment that is inclusive for all children, staff, visitors and family members that are at risk of anaphylaxis.

The aim of this policy and procedure is to minimise the risk of an anaphylactic reaction whilst at our service, also ensuring staff members respond appropriately to an anaphylactic reaction by initiating appropriate treatment.

Background:

• Anaphylaxis (allergic shock) is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threating. Anaphylaxis is experienced by 0.5% of the population. The most common triggers are food, insect stings and sometimes medication. Occasionally a cause is not found. Once a person has experienced an allergic reaction, they are at a predictable risk of recurrence.

• Young child may not be able to express the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

• The only effective first aid response to a reaction is the immediate administration of adrenaline while waiting for medical assistance. Adrenaline is administered via an Epi-pen or similar device. Once injected, adrenaline helps to reverse the life threatening features of anaphylaxis.

Parents/carers of children with severe allergies are required to keep Nundle CWA Preschool informed of any recent allergy tests carried out and any changes to their diet that staff need to be aware of.

Procedure

• Upon enrolment or employment at Nundle CWA Preschool, staff and parents/carers are asked to alert management and staff of any allergies that the child or staff member has, via the Preschool’s Enrolment Form or staff emergency contact details. If the allergy is severe, there needs to be an Allergy Action Plan completed by a Doctor.

• The plan is to be displayed in a prominent position in each classroom and shown to all staff and relief staff working in the room. The action plan will be easy to read and easy to understand.

• All staff with very regular contact with the children will have training in the administration of current First Aid and use of an Epi pen in case of an emergency.

• The child’s Epi-pen is to be kept in the room for easy access on a high shelf, with a clearly visible label of the child’s name on it, and all staff will be aware of where it is to be kept.

• Families are responsible for providing the Preschool with at least one Epi-pen.

Staff responsible for a child at risk of Anaphylaxis

• Staff will ensure that there is a copy of the child’s anaphylaxis medical management plan is visible to all staff.

• Staff will follow the child’s anaphylaxis medical management plan in the event of an allergic reaction, which may progress to anaphylaxis.

• In the event of a situation where a child who has not been diagnosed as allergic and appears to have an anaphylactic reaction, staff will

  • Call an Ambulance IMMEDIATELY dialling 000

  • Commence immediate first aid care.

  • Contact parent/carer of emergency contact if parent cannot be contacted.

• Staff will regularly check Epi-pen device expiry date.

Source: www.allergyfacts.org.au/PDF/0562anaphylaxis

: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 168 (2) d
NQS: 2.1.1, 2.2.2
To be reviewed: March 2022

Risk minimisation strategies- anaphylaxis

In the child care environment, strategies used to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis for individual children will depend on the nature of the allergen, the severity of the child’s allergy and the maturity of the child.

Wherever possible the child care service will minimise exposure to known allergens by:

• A child at risk of food anaphylaxis should only eat lunches and snacks that have been prepared at home or at the child care service under strictly supervised conditions. Children should not swap or share food, food utensils and food containers.

• Special care will be taken to avoid cross contamination occurring at the child care service by providing separate utensils for a child with allergies, taking extra care when cleaning surfaces, toys and equipment, and ensuring strict compliance with the child care service’s hygiene policies and procedures.

• Only appropriately trained staff are to prepare, handle and serve the allergic child’s food, thus minimising the risk of cross contamination occurring.

• For some children with food allergy, contact with small amounts of certain foods (e.g. nuts) can cause allergic reactions. For this reason, all parents/guardians will be advised of specific food allergies and how they can assist the child care service minimise the risk of exposure to known allergens.

• Some children have severe allergic reactions to insect venoms. Prevention of insect stings from bees and wasps include measures such as:

• wearing shoes when outdoors

• taking great care when walking in grasses which are in flower.

• Allowing children to stay indoors if bees or wasps are visible

• Child care staff will regularly inspect for bee and wasp nests on or near the property and store garbage in well-covered containers so that insects are not attracted.

• Particular care will be taken when planning cooking or craft activities involving the use of empty food packaging to avoid inadvertently exposing the child to allergens. The same level of care will be employed to outside activities.

• Child care staff will help the child at risk of anaphylaxis to develop trust and confidence that they will be safe while they are at the child care service by:

• talking to the child about their symptoms to allergic reactions so they know how to describe these symptoms to a carer when they are having an anaphylactic reaction;

• taking the child’s and their parent’s/guardian’s concerns seriously;

• making every effort to address any concerns they may raise.

Education of children

• Child care staff will talk to children about foods that are safe and unsafe for the anaphylactic child. They will use terms such as ‘this food will make ..... sick’, ‘this food is not good for .....’, and ‘..... is allergic to that food’.

• Staff will talk about symptoms of allergic reactions to children (e.g. itchy, furry, scratchy, hot, funny).

• With older children, staff will talk about strategies to avoid exposure to unsafe foods, such as having their own plate and utensils, not eating food that is shared.

• Child care staff will include information and discussions about food allergies in the programs they develop for the children, to help children understand about food allergy and encourage empathy, acceptance and inclusion of the allergic child.

Anaphylaxis Communication Plan

This communication plan has been developed to ensure that relevant staff members are informed about the Anaphylaxis Policy and to outline avenues of communication between families and the Centre.

Communication about the management of children with diagnosed anaphylaxis

Details

Timeframe

Person Responsible

New Families

The Anaphylaxis Policy is included in the enrolment pack

Families are verbally informed about the services Anaphylaxis Policy

On enrolment

Information day/on enrolment

Director

Centre Employees

Educators are informed about the services procedures and policies in relation to managing children who have diagnosed with asthma and these children are identified

During initial orientation process

Ongoing

Director

Relief Staff

Students

Volunteers

Early Intervention Specialists

All stakeholders are informed about and familiar with any Anaphylaxis Management Action Plans and Anaphylaxis Risk Minimisation Plans

During initial and subsequent orientation into the service

Centre Educators

Families of children who have been diagnosed with asthma

Implement all strategies identified in the Anaphylaxis Policy

Families are encouraged to communicate with employees about their child’s individual needs during arrival/departure or by telephone

Upon learning that the child has a diagnosed anaphylaxis condition

Regularly/When required

Director/Educators/Families

Diabetes Management Policy

Diabetes Management

Introduction The management of a child’s diabetic condition is dependent upon coordination between our service, the child’s family and the child’s doctor. Our service recognises the need to facilitate effective care and health management of children who have diabetes and the prevention and management of acute episodes of illness and medical emergencies.

Goals – What are we going to do This Diabetes Management Policy aims to:

Raise awareness of diabetes management amongst those involved with the service;

Provide the necessary strategies to ensure the health and safety of all children with diabetes enrolled at the service;

Provide an environment in which children with diabetes can participate in all activities to the full extent of their capabilities; and

Provide a clear set of guidelines and expectations to be followed with regard to the management of diabetes.

Strategies – How will this be done?

The Approved provider will:

Encourage all staff to complete senior first aid training.

The Nominated Supervisor will

Provide staff with a copy of this policy and brief them on diabetes procedures upon their appointment;

Identify children with diabetes during the enrolment process and inform staff;

Provide families thus identified with a copy of this policy and Diabetes Action plan upon enrolment or diagnosis; (a Diabetes Action Plan template can be downloaded from www.chess.sa.edu. au/Pathways/diabcareplanjune2009.doc  

Ensure that each Diabetes Action Plans are received for each child with a diagnosis of diabetes that contain information for the child’s Diabetic Management and outline what do in relation to any Diabetic Emergency the child might face;

Ensure families provide the service with the child’s testing kit and hypo pack if required;

Store Diabetes Action Plans in the child’s enrolment record;

Formalise and document the internal procedures for emergency Diabetes treatment;

Encourage open communication between families and staff regarding the status and impact of a child’s diabetes; and

Promptly communicate any concerns to families should it be considered that a child’s diabetes is limiting his/her ability to participate fully in all activities.

Educators will:  

Ensure that they maintain current accreditation in first aid;

Ensure that they are aware of the children in their care with diabetes;

Ensure that they are familiar with the symptoms of signs and symptoms and the emergency treatment of a low blood glucose level;

Call an ambulance if they feel emergency treatment is required;

Ensure, in consultation with the family, the health and safety of each child through supervised management of the child’s diabetes;

Where necessary, modify activities in accordance with a child’s needs and abilities;

Ensure that a child’s Diabetes Action Plan is followed at all times;  

Promptly communicate, to management or parents/guardians, any concerns should it be considered that a child’s diabetes is limiting his/ her ability to participate fully in all activities; and

Ensure that children with diabetes are treated the same as all other children.

Families will:  

Inform staff, either upon enrolment or on initial diagnosis, that their child has diabetes;

Provide all relevant information regarding their child’s diabetes via a written Diabetes Action Plan, which should be provided to the centre within seven (7) days of enrolment;  

Keep the child’s testing kit and hypo pack updated as required;

Notify the Nominated Supervisor, in writing, of any changes to the Diabetes Action Plan during the year;  

Ensure that they comply with all requirements and procedures in relation to the Medications Record;

Communicate all relevant information and concerns to educators as the need arises; and

Ensure, in consultation with the staff, the health and safety of their child through supervised management of the child’s diabetes.

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 168 (2) d

NQS: 2.1.1, 2.2.2     To be reviewed: March 2022

Immunisation for Children and Staff

Nundle CWA Preschool supports the National Immunisation Program (NIP) which is currently recommended by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and supported by the Commonwealth Government.

Immunisation for children in care is  compulsory and a certificate of immunisation history or a certificate of exemption which states the reason why the child is not immunised must be presented before the child  is able to commence at the preschool

Procedure:

• Immunisation records are to be presented at the time the child is at Nundle CWA Preschool, and families are asked to update the preschool’s record at the time of each immunisation thereafter.

• If a child has not been vaccinated as per the recommended schedule and a certificate of exemption has been given to the preschool, this information will be added to the child’s enrolment documents and the child’s parents/carers will be informed if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease and the child will  be excluded from the service until the disease outbreak is under control.

• Signs are posted around the preschool and emails or notices sent to alert families if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease present at the preschool.

• Staff are encouraged to discuss vaccinations with their own treating doctor, in particular for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Chickenpox, Whopping Cough and Influenza. Please refer to the Immunisation Recommendations for Staff.

• Identifying symptoms of an excludable infectious illness or disease are outlined in the Nundle CWA Preschool Infectious Diseases and Sick Children Policy.

Source: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 160

NQS: 2.1.1 2..2.2

To Be Reviewed: March 2022

Infectious Diseases and Sick Children Policy

Nundle CWA Preschool recognises that childhood illnesses are common and generally not serious. In an effort to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the preschool we have adopted the following exclusion periods from Australian Government Guidelines.

Attending to sick children can require extra staff time and attention, and when the staff to children ratio is compromised, parents will be asked to collect their child during the day and not return until well.

Procedure:

• Nundle CWA Preschool will attend to children who become unwell during the day, we will comfort these children and notify parents/carers.

• Parents/carers are asked not to leave their child at the preschool if they are unwell and/or will not be able to participate in the day’s activities.

• If a child is unwell and needs to be collected from the preschool, this is at the Preschool Authorised Supervisors discretion.

• Children with infectious diseases currently within the exclusion periods will not be allowed to attend the preschool (see exclusion periods for infectious conditions below).

• Parents/carers of children who are not immunised against an infectious disease will be notified immediately, and advised of symptoms to be aware of, and advised to exclude the child in the event of the disease being present at the Preschool under the guidance of the Health Department.

• Families at the Preschool will be notified if there are cases of an infectious disease, and a notice will be placed on the front door.

• In the event a child has a temperature of 38.0 degrees or higher, parents/carers will be contacted to collect the child.

• To reduce the chance of spread of illness such as gastroenteritis, a child who has vomited or had two cases of diarrhoea will be sent home from the Preschool. The child will not be able to attend care for at least 24 hours after the vomiting and or diarrhoea has ceased. If a child returns to care and vomits or has one case of diarrhoea the child will be sent home from the Preschool and the 24 hour exclusion period will recommence.

• If a child develops a rash during care, the family will be contacted and the child will be sent home from the Preschool. The child can return to the Preschool either when the rash has disappeared or when a note has been provided by a Doctor stating that the rash is not infectious.

• Children will be excluded from the Preschool for a period of 24 hours from the start of antibiotics, to allow for recovery, with the exception of a certificate from a Doctor stating that the child is on antibiotics and is well enough to return to care.

• Open wounds and sores must have a waterproof bandage over them so no access can be made to it by other children or staff. If any bodily fluids are leaking from underneath the bandage, the child will have to be collected from the Preschool and seen by a doctor.

Recommended Minimum Exclusion Periods for Infectious Conditions for Nundle CWA Preschool

Condition

Exclusion of Case

Exclusion of Contacts

Amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica)

Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased

Not excluded

Campylobacter

Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased

Not excluded

Candidiasis

See ‘Thrush’

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Exclude for at least 5 days after the rash first appears AND all the blisters are dry AND the person is systemically well

Any child with an immune deficiency (for example leukaemia) or receiving chemotherapy should be excluded for their own protection. Otherwise, not excluded

CMV (Cytomegalovirus)

Exclusion is NOT necessary. Pregnant women to be advised.

Not excluded

Conjunctivitis

Exclude until all discharge from eyes has ceased, unless Doctor has diagnosed a non-infectious conjunctivitis, and a Medical Certificate Clearance is required.

Not excluded

Covid 19

Exclude for 14 days or unless a negative Covid 19 test result has been presented.

Exclude for 14 days

Cryptosporidium Infection

Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel motion for 24 hours.

Not excluded

Diarrhoea (no organism identified)

Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel motion for 24 hours.

Not excluded

Diphtheria

Exclude until

1. At least two negative throat swabs have been taken (the first not 24 hours after cessation of antibiotic treatment and the second not less than 48 hours later) and

2. A certificate is provided by a medical practitioner recommending that the exclusion should cease.

Exclude family and household contacts until approval to return has been given by the Chief Health Officer/Secretary

German Measles

See ‘Rubella’

Giardiasis

Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel motion for 2 hours

Not excluded

Glandular Fever (Mononucleosis, EBV infection)

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Exclude until all blisters have dried

Not excluded

Haemophilus Influenza type B (Hib)

Exclude until a certificate is provided by a medical practitioner recommending that the exclusion should cease

Not excluded

Head Lice

A child with head lice must be excluded until 24 hours after infestation or suspected infestation has been treated.

Not excluded

Hepatitis A

Exclude until a medical certificate of recovery is received, but not before seven days after the onset of jaundice or illness.

Not excluded

Hepatitis B

Exclusion NOT necessary

Not excluded

Hepatitis C

Exclusion NOT necessary

Not excluded

Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores, Fever Blisters)

Exclusion is not necessary if the person is developmentally capable of maintaining hygiene practices to minimise the risk of transmission. If the person is unable to comply with these practices they should be excluded

Not excluded

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS)

Exclusion is NOT necessary. If the person is severely immunocompromised, they will be vulnerable to other people’s illnesses.

Not excluded

Hydatid Disease

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Impetigo (School Sores)

Exclude until appropriate antibiotic treatment has commenced. Any sores on exposed skin should be covered with a watertight dressing.

Not excluded

Influenza and Influenza like Illnesses

Exclude until well

Not excluded

Legionnaires’ Disease

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Leprosy

Exclude until approval to return has been given by an appropriate Health Authority

Not excluded

Measles

Exclude for 4 days after he onset of the rash

Immunised and immune contacts are not excluded. Non immunised contacts of a case are to be excluded from care until 14 days after the first day of appearance of rash in the last case, unless immunised within 72 hours of the first contact during the infectious period with the first case. All immuno compromised children should be excluded until 14 days after the first day of appearance of rash in the last case.

Meningitis (Bacterial)

Exclude until well and has received the appropriate antibiotics

Not excluded

Meningitis (Viral)

Exclude until well

Not excluded

Meningococcal Infection

Exclude until appropriate antibiotic treatment has been completed

Not excluded

Molluscum Contagiosum

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Mumps

Exclude for nine days or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner)

Not excluded

Norovirus

Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel motion or vomit for 48 hours.

Not excluded

Parvovirus (Fifth Disease, Erythema Infectiosum, Slapped Check Syndrome)

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Pertussis

See ‘Whooping Cough’

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Ringworm/Tinea

Excluded until the day after appropriate antifungal treatment has commenced

Not excluded

Roseola

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Ross River Virus

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Rotavirus Infection

Children are to be excluded from the Preschool 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 four days after the onset of rash. Pregnant women to be advised.

Not excluded

Salmonella Infection

Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel motion for 24 hours

Not excluded

Scabies

Exclude until the day after appropriate treatment has commenced

Not excluded

Scarlet Fever

See ‘Streptococcal sore throat’

School Sores

See ‘Impetigo’

Shigella Infection

Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel motion or 24 hours

Not excluded

Streptococcal Infection (including Scarlett Fever)

Exclude until the person has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and they feel well.

Not excluded

Thrush (Candidiasis)

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Toxoplasmosis

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Tuberculosis (TB)

Exclude until medical certificate is produced from an appropriate Health Authority

Not excluded

Typhoid, Paratyphoid

Exclude until medical certificate is produced from an appropriate Health Authority

Not excluded unless considered necessary by Public Health Authorities

Varicella

See ‘Chickenpox’

Viral Gastroenteritis (Viral Diarrhoea)

Children are to be excluded from the Preschool until there has not been a loose bowel motion or vomiting for 24 hours

Not excluded

Warts

Exclusion is NOT necessary

Not excluded

Whooping cough (Pertussis)

Exclude until five days after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment or for 21 days from the onset of coughing.

Contacts that live in the same house as the case and have received less than three doses of pertussis vaccine are excluded from the Preschool until they have had five days of an appropriate course of antibiotics. If antibiotics have not been taken these contacts must be excluded for 21 days after their last exposure to the case whilst the person was infectious

Worms

Exclude if loose bowel motions present

Not excluded

Source: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Education and Care Services National Regulations:  168(2) (c)
NQS: 2.1.2
To Be Reviewed: June 2022

Head Lice Policy

Head Lice continue to cause concern and frustration for some parents, staff and children. This policy is intended to outline roles, responsibilities and expectations of the childcare community to assist with treating and controlling head lice in a consistent and coordinated manner.

Whilst parents have the primary responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice Nundle CWA Preschool will work in a cooperative and collaborative manner to assist all families to manage head lice effectively.

It is the expectation of parents/carers and families attending this preschool that:

• Children’s hair will be checked for head lice on a weekly basis, at home, using the recommended conditioner/combing detection method.

• That your child does not attend preschool with untreated head lice.

• Regularly inspect all household members and then treat them if necessary.

• Parents/carers will notify the preschool if their child is found to have live lice and advise when appropriate treatment was commenced.

• Children with long hair will attend preschool with hair tied back.

• Use only safe and recommended practices to treat head lice.

• Notify the parents or carers of your child’s friends so they can have an early opportunity to detect and treat their children if necessary.

• Maintain a sympathetic attitude and avoid stigmatising/blaming families who are experiencing difficulty with control measures.

• Act responsibly and respectfully when dealing with members of the preschool and broader community especially around issues of head lice.

To support parents/carers and the broader childcare community to achieve a consistent, collaborative approach to head lice management the preschool will undertake to:

• Distribute up to date and accurate information on the detection, treatment and control of head lice to parents and staff at the beginning of the year or more frequently if required.

• Include information and updates in newsletters.

• Provide practical advice and maintain a sympathetic attitude and avoid stigmatising/blaming families who are experiencing difficulty with control measures.

• Access community educational resources and support, such as primary childcare nurses, community health centres and local government.

• Only exclude children from preschool who have live insects.

• Accept the advice of parents that appropriate treatment has commenced.

• Encourage children to learn about head lice so as to help remove any stigma or ‘bullying’ associated with the issue.

• Be aware of real difficulties some parents may encounter and seek extra support if required.

Source: www.health.nsw.gov.au
Education and Care Services National Regulations : 168(2) (a)    NQS: 2.1.2, 2.2.1,

To Be Reviewed: June 2022

Medication Policy

The following policy aims to ensure the safety of all children at Nundle CWA Preschool whilst at the same time meeting the needs of the individual child, the requests of the parents and concerns staff may have with administration of medications.

Policy:

Nundle CWA Preschool staff are able to administer medication to children under strict guidelines. The parent/guardian who completes the Medication Form is ultimately responsible for the appropriateness of the medication. If staff identify that the following procedures have not been meet then they will not administer any medication. The rationale behind staff concerns with administering medication will be explained to the parent as soon as possible.

The following is to be written on the child’s medication sheet:

• Child’s full name.

• Date.

• Name of medication.

• Date/s, time/s, dosage or the circumstances under which the medication should be next administered.

• The parent/guardian’s name and signature that is authorising the medication to be administered to the child.

• An additional record of any medical condition that impacts on care and the necessary medication required.

• Prescription medication MUST have the child’s name on it, and be within expiry dates.

• Staff can only administer medication as per Doctor’s instructions on label. This includes instructions regarding dosages, even if this differs from the parent request.

• Medication stating to be administered 3 times a day is 3 times in a 24 hour period being 8 hourly, 4 times a day is 6 hourly, etc. staff will only administer medication as per these 24 hour guidelines.

• Homeopathic and Chinese medicines must have ingredients, clear instructions and a phone number for the Naturopath or other. Over the counter medications, e.g. Demazin etc. must be in original container, within expiry date and come with written permission from a parent as per prescription medications. Staff will monitor the usage of these products , as they are not intended for extended use.

• Emergency medications, i.e. Ventolin and Epi-pens are given as per action plans displayed.

Parents Procedure

• If a child requires prescribed medication whilst in Preschool, they must be on the medication for 24 hours before they are able to return to care, this will be monitored by prescribed dates on medication.

• Parents are to remove medication from their child’s bag and give to staff to place in the fridge/shelf.

• Parents are to supply a labelled medicine cup/syringe with clear and legible measurements.

• Parents are to inform staff if their child requires medication to be administered.

• Parents are to complete a “Medication Record”, if medication is required to be administered by Preschool staff.

• Parents are responsible for requesting staff to collect medication from the kitchen fridge/medication box when collecting their child from the centre.

Staff Procedure

• Staff are to store medication received from parents in the kitchen fridge or high shelf.

• Before administration of medication staff are to wash and dry hands before preparing and administering any medication.

• Staff are to collect medication from fridge/shelf and check the following information against the completed “Medication Record” and label on the medication:

  • Child’s full name.

  • Date

  • Name of medication.

  • Date/, time/s, dosage or the circumstances under which the medication should be next administered. Dosage times need to be concise with Doctor’s instructions (medication stating to be administered 3 times a day is 3 times in a 24 hour period being 8 hourly; 4 times a day is 6 hourly etc.).

  • The time and date the medication was last administered before the child attended the service.

  • Medication expiry date.

  • The parent/guardians name and signature authorising the medication to be administered to the child.

  • Any additional record of any medical condition that impacts on care and the necessary medication required.

• One staff member is to administer medication (qualified staff if possible and must hold a Senior First Aid Certificate) and another staff member (if possible holds a Senior First Aid Certificate) is to witness the preparation and administration of medication.

• Both administrating staff members are to check the dosage, and both witness the child receiving the medication.

• Staff are to sign “Medication Record”. Noting dose and time the medication was administered.

• Any medicine cups or syringes used are to be washed after use.

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 92,93,95,96
NQS: 2.1.1, 2..2.3
To Be Reviewed: June 2022

Child Protection Policy

To provide and maintain a safe environment is the main consideration in all Nundle CWA Preschool activities and management practices. It is the aim of the Preschool to take a preventative stance on child protection issues, by developing and maintaining an open and aware culture that is dynamic in its processes and encourages active participation from all at the Preschool.

It is important for individuals to feel that voicing a concern is not viewed as an accusation and that staff and others have confidence that their concerns will be dealt with professionally and in a timely manner.

This policy is based on the Children and Young Persons Act (2008), as well as the Keeping Them Safe program.

All educators and volunteers of our service are Mandatory Reporters and are required to report to the Child Protection Helpline (Phone: 132 111) if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a child or young person is at risk of significant harm and have current concerns about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or young person where the concerns arise during or from their work. We are committed to ensuring all educators and staff have a full understanding of their responsibilities as a Mandatory Reporter and are supported in fulfilling these.

Definitions

 ‘Mandatory reporters’ means people who deliver the following services, wholly or partly, to children as part of their paid or professional work:

·         Health care (e.g. registered medical practitioners, specialists, general practice nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, dentists and other allied health professionals working in sole practice or in public or private health practices)

·        Welfare (e.g. psychologists, social workers, caseworkers and youth workers)

·         Education (e.g. teachers, counsellors, principals)

·         Children’s services (e.g. child care workers, family day carers and home-based carers)

·        Residential services (e.g. refuge workers)

·        Law enforcement (e.g. police)

Ref: https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s/article/What-is-Mandatory-Reporting

‘At risk of significant harm’ - in relation to a child or young person means that there are current concerns for their safety, welfare or wellbeing because of the presence to a significant extent of any one or more of the following circumstances

·        The child’s or young person’s basic physical or psychological needs are not being met or at risk of not being met;

·        The parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child or young person to receive medical care;

·        In the case of a child or young person who is required to attend school in accordance with the Education Act 1990 - the parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child or young person to receive and education in accordance with that Act;

·        The child or young person has been, or is at risk of being, physically or sexually abused  or ill-treated;

·        The child or young person is living in a household where there have been incidents of domestic violence and, as a consequence, the child or young person is at risk of serious physical or psychological harm;

·        A parent or other caregiver has behaved in such a way towards the child or young person that the child or young person has suffered or is at risk of suffering serious psychological harm; or

·        The child was the subject of a pre-natal report under section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Care and Protection Act 1998 and the birth mother of the child did not engage successfully with the support services to eliminate, or minimise to the lowest level reasonably practical, the risk factors that gave rise to the report.

(Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 No 157, Chapter 3, Part 2,  Section 23 )

‘Reasonable grounds’ - means that you suspect a child may be at risk of significant harm based on:

·        Your observations of the child, young person or family; or

·        What the child, young person, parent or another person has told you. You are NOT required to confirm your suspicions or have clear proof before making a report. To do so may interfere with evidence or compromise the work of statutory agencies, for example the Police or Community Services.  

Any such circumstances may relate to a single act or omission or to a series of acts or omissions.

Strategies / How will it be done?

 The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will:

·        The Approved provider will ensure that persons placed in day to day charge of the service have a current qualification in Child Protection https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/working-in-early-childhoodeducation/child-protection-training-requirements

·        Ensure that any adult working or volunteering directly with children completes a Working with Children Check prior to employment and is renewed every 5 years and verify the Working With Children Check prior to employment;  https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/316/WWCC_brochure.pdf.aspx

·        Ensure every adult working with children is made aware of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and Keep Them Safe: A shared approach to child wellbeing  and of their obligations under this law and action plan ( Education and Care Services National Regulation , Regulation 84, National Quality Standards QA 2);

·        The Approved Provider must notify the regulatory through the NQA-ITS within 7 days  of the following

Any incident where the approved provider reasonably believes that physical abuse or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child is or the children are being educated and cared for by the education and care service;

 Allegations that physical or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child is or the children are being educated and cared for by the education and care service (other than an allegation that has been notified under section 174(2)(b) of the Law).

·        Orientate every working and volunteering adult to this child protection policy, Keep Them Safe protocols and Mandatory Reporter responsibilities and ensuring their regular review of these;

Educators and staff will:

·        Develop trusting and secure relationships with all children at the service;

·        Make reports of current concerns for any child at risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline for Mandatory Reporters; and

·        Make appropriate responses to all disclosures of abuse and any allegation of abuse against staff members of the service.

Documentation of Current Concerns  The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will:

·        Support staff through the process of documenting and reporting current concerns of children at risk of significant harm; and

·        Provide all staff and educators with clear guidelines around documentation.

Educators and staff will:

·        Make a record of the indicators observed that have led to the belief that there is a current risk of harm to a child or young person. Information on indicators of risk of harm are outlined in the NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide which is accessible at https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s/mrg

·        Discuss any concerns with the Nominated Supervisor of the service.

·        Advise the Nominated Supervisor of their intention to make a report to the Child Protection Helpline (132 111);

·        Advise the Nominated Supervisor when a report has been made to the Child Protection Helpline. Mandatory Reporting  The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will:

·        Provide all staff and educators working directly with children with a copy of this Child Protection Policy and a copy of the Mandatory Reporter Guide to assist them in their reporting;

·        Provide all staff and educators working directly with children with access to the Child Wellbeing and Child Protection NSW Interagency Guidelines ; and

·        Display the Child Protection Helpline number (132 111) on all phone and lists of emergency contact number in the interests of timely reporting.

 Educators and staff will:

1. In an emergency, where there are urgent concerns for a child’s health or life, it is important to contact the police, using the emergency line ‘000’;

2. Using the Mandatory Reporter Guide , answer the questions relating to concerns about a child or young person. At the end of the process, a decision report will guide as to what action to take. The Nominated Supervisor is available if staff require assistance to use this online tool;

3. If the Mandatory Reporter Guide determines that there are grounds to suspect a risk of significant harm to a child or young person, the staff member or educator will either generate an eReport or phone the Child Protection Helpline number (132 111).

4. Mandatory reporters should note that the legislation requires that they continue to respond to the needs of the child or young person (within the terms of their work role) even after a report to the Child Protection Helpline has been made;

5. If the Mandatory Reporter Guide determines that an educator or staff member’s concerns do not meet the risk of significant harm threshold they do not need to make a report to the Family and Community Services Helpline, however, they should discuss the matter with the Nominated Supervisor to determine whether the child or family would benefit from the assistance of another agency;

6. The staff member or educator should monitor the situation and if they believe there is additional information that could be taken into account, please repeat steps I to 5 as required.

Disclosures of Abuse Educators and staff will:

·        React calmly to the child making the disclosure;

·        Listen attentively and later write down the child’s exact words; » Provide comfort and care to the child. » Follow the steps for reporting as per the Mandatory Reporter Guide.

·        Reassure the child or young person that: » It is not their fault; » It was right to tell; » It is not OK for adults to harm children - no matter what; » Explain what will happen now - that it is part of your job to tell people who can help the child or young person.

Educators and staff will not:

·        Prompt the child for further details or ask leading questions which would make the child feel uncomfortable or has the potential to jeopardise any future legal proceedings that may arise as a result of any investigation. It is important to understand that our role is solely to support the wellbeing of the child at all times, not to investigate further any disclosure made by the child.

 Allegations of Abuse Against Staff, Educators, Volunteers or Students

The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will:

·        Develop and maintain a system of appropriate record keeping for all allegations to ensure detailed documentation is made and stored as required;

·        Take all allegations of abuse seriously and clarify what is being alleged with the person who is making the allegation;

·        Assess whether or not a child or young person is ‘at risk of significant harm’ and, if so, make a report to the Child Protection Helpline;

·        Determine whether or not the allegation is a reportable allegation, a reportable conviction, or reportable conduct www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/employment-relatedchild-protection/reportable-allegations-and-convictions

·        Part A of the Ombudsman Notification form will be completed and sent to the child Protection Division, NSW Ombudsman in relation to reporting reportable allegations and reportable convictions to the Ombudsman within 30 days of receipt; www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/4201/Notification_Form_PARTA_15Jul16.pdf

·        Consider whether or not the police need to be informed of the allegation and if so, make  a report;

·        Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times and that systems are in place to deal with any breaches of confidentiality;

·        Undertake a risk management approach following an allegation to ensure the protection and safety of children, staff and visitors to the service. Based on this risk assessment, decisions will be made in order to manage the risks that have been identified;

·        Develop an investigation plan of the matter. Obtain relevant information from a range of sources. This may include a statement from the person who made the allegation; statements from witnesses and a statement from the person against whom the allegation has been made and any other relevant documentation; » If the allegation is being investigated by Family and Community Services or the Police, the service will be guided by their advice as to whether they should independently investigate the allegation; » If the investigation is carried out by the service, the information that has been  gathered will be assessed and a finding made as to whether the allegation is false, vexatious, misconceived, not reportable conduct, not sustained or sustained. The reasons for the finding will be clearly recorded to ensure that the decision-making has been transparent;

·        The educator, volunteer or student will be advised of the outcome of the investigation in writing. Advice will be provided about the investigation finding and any follow up action that may be required. Advice will also be provided about any rights of appeal and the person will be advised that the NSW Ombudsman has been notified and the Commission  of Children and Young Persons and also notified of the relevant employment proceeding  (if relevant);

·        Part B of the Ombudsman Notification form will be completed and sent to the Child Protection Division, NSW Ombudsman with all supporting documentation gathered during the investigation; www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/4202/ Notification_Form_PART-B_15Jul16.pdf

·        Family and Community Services will also be informed of the outcome of the investigation. Informing the Educator, Volunteer/Student The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will:

·        Treat the staff member/educator/volunteer/student with fairness at all times and uphold their employee rights at all times;

·        Depending on the nature of the allegation, arrange to inform the person immediately (though be guided by the advice of FaCS or the police);

·        Arrange for the person against whom an allegation has been made, to have a support person attend the meeting. This support person must not participate in the discussions throughout the meeting;

·        Make accurate documentation of all conversations, and ensure all records are kept confidentially; ⊲ Offer counselling or support to the person subject to the allegation;

·        Depending on the nature of the allegation made, the person subject to the allegation may be suspended pending further investigation;

·        After all investigations are completed, provide the educator/carer/volunteer with verbal and written notification of the outcome of the investigation.

Rights of All Parties

·        The decision making process throughout the investigation will be based on the safety and wellbeing of the child/ren and the staff/carers/carer’s household members;

·        Consideration will be taken in relation to actual or potential ‘conflicts of interest’ that may be held by the investigator;

·        All reportable allegations will be notified to the Ombudsman. The person, against whom the allegation has been made, will be notified of this and will also be notified of the investigation find and follow up action, including the notification to the Commission of Children and Young Persons, if relevant;

·        The person, against whom the allegation has been made, will be notified of any appeal mechanisms if they are not satisfied with the investigation process or the outcome of the investigation;

·        The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, or other nominated person who conducts the investigation, will ensure that they act without bias, without delay and without conflict of interest; and

·        All parties can complain to the Ombudsman if they are not satisfied with the conduct of the investigation.

Confidentiality ⊲ The service will handle any allegation of child abuse in a confidential manner.

 Related Legislation

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

·        Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998

·        Ombudsman  Act 1974

·        Education and Care Services National Law  Act 2010

References

·        NSW Government, Department of Family and Community Services, Resources for Mandatory Reporters, accessed from:  www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/Protecting-kids/mandatory-reporters

·        NSW Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Child Wellbeing & Child Protection: NSW Interagency Guidelines, accessed from:  www.community.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/336357/ reporting_section.pdf

Legislative  

·        Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, s.27; s.245A; s.248(1)(b)

·        Education and Care Services National Law Act (2010) Part 6 Section 166-167; s.174

·        Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011) Part 4.2, R84 Part 4.7, R168, R175 2 (d) (e) and R176 2 (c)

To be reviewed May 2022

 Emergency & Evacuation Policy

Goals

This education and care service will:  Conduct ongoing risk assessments and reviews of all potential emergency and evacuation situations, including medical emergency situations (see Medical Conditions Policy); Develop specific procedures around each potential emergency situation and ensure full awareness by all staff through the provision of professional development; and ensure regular rehearsal and evaluation of emergency and evacuation procedures. 

Strategies –

 Risk management approach to emergency and evacuation situations

The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will: 

·        Work together with staff to identify potential emergency and evacuation situations that may arise at this specific centre to identify all risks associated with such situations. This risk assessment will be attached to this policy and reviewed at least on an annual basis;

·        Work together with staff to develop procedures to manage all risks associated with emergency and evacuation situations. These procedures will be attached to this policy; 

·        Ensure the development of an emergency evacuation floor plan. This floor plan will be attached to this policy;

·        Ensure educators and staff have ready access to an operating telephone or similar means of communication and that emergency telephone numbers are displayed near telephones; Ensure educators and staff have ready access to emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets

·        Risks assessed should include but not be limited to a range of emergency situations, including fire or explosion, dangerous chemical release, medical emergency, natural disaster, violence or robbery.

·        Ensure that emergency equipment is tested as recommended by recognised authorities;

Educators will:

·        Assist the Nominated Supervisor in identifying risks and potential emergency situations;

·        Assist the Nominated Supervisor in developing procedures to lessen the risks associated with emergency evacuations; and

·        Ensure they are aware of the placement of operating communications equipment and emergency equipment,

Communication and display of emergency and evacuation procedures

The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will:

·        Ensure the emergency evacuation procedures and floor plan are displayed in a prominent position near each exit and that all staff and educators are aware of these;

·        Ensure that all staff are trained in the emergency evacuation procedures;

·        Ensure that all staff are aware of emergency evacuation points; and f Ensure that families are regularly reminded of the emergency procedures in place at the service.

Educators will:

Communication and display of emergency and evacuation procedures

The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will:

• Ensure the emergency evacuation procedures and floor plan are displayed in a prominent position near each exit and that all staff and educators are aware of these;

• Ensure that all staff are trained in the emergency evacuation procedures;

• Ensure that all staff are aware of emergency evacuation points; and f Ensure that families are regularly reminded of the emergency procedures in place at the service.

Educators will:

• Contribute to the development of emergency and evacuation procedures; Ensure they are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures; and   ensure the emergency evacuation procedures and floor plan are displayed.

• Scheduled and spontaneous rehearsals of responses to emergency situations

The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will:

• Provide staff and educators with specific procedures around all potential emergency situations; Ensure that the evacuation procedures are in accordance with the evacuation floor plan;

• Ensure that rehearsals of evacuation procedures are regularly scheduled, every three months as a minimum, and that the schedule maximises the number of children and staff participating in the procedures;

• Ensure that staff are aware of when scheduled emergency evacuations drills are to take place;  

• Ensure that spontaneous rehearsals also take place to ensure staff participate in the simulation of an unplanned, emergency evacuation events; and  

• Provide staff with time to help complete evaluation/feedback forms after each scheduled and spontaneous rehearsal to assist in refining their risk management procedures around the safe evacuation of staff and children.

Educators will:

• Be aware of upcoming scheduled emergency evacuations, and be ready in the event of a spontaneous simulated evacuation; will provide children with learning opportunities about emergency evacuation procedures; and be alert to the immediate needs of all children throughout the scheduled and spontaneous evacuation drills.

Documentation and record keeping

The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will:

• Ensure all scheduled, spontaneous and actual evacuations are documented and reviewed; ensure all staff contribute to the evaluation form and ensure all emergency contact lists are updated as required.

Policy availability

• The emergency and evacuation policy will be readily accessible to all staff, families and visitors, and ongoing feedback on this policy will be invited.

Safe Work Australia Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice (2011)

Work Health and Safety Regulation : 43

National Quality Standard: 2.2.2

National Regulations: 97, 99 (4) (d) (ii), 168 (2) e

To Be Reviewed: May 2022

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: ACCIDENT

Rationale:

To ensure that children and adults in care are safe at all times.

Procedure:

• DON’T PANIC.

• ATTEND TO CHILD/ADULT

• DETERMINE NATURE OF INJURY, AND ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

• CONTACT AMBULANCE ‐ 0 0 0

• CONTACT PARENT- if it is a child that has sustained a serious injury

• COLLECT DETAILS OF ACCIDENT

• All staff involved should complete a detailed statement of the accident; this should be completed as soon after the accident as is possible and practical.

• Copies of these formal accident reports should be provided to the Parents, Insurance Company and authorities.

• Where a child has been hospitalized completion of the Serious Accident Notification form for DECS is required.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: Building FIRE /Grass FIRE

Rationale:

To ensure children and adults are evacuated in the safest and quickest way possible.

Pre Plan:

Each day:

Check all room exits are clear of furniture and equipment.

Ensure that fire hazards are reduced.

Ensure that emergency equipment is in place.

Check safe assembly areas are identified.

Regularly:

Talk about fire safety with children and your colleagues.

Practice safe exits from the building.

Practise Go down low and Go Go Go

Procedure

Staff will evacuate the children

Director will collect the attendance register, and staff sign on book and mobile phone and organise

an orderly evacuation of the building including notifying Community Health side of building to nearest

safe exit.

Close all windows and doors to help contain fire

DO NOT LOCK DOORS.

Grab the Emergency First Aid Kit located in the storeroom

Phone Fire brigade 000 give following information

Name of Centre Nundle CWA Preschool

Address 74 Jenkins Street Nundle

Nearest Cross Street Oakenville Street Nundle

Evacuate to front yard of the building next door

Check off evacuated children and staff against attendance register. Ensure that all children, staff, visitors and other occupants of the building are accounted for.

Contact parents using numbers stored in the mobile phone in if necessary

Grass Fire:

During the summer period there is increased risk of grass fire

Procedure:

If there is a grass fire, move the children indoors as quickly as possible; shut all the windows and doors to keep smoke out.

Call the fire brigade immediately on 000 and give following information

--‐

Name of Centre Nundle CWA Preschool

Address 74 Jenkins Street Nundle

--‐

Nearest Cross Street Oakenville Street Nundle

Monitor the fire and hose down any spot fires that may occur

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: SEVERE STORMS

Rationale: To ensure children and adults are safe in the event of severe storms.

Pre Plan:

During storm seasons check that the centre and its environment are prepared for severe storms.

Each day

Checking outdoors that everything is secure and that there is no rubbish or material that could “fly around”.

Ensure that fire hazards are reduced.

.

Regularly:

Talk about storm safety with children and your colleagues.

Practice safe exits from the building.

Practice:

Evacuating inside if there is a storm.

Follow-up

Incidents should be recorded and procedure reviewed

Procedure:

Children and adults are to remain indoors away from windows and doors.

Check that all children are inside.

Reassure children.

Should the building sustain damage contact SES

OR

DIAL

000

Contact Insurance Company to determine what action should be taken after initial damage

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: INTRUDER.

Rationale: To ensure children and adults are safe at all times.

Pre Plan:

Staff to discuss on a regular basis action they may take in case of an intruder--‐ human or animal.

Each day

Checking all doors and windows are secure.

Check safe assembly areas are identified.

Check outdoors to ensure no snakes are around, especially during the spring /summer /autumn seasons

Regularly:

Talk about stranger danger and how we can keep safe from people who might scare us.

Talk about what to do if you see a snake- stay still and call out “snake” very loudly

Practice:

Evacuating inside if there is an intruder.

Evacuating to a safe place outside if there is a snake

Follow-up

Incidents should be recorded and procedure reviewed

Procedure:

Intruders posing a safety hazard

Politely greet the intruder, identify yourself and ask the purpose of their visit. Having a member of staff close by to secure the door and for support if needed.

Explain that all visitors must sign in.

It the intruder becomes agitated and refuses to leave the building peacefully endeavour to calm the person

Whilst trying to gain the attention of your staff member to call the police.

If the caller persists, the children and staff will assemble together in a room away from the windows and doors and will be distracted by staff, sign on register and telephone will be taken with them, and they will stay there until the police arrive.

Procedure if: Intruder is armed

All staff will be alerted and the police contacted immediately.

Try to remain calm diverting the intruder as far away from the children as possible. The children and staff will

Assemble together in a room or location away from the windows and doors and will be distracted by staff, register and telephone will be taken with them, and they will stay there until police arrive

Procedure Snake in the yard

Children and staff will be evacuated inside or to a safe place outside and WIRES will be called. Staff member will watch the snake to see where it goes. Children and staff will remain inside until such time as the snake either leaves the yard by itself or is taken away by WIRES or other trained persons

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: MISSING CHILD

Rationale: To ensure Children and Adults are safe at all times.

Pre Plan:

Identify areas of risk when supervising children.

Each day

Checking all doors, windows, fences and gates are secure.

Regularly:

Monitor supervision, maintain the roll and check the roll.

Practice:

Maintain adequate supervision of all children at all times.

Regularly check informally and formally to ensure that you know where all children are at all times.

Follow-up

Incidents should be recorded and security procedure reviewed

Check Excursion policy for additional requirements on supervision

Procedure:

Each pupil who arrives or leaves the Centre should be signed into and out of care by a parent or guardian.

Indicating

Staff maintain the appropriate high level of supervision throughout the day and are aware of the location of

All children in their care at all times.

The roll should be checked once all children are gathered in the morning

However, in the unlikely event that it is noticed that a child has gone missing. The following procedures will be followed.

•Staff will maintain safety and well--‐being of other children.

•A roll call will be taken.

•An authorized supervisor and at least one other member of staff will search the immediate vicinity or centre grounds. Going to places at which the child was last seen,

If the child is not found after approximately 20 minutes, the AS will endeavour to contact the parents of the missing child by telephone.

•If after approximately 15 minutes the parents have not been contacted, the AS will contact the police.

•Once police arrive all relevant information about the child will be given.

The police will then take over the search.

•If off--‐site, the Group Leader will remain with the police to comfort the child when found and maintain regular contact with the Centre.

•The remaining staff will return to the Centre with the rest of the children

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: POWER FAILURE

Rationale:

To ensure Children and Adults are safe at all times.

Pre Plan:

What might happen if there is a power failure?

Power failure can have a significant impact on the operation of the centre

Roll.

Practice:

Maintain adequate supervision of all children at all times.

Procedure:

First off

If there is a power failure before calling for an electrician check the power boards for tripped circuits.

If the circuit has been “tripped” switch it back on.

If the circuit “trips” again, check what is on that circuit- all power circuits are identified by a number. Is there an appliance that is not working properly that could be causing the problem?

.If the power failure is to be longer, contact the power company and identify how long the outage will before. If it is going to be for some time and there is a risk posed to children then you will need to consider contacting

the parents and closing the Centre until power is restored

Minimize refrigerator opening.

Lighting: Restrict activities to those that can be safely conducted in natural light

Air Conditioning Heat--‐related illnesses can develop within a short period of time when exposed to extreme heat.

Have drinking water available for all children.

Keep shades drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of the Centre.

Monitor children for signs and symptoms of heat--‐ related illness.

Cool with cool wet towels.

Cold- Conserve body heat by dressing warmly in layers and using blankets.

First aid Policy

Objective:

To provide and maintain a safe environment is the main consideration in all Nundle CWA Preschool activities and management practices.

We will ensure that all educators, including casual staff, hold a first aid qualification;

That all children, staff, families and visitors who are involved in accidents and incidents whilst at the centre and require first aid to be administered will have it done according to guidelines and recommended practices of a first aid qualification;

That all incidents will be documented and stored according to regulatory requirements; and  a risk management approach to health and safety shall be adopted.

Professional development of staff and educators

The Approved Provider will ensure:

• That all educators are supported to ensure they hold current recognised first aid qualifications; all educators have undertaken current approved anaphylaxis management training (from 1st January, 2013);

• That all educators have undertaken current approved emergency asthma management training (from 1st January, 2013); and  employee induction includes an induction to the first aid policy.

The Nominated Supervisor will:

• Ensure the skills and competencies of trained first aiders are maintained and skills are kept up to date

• Ensure first aid guides and publications are accessible to staff at all times to assist them in their understanding and administration of first aid.

Administration of first aid to children, families, staff and visitors to the centre

The Approved Provider will:

• Ensure that there is always at least one first aid qualified educator on the premises at all times.

The Nominated Supervisor will:

• Review and sign off on all documentation when first aid has been administered;

• Dial 000, and call for an ambulance when emergency medical treatment is required or delegate this responsibility.

• In general administration of first aid will be done in accordance with first aid training and undertaken by a qualified first aider and in the interests of avoiding delay of treatment, in the first instance; first aid will be administered by the person who has witnessed the incident/injury/illness

• The nominated supervisor and families (where first aid is being administered to a child) will be notified of the nature of the incident/ accident;

• The person administering first aid will be the person who completes the incident/illness/injury/trauma record and passes to the responsible person for verification and signing by parent or guardian.

First aid supplies

The Approved Provider will ensure that:

• The centre is supplied with an appropriate number of first aid kits for the number of children being educated and cared for by the service;  

• The first aid kits are suitably equipped, easily accessible and recognisable;  

• First aid kits are carried on field excursions.

• Educators will regularly monitor supplies and update stock as required; and discard and replace out of date stock.

Documentation and record keeping

Educators will

• Complete an incident, injury, trauma and illness record for all incidents/injuries/trauma/illnesses occurring at the centre and ensure that a copy of the accident/incident report will be given to the family or carer.

The Approved Provider will

• Ensure records are confidentially stored for the specified period of time as required by the Regulation.

Managing serious incidents

The Approved Provider will

• Ensure any serious incident occurring at the centre will be documented  and reported to the Department of Education & Communities within 24 hours; A copy of the incident report will be provided to the family as soon as possible  and educators and staff are aware of the procedures around managing serious incidents.

The Nominated Supervisor or responsible person will:

• Notify parents of any serious incident; and arrange for medical intervention if required.

Educators and staff will:

• Manage serious incidents as per this policy; and notify the Nominated Supervisor immediately after the serious incident has occurred.

Policy Availability The first aid policy will be readily accessible to all staff, families and visitors, and ongoing feedback on this policy will be invited.

Review Management and staff will monitor and review the effectiveness of the first aid policy regularly. Updated information will be incorporated as needed.

Education and Care Services National Regulations: 85, 86, 87, 89, 122, 136

Link to National Quality Standard: 2.1.2

To Be Reviewed: June 2022

Incident, injury, trauma and illness

Goals - What are we going to do?

Our care and education service will:  

• Develop program goals that promote the wellbeing of each child;

• Establish procedures and practice that minimise the risk of harm to children;

• Maintain communication with families to ensuring that they are informed of any incidents, injury, trauma and illness to their child/ ren as required;  

• Ensure that records of any incident, injury, trauma and illness are documented, transmitted to the Department of Education and Communities as required and kept in storage according to regulatory requirements; and

• Ensure that this policy is implemented in conjunction with our Emergencies and evacuation policy.

The procedures of the service will include the following:

Approved Providers will:  

• Notify the Regulatory Authority of any serious incident at the education and care service, the death of a child, or complaints alleging that the safety, health or wellbeing of a child was, or is, being compromised.

Nominated Supervisors will:  

• Ensure that educators are rostered so that at least one educator who holds a current approved first aid qualification is present at all times that the children are being educated and cared for by the service;

• Ensure the service holds the correct number of first aid kits required, suitably equipped, and maintained;

• Ensure that all staff are aware of the completion of appropriate records (Attachment 1 – Injury, incident, trauma and illness record ) in the event of any incident, injury, trauma or illness to children whilst in the care of the service, and that this information is completed no later than 24 hours after the incident occurred);  

• Make staff aware of the appropriate accessibility for approved officers and families to these records and the appropriate storage of these records according to regulatory requirements;  

• Complete  an audit of the Injury, incident, trauma and illness reports to reflect on the effectiveness of the procedures in place at the service;  Give staff access to appropriate up to date information, or professional development on the management of incidents; and

Educators will:  

• Ensure that all children have opportunities  to engage in experiences that enhance their sense of wellbeing and allow children to develop a sense of assessing risks for themselves as appropriate; Consider the planning of the physical environment and experiences, ensuring that the spaces are safe;  

• Thoughtfully group children to effectively manage supervision and any potential risks to children’s health and wellbeing; Respond to children in a timely manner.

• Provide reassurance and ensure children’s emotional and physical wellbeing is paramount at all times;  

• Seek further medical attention for a child if required;

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of illness/trauma, and update their understanding as part of their ongoing professional development;  

• Be aware of individual children’s allergies and immunisation status and use this knowledge when attending/responding to any incident, injury or illness;   Respond to children showing signs of illness and begin monitoring the symptoms of the child, and recording as appropriate.

• Educators will contact the child’s authorised person to inform them of the illness signs, or to request the collection of the child;   

• Maintain appropriate work health and safety standards when attending to children’s injuries and applying first aid;

• Develop partnerships with families and use this understanding to guide the development of practice in relation to individual children’s emerging capabilities;  

• Check that equipment and furniture in the service is well maintained and that any materials that may be hazardous are removed or repaired.

• Ensure that hazardous items are inaccessible to children; and

• Be involved in regularly reviewing and discuss policy and procedure and consider any improvements that need to be made to this policy.

Families will:

• Be informed of policies and procedures upon enrolment with regards to first aid, illness whilst at the service, and exclusion practices, including immunisation status and illnesses at the service;

• Inform the service of their child’s particular requirements, and provide any relevant paperwork to the service, such as immunisation status, letters from a medical professional etc.

• Be notified of any incident, injury, trauma, or illness as soon as is practicable, but no later than 24 hours after the noted incident, and will be provided with a copy of the report  

• Receive access to this policy and notification of its existence;

• Have the opportunity to provide input into the review and effectiveness of policies and procedures of the service via various methods;  

• Be provided access to information on children’s development, the service program, and relevant resources (such as Kidsafe, SIDs and Kids, for example) from the service.

Evaluation -Educators respond in a timely manner to any incident, and documentation is completed, shared, and stored as appropriate. Regular reviews of procedures and policy are implemented.

Education and Care Services National Regulations:  12, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 103, 136-137, 176

Links to National Quality Standard:  2.1, 2.2

Education and Care Services National Law Application Act 2010:  1

To Be Reviewed: June 2022

Arrival and Departure of Children Policy

Children are to be signed in and out on the “Attendance Record” sheets located on the table near the front door.

Arrival

• When arriving at Nundle CWA Preschool each day, children must be signed in. Children are signed in and out in the same attendance sheets, one of which is located on the table near the front door. Staff will check that all children have been signed in after the majority of children have arrived. In the event of an emergency, evacuation or lock down, the attendance sheets are used to ensure all children at the service are accounted for.

• Parents/carers are to ensure that they make staff aware that they are leaving the premises and that their child/children are in their care.

• Children who are absent from the preschool will be marked on the attendance sheets as “absent” by the preschool Director upon checking the daily attendance sheets.

• Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to drop off and sign in children at the preschool, unless they are the parent or legal guardian.

Departure

• When leaving Nundle CWA Preschool each day, child must be signed out. Children are signed in and out on the same attendance sheets. Staff will check that all children have been signed out at the end of each day. In the event of an emergency, evacuation or lock down, the attendance sheets are used to ensure all children at the service are accounted for.

• If children are found not to be signed out, and a staff member is aware that the child has left the preschool, parents will be reminded by staff on return to the preschool that they must sign their child/children out. If a child is not returning for the remainder of the week, the family will be contacted to be reminded of the importance of signing the Attendance Record.

• If it is discovered that a child is not in our care, not signed out and staff are not aware of their departure, the family will be contacted immediately to confirm their child’s whereabouts. If the child is not in their care, the preschool will seek immediate advice from the Police and contact the Office of Community Services Licensing Advisor as soon as possible.

• Unless otherwise advised by the parent/carer of the child, staff will not release a child to anyone else except those nominated on the Child’s Enrolment Form. Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted to collect and sign out children at the preschool, unless they are the parent or legal guardian.

• Families must advise staff if someone else is collecting their child. Staff will then request a form of photo identification, to check against the child’s Enrolment Form.

• In an urgent situation (e.g. Car breakdown, illness of a parent etc) it may be necessary for the parent to notify the preschool that another person will collect the child, other than those nominated. If this occurs, staff will need to see photo identification of the person before releasing the child.

Source: Education and Care Services National Regulations : 99

NQS: 2.2.2

To be Reviewed: April 2022


Water Safety Policy

Children’s safety and wellbeing will be protected in and around water through supervision and prevention and be promoted through the availability of clean, hygienic water for play and for drinking.

Strategies -

The Nominated Supervisor will:

1. Provide guidance and education to educators and families on the importance of children’s safety in and around water.

2. Ensure work, health and safety practices incorporate approaches to safe storage of water and play.

Educators will:

1. Ensure water troughs or containers for water play are filled to a safe level. These activities will be supervised at all times and containers or troughs will be emptied onto garden areas after use. Children will be discouraged from drinking from these water activities.

2. Teach children about staying safe in and around water.

3. Provide clean drinking water at all times. This water will be supervised to ensure that it is safe and hygienic for consuming. Water containers will be securely sealed.

Operational Safety

1. Grey water systems or water tanks will be labelled with “do not drink” signage and the children are unable to access this area

2. A risk assessment will be conducted prior to any excursion taking place. Particular attention will be focused upon water safety where the excursion is near a body of water.

3. Adults may carry and consume hot drinks only in a thermal cup or mug with a screw lid that prevents spilling.

4. Water for pets at the setting must be changed regularly and only be accessible to children when adults are present.

Education and Care Services National Regulations:  168 (2) (a) iii

National Quality Standard:  2.2.1; 2.2.2;

Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010

Sources National Health and Medical Research Council - www.nhmrc.gov.au

NSW Department of Health -  www.health.nsw.gov.au

To Be Reviewed: May 2022

Excursion Policy

At Nundle CWA Preschool excursions are planned to provide the children with an invaluable learning experience to explore the community and extend upon classroom curriculum. These excursions are planned to link to children’s interests and development.

Procedure

• Nundle CWA Preschool staff will conduct a risk assessment for all excursions. Nundle CWA Preschool will follow the regulations in regards to ratio of staff-parent/children. The recommended ratio in the regulations is a minimum of 1 adult to 5 children for excursions that will use public transport or crossing of main roads. Staff will use the risk assessment of the excursion to determine if a higher staff to child ratio is needed e.g. an excursion near water may need a 1 adult to 1 child ratio

• At least one Qualified Staff Member holding a Diploma of Children’s Services or equivalent and sufficiently trained staff will attend to ensure no child is left without adequate supervision. The number of additional Qualified Staff will be in accordance with the individual destination of the excursion.

• At least one staff member with a current Senior First Aid Certificate will attend the excursion.

• A basic first aid kit will accompany all out of preschool excursions. Emergency Medication and Emergency Action Plans for any child attending the excursion must accompany all out of preschool excursions.

• Bookings for venues and transport must be made and confirmed before Permission Forms are distributed to families.

• Excursion Permission Forms must be completed by the child’s parent/carer and returned to the preschool prior to the excursion. Information will be provided to families on the purpose of the excursion, date of the excursion, the destination, transport arrangements, departure and arrival times from the preschool, staffing to children ratio.

• The preschool’s Supervision and Sun Smart Policies are followed during excursions.

• The preschool will provide a normal day’s program in the case of inclement weather.

• Head counts of the children are to be carried out by the accompanying class roll at regular intervals by the team leader and by each person in charge of a smaller group.

• Road and safety rules will be discussed prior to leaving and enforced when walking with children, staff/carers will be aware of additional risks like crowds, roads, water, etc.

• Children with allergies or medical conditions will have this information recorded on their group leader’s information pack, and their medication bought with them. For the safety of those children it is best a staff member with a current First Aid Certificate accompanies them.

• The team leader will carry a copy of all children’s emergency contacts. Parents will be informed of the preschool’s mobile phone number should they need to contact the preschool during the excursion.

• Follow up experiences, discussions or activities are planned and documented to extend children’s learning and any knowledge gained from the excursion.

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 100, 101, 102, 168 (2) (g) NQS: 2.2.1, 2.2.2

To Be Reviewed: April 2022

Quality Area 3 Physical Environment

Dangerous Products, Plants, Vermin and Objects Policy

Hand Washing Policy

Cleaning Policy

Dangerous Products, Plants, Vermin and Objects Policy

Nundle CWA Preschool follows recommended guidelines from recognised health and safety authorities with regards to ensuring products are inaccessible to children at all times.

Potentially dangerous products are those which pose a risk of poisoning or injuring children. As children do not understand the dangers of such products, plants or other objects we ensure dangerous products are eliminated where possible or inaccessible through correct storage, labelling and safety checks.

Procedure

Nundle CWA Preschool will ensure a safe environment is provided to children by:

• The correct storage of all medication as detailed in Nundle CWA Preschool Medication Policy.

• Ensuring medications and chemicals are never left unattended.

• Ensuring medications are not kept in children’s bags.

• Displaying simple warning signs where potentially dangerous products are stored.

• Staff receiving information and training on correct labelling of potentially dangerous products and protecting children from other potential dangers (foreign objects, spiders, vermin, electrical appliances, sharps or damaged equipment).

• Ensuring that all products are clearly and correctly labelled.

• Ensuring electrical appliances are ‘tested and tagged’ by a qualified maintenance person.

• Conducting safety checks of the building and outdoor play areas to ensure no foreign objects, vermin, sharps or damaged equipment are present.

• Discussing with children the safety issues relating to dangerous plants, products, vermin and objects within the program where appropriate.

• Maintaining emergency contact details for children by placing reminders in newsletter t parents to ensure their child’s records are current.

• Ensuring that the preschool is treated by a pest control operator licensed under the Health Act, as often as required for the control of pests.

• Ensuring that plants accessible to children are not toxic or harmful.

Source: www.kidsafensw.org

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 103

NQS: 3.1.1, 3.1.2

To Be Reviewed: July 2021

Hand Washing Policy

Goal: To prevent the spread of communicable diseases and cross contamination.

Procedure

Staff members, parents, children, visitors and volunteers are required to wash their hands with soap and water in the following situations:

• Upon arrival at Nundle CWA Preschool (alternatively the use of antibacterial hand gel may be used).

• After using the bathroom or assisting a child with toileting.

• Before handling food or cooking utensils.

• Before and after eating.

• After handling body fluids or waste, such as: blood, urine, stools, discharge from nose or eyes, etc.

• After handling pets or animals.

• After coming in from outdoor play.

• After cleaning activities.

• Before and after administering medication.

• After handling garbage.

• Upon departure from Nundle CWA Preschool (alternatively the use of antibacterial hand gel may be used).

Staff will educate and assist children as needed in regards to the hand washing in the situations listed above.

Nundle CWA Preschool provides an antibacterial hand gel that may be used to wash hands upon arrival and departure.

Source: www.kidsafensw.org

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 168 (2)a

NQS: 2.1.2

To Be Reviewed: April 2022

Cleaning Policy

Listed below are the duties and tasks which must be completed daily.

Mattresses – gloves are to be worn during this procedure. Mattresses are to be sprayed and wiped with sanitiser and a red cloth at the whenever used for children’s rest.. Children will assist by returning their mattress to the storeroom.

Children’s Tables & Chairs –Children’s tables are to be wiped over before and after morning and afternoon tea and lunch time using sanitiser and a green cloth Chairs are to be wiped over after lunch time.

Afternoon Cleaning- now done by the cleaner, staff to do if cleaner unable to attend

• Clean the hand basins and toilets in children’s and adult toilets with 3 way bathroom cleaner (dark blue in spray bottle) and paper towels for the hand basins and toilet paper for the toilets. The toilet paper should be flushed after the toilet is cleaned. The bathroom cleaner is kept in the cupboard closest to the door at the end of the kitchen.

• Please check soap containers and hand towel containers are full.

• Please empty bins in both toilets and in kitchen. If bins near back door are full please empty them into outside bins. Wipe down kitchen benches

• Use the steam cleaner to clean tiles, hallway, kitchen and back verandah. It takes approximately  ten minutes to warm up so it needs to be plugged in before starting other cleaning

• Vacuum and dust main room.

• If the cleaner is not available or there is no parent on roster cleaning will be done by two staff – one to clean toilets, sinks and empty bins- one to do floors

Toy Cleaning – toys are to be cleaned at the end of each term or sooner if any infectious diseases have been present.

Education and Care Services National Regulations :  103

NQS: 3.1.2

To Be Reviewed: April 2022

Quality Area 4 Staffing Arrangements

Permanent Staff

Relief, Casual Staff

Students and Volunteer Policy

Determining the responsible person

Permanent Staff Policy

Nundle CWA Preschool is committed to providing the highest quality of care by engaging qualified staff.

Primary Contact Staff: Primary Contact Staff will be employed in accordance with Department of Education & Communities regulations. All staff will maintain strict confidentiality of details relating to children.

Nundle CWA Preschool has a commitment to providing all staff with opportunities for professional development to enhance existing skills and keep abreast of current trends in early childhood education. A current First Aid certificate is preferred and current staff will be encouraged to keep updating this qualification.

Special Needs Appointments: An additional part-time employee may be appointed from year to year to work on an individual basis with special needs children according to Department of Education & Communities  Regulations.

Staff: Staff will sign in and out each day, noting time of arrival and departure. Staff will also note the start and end time their shift each day. Staff will also note time of departure and re arrival, plus the reason for departure, if they leave the centre at any time during the day

Children of Staff Members: Children of staff members who are below enrolment age must not be present during preschool. Older (school age) children of staff members may be present during preschool sessions on the condition that they do not have an infectious illness.

Employment Agreement

Committee – Employee: All employees enter into an Employment Agreement with the Management committee. This agreement will be reviewed at least every 5 years.

Employment Agreement: The Employment Agreement clearly states the position being accepted, duties and responsibilities and conditions of employment.

Staff Criminal Checks: The preschool will follow recommendations of the “Working with Children Check –Guidelines for Employers”.

Responsibility: It is the responsibility of both the Committee and the Employee to know the current award under which employment takes place. If an employee feels that there is a change/discrepancy in the salary which he/she does not understand the matter must be brought to the Committee’s attention so that the appropriate steps can be taken. Employees are expected to repay overpayments should this situation occur.

Staff Development

Budget Allowance: The management committee will budget an amount annually to be used for staff/committee development and in-service.

In-Service: All Primary Contact Staff will be offered the opportunity to participate in in-service each year. Staff will be paid for in-service courses should they fall on a non-preschool day.

Costs: The Management Committee will pay costs incurred by staff or committee members attending approved in-service training courses, viz – registration fee, wage replacement of necessary, travel and where necessary, shared accommodation.

Staff Vacancies

Advertising: Advertising for trained and untrained staff will be placed in local newspapers and if necessary via C.C.S.A.

Interviews: Interviewing of applicants will be conducted by the Management Committee, together with the Authorised Supervisor/Director or Children’s Services advisor if the position is for Director.

Education and Care Services National Regulations :  125-135,

NQS: 4.1, 7.1,7.2

To Be Reviewed: August 2021

Relief, Casual Staff Policy

Nundle CWA Preschool is committed to providing continuality of care, practices and standards by ensuring all staff are provided with and are aware of our preschool and children’s requirements.

Procedure

Relief and casual staff are to be provided with the following before the commencement of their shift:

• A walk through the preschool.

• A job description detailing their role and responsibilities.

• Relevant Employment paperwork, including Tax File Declaration, Superannuation Documentation, Pay Details, Emergency Contact Details, etc.

• Be introduced to all staff members, children and families, when possible.

• Be informed of any children’s health conditions, protection requirements, allergies, etc., for children in their immediate care.

• Be placed with a permanent staff member who is able to offer support if required.

• Detailed information about preschool “Fire Evacuation” as displayed in the main room and kitchen.

• Information on relevant preschool Policies and Procedures and the location of the Policy and Procedures Manual.

• Informed of the preschool dress requirements and suitable clothing to be worn at the preschool. This includes closed toe shoes, tops with sleeves and a hat for outdoor use as per our Sun Smart and WH&S Policy.

Education and Care Services National Regulations :  125-135

NQS: 4.1

To Be Reviewed: August 2021

Volunteers and students Policy

Records relating to visitors and students to our service will be maintained.

Educators and staff will abide by regulatory protocol when visitors are in the service.

Strategies - How will it be done?

The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor or Certified Supervisor will:

Maintain a visitor’s page and request sign in of all visitors to the service;

Ensure educators and staff understand the regulatory and ethical guidelines relating to visitors at the centre

Keep a record of all volunteers and students who spend time in the service. The record will include: full name, date and hours of each volunteer or student who participates in the program;

Be aware of protocols and guidance supplied by universities, TAFEs or RTOs in relation to participating students.

Educators will:

Welcome visitors to the service and seek information on their reason for visiting;

Direct visitors appropriately and make the Nominated or Certified Supervisor aware of a visitor presence in the service;

Welcome family and friends to visit and participate at any time.

Families will:

Be aware of who they are providing access to the service for when they enter themselves and are requested to be aware of unknown visitors and to direct them accordingly.

Education and Care Services National Regulations: 149, 168 (i) iii & 177

NQS: 7.1.3, 7.2.2

To Be Reviewed: August 2021

Determining Responsible Person

Objectives

A responsible person will be on the premises at all times and the details of the responsible person at any time will be clearly displayed for educators, staff and families

The process for determining the responsible person will be clear to all educators and staff and followed at all times

Details of the person responsible are documented and displayed for all users of the service

Procedure

A service must always have a responsible person physically present at all times

A responsible person can be:

1. The approved provider – if this is an individual. If it is an organisation or company then someone with management and control of the service

2. The nominated supervisor- this is the person with a Supervisor’s Certificate designated by the service as the nominated supervisor

3. A certified supervisor who has been placed in day to day charge of the service

The approved provider will:

1. Ensure nominated supervisors and Certified supervisors have a clear understanding of the role of the Responsible Person

2. Ensure the responsible person is appropriately skilled and qualified

3. Ensure the responsible person is physically present at the centre. A substitute for the responsible person will be present where a Waiver is in place

The nominated Supervisor or delegated authority will:

1. Arrange for the keeping of a “responsible person record”. This record will document the current responsible person

2. The name of the responsible person will be displayed at the entrance of the service

3. Develop rosters in accordance with the availability of responsible persons, centre operation and attendance patterns of children

Education and Care Services National Regulations :173,168(i) ii

NQS: 4.1

To Be Reviewed: August 2021

Quality Area 5 Relationships with Children

Interactions with children

Behaviour Guidance Policy

Supervision of Children Policy

Interactions with Children

Objectives

Interactions with children will:

Promote a safe, secure and nurturing environment

Be authentic and responsive

Be based on fairness, acceptance and empathy with respect for culture, rights, community and the individual

Procedure

The nominated supervisor and the Educational leader shall

1. Guide professional development and practice to promote interactions with children that are positive and respectful

2. Establish practice guidelines that ensure interactions with children are given priority and those interactions are authentic, just and respect differences

Educators and staff will

1. Respond to children’s communication in a just and consistent manner

2. Respond sensitively to children’s attempts to initiate interactions and conversations

3. Initiate one to one interactions with children during daily routines and converse with each child

4. Support children’s efforts, assisting and encouraging as appropriate

5. Support children’s secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships

6. Support children’s expression of their thoughts and feelings

7. Encourage children to express themselves and show an interest and participate in what the child is doing

8. Encourage children to make choices and decisions

9. Acknowledge children’s complex relationships and sensitively intervene in ways that promote consideration and alternative perspectives and social inclusion. Guidance strategies should reflect this approach

10. Acknowledge each child’s uniqueness in positive ways

11. Respect cultural differences in communication and consider alternative approaches when interacting with children

Children’s rights, Family and Cultural values

Interactions within the setting are greatly enhanced when children’s rights and family and cultural values are given due consideration and respect. Administrative procedures, initial conversations, documentation and ongoing communication with children and families are a reference point for interactions and a foundation for respectful communication

Listening

Educators must use listening as a foundation for interactions. Listening is based on observation and in leaving spaces in conversations and communication, suspending judgement and in giving full attention to children as they communicate. Truly attending to children’s communications promotes a strong culture of listening

Children and Families

A culture of respectful interaction is promoted when children’s attempts at conversation are valued. Turn taking and regulating children’s conversations promotes active engagement. Respectful communication with families generates greater confidence in interacting

Reflection and consideration

Time is dedicated to reflecting upon interactions with children. Reflections should consider how to spend extended periods engaged in interactions with children that comprise communication and listening

• Role Modelling

• Educators model positive interactions

• Show empathy and respect for children, educators and staff and families

• Learn and use effective communication strategies

Sources EYLF 2009

Education and Care Services National Regulations: 155,168 (2) j

NQS: 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 7.1.3

To Be Reviewed: September 2021

Behaviour Guidance Policy

We provide “positive guidance” to children in an environment that nurtures a child’s self-respect, self-worth and security. We believe that this will encourage children to behave in a way that is acceptable in the childcare environment. Nundle CWA Preschool staff receives Professional Development training on behaviour when available.

We consider unacceptable behaviour to be:

• Harming another child, staff member, another parent or visitor physically (biting, hitting, pinching, punching, etc.).

• Aggressive or rude language to other children, staff members, family members and visitors.

• The violent destruction of preschool equipment or furniture.

• Bullying with the desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone.

Methods of decreasing unacceptable behaviours:

• The acknowledgement of acceptable behaviour, by physical or verbal contact, e.g. encouragement, thanks, smiles, etc.

• Role modelling by staff using appropriate language and physical gestures.

• Structuring the environment to suit children’s individual needs.

• Planned patterns of restful and active play to prevent over excitement.

• Staff using language that suits a child’s developmental stage.

• The provision of flexibility in routines being consistent in setting limits and expectations.

• The encouragement from staff for children to be responsible for their own behaviour and to set their own limits.

• Providing supportive environments to limit the possibility of bullying occurring.

• Staff will be flexible with the daily routines but remain consistent in setting limits and expectations.

When unacceptable behaviours are exhibited:

• Staff will try to distract the child, defuse the situation and staff will attempt to redirect the child to another experience.

• Staff will use positive language when unacceptable behaviour is displayed by a child, for example: “Do try and speak to your friends nicely” instead of “DON’T SPEAK LIKE THAT”.

• Staff will help children realise the consequences of their actions, for example: “when you bit Lucy, it made her hand very sore, and now there is a mark there” (to a three year old).

• If any of the above procedures are still not working, carers will sit the child away from the rest of the group for no more than two minutes.

If unacceptable behaviour continues:

1. Staff will meet with family, and will work together to develop strategies for the child in diminishing the unacceptable behaviour. This will ensure that consistency in dealing with the behaviour exists between parents and preschool staff.

2. If parents and staff cannot reach a solution to deal with the behaviour, then preschool staff will work together with parents to refer the child to appropriate specialist staff. e.g. Speech Pathologist, Behavioural Therapist, etc.

3. Staff will work closely with parents and specialist staff to monitor the child’s progress and document subsequent assessments of initial meeting. Staff will develop consistent strategies in conjunction with specialist staff to assist in the development of positive behavioural patterns in the child and offer support to parents.

If children are exhibiting violent physical behaviours (i.e. hitting, kicking, etc.), staff will ensure that the child is in no physical danger, by removing hazards (e.g., chairs, tables, toys, etc.). Staff will try not to physically restrain the child as this may increase the risk of injury to staff members or children. By physically restraining this also means staff will not use any form of violent behaviour to overpower a child engaged in hitting, slapping, yanking, biting, etc. Staff that are seen using any of the above mentioned actions may face disciplinary and legal actions.

If staff are unable to calm the child who is displaying violent behaviours, staff will remove the other children from the immediate environment. The family will then be called to collect their child, and a staff member will stay with the upset child until a family member arrives. Management, staff and the family will then convene at the earliest time to consider unacceptable behaviour steps.

Source: www.earlychildhood.org.au

Education and Care Services National Regulations: 162, 155,156

NQS: 5.2.2, 5.1.2

To Be Reviewed: September 2021

Supervision of Children Policy

At Nundle CWA Preschool, a rule of care is that no child will be left unsupervised, at any stage of the day. This rule applies to both indoor and outdoor activities, during toileting and sleep.

Childcare staff require skills to be able to assess potential risks while supervising and be able to implement changes immediately to reduce the risk of accident or injury. Young children are not able to realise or assess risks to themselves or others, so correct and adequate supervision is essential to minimise accidents and to ensure that children’s safety is most important.

Policy

Staff will:

• Ensure that children are correctly positioned at quiet times so staff can still supervise effectively.

• Never leave children unattended during mealtimes, including having drinks. (please remember, choking is often silent)

• Ensure all children are within sight or hearing at all times, including when children use the bathroom. (staff should encourage children to alert them when they are going to the bathroom)

• Ensure students, volunteers or visitors are NOT given the responsibility of supervision. Communicate effectively with other staff members if you have to leave an area. Do not assume someone will cover for you.

• Be aware of who we are releasing a child to at departure time. Ensure a staff member knows the authorised person, or check the person’s identification against the child’s enrolment form before releasing them.

• Position themselves, (do not have your back to the children) arrange furniture, equipment and activities to maximise the best possible supervision.

• Make sure the building is correctly supervised, to ensure that unauthorised persons cannot access the children’s areas.

• Be aware of cultural and individual supervision for the needs of each child, e.g., a child may like to have some private space but must still be supervised.

• Ensure experiences involving water are closely monitored and the water is removed when the children are leaving the area.

• Question any stranger to the preschool with a “Hello, can I help you?” (make observations of the person actions if they appear suspicious)

• Be aware that staff/children ratios are being followed at all times for maximum supervision.

Education and Care Services National Regulations  National Law Section 165

NQS: 2.1.2, 2.2.1 2.2.2

To Be Reviewed: September 2021

Quality Area 6 Partnerships with Families

Complaints and Disputes

Governance and Management of the Service Policy

Enrolment and orientation

Communication Plan for Educators, Staff and Families

Fees

Parent Involvement

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

Privacy collection statement

Complaints and Disputes

Nundle CWA Preschool is constantly striving to improve the quality of its service and all feedback is encouraged.

Complaints prevention

To avoid as far as possible complaints and disputes arising the centre will follow the principles of complaint prevention

• To respect and promote the rights of children and families

• To encourage parents and staff to have a voice in decision making

• To clearly state the standards parents can expect the service to meet

• To at all times respect the confidentiality of families and staff

Confidentiality

In general all complaints will be confidential the exceptions are

• Where it is revealed that a child may be at risk of harm

• Another person is in danger

• A person has made a threat to harm themselves or others

• A criminal offence has been committed

Receiving a complaint

Complaints may be received by any member of staff or Management committee. They can be made verbally or in writing. All complaints will be accepted

Conciliation

Conciliation can be used if

• The complaint is relatively minor

• If the conciliation is undertaken by someone in a senior position to the person the complaint is about

• If the person raising the complaint has an ongoing relationship with the service

• If the person agrees to the process

Conciliation cannot be used if

• The complaint is complex

• If the complaint may lead to disciplinary action

• If the outcome the complaint wants cannot be provided

• If the compliant contains allegations of criminal offence or abusive behaviour

• If the complaint was anonymous

Recording complaints and concerns

The Authorised Supervisor is required to ensure that a Grievance Register is maintained at the centre

Formal Complaints

If conciliation is not successful or is not appropriate the matter should be recorded in detail that includes times, dates, person involved, details of the claims and the signature of the person making the complaint. The strategies used to address the issue must be detailed and the complainant will be offered the opportunity to add any further comments and sign the record.

Protection of the complainants

Where a complainant was handled formally the Authorised Supervisor and the President are jointly responsible for following up the matter to ensure the complainant has not suffered any disadvantage from making the complaint

Time Frame

When a complaint is first received the complainant will be told when they can expect to hear back from either the Authorised supervisor or the President. They will also be told whether with their permission conciliation will be attempted, who is responsible for overseeing the management of their complaint and what they can do if they are not satisfied

Source: www.ccccnsw.gov.au

Educational & Care Services National Regulation 168 (2) o

To Be Reviewed: October 2021

Governance and Management of Nundle CWA Preschool

Goals

To ensure Nundle CWA Preschool has good governance we will:

• Conduct our affairs legally, ethically and with integrity;

• Identify organisational risks and legal obligations and manage these through policies and relevant processes;

• And Ensure that the mechanisms are in place for fair and transparent governance.

• Strategies Management

The management of Nundle CWA Preschool is overseen by Nundle CWA branch, as a subcommittee of CWA NSW, the Approved Provider of the service. CWA Nundle branch delegates the responsibility of implementing the day to day management of the organisation to the services director/nominated supervisor. The Nundle CWA branch is the employer of all staff of Nundle CWA preschool, and is responsible for the management and control of the service as a subcommittee of the Approved Provider of an education and care under the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations

CWA Nundle Branch will be involved in appointing and removing the Director/Nominated Supervisor and other staff members The Director/Nominated Supervisor is required to become a member of Nundle branch CWA. The Preschool director/nominated supervisor are expected to report to the CWA at their monthly meeting. The Director/Nominated Supervisor may appoint a delegate if unable to attend  Parents are encouraged to become members of CWA The Director’s/Nominated Supervisor’s report must be forwarded to the CWA of NSW

The Director/Nominated Supervisor will be responsible for:

• the everyday running of the preschool to a standard approved by the NSW Department of Education,

• day to day overseeing  of the building, playground and equipment, and informing the Nundle CWA of any repairs needed or any new equipment which needs purchasing

• arranging relief staff during employee absences,

• preparation of forms and information for government and other bodies, e.g. council,

• consider parent grievances

Daily management

Responsibilities-

The Director/nominated supervisor:

• the day to day running of the preschool the ongoing programme of the preschool, the supervision of all staff, parent liaison, and informing CWA Nundle Branch of any relevant matters monthly.

• Petty cash, made up to an agreed figure each term, will be provided to the Director/nominated supervisor for day to day running expenses and details will be kept on petty cash dockets with the purchasing receipts attached, Staff are authorised to purchase items for the preschool.  Reimbursement will be made upon the presentation of all receipts for purchased items.

• The Director/nominated supervisor is authorised to have a Visa Debit card to make special purchases up to the purchasing limit which is set at the AGM

Roles-

CWA Nundle branch

• Developing organisational strategy and performance objectives in consultation with the Director/Nominated Supervisor

• Monitoring the Director/Nominated Supervisor performance and implementation of strategy

• Approving and monitoring financial and other reporting

• Authorising appropriate delegations within the organisation

• Approving and monitoring the progress of major capital expenditure

Roles-

Director/nominated supervisor

• Reviewing, ratifying and monitoring systems of risk management and internal control, codes of conduct and legal compliance

• Ensuring appropriate resources are available to carry out the organisations function

Risk management

• Both CWA and the Director/nominated supervisor ensure the organisation operates with and to valid Constitution/articles of Association and that all governance and management practices of the Approved Provider and staff align with the constitution/Articles of Association.

• Demonstrate achievement of this through accessible meeting minutes and self-assessments

• CWA Nundle branch and the Director/nominated supervisor receive ongoing support and professional development in the implementation of effective and evidence based governance practice

• The Director/nominated supervisor in conjunction with Nundle Branch CWA sets a strategic direction and monitors performance of the preschool.

Code of Conduct

• CWA, Director/nominated supervisor, educators, administration and families will commit themselves to be ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and professional decorum.

• Demonstrate un-conflicted loyalty to the interests of Nundle CWA Preschool

• Avoid conflicts of interest with respect to their role

• Immediately disclose to the CWA Nundle branch any and all impending conflicts of interest. That member shall absent herself or himself without comment from both deliberation and final decision making.

• Not use information exclusive to Nundle CWA Preschool for personal gain and will respect the confidentiality of all information obtained during meetings or through their role, and respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.

Source: CWA of NSW: Nundle and District Branch of CWA of NSW

Education and Care Services National Regulations: 173

NQS: 7.1          

 To Be Reviewed: November 2021

Enrolment and orientation

Goals – What are we going to do?

Enrolment and orientation procedures form the foundation for strong relationships between families and early education and care settings and promote a quality experience of education and care for children.

Good procedures include consistent information around service operation and authorisations promoting compliance and a safe and secure environment for children and families.

Strategies – How will it be done?

Enrolment

Enrolments will be accepted according to the Australian Government ‘Priority of Access’ and will reflect Start Strong funding being received by the preschool

Enrolment Form

The enrolment form must be completed by each enrolling family. Where enrolling families are not fluent in English the enrolment meeting will, wherever possible be conducted in the families primary language. At enrolment parents are encouraged to provide any further information about their child that will support continuity of care between home and the service.

The enrolment record will include the following information for each child:

Full name, date of birth and address of the child.

Name, address and contact details of each parent of the child; any emergency contacts; any person nominated by the parent to collect the child from the service; any person authorised to consent to medical treatment or to authorise administration of medication to the child; any person authorised to give approval for an educator to take the child out of the service.

Details of court orders, parenting orders or plans.

Details of court orders relating to the child’s residence or contact with a parent or other person.

Gender of the child.

Language used in the child’s home.

Cultural background of the child and child’s parents.

Any special considerations for the child (e.g. cultural, religious or

dietary requirements or additional need).

Authorisations for our service to seek medical treatment for the child

from a registered medical practitioner, hospital or ambulance service,

and transportation of the child by an ambulance service.

Name, address and telephone number of the child’s registered medical practitioner or medical service.

Child’s Medicare number (if available).

Details of any specific healthcare needs of the child including any medical condition.

Details of any allergies or anaphylaxis diagnosis.

Any medical management plan, anaphylaxis/asthma/diabetic management or risk minimisation plan.

Details of dietary restrictions for the child.

Immunisation status of the child.

Noted sighting of health record for the child by approved provider or educator/staff.

A Privacy Statement attached to the enrolment form which details:

the name and contact details of the service;

the fact that enrolling parents/guardians are able to gain access to their information;

why the information is collected;

the organisations to which the information may be disclosed;

any law that requires the particular information to be collected;

the main consequences for not providing the required information.

Enrolment Forms will be updated annually or when a family’s circumstances change, to ensure information is current and correct.

Custody Arrangements

The Education and Care Services National Law requires our service to have details of all custodial and access arrangements.

Enrolling family members are responsible for informing the Director of custody and access arrangements on enrolment, and must advise the Director immediately of any subsequent alterations to these arrangements.

All relevant legal documentation is to be shown to the Director and a copy will be maintained in the child’s enrolment record.

Orientation

The orientation and settling in period will consider and respect the needs of both families and children. Parents/guardians will be encouraged to remain with their child when delivering or collecting them for as long a period as the parent/guardian and/or educators feel may be necessary to ensure the child’s wellbeing.

We will always consider the feelings and time constraints that families may have in regard to participating in orientation processes and aim to make the experience a positive and welcoming introduction to the service.

Our service will provide options for orientation to the education and care service for families which includes:

Inviting new families to visit the service with their child at times that suit them, to familiarise families with the service prior to the child’s attendance.

Providing all new families with a conducted tour of the premises which will include introductions to other educators, children and families, and that highlights specific policies and procedures that families need to know about our service.

Ensuring each family has a copy of the Information booklet and an opportunity to have any questions answered.

Supporting family members and giving them the opportunity to stay with their child during the settling in process.

Ensuring all new families are encouraged to share information about their child and any concerns, doubts or anxieties they may have in regard to enrolling their child at the service.

Roles and Responsibilities

Role

Authority/ Responsibilities for

Approved Provider

• Ensure the service operates in line with the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations  with regard to the delivery and collection of children at all times

• Providing opportunities (in consultation with the Nominated Supervisor and staff) for interested families to attend the service during operational hours to observe the program and become familiar with the service prior to their child commencing in the program.

• Ensuring that enrolment forms (refer to Definitions) comply with the requirements of Regulations 160, 161, 162.

• Ensuring that enrolment records (refer to Definitions) are stored in a safe and secure place, and kept for three years after the last date on which the child was educated and cared for by the service (Regulation 183

• Ensuring that parents/guardians of a child attending the service can enter the service premises at any time that the child is being educated and cared for, except where this may pose a risk to the safety of children or staff, or conflict with any duty of the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor or staff under the Law (Regulation 157).

Nominated Supervisor

• Providing enrolment application forms.

• Maintaining a waiting list.

• Collecting, receipting and banking enrolment fees.

• Offering places in line with this policy and criteria for priority access, and providing relevant paperwork to families in accordance with this policy.

• Providing a monthly report to the approved provider regarding the status of enrolments.

• Storing completed enrolment application forms in a lockable file (refer to privacy and confidentiality policy) as soon as is practicable.

Early Childhood Educators

Certified Supervisors

• Acting in accordance with the obligations outlined in this policy.

• Responding to enrolment enquiries on a day-to-day basis and referring people to the person responsible for the enrolment process, as required.

• Ensuring that enrolment forms are completed prior to the child’s commencement at the service.

• Ensuring that parents/guardians of a child attending the service can enter the service premises at any time that the child is being educated and cared for, except where this may pose a risk to the safety of children or staff, or conflict with any duty of the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor or staff under the Law (Regulation 157).

• Developing strategies to assist new families to: feel welcomed into the service; become familiar with service policies and procedures; to develop and maintain a routine for saying goodbye to their child.

• Providing comfort and reassurance to children who are showing signs of distress when separating from family members.

• Sharing information with parents/guardians regarding their child’s progress with regard to settling in to the service.

Families

• Reading and complying with this policy.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Review

This policy will be monitored to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and unless deemed necessary through the identification of practice gaps, the service will review this Policy every year.

Families and staff are essential stakeholders in the policy review process and will be given opportunity and encouragement to be actively involved. In accordance with R. 172 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, the service will ensure that families of children enrolled at the service are notified at least 14 days before making any change to a policy or procedure that may have significant impact on the provision of education and care to any child enrolled at the service; a family’s ability to utilise the service; the fees charged or the way in which fees are collected

Related Legislation

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010

Education and Care Services National Regulations 168 (2) k 160, 161, 162, 177, 183

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

Health records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)

Family Assistance Law www.dss.gov.au

To Be Reviewed: November 2021

Communication Plan for Educators, Staff and Families

At Nundle CWA Preschool, we believe that it is important to have great communication with families to ensure that we are providing the care possible for each child. We have developed the following ways of communicating with families:

• Verbal communication: Educators and families discuss the child, the child’s day and any other important information.

• Daily Diary: Staff evaluate the day, planned experiences the children have appeared to enjoy and any spontaneous experiences that have been implemented. Photos are added to assist in giving parents and guardians an insight as to what their child has learned and participated in through their day.

• Development Portfolios: Educators keep detailed portfolios of every child’s development and the milestones that have been accomplished. These are sent home at the end of each year.

• Parent and Educator Interviews: Parents and guardians have the opportunity to meet with educators to set developmental goals and discuss their child’s developmental progress.

• Notices: Are displayed throughout the Preschool, posted or sent via email to inform parents and guardians of any upcoming events, or any other information that is required.

• Mobile Phone/Email: Reminders for parents of upcoming events can be sent by SMS message or email

• Directors Newsletters: Are presented each month at CWA meetings and sent home to families either by hard copy of email depending on the families preference

Source: EYLF

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 74, 75, 76

NQS: 6.1, 6.2,

To Be Reviewed: November 2021

Fees

Budget: It is the aim of the Management Committee that fees and subsidies will cover the salaries of the staff.

Setting of Fees: Fees are to be reviewed at the beginning of each year by the Nundle CWA and whenever deemed necessary by them. Division of fee assistance will be calculated by the authorised supervisor and staff, following Community Services guidelines. Fees will be charged on a weekly basis reflecting Start Strong Funding being received by the preschool

Fee Assistance: Fee assistance is available to qualifying applicants upon completion of the appropriate form and supplying evidence of income. The evidence of income will be presented upon enrolment. The reduced fee will become effective from the date evidence is presented.

Membership Fee: A nominal membership fee will be collected at the beginning of the year, or on enrolment and a record of members maintained.

Fee Collection: This is the responsibility of the book keeper and staff

Accounts: It is preferred that accounts be settled in one payment. Those choosing to pay the full amount in one payment must pay within one (1) month of receipt of account. However, budget accounts are available on application and different payment conditions apply.

Holidays: Fees are not paid for school holidays or Public Holidays.

Method of Payment: Parents should place fees in an envelope which is to be labelled with the child’s name and marked “Fees Enclosed”. This is to be given to a staff member who will deposit it in the book keepers file. Or parents may choose to pay by directly crediting money for fees into the Nundle CWA Preschool account

Arrears: In the case of fees falling into arrears, the following procedures will be implemented:

• When fees are two (2) weeks in arrears, a reminder note will be sent.

• If fees are not brought up to date within a further two (2) weeks, a second reminder note will be sent, giving parents seven (7) days in which to pay before a meeting with the Management Committee to explain the non-payment of fees and how they plan to meet the commitment. Interest may be charged on overdue fees.

• Should there be no response by the due date legal action for the recovery of fees may be instigated.

Fees during absence:  Fees will be paid for all sessions that the child is enrolled for.  Special circumstances will be reviewed by the Nundle CWA.

Source: CWA of NSW: Nundle and District Branch of the CWA of NSW  Education and Care Services National Regulations 168 (2) n: 173 NQS: 6.1.3

To Be reviewed: February 2022

Parent involvement

Parent Responsibilities: As the Preschool is a community/parent run organisation which is only partially funded by the government, it is expected that every parent will assist in the running of the Preschool and in fund raising.

Fund Raising: Parents are expected to participate in fund raising activities throughout the year to ensure that all running expenses and equipment costs can be met.

Helping: While there is no formal roster for parent help, parents are welcome to help and interact with the children at the preschool each day

Visits: Parents are always welcome to visit and see the Preschool in operation.

Parent/Teacher Meetings: Parents are welcome to discuss their child with the staff. An appointment can be arranged with the Director.

Meetings: Monthly meetings of the Nundle CWA will be open to all the parents of children attending the Preschool and any interested community members. Families are encouraged to join the Nundle CWA

Grandparents: The Preschool encourages members of the community to fill the special role of surrogate grandparents.

Source: Nundle and District Branch of the CWA of NSW

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 157

NQS: 6.1.2, 6.2.2

To Be Reviewed: November 2021

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Nundle CWA Preschool

Introduction

Our education and care service recognises and respects the importance of privacy and confidentiality as an individual right and a basis for building partnerships. Our service requires personal information from families to provide appropriate and responsive care. This policy has been developed to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) (2014) and pursues the highest standard in the protection and preservation of privacy and confidentiality

Goals – What are we going to do?

We will:

• maintain private and confidential files for educators and staff, children and their families. We will develop systems for the appropriate use and  storage of records.

• ensure the information in these files is used only for the education and care of the child enrolled in the service, and only shared with relevant or authorised people as defined within authorisations of the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

Strategies – How will it be done?

Our education and care service aims to meet these goals through the adoption of this specific Privacy and Confidentiality policy and our Privacy Collection statement which will guide our practices in this area.

The Approved Provider will:

Collection of Information

• Ensure that each family, staff, volunteers and student and committee member is provided with a privacy collection statement upon enrolment, that includes details about how they can access their personal information, have this corrected as needed, make a complaint about a breach of privacy, if one occurs.

• Ensure each staff member, committee members, volunteers and student information is correct in personnel and other files. This includes information on qualifications, WWCC, criminal history checks, staff entitlements, contact and emergency information, health and immunisation information, and any relevant medical and legal information. This would include any other relevant information collected by the service.

• Ensure that information collected from families, educators, committee members and the community is maintained in a private and confidential manner at all times.

• Ensure that such information is not divulged or communicated (directly or indirectly) to another person other than the ways outlined as appropriate in the Education and Care Services National Regulations, 181, which says information can be communicated:

• To the extent necessary for the education, care or medical treatment of the child;

• To the parent of the child to whom the information relates (except for information in staff records);

• To the regulatory authority or an authorised officer;

• As authorised, permitted or required to be given by or under any act or law; and

• With written consent of the person who provided the information.

• Ensure families are informed upon enrolment how images/photographs of their children will be used on the Internet and/or publications.

• Provide families with information on the Complaints and Feedback procedure if any privacy or confidentially procedure has been breached. Individuals can make a complaint to the Approved Provider if they believe there has been a breach of their privacy in relation to the Privacy principles. The breach will be assessed by the Approved Provider within 14 days. Where the information collected is incorrect, the information will be corrected. Where a serious breach of privacy is found, appropriate actions will be negotiated between the Approved Provider and the individual to resolve the situation, in line with the Complaints and Feedback procedure.

• Will ensure information provided by families, staff and committee members is only used for the purpose it was collected for.

The Nominated Supervisor will:

• Ensure each families’ information is correct in enrolment records. This includes information on immunisation updates, income and financial details, contact details of family and emergency contact information, children’s developmental records, Family Assistance information, and any medical or legal information – such as family court documentation - required by our education and care service. This would include any information required to be recorded under the National Law and Regulations, the Family Assistance Law other relevant information collected to support the enrolment of a child.

• Provide families with details on the collection of personal information collected:

This information will include:

• The types of information collected by our education and care service

• The purpose of collecting information;

• What types of information will be disclosed to the public or other agencies; and when and why disclosure may occur;

• How information is stored at the service;

• Approaches used to keep information secure;

• Who has access to the information;

• The right of the individual to view their personal information;

• The length of time information needs to be archived; and

• How information is disposed.

• Will ensure information provided by families and staff is only used for the purpose it was collected for.

Storage of Information

• Ensure that education and care service records, personnel records, children’s and families information is stored securely reducing the chance of unauthorised access, use or disclosure and remains private and confidential within the education and care environment at all times.

Access to Information

• Will ensure that information kept is not divulged or communicated, directly or indirectly, to anyone other than:

• Medical and developmental information that is required to adequately provide education and care for the child;

• The Department of Education and Communities, or an authorised officer; or

• As permitted or required by any Act or Law

• Individuals will be allowed access to their personal information as requested. Individuals must request this information in writing from the Nominated Supervisor. Authorised persons may request to view any information kept on their child.

Information may be denied under the following conditions:

• Access to information could compromise the privacy of another individual;

• The request for information is frivolous or vexatious; and

• The information relates to legal issues, or there are legal reasons not to divulge the information such as in cases of custody and legal guardianship.

Educators will:

• Maintain children’s information and store documentation according to policy at all times.

• Not share information about the education and care service, management information, other educators or children and families, without written permission or legislative authority.

• In keeping with the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics (2008), the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the Privacy Legislation, educators and staff employed by our education and care service bound to respect the privacy rights of children enrolled and their families; educators and staff and their families and any other persons associated with the service. Educators will sign a Confidentiality Statement as it relates to privacy and confidentiality of information.

Evaluation

• All information pertaining to the education and care service, educators and families is maintained in a private and confidential manner in accordance with the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 and the Education and Care Services National Regulation

Statutory Legislations & Considerations

• Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010

• Education and Care Services National Regulations 181

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

• Australian Privacy Principles – www.oaic.gov.au

• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – www.oaic.gov.au

• Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) – www.oaic.gov.au/law/act

• Early Childhood Australia – www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

To be reviewed October 2021

Privacy Collection Statement

This service is committed to maintaining all personal information provided by its children, families, staff, management, volunteers, students and community in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Each family, staff, volunteers and student and committee member is provided with a privacy collection statement upon enrolment or commencement of employment.

This statement outlines the type of personal information collected by this service and how information is acquired, used and shared. We will not sell personal information to any third parties. See our full Privacy and Confidentiality policy for detailed information or contact us on (02) 67693188 or nunpre@activ8.net.au

What is personal information? How is it collected and why?

What information is collected?

How we collect information?

Why we collect this?

Medical Information, Health and Immunisation

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

• Immunisation history statement

• Health care cards – Medicare and health fund information

• Accident, Illness and Injury forms

To ensure the health and safety of every child and as a requirement under Family Assistance Law and the NSW Public Health Act 2010.

Income and financial details, includes banking information  

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

• Fee payment and purchases

• Tax File Number

For the provision of the education and care service and as required under Family Assistance legislation and as per Funding Agreements with the Department of Education and Communities.

Contact details of family and emergency contact information

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

• Updated details form

Required under the Education and Care Services Regulation.

Children’s developmental records

• Observations

• Assessment of children’s learning

• Programming documents

• Communications with families

Required under the Education and Care Services Regulation and to provide a high quality education and care service.

Family Assistance information

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

Required under the Family Assistance legislation and under employment legislation under Income Tax legislation.

Legal information

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

• Court orders or AVOs

Required under the Education and Care Services Regulation.

Employment, marital status and nationality

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

Required under employment legislation and to provide priority of access under commonwealth and state legislation.

Qualifications                                     

• Employment record

• Certified copies of documents

Required under the Education and Care Services Regulation.

WWCC, criminal history checks

• Employment record

• Originals of documents

Required under the Education and Care Services Regulation.

Staff entitlements

• Payroll records

• Tax File Number

Provision of entitlements.

Any information required to be recorded under the National Law and Regulations, the Family Assistance Law other relevant information collected to support the enrolment of a child

• Enrolment form

• Employment record

• Complaints records

Required under appropriate legislation.

This service uses individual’s personal information to send information by post, email or telephone. Individuals are provided with an opportunity to elect not to receive such information upon enrolment or through written notification to the service.

If individuals do not wish to receive direct communications, contact our service directly on (02) 67693188 or nunpre@activ8.net.au

What happens with personal information?

This service will strive to let individuals know how any personal information will be used at the time of collection. Individuals will be asked if personal information can be used to establish contact with them regarding other aspects of organisational business. This service will not sell or trade individuals’ personal information to other third parties.

This service collects and uses personal information generally to provide individuals with the information and the services they request, to provide appropriate and relevant information pertaining to the education and care of a child/ren, and to continue to improve service quality.

Where is personal information stored?

Personal information is stored in a safe and secure manner. Information is backed up electronically and securely stored. Data will not be altered or destroyed except in extraordinary circumstances.

Hard copy information is stored at the service, which is secured to prevent entry by unauthorised people. Any personal information not actively being used may be archived, in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Personal information will remain on the service database indefinitely until personally advised by a customer that information is to be removed, unless information has been archived or destroyed at an earlier date in accordance with privacy law and regulatory requirements.

Access and updating personal information

Individuals may ask to access, update or delete personal information held about them at any time. Reasonable steps will be taken to verify an individual’s identity before granting access, making any corrections to, or deleting information. If a customer wishes to make a complaint, please refer to the Complaints Policy.

Individuals requiring access to, or wanting to update personal information, can contact the service on (02) 67693188 or nunpre@activ8.net.au

To Be Reviewed: October 2021

Quality Area 7 Leadership and Service Management

Acceptance and refusal of authorisation

Code of Conduct

Conflict of Interest

Grievance Procedure

Work Health and Safety Policy

Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisation Policy

Objective:  To ensure we act only in accordance with correct authorisation as described in the Education & Care Services National Regulations,

Procedure: the nominated supervisor will:

1. Ensure documentation relating to authorisations contains:

1. The name of the child enrolled in the service

2. Date

3. Signature of the child’s parent/guardian or nominated contact person who is on the enrolment form

1. Apply these authorisations to the collection of children, administration of medication, excursion and access to records

3. Keep these authorisations in the enrolment record

4. Exercise the right of refusal if the written or verbal authorisations do not comply

5. Waive compliance where a child requires emergency medical treatment for conditions such as anaphylaxis or asthma. The service can administer medication without authorisation in these cases, provided they contact the parent/guardian as soon as practicable after the medication has been administered.

Education and Care Services National Regulations  150, 168 (2) m

NQS: 7.1.3

To Be Reviewed: November 2021

Code of Conduct

NUNDLE CWA PRESCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

Members of management committees, staff and volunteers have a responsibility to ensure that their organisation operates with efficiency, impartiality and integrity.

This obligation demands that all committee members and staff carry out their roles and responsibilities to a high standard and that there not be, nor seem to be, any conflict between their private activities, their activities with and responsibilities to other organisations and their roles and responsibilities to this organisation.

This Code of Conduct and Ethics reflect general community standards and general principles which are considered appropriate and necessary to ensure that the integrity of members of management, paid staff and volunteers and the organisation as a whole, are maintained.

Members of management committees, staff and volunteers will:

• Abide by the organisation's Constitution, it's mission and aims, and it's policies and procedures.

• Observe the rules of the organisation, including those set out in the Constitution, Associations, Incorporation Act (or equivalent), and any others set by management committee or the membership of the organisation

• Comply with the meeting requirements of the organisation

• Adhere to all the financial management and accountability requirements of the organisation

• Not act on matters without the consent of the management committee, or beyond the agreed delegations of the organisation

• Not disclose confidential matters to individuals or agencies outside the organisation without the prior approval of the management committee

• Always act in the interests of the organisation as a whole and the clients that it serves and not in the interests of themselves or any other individual.

• Not use information that violates any confidentiality or privilege, or gain improperly any kind of benefit or advantage for any person.

• Disclose in writing to the management committee any pecuniary or other definite interest held by them which could lead to a potential conflict between personal interest and duty to the organisation

• When exercising a regulatory or discretionary function in relation to clients or other individuals should notify the management committee when dealing with relatives and close friends, and wherever possible, disqualify themselves from the dealing

• Not directly or indirectly demand or accept from any person or organisation any gift, gratuity or remuneration of any kind in respect of services performed, or to be performed, in connection with their position in the organisation.

• Observe the strictest practices of honesty and integrity and avoid conduct which could suggest a departure from these standards. This may include a duty to bring to notice dishonesty on the part of another member of the organisation

•  Not use for private purposes the services of others in the organisation, the facilities, equipment, financial resources or premises of the organisation, unless prior permission has been granted by the management committee

• Ensure that resources, funds, staff or equipment entrusted to them, are used effectively and economically in the course of their duties and not otherwise.

• Always deal with issues, clients, members of the organisation and other individuals in a consistent, fair and non-discriminatory manner.

Educational & Care Services National Regulations; 168 (i) i

To be reviewed August 2021

Conflict of Interest

As a general rule, a non pecuniary conflict of interest will be significant where a matter does not raise a pecuniary interest but involves:

• A relationship between a staff member or committee member and another person that is particularly close for example parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descendent or adopted child of the person or of the person’s spouse, current or former spouse or partner, de facto or other person living in the same household

• Other relationships that are particularly close, such as friendships and business relationships. Closeness is defined by the nature of the friendship or business relationship, the frequency of the contact and the duration of the friendship or relationship

• An affiliation between the staff or committee member and an organisation, sporting body, club, corporation or association that is particularly strong

If you are a committee member, other than a member of staff, and you have disclosed that a significant non pecuniary conflict of interest exists you must manage it in one of two ways

• Remove  the source of conflict, by relinquishing or divesting the interest that creates the conflict, or reallocating the conflicting duties to another committee member

• Have no involvement in the matter, by absenting yourself from and not taking part in any debate or voting on the issue

• If you determine that the non- pecuniary conflict of interest is less than significant and does not require further action, you must provide an explanation of why you consider that the conflict does not require further action

If you are a member of staff, the decision on which option should be taken to manage a non-pecuniary conflict of interest must be made in consultation with your Director

Other business or employment

If you are a member of staff considering outside employment or contract work that relates to the business of Nundle CWA Preschool or that might conflict with your current duties, you must notify and seek approval of the Director in writing

As a member of staff you must ensure that any outside employment or business you engage in will not

• Conflict with your official duties

• Involve using confidential information or preschool resources obtained through your work with the preschool

• Require you to work while on preschool duty

• Discredit or disadvantage the preschool

Personal dealings with Nundle CWA Preschool

You may have reason to deal with the preschool in your personal capacity (for example purchase of saleable equipment, tender to cater, provide services) You must not expect or request preferential treatment in relation to any matter in which you have a private interest because of your position. You must avoid any action that could lead members of the public to believe you are seeking preferential treatment

Source: www.ccccnsw.gov.au

NQS: 7.1,7.2

To be reviewed October 2021

Grievance Procedure

What is a grievance?

A grievance is any type of problem, concern or complaint related to work or the work environment. A grievance may about any act, omission, situation or decision that you think is unfair, discriminatory or unjustified

Nundle CWA Preschool grievance procedure is

Completely Confidential – only people directly involved in making or investigating a complaint will have access to information about the complaint

Impartial- Both sides will have the opportunity to tell their side of the story. No assumptions will be made and no action will be taken until all relevant information has been collected and considered.

Free of repercussions- no action will be taken against anyone for making a complaint or helping someone to make a complaint. Management will take all necessary steps to ensure that no victimisation occurs against anyone who makes a complaint

Timely- all complaints will be dealt with as quickly as possible. We aim to resolve all complaints within four weeks

What to do if you have a grievance?

Try to sort it out directly with the person involved – sometimes people don’t mean to do things that hurt or offend others. This does not mean that this is OK. However, it does mean that if you can, you should tell the person who is acting in a hurtful or unsuitable way that his or her behaviour is not acceptable and /or offensive so they have the chance to stop or change what they are doing

Go to your Supervisor or the management committee- Your supervisor is in charge of your immediate work environment and can help you sort out problems at that level. There are some situations where you may not want to take your compliant to your supervisor e.g. the complaint is directly involves the supervisor. If that is the case take your complaint to the management committee

The Supervisor or management committee will take the following steps

Work out if they are the right person to deal with the complaint. If they are they will explain the grievance handling procedure including what may happen if there is enough evidence to support the complaint

Take a written record of the complaint. Talk to the other person/s involved separately and impartially to hear their side of the story. Tell you what the other person/s said and discuss what should be done to sort out the complaint. Make sure that whatever you have agreed/decided upon actually happens.

Appropriate action should a complaint be substantiated

• A written apology

• An official warning

• Counselling

• Demotion

• Dismissal

Not be substantiated

• Training for all staff on anti-discrimination law

• Keeping a closer watch on behaviour

Be frivolous (did not happen)

• Counselling for the person who made the complaint

• A written apology

• An official warning

• Dismissal

• Demotion

Appeals

You may ask the Supervisor or management committee to take a second look at a decision if they have not followed the procedure set out in this policy or you think the outcome is unfair

Should you feel this way, you may appeal to the CWA  of NSW. They will look at the way in which the complaint is handled. If they feel the complaint was not handled properly, they will organise for the complaint to be looked at again by someone other than the person who first handled the complaint

Go to an external agency

If you feel your complaint still has not been dealt with properly by management you may wish to take it to an external agency to see if they can help e.g. your union, Anti discrimination board

Source: www.ccccnsw.gov.au   National Law Section 13 NQS: 7.1

To be reviewed October 2021

Work Health and Safety Policy

At Nundle CWA Preschool our Work Health and Safety Policy is based on the belief that the wellbeing of people employed at work or the people affected by our work (including children, parents, visitors and volunteers) is a major priority and must be considered during all work performed on our behalf.

The objectives of our Work Health and Safety Policy are:

• To achieve an accident free workplace.

• To make health and safety an integral part of the day.

• To ensure health and safety is considered in all planning and work activities.

• To involved employees in the decision making process.

• To provide a continuous program of educating and learning.

• To identify and control all potential hazards.

• To provide effective injury management and rehabilitation to all employees.

This policy will be carried out through a Work Health and Safety program which includes:

• Identification and control of hazards.

• Investigation and reporting all accidents and dangerous incidents.

• Participation and consultation with employees on safety matters.

• Provision of first aid and emergency procedures.

• Provision of information and training as necessary for safety.

 Source: Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Bill 2011: Work Health & Safety Bill 2011

To be reviewed: September 2021

Technology/mobile phone/social media policy

• Computers at the service may only be used for work relevant to the operations and activities of the service. Examples of these activities include administration, research, programming and professional development

• The centre mobile phone is to be used for work related activities and is not to be used for personal phone calls, texting, social media or downloading of music or videos

• Children will only access computers/tablets when directly supervised by educators

• Music, videos etc. may be streamed from the computer/tablet if they are relevant to the children’s learning. However streaming of this kind will only take place from websites where this can legally take place such as YouTube or iTunes

• Any educators found to be using the computers/tablet/centre mobile phone inappropriately will face an enquiry by the management committee to decide on a course of action based on the severity of their misconduct

• This policy is also incorporative of state and federal laws regarding computer use. Should and educator or other staff use the services computer/tablet/centre mobile phone in a way that breaks the law the service will take the appropriate required action e.g. reporting to the police

• The television/dvd/tablet will be an additional tool to enhance curriculum activities Educators will sit with the children to monitor and discus any aspects of the television/dvd/app they are viewing/using

• Employees may bring their mobile phones to work but as a general rule, employees are not permitted to make or receive call/texts during working hours unless it is during their break times

• Educators should use centre mobile phone/tablet/camera to take photos/videos of the children rather than using their own mobile phones

• The internet can be freely accessed for preschool matters (including finding resources, planning etc.) during working hours.  In order to protect our facilities:

• Staff must not download personal music / films etc.

• Staff must be aware of viruses which could lurk in emails. Whilst using internet facilities staff must not open any emails from names that aren’t recognised in order to protect the computer from potential viruses

• It is vitally important that staff are careful about content that they search out or download. Every time you view a page on the internet, it is possible to trace your visit back to the centre computer. This means that it is possible to tell if the centre computer was being used to look at inappropriate web pages.

• Staff must be aware of their responsibilities to the centre when using social networking sites such as Facebook. Our confidentiality policy must be adhered to at all times, even outside of working hours. It is important to maintain your status as a professional childcare worker and therefore we would urge you to think twice before fostering online friendships with parents. Disciplinary action could result if the centre is brought into disrepute.

• Children are to be encouraged to use the internet to access educational learning sites, but must be supervised at all times.

• Staff must not mention the centre, staff, parents or children during discussions on any social networking sites.

• If any staff members have parents as friends then there should be no discussions of the centre, staff or their child/children. If parents have any questions / concerns regarding their child, centre or staff then this should be discussed in a professional manner with management at the centre

• Photos of the centre, children or staff (unless permission by individual staff is received) should not be posted on an individual staff member’s social media page

Source: EYLF

Education and Care Services National Regulations : 74, 75, 76

NQS: 6.1, 6.2,

To be reviewed  November 2021