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Ch
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ren’s
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es
Botany Vacation
Care
Parent Handbook
CONTENTS Page
CHILDREN SERVICES CONTACTS ...................................................................................................... 1
OOSH SERVICES
Botany Vacation Care .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Botany Outside School Hours Care (OOSH) ........................................................................................................... 1
Pagewood Outside School Hours Care (OOSH) ...................................................................................................... 1
EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
Mascot Child Care Centre ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Hillsdale Child Care Centre ...................................................................................................................................... 1
HOME BASED EDUCATIONAL AND CARE
Botany Family Day Care .......................................................................................................................................... 2
COMPLAINTS TO BE ADDRESS TO ...................................................................................................................... 2
REGULATORY AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 2
WELCOME TO BOTANY VACATION CARE ......................................................................................... 3
OUR PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................................. 3
REGULATION AND LEGISLATION ....................................................................................................... 4
National Quality Framework ..................................................................................................................................... 4
National Legislative Framework ............................................................................................................................... 4
National Quality Standard ..................................................................................................................................... 4-5
National Quality Rating and Assessment Process ................................................................................................... 5
SERVICE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................... 5-6
EXCURSIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6
OUR STAFF ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Educator to Child Ratios .......................................................................................................................................... 6
HOURS OF OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 6
ORIENTATION FOR NEW FAMILIES .................................................................................................... 7
ENROLMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Enrolment procedure ................................................................................................................................................ 7
PARENTAL CUSTODY ........................................................................................................................... 7
FEES ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
LATE PAYMENT OF FEES ..................................................................................................................... 8
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................................... 8
Child Care Benefit (CCB) ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Child Care Rebate (CCR) ........................................................................................................................................ 8
ALLOWABLE ABSENCES ..................................................................................................................... 9
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................. 9
CHILD PROTECTION ......................................................................................................................... 9-10
FOOD AND NUTRITION .................................................................................................................. 10-11
SUN PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................... 11
MEDICATION ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Medical Emergency Management Plan .................................................................................................................. 12
HEALTH – ILLNESS OF A CHILD ........................................................................................................ 12
ACCIDENTS AT THE SERVICE ...................................................................................................... 12-13
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES .......................................................................................................... 13
CHILDREN COLLECTED AFTER 6:00PM ........................................................................................... 13
CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR .............................................................................................................. 13-14
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS ................................................................................................................ 14
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 14
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 14
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SERVICE USERS ..................................................................................... 15
Complaints Management .................................................................................................................................. 15-16
Feedback from Families ......................................................................................................................................... 16
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE FLOWCHART ....................................................................................... 17
REFERENCE AND USEFUL WEBSITES ............................................................................................. 18
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Appendix 1 – Exclusion and Symptoms Guidelines ......................................................................................... 20-22
Appendix 2 – National Immunisation Program Schedules ................................................................................ 23-24
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 25
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CHILDREN SERVICES CONTACTS
OOSH SERVICES Our Outside School Hours operate 41 weeks of the year (during school terms only) and closed for school holidays, Public holidays and designated Pupil‘s free days. Botany Vacation Care Operates during school holidays only From 5-12 year sold 7:00am – 6:00pm Botany Public School – 1076 Botany Road, Botany 2019 Tel: 9316 5828 Email: OOSHB@botanybay.nsw.gov.au CRN: 555 007 619B Botany Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) Before School Care 7:00am – 8:45am After School Care 3:00pm – 6:00pm Botany Public School - 1076 Botany Road, Botany 2019 Tel: 9316 5828 Email: OOSHB@botanybay.nsw.gov.au CRN: 406 948 608K (after / before) Pagewood Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) Before School Care 7:00am – 8:45am After School Care 3.00pm – 6.00pm Pagewood Public School - 60 Page Street, Pagewood 2035 Tel: 9666 6128 Email: OOSHP@botanybay.nsw.gov.au CRN: 555 006 656S (before)
CRN: 555 006 746H (after) EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES Our Early Childhood Services operate 48 weeks of the year and close for 4 weeks between the December /January Period. Mascot Child Care Centre From 2 yrs to school age 7:30am – 6:00pm 53 Coward Street, Mascot 2020 Ph: 9669 3626 Fax: 9313 4196 Email: childcaremascot@botanybay.nsw.gov.au CRN: 555 000 773K Hillsdale Child Care Centre From 8 weeks to school age 7:30am – 6:00pm Cnr. Flint & Tierney Avenue, Hillsdale 2036 Ph: 9349 8648 Fax: 9314 3158 Email: childcarehillsdale@botanybay.nsw.gov.au CRN: 555 002 431L
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HOME BASED EDUCATION AND CARE Botany Family Day Care From 6 weeks to school aged care 8:00am – 4:30pm 149 Coward Street, 2020 Ph: 9366 3576 Fax: 9366 3592 Email: familydaycare@botanybay.nsw.gov.au CRN: 555 000 653X COMPLAINTS TO BE ADDRESSED TO: Ms Laura Browning Children‘s Services Coordinator Community Services Section City of Botany Bay Central Library PO Box 331, MASCOT NSW 1460 Ph: 9366 3876 Fax: 9366 3838 Email: browningl@botanybay.nsw.gov.au Ms Hayla Doris Manager Libraries, Museum & Community Services Community Services Section City of Botany Bay Central Library PO Box 331, MASCOT NSW 1460 Ph: 9366 3875 Fax: 9366 3838 Email: dorish@botanybay.nsw.gov.au REGULATORY AUTHORITY NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate Department of Education and Communities Locked Bag 5107 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 Ph: 1800 619 113 Fax: 8633 1810 Website: www.det.nsw.edu.au Email: eced@det.nsw.edu.au
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WELCOME TO BOTANY VACATION CARE
Botany Vacation Care is managed by the City of Botany Bay Council. The Service operates from
Botany Public School for school aged children up the 13 years of age. This handbook provides new
and continuing families with important information about the service, including the most relevant
operating policies and procedures. A complete set of policies and procedures is available at the
Vacation Care service. Please read the following information carefully, as it is necessary to
understand and agree to all policies and procedures.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The City of Botany Bay Council Outside of School Hours Service is committed to the care and
education to children‘s growth, learning and developments. We believe that we enable this by
providing a safe, fun and stimulating environment, which encourages children rights to explore their
capabilities and interests, express their ideas, knowledge and creativity and have their views
considered in decisions that will inevitably affect them.
We acknowledge that each family is different, important and unique. We have a commitment to
creating a welcoming and family like environment where individual and cultural identity are valued and
respected. We believe families bring strength to our work through their expert knowledge about their
child. We aim to foster respectful relationships with families to guide our practices and work with
children.
We believe that the child‘s experiences at our Services will be strengthened with building and
maintaining respectful relationships with our local schools and community.
Our team of Educators is made up of a diverse group of professionals with expertise and knowledge
about their work with children and families. This collective knowledge and wisdom enriches the quality
of Service we provide to our community. We believe that a strong team is based on principles of
confidentiality, trust, and respect for ourselves and others.
Council is committed to the ongoing professional development of our Educators, and by doing so
supports them to reflect on their profession and on the ethical conduct of their Services and work with
children, families, other professionals and community members.
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REGULATION AND LEGISLATION
On 1 January 2012, the National Quality Framework was established it applies to most long day care,
family day care, preschool (or kindergarten) and outside schools hours care services.
National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and
consistency in education and care services through:
The National legislative framework
The National Quality Standard
The National quality rating and assessment process
The National body called the Australian Children‘s Education and Care Quality
Authority – ACEAQA
The National Quality Framework took effect on 1 January 2012 with key requirements being phased in
overtime. Requirements such as qualification, educator-to-child ratios and other key staffing
arrangements will be phased in between 2012 and 2020.
National legislative framework
The national legislative framework is established through an applied laws system and consists of:
The Education and Care Services National Law
The Education and Care Services National Regulations.
It creates a jointly governed uniform national approach to the regulation and quality assessment of
education and care services and replaces existing separate licensing and quality assurance
processes. For many services this integrated approach means less red tape.
A Regulatory Authority in each state and territory will be primarily responsible for administering the
National Quality Framework, including approving, monitoring and quality assessing services.
for NSW – Children’s Services will report to the Department of Education and Communities. This
Department will be our first point of contact for our services.
The Australian Children‘s Education and Care Quality Authority—will oversee the National Quality
Framework and ensure the consistent and effective implementation of the new system.
National Quality Standard
The National Quality Standard sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care
services.
The National Quality Standard is divided into seven Quality Areas:
1. Educational program and practice
2. Children‘s health and safety
3. Physical environment
4. Staffing arrangements
5. Relationships with children
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6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
7. Leadership and service management.
The National Quality Standard aims to promote: the safety, health and wellbeing of children a focus
on achieving outcomes for children through high-quality educational programs families‘ understanding
of what distinguishes a quality service.
National Quality Rating and Assessment Process
Approved Services will be assessed and rated against each of the seven Quality Areas of the National
Quality Standard and the National Regulations. They will also be given an overall rating. The rating
and assessment process aims to drive continuous quality improvement at services and provide
families with better information for making choices about their children‘s education and care.
The National Quality Framework will require all providers to improve services in the areas that impact
on a child‘s development and safety and to provide families with quality information to help them make
informed choices about services.
Educators and Staff wishing to work in the City of Botany Bay Council Children‘s Services must
understand that everything that we do within the Service is governed by:
The national Quality Framework -
Family Tax Act as well as other Acts and Regulations
Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Local Government Act 1993
The Education and Care Services National Law 2011
The Education and care Services National Regulation
As a Service we report to and can be audited at anytime by:
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
Food Safety Auditors,
Council Food Safety Inspectors
Australian Taxation Office and external Finance Auditors
Workplace safety Audits
Department of Education and Communities – compliance spot checks
SERVICE PROGRAM
The Botany Vacation Care program aims to provide children with the opportunity to play and have fun
in a supervised safe, stimulating and challenging environment.
The Staff aim to build a trusting and secure environment for both the children and parents. The
children are free to choose the areas of interest in which they will participate throughout the day, as
an individual and as part of a group. Our professionally trained and experienced staff collaborate with
children to provide play and leisure opportunities that are meaningful to children to support their well
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being, learning and development and reflecting the National Framework for school aged children ‗My
Time Our Place‖ outcomes to extend and enrich children‘s wellbeing and development.
Activities each day will generally include a wide range of planned and spontaneous activities to suit
the age group of the children attending the service. Children are asked to have input into these by
adding their own ideas and requesting favourite excursions to be repeated.
The Service provides opportunities for free play where children make choices about the activities they
will participate in. The activities may include craft, cooking, sport, board games, construction and
reading. The program is flexible to accommodate the interests and needs of the children.
EXCURSIONS
At Botany Vacation Care we value the importance of excursions in providing authentic experiences
outside of the service that are relevant to the everyday lives of children, families and educators.
Excursions provide an opportunity for children to engage in meaningful ways with their communities.
Excursions are planned to be safe and meaningful experiences for both adults and children.
Excursion costs must be paid in cash on the enrolment evening.
Council transport is provided for outside excursions, so places are limited.
Children cannot swap excursions or get a refund if they do not attend the
excursion.
Please be advised that if your child is under the age of 7, an approved booster
seat is needed for all excursions requiring transport by Council bus.
OUR STAFF
The Service consists of a team of people with a wide range of qualifications and experience. Staff
photos are displayed at the service noticeboard.
The educator to child ratios as outlined in the standards will be met at all times.
Educator to Child Ratios:
There will be a maximum of 15 children to 1 educator
There will be a maximum of 8 children to 1 educator for excursions
Rosters and supervision requirements are based on this information. All educators are provided with
specifications for job roles and responsibilities within a shift. The roles and responsibilities include the
areas of supervision that educators are responsible for.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Botany Vacation Care operates during each NSW State School holiday period from Monday to Friday
between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm. The service caters for children from 5 to 12 years.
The Service is closed on all designated public holidays and pupil‘s free days. During the
December/January school holidays, our Service opens the first full week after the New Years Day
public holiday.
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ORIENTATION FOR NEW FAMILIES
At Botany Vacation Care, your child‘s safety and well being is our highest priority. To assist us in
providing a high standard of care we encourage all new families using the Service to find out as much
information as possible about the Service before their child commences care.
Families attending the Service for the first time are invited to spend time on their child‘s first day at the
Service. They can meet the staff and observe how the Service operates.
ENROLMENTS
Enrolment procedure
1. Read the Botany Vacation Care Enrolment Information Parent Handbook
2. Complete Enrolment Form for each child - Enrolment forms, as per the Confidentiality and Privacy Act, can only be accepted from the child‘s parent/guardian, an immediate family member or a person nominated by the Parent/Guardian in writing. All enrolment forms remain the property of Botany Bay City Council.
3. Complete Booking Form for each child
4. Complete the Excursion form and ensure you have the correct amount of cash at the enrolment night.
5. If your child requires medication to be administered or has a specific health or medical needs please bring all the necessary medical information from your doctor.
6. Provide the Service with a copy of your child‘s Immunisation record. Children who have not been immunised will be excluded from the program in the event of an outbreak of an infectious disease. Families must provide evidence of immunization or have exemption to be eligible for the CCB allowance.
7. Provide the Service with a copy of your child‘s birth certificate
8. Register your child with Family Assistance office to be eligible for Child Care Benefit and/or Child Care Rebate
9. It is important that you always inform staff of any changes to your circumstance. For example: home address, telephone numbers, persons authorised to collect your child etc.
10. Enrol your child at the Vacation Care Registration night usually (2 weeks before the school holidays start)
11. A non-refundable enrolment fee applies as per City of Botany Bay Council‘s fees and charges schedule. The enrolment fee is payable for all new enrolments and re - enrolment following termination of care or termination of care due to non - payment of fees.
12. You will be required to complete a full enrolment form for your child at the beginning of every year with Botany Vacation Care and all information will be treated confidentially.
PARENTAL CUSTODY
In cases where a residency order has been made by a court order to one or other parent/guardian
and restricted access or no access has been specified, a copy of the court order must be given to the
service Supervisor. If a court order prohibiting access has not been supplied, the service cannot deny
access.
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FEES
Fees are based on a daily rate and are reviewed annually by The City of Botany Bay by June; any
increases are usually implemented in January of the following year.
All fees must be paid on your child‘s first day of attendance at the Service. Fees can be paid by
cheque/ or money order, BPay or Eftpos at the Service. There are no refunds for booked days or
excursions. Bookings must be paid for whether your child attends or is absent. The Service has a ―NO
CHANGE‖ policy. Full fees will be charged to you if your child is absent on their first or last booked
day as per requirements set out by the Federal Government‘s Family Assistance Office (FAO).
LATE PAYMENT OF FEES
If fees are outstanding at the completion of Vacation Care, an account will be sent to the family and
re-enrolment in future Botany Vacation Care programs will cease until the debt is finalised.
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Child Care Benefit (CCB)
Government assistance is available to families and children attending any approved service provider
from the Federal Government‘s Family Assistance Office (FAO). . Please contact the Family
Assistance Office on 13 61 50 or www.familyassist.gov.au to be assessed for the eligibility to CCB. All
parents are encouraged to apply for the Child Care Benefit. To obtain CCB, children must be 5 years
of age and/or attending school that year. Under the new CCMS system you no longer are required to
link your child to the individual centre. We will do this for you on receipt of your family and child‘s
Customer Reference Number (CRN) and birth date. Families who do not provide CCB details will be
charged full fee.
Child Care Rebate (CCR)
In addition to Child Care Benefit, families may be eligible to receive the 50% Child Care Rebate
provided by the Federal Government, which may cover 50% of your out‐ of‐ pocket child care costs.
The Child Care Rebate is not income tested. Families must be assessed for CCB to receive child care
rebate.
More information on Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate can be obtained from:
www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/CCfactsheetkit.aspx
www.mychild.gov.au
or by calling FAO on 13 61 50 between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. Families are entitled to claim
back 50% of out of pocket expenses for childcare for each child. This is paid directly to you quarterly
from the FAO. You may elect for this to be paid annually if you choose.
Parents must provide the Service with all required information on the Registration Form to receive the
Child Care Rebate. Please be advised that it is not the responsibility of Botany Vacation Care to
recover Child Care Benefit or Rebate payments.
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ALLOWABLE ABSENCES
CCB is payable for 42 absences per child each financial year. Parents may be required to pay full
fees for absences exceeding 42 days.
A child is not considered to have commenced care until the first day the child attends the service and
receives care. Once the commencement date has been confirmed by the centre, all absences from
this date until the child commences will be charged at full fees as outlined in the CCB funding
guidelines. Allowable absences cannot be claimed for these days and CCB may not be paid.
A child is considered to have ceased care after the last day the child actually attended the service.
Families are required to give 2 weeks written notice to terminate their enrolment. Absences recorded
from the last time the child was in care to the date of termination given, will be charged at the full fee
rate as outlined in the CCB funding guidelines and allowable absences cannot be claimed.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will inform services if
special circumstances can be accommodated in any of the above circumstances. Your child care fees
statement will show the number of allowable absences your child have used during the financial year.
If your child is booked in to attend the Service and is not attending on any day, you must inform the
Service staff. Please notify the Service by 8:00am if your child is going to be absent-phone 9316 -
5828
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The practice of teaching and caring for children in our Botany Vacation Care is guided by a number of
policies and procedures. These procedures have been developed over a period of years to reflect the
ever-changing nature of education and the changes in research and practice. A full copy of these
procedures is on display at each service. Policies and Procedures are available on request at the
service level or from Council‘s Children‘s Services by Phone (02) 9366 3876.
CHILD PROTECTION
Botany Vacation Care is committed to providing safe environments where children are safe, nurtured
and respected. Children and Young people under the age of 18 years should be safe, protected and
free from the risk of harm or abuse of any type. Council‘s practices and procedures to ensure that the
duty of care, and legislative requirements outlined in the Child Protection Act is effective and assist
management and Educators/Staff in the protection of children and young people.
It is understood by Management, Educators/Staff, children and families that there is a shared
responsibility between the Service and all stakeholders that the Child Protection Policy and
Procedures are accepted as a high priority.
The Service encourages practices that ensure the wellbeing of children and staff while at the services.
These include:
Rostering 2 staff members on premises at all times
Ensuring staff are never left alone with children or without ready access to or
within visibility of other staff members
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All Educators, Employees and Management of the City of Botany Bay Council who in the course of
their professional duty deliver child related employment are considered to be Mandatory Reporters.
This means that they must notify the Department of Families and Community Services if:
There are reasonable grounds to suspect risk that a child or young person is at
risk of significant harm from child abuse or neglect.
These grounds arise during the course of, or from, the Staff Member‘s
employment.
The NSW Department of Family and Community Services is the statutory authority responsible for
child protection. They have the powers under legislation to respond when there are concerns of
‗significant‘ risk of harm.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
Each child will need to bring a healthy lunch, a piece of fruit or vegetable for morning tea and drinks
for a full day (REFILLABLE DRINK BOTTLES). The Service at times will have planned lunches and
families are often informed of this. Chilled drinking water is available to the children to refill their drink
bottles throughout the day.
The Service provides breakfast and afternoon tea to the children. The Service ensures that the food
provided is nutritious and varied. Please see our noticeboard for our afternoon tea menus.
Botany Vacation Care aims to reduce the provision of nut products within our service. Please ensure
your child does not bring any nut products to Vacation Care. This includes nutella, peanut butter,
muesli bars containing nuts and fruit and nut mix. We appreciate that you understand this and help us
in providing a safe centre for all our children.
Please inform the staff if your child has any special dietary needs, requirements or allergies.
LUNCHBOX CHECKLIST FOR VACATION CARE.
Please Note: Our Service is NUT FREE ZONE
Use this checklist to help provide nutritious food for your child each day:
Is your child provided with:
PLEASE TICK
Dairy or high calcium foods?
High calcium foods are dairy products including plain or flavoured milks, hard and soft cheeses,
Yoghurts and custard. Calcium- added soya milk and tofu are also good sources of calcium. Other
high calcium foods are milk based desserts such as fruche, creamed rice, milk puddings and ice-cream. Protein and high iron foods?
Protein foods include beef, lamb, veal, beef sausage, pork, ham, fish, egg, chicken (breast leg or loaf), legumes
Cereal – based foods?
Cereal – based foods include bread (all varieties including fruit bread), rice, pasta, noodles, cracker biscuits (plain, unsalted crackers, rice cakes, rice crackers), fruit buns, scones, pikelets, muffins and crumpets
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Fruit?
Fruit includes fresh, canned or dried but NOT JUICE.
Vegetables?
Vegetables include raw or cooked (fresh, canned or frozen)
A drink?
The best drinks for children are milk or water. Fruit juice is not essential if your child eats fruit. If you choose to pack juice, dilute it half and half with water.
Limit the following foods
Sticky snacks like heath food bars, lollies and fruit straps as these may lead to tooth decay.
Foods high in fat and sugar like creamed filled and chocolate coated biscuits, chocolate and chocolate or yoghurt coated heath food bars.
Foods high in fat and salt like chips and savoury snack biscuits
Healthy Lunch Ideas
Sandwiches/wraps – salads, ham, chicken, cheese, spreads
Fruit – bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries, sultanas
Crackers, cheese, carrot/celery sticks and dip
Yoghurt
Water, milk
Keeping food in the Lunchbox cool
Food poisoning occurs when bacteria in food have the right conditions to grow. Bacteria grow best when the temperature is between 5-60oC. To keep food in the lunchbox safe it is important that food is kept cool.
Use insulated bags as lunchboxes
Place ice bricks in lunch boxes
Place frozen drinks (water) in lunch box
Freeze suitable foods eg. Sandwiches, yoghurt
Store lunch in a cool area out of the sun
Reference: Nutrition Ready to go at OOSH
SUN PROTECTION
The Service recognises that it has a role in promoting sun safety practices for Educators/Staff,
children and families, and recognises its obligation to contribute to the health and wellbeing of children
and Educators/Staff through managing a healthy balance of UV exposure.
All children are required to wear a hat and sunscreen for outdoor play. Children without hats may only
play in a sun shaded or protected area. Please ensure that your child has a hat every day. We do
have spare hats available in case your child or their parent forgets their hat.
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MEDICATION
If your child needs to take medication during the vacation care program, you will be required to fill out
a medication administration form, sign it and inform a staff member. Only prescribed medication will
be given to your child. Over the counter medication will not be administered by staff. Do not leave any
medication in your child‘s bag.
Medication must be provided in its original container, which shows:
your child‘s name
the dose and frequency to be given
the date it was dispensed/expiry date
Staff will only administer medication in accordance with the information on the form you completed
and instructions on the container. A staff member with First Aid qualifications will administer the
medication. Another staff member will witness this.
If your child develops a high temperature whilst at the Service, ―Panadol‖ may have to be
administered. Parents will be contacted and will obtain consent to do so. Parents will have to confirm
consent to 2 staff members over the phone and you will be required to sign a medication form when
collecting your child.
Medical Emergency Management Plan
If your child suffers from a condition, which may escalate into a medical emergency, (e.g. asthma,
febrile convulsions, epilepsy), the parents must inform the Vacation care supervisor and staff about
the illness or allergy and its management BEFORE the commencement of the program.
HEALTH – ILLNESS OF A CHILD
Children must not attend vacation care unless they are able to cope adequately with group normal
care routines and activities. If your child is found unwell during the day, the parents will be contacted
and asked to take the child home.
The staff have a duty of care and must ensure the wellbeing and safety of all children at all times.
Sick children with contagious illness must not attend the service. Please notify staff if your child has
contracted a contagious illness or other health concern while attending the Service, i.e. Measles,
Chickenpox, Head Lice, etc.
The Service has adopted the Department of Health‘s regulations regarding the exclusion of children
with a contagious disease and exclusion of children who are not fully immunised.
A medical certificate must be presented to staff before a child can be re-accepted into the Service
after having a contagious disease.
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ACCIDENTS AT THE SERVICE
In the case of a minor accident, staff with current first aid will assess the injury and administer
appropriate first aid. In the event of a serious accident, you will be contacted and your child taken to
Prince of Wales Children‘s Hospital by ambulance if necessary – approval is requested on the
registration form for the Supervisor to act on medical advice given by the hospital.
If the parents cannot be contacted, staff will ring emergency numbers and an ambulance will transport
the child to the nearest hospital if deemed necessary. A staff member will accompany the child to the
hospital, and remain there until the parent or familiar adult arrives. Any fees incurred by an ambulance
will be covered by Botany Bay City Council‘s ambulance cover.
All accidents are recorded on an accident forms. The staff that witnesses the event records details of
how the accident happened, the injuries incurred and treatment provided. The parent is required to
sign the accident form after the staff member has discussed the incident with them.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Parents are required to sign their children in and out of the service each day, stating the time. It is
important that a staff member is advised of the arrival and departure of your children, for their own
safety.
Children will not be allowed to leave the centre with any person who does not have Parent
Authorisation. Written notification is required to allow another person to collect your child.
CHILDREN COLLECTED AFTER 6:00PM
All children must leave the Service prior to the closing time. Parents must be at the service at least
five (5) minutes prior to closing to exchange any necessary information with educators. Parents must
contact the Service if they are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances. Your child may only
be collected by the parent or a person nominated on your enrolment form.
Staff will endeavour to make contact with the parent/guardian. If no contact can be made, the
emergency contact will be contacted. If nobody can be found to come to the Service by 6:30pm, the
nearest Police Station will be notified for further action.
A late Collection fee will incur after 6:00pm - a penalty of $15.00 per 15 minutes or part thereof per
child. When a late fee is incurred, Child Care Benefit cannot be claimed for late collection of children
and it cannot be claimed as an out-of-pocket expense.
CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR
Botany Vacation Care Program aims to create an environment that cares for and promotes the
children‘s wellbeing, their involvement and participation, personal responsibility, respect for others and
cooperation.
Our guiding children‘s behaviour policy is based on guidance, redirection and a positive
reinforcement. We aim to guide rather than control the behaviour of the children in our care. We
believe learning appropriate behaviour is a developmental task like any other, although it is far more
complex, than any other skill a child will learn.
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The staff aims to provide a positive and consistent methods of behaviour management in partnership
with families. Children are encouraged to contribute to setting Service rules and discuss with staff the
reasons for these rules. Our policy aims to encourage self-control and regulation as well as the
enhancements of feelings of self worth.
As adults we need to evaluate our own behaviour, ensuring that we model positive social skills, e.g. in
negotiation, encouragement, kindness and empathy towards children, staff and families. Both children
and staff are expected to respond to, rather than react to situations.
Staff include children in the conflict resolution process by exploring alternatives to solving the conflict
and finding a solution that is acceptable to all. Guidance never involves punishment such as the
withdrawal from activities, food, or prolonged involvement in peer interactions. Any behaviour
concerns is always discussed and shared with the family and the staff member.
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
Children are welcome to bring their own plaything, such as, DS, PS3, balls and other games to
Botany Vacation Care for use during specific times of the day.
If your child brings a personal item to the Service, please remember that they are still the property and
responsibility of your child during that time. Botany Vacation Care will not to accept liability for any
loss or damage that may occur.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Botany Vacation Care builds and sustains a strong sense of belonging and connection between
families and their community. Families are encouraged to participate in the programs, provide written
and verbal feedback, provide input into policy reviews, and provide input to educators about their
child‘s learning, interest and development so that it can be incorporated into the service program. As
well as visit the service at any time.
Botany Vacation Care encourages families to feel involved and to participate in the program. Talk to
the staff each day. Building a good relationship with the staff will help you and your child feel relaxed
while using the service.
Information about daily happening is on display every day to provide families with the opportunity to
be involved and disuses the day with their children.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Sign attendance sheet on both your child‘s arrival at the Service and their
departure from the Service.
Read notice boards daily.
Inform staff if custody or access arrangements change.
Keep the Service up to date with any changes in address or employment details.
Always inform the staff if someone, other than those nominated will be collecting
your child.
Pay fees on your first day at the Service.
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Ensure your child brings a sunhat to the Service each day and is appropriately
dressed to attend the Service. For example; closed in shoes, no singlet tops etc.
Ensure that your child has enough food and drinks to last them the whole day.
Remind your child that any personal items that they choose to bring to the Service
are their responsibility. Staff accepts no responsibilities for these items.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SERVICE USERS
The Services are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all
service users through appropriate interactions. This code of conduct relates to the behaviour of adults
- parents/guardians, educators, volunteers or visitors when visiting our Services.
The following behaviours will not be accepted or tolerated:
Swearing/ offensive language
Yelling
Aggression i.e. slamming doors, throwing equipment
Violence
Harassment
Discrimination
Vilification
Bullying
Defamation
Ignoring or abusive behaviours
Other anti-social behaviours
Management reserves the right to take appropriate action in order to provide a safe and protective
environment for all service users, staff and children, including withdrawing or denying services to any
group or individual in breach of the Code of Conduct for Service Users.
Complaints Management
Our Services aim to ensure that a good working relationship is maintained, free from unresolved
conflict between families and educators/staff. We encourage feedback as it keeps us accountable and
is an important approach to continuous improvement to learn and continue to provide a Service that
meets our families and children‘s needs.
There is a formal procedure for the settling of concerns that may arise for families in Children‘s
Services.
The procedure for parent/ guardians to find resolution of any concern is as follows:
In the first instance all concerns should be addressed to the Service Nominated Supervisor, who will
also inform the Children‘s Services Coordinator. The Service Nominated Supervisor will attempt to
resolve the issue with the Parent/Guardian.
If a parent/guardian feels that their concerns have not been reasonably addressed
or that an unsatisfactory situation persists, they will be referred to the Children‘s
Services Coordinator.
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If the matter is still not resolved to the parent/guardians satisfaction they will be
referred to the General Manager or the delegate Deputy General Manager.
An accurate record will be kept of all interviews conducted and families provided
with a copy of the record. All parties are required to respect confidentiality of the
issues raised and maintain a respectful relationship.
Any complaints made in writing will receive a written response within a reasonable
timeframe.
Parents/Guardians for culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have the
right to discuss their complaint with the use of the Telephone Interpreter Service
(TIS); in the presence of an interpreter, or with the use of Council‘s language
aides where necessary.
All complaints concerning child protection matters will be investigated in
accordance with relevant legislation. The Approved Provider will be informed and
the Service will report this allegation to the Department of Education and
Community Services (DEC).
Parent/Guardians will be advised at enrolment that any complaint involving child
abuse (verbal, physical, sexual, psychological) or suspected abuse must be
considered very serious. Educators are legally obliged to report any such
allegation to the Department of Families and Communities, and further
investigation may be required. If the allegation is against a staff member this will
be thoroughly investigated and appropriately reported according to legislation and
Service policy.
In general, when there is a grievance between the Service and parent/guardians,
either party has the right to have another person present for purposes of
objectivity and or support at the meetings and discussions.
Feedback from Families
The Service welcomes family feedback, ideas and or concerns. Parent/guardian feedback and
suggestions assist us in providing our families and community with a Service that strives for
excellence in meeting their needs.
Should there be something you are concerned about or would like to see improved it is requested that
you follow our feedback procedure:
Organise a mutually convenient time to meet with the Service Nominated
Supervisor to discuss your concern, or;
Complete a Parent Feedback Form and forward this to the Nominated Supervisor.
The Nominated Supervisor will then organize a time to discuss this concern with you. If you are not
comfortable discussing the issue with the Service Nominated Supervisor please contact the Children‘s
Services Coordinator on 9366 3875.
If you are still not satisfied with the way your concern was handled you may write to Botany Bay City
Council‘s General Manager, PO BOX 331, MASCOT NSW 1460.
Should the communication process breakdown; alternative care or exclusion from Councils Children‘s
Services may result.
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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE FLOWCHART
If unresolved, discuss concern /
complaint with Centre Director or
Responsible Person at the service.
If unresolved, contact the Children Services Coordinators 9366 3875
Complaint
Resolved
If unresolved, contact the Deputy General Manager 9366 3666
NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate Department of Education and Communities Locked Bag 5107 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 Phone: 1800 619 113 Fax: 8633 1810 Website: www.det.nsw.edu.au Email: eced@det.nsw.edu.au
If appropriate, discuss complaint /
concern with educator concerned
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REFERENCES AND USEFUL WEBSITES
City of Botany Bay www.botanybay.nsw.gov.au
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
www.deewr.gov.au/childcarehandbook
NSW Department of Education and Communities. www.det.nsw.edu.au.
NSW Children’s Health Australia. www.health.nsw.gov.au
Department of the Officer of the Privacy Commissioner NSW Privacy Act www.privacy.gov.au
The Australian Government Family Assistance Website www.familyassist.gov.au
“My Child” website www.mychild.gov.au
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority www.acecqa.gov.au
Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Bill 2010
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.
DEEWR (2009) Belonging Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.
Botany Vacation Care Parent Handbook Page | 19
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 - EXCLUSION AND SYMPTOMS GUIDELINES
APPENDIX 2 – NATIONAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE
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APPENDIX 1 EXCLUSION AND SYMPTOMS GUIDELINES
Source: ―Staying Healthy - Preventing Infectious Disease in Early Childhood Education and Care
Services 5th Edition‖. National Health and Medical Research Council, 2013
Condition Exclusion of case Exclusion of contacts*
Campylobacter infection Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion for 24 hours** Not excluded
Candidiasis (thrush) Not excluded Not excluded
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
infection Not excluded Not excluded
Conjunctivitis
Exclude until discharge from the eyes has
stopped, unless a doctor has diagnosed
non-infectious conjunctivitis
Not excluded
Cryptosporidium Exclude until there has not been a loose
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
Fungal infections of the skin or
nails (e.g. ringworm, tinea)
Exclude until the day after starting
appropriate antifungal treatment Not excluded
Giardiasis Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion for 24 hours** Not excluded
Glandular fever
(mononucleosis, Epstein Barr
virus [EBV] infection)
Not excluded Not excluded
Hand, foot and mouth disease Exclude until all blisters have dried Not excluded
Haemophilus influenzae type b
(Hib)
Exclude until the person has received
appropriate antibiotic treatment for at
least 4 days
Not excluded. Contact a public health unit
for specialist advice
Head lice (pediculosis)
Not excluded if effective treatment begins
before the next day at the education and
care service. The child does not need to be
sent home immediately if head lice are
detected
Not excluded
Hepatitis A
Exclude until a medical certificate of
recovery is received and until at least 7
days after the onset of jaundice
Not excluded. Contact a public health unit
for specialist advice about vaccinating or
treating children in the same room or
group
Hepatitis B Not excluded Not excluded
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Hepatitis C Not excluded Not excluded
Herpes simplex (cold sores,
fever blisters)
Not excluded if the person can maintain
hygiene practices to minimise the risk of
transmission. If the person cannot comply
with these practices (e.g. because they are
too young), they should be excluded until
the sores are dry. Sores should be covered
with a dressing, where possible
Not excluded
Human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV)
Not excluded. If the person is severely
immune compromised, they will be
vulnerable to other people’s illnesses
Not excluded
Human parvovirus B19 (fifth
disease, erythema infectiosum,
slapped cheek syndrome)
Not excluded Not excluded
Hydatid disease Not excluded Not excluded
Impetigo
Exclude until appropriate antibiotic
treatment has started. Any sores on
exposed skin should be covered with a
watertight dressing
Not excluded
Influenza and influenza-like
illnesses Exclude until person is well Not excluded
Listeriosis Not excluded Not excluded
Measles
Exclude for 4 days after the onset of the
rash Immunised and immune contacts are
not excluded
For non-immunised contacts, contact a
public health unit for specialist advice. All
immune compromised children should be
excluded until 14 days after the
appearance of the rash in the last case
Meningitis (viral) Exclude until person is well Not excluded
Meningococcal infection Exclude until appropriate antibiotic
treatment has been completed
Not excluded. Contact a public health unit
for specialist advice about antibiotics
and/or vaccination for people who were
in the same room as the case
Molluscum contagiosum Not excluded Not excluded
Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes
down (whichever is sooner) Not excluded
Norovirus Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion or vomiting for 48 hours Not excluded
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Exclude until 5 days after starting
appropriate antibiotic treatment, or for 21
days from the onset of coughing
Contact a public health unit for specialist
advice about excluding non-vaccinated
and incompletely vaccinated contacts, or
antibiotics
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Pneumococcal disease Exclude until person is well Not excluded
Roseola Not excluded Not excluded
Ross River virus Not excluded Not excluded
Rotavirus infection Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion or vomiting for 24 hours** Not excluded
Rubella (German measles) Exclude until fully recovered or for at least
4 days after the onset of the rash Not excluded
Salmonellosis Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion for 24 hours** Not excluded
Scabies Exclude until the day after starting
appropriate treatment Not excluded
Shigellosis Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion for 24 hours** Not excluded
Streptococcal sore throat
(including scarlet fever)
Exclude until the person has received
antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours
and feels well
Not excluded
Toxoplasmosis Not excluded Not excluded
Tuberculosis (TB)
Exclude until medical certificate is
produced from the appropriate health
authority
Not excluded
Contact a public health unit for specialist
advice about screening, antibiotics or
specialist TB clinics
Varicella (chickenpox)
Exclude until all blisters have dried—this is
usually at least 5 days after the rash first
appeared in non-immunised children, and
less in immunised children
Any child with an immune deficiency (for
example, leukaemia) or receiving
chemotherapy should be excluded for
their own protection. Otherwise, not
excluded
Viral gastroenteritis (viral
diarrhoea)
Exclude until there has not been a loose
bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded
Worms
Exclude if loose bowel motions are
occurring. Exclusion is not necessary if
treatment has occurred
Not excluded
* The definition of ‗contacts‘ will vary according to the disease—refer to the specific fact sheet for more
information.
** If the cause is unknown, possible exclusion for 48 hours until the cause is identified. However,
educators and other staff who have a food handling role should always be excluded until there has not
been a loose bowel motion for 48 hours.
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Source: Immunise Australia
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/5403D77C07E1
973ACA257D49001E3775/$File/nips.pdf
Accessed: September 2015
APPENDIX 2 – NATIONAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Botany Vacation Care Parent Handbook Page | 24
Source: Immunise Australia
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/5403D77C07E1
973ACA257D49001E3775/$File/nips.pdf
Accessed: September 2015
Botany Vacation Care Parent Handbook Page | 25
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Prior to the commencement at the Service, it is a requirement that the Parent/s or Guardian/s
sign the form below.
Parent / Guardian
I _____________________________________________________(name) have read and
understand the information outlined in this Parent Handbook. In addition I am aware of The
City of Botany Bay Children Services Policy and Procedure Manual which outlines the terms
and conditions by which the Service operates. I understand I can get further details from the
Policy and Procedure Manual.
I acknowledge that the care and education of children in early childhood settings is a shared
responsibility between staff and families.
I understand that Council reserves the right to amend Children Services policies and
procedures from time to time in response to changes in regulations or laws and I understand
that I will be advised of any major policy or procedural changes.
Parent/Guardian (1) Parent/Guardian (2) Parent/Guardian (3)
Name: ____________________ Name: __________________ Name: __________________
Please print Please print Please print
Signed: ___________________ Signed: __________________ Signed: ________________
Date: _____________________ Date: ____________________ Date: __________________
Witness – Service Nominated Supervisor/ or Certified Supervisor
Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Please print
Signed: _________________________________________ Date: _____________________
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