Information hand Booklet Phone number: 0415908545

Email: info@autastic.com.au

Website address: www.autastic.com.au

Index

Introduction- Welcome

Philosophy

Management

Confidentiality

Our Goals

Vacation care program

What is provided?

What does my child need to bring

What not to bring

Hours of Operation

Enrolment and bookings

Fees

Child care rebate

50% child care rebate

Allowable absences

Jet payment

Late fees

Public holidays

Family communication pockets

Staffing

Centre Policies

Policy Manual

Positive Guidance (behavior management)

Attendance policy

Immunisation Policy

Medication policy

Sickness policy

Accident policy

First aid policy

Sun protection policy

Grievance policy

Emergency procedures policy

Lost property policy

Feedback policy

Welcome

Renee Moller and Bianca Griffiths (owners) welcome you all to Autastic vacation care.

We look forward to a happy and rewarding partnership with you and your family whilst providing a fun and caring

environment for your child.

Autastic is a new vacation care organisation specifically designed for Autistic children, (children on the spectrum), aged

from 5- 12 years.

We have both lived with Autism the past 8 years. Together we recognised that in today’s society more and more children

are being diagnosed with Autism. Families still need to juggle their families and working lives. After a lot of research from

talking to parents, Facebook post and having a child of my own with Autism, we noticed the central coast was demanding

the need for a place for these children to go in the school holidays.

We are both passionate about improving opportunities for children with Autism and their families by establishing a service

that would make a difference.

“Do you have or know a child living with Autism?

“A child that feels trapped inside their world”.

They want to feel secure, safe, have fun, be themselves, feel relaxed, in a structured space, feel more confident and build

lasting friendships. The Autastic program has a ‘yes’ we can do anything approach and meets all their needs.

We aspire greater things, encourage people to dream, we seek opportunities and focus on strengths. We are passionate

about people about being positive and what’s possible.

Being open, honest and sincere about what’s possible builds trust, confidence and belief in our children, in our vacation

center and our future.

Most of all we believe that Autastic is a beautiful place where children not only feel wonderful and important but where the

environment shows children that they can be anything they want to be with little imagination…,.

We are about to make a difference………………….

“Come and visit us a place of opportunity”.

Philosophy

Autastic believes that providing a supportive, loving, fun and welcoming environment forms the foundation of our policy.

We believe that middle childhood is the most important stage of development.

Aim: Provide the best possible opportunities for children living with Autism.

Programming: We will support children in all aspects of child development through the guidelines of “my time, our place”.

We will work to develop children’s play skills, thinking, and reasoning, decision making, problem skills, self-help skills and

assist with different forms of communication tools.

We will provide a program that is very structured and routine base for the needs of Autistic Children. We will develop a

program that supports each child’s individual capabilities, interests and treats all children with dignity and respect.

We will encourage a spirit of warmth and respect between the parents, the children and their educators.

We acknowledge that the families, children, educators and the community are ever changing and therefore ongoing review

and evaluation is required to creating a service that is responsive to these needs.

Positive behaviour will be encouraged through clear and consistent guidelines discipline techniques that clearly reinforce

the centers expectations.

Children: The environment is a safe and emotionally secure setting where children are free to explore, socialise and expand

their minds using a variety of experiences, resources, learning tools and different forms of communication.

We provide an environment where parents feel that they are able to leave their children in our care and know that they are

safely cared for and have all their needs met.

Educators: We will provide staff that are training, qualified and experienced working with children with Autism. We offer a

1:3 ratio of care.

We will create an enthusiastic and positive atmosphere for employees who encourage personal initiative and cooperation.

Team work and effective communication are essential requirements for positive outcomes. We aim to:

Respect and value relationships educators build with children and families.

We will ensure all workers are aware off all expectations and duties

We will provide ongoing training and development.

Community:

We will strive to be seen as a service of excellence within our community, a service which values community involvement,

a service where community resources are utilised effectively, to enhance the growth and development of individual

children, families and staff.

To ensure the cultural diversity of the community is valued and respected

Families:

We acknowledge families are the most important and influential aspect in the lives of young Autistic children and the

significance of their relationships cannot be underestimated. We aim to:

Encourage parents to become involved in and contribute to the program whenever they are able to.

We will provide opportunities for information, advice and support for families

We will ensure families feel welcomed and valued

We will encourage family involvement in decisions on policy and programming issues

We believe that working in partnership with families is central to ensuring continuity and progression in child’s learning,

development and future success.

Our Goals

Provide the best possible opportunities for children living with Autism by:

Autastic goals are based on the outcomes- “My time our place” framework for school age children.

OUTCOME 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

OUTCOME 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

OUTCOME 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

OUTCOME 4: Children are confident and involved learners

OUTCOME 5: Children are effective communicators

Management

The Management of Autastic vacation care program is run by two parents who have lived with Autism the past 8 years.

Renee Moller, Director/Child care services

Bianca Griffiths, Director/Business and Marketing

Autastic was officially formed in April 4th 2014.

The center is run according to the new national Quality framework for early childhood Education and care. ACECQA is the

Australian children’s Education and care quality Authority which is the national body responsible for providing insight of the

new system and ensuring consistency of approach.

The management decides matters of policy, fees, staffing and all matters relating to the smooth running of the vacation

care center.

This service is registered with the department of human services, community Services under the children’s services

regulation 2014 (ooshc).

Autastic is a registered member of the National Childcare Accreditation Council and Strives to meet the highest possible

standards in care.

Family input into the management and operation of the center is respected and our policies and procedures will be

reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Confidentiality

The following principles in regards to confidentiality apply:

All personal information will be treated confidentially

Educators and staff will not disclose any personal details to others

Educators and staff are mandatory in regards to risk, neglect or abuse and must comply with the regulations as

outlined by the department of family and community services.

Educators and staff are required to read and sign a confidentiality contract.

Priority of access

Autastic will ensure that parents and children have access to quality care that is appropriate for their needs, regardless of

income, social, religious or cultural background, gender or abilities. We primarily provide for Autistic children only aged 5

years to 12 years.

All enrolments are subject to adherence to family and community services directive re. Priority of access for all vacation

care places.

PRIORITY 1: Children at risk of serious abuse or neglect

PRIORITY 2: A child of a single mum who satisfies, or of a parent who both satisfy the work- training- study test under

section 14 of the (childcare management System –CCMS)

PRIORITY 3: Any other children

Within these three main categories priority should also be given to the following children:

Children in Aboriginal and Torres strait islanders families

Children in families which include disabled person- Special needs.

(The Australian funded inclusion support program can offer assistance)

Children in families on low incomes

Children in families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Children in a socially isolated families

Children of single parent.

Staffing

Our Staff at Autastic are dedicated, enthusiastic team of childcare professionals who together have the knowledge, training

and experience to provide your child with the highest quality in recreation, education and care.

Autastic is owned- managed by Bianca Griffiths and Renee Moller

Renee Moller coordinates Autastic, has a Diploma in early child care services and who has been in the childcare industry

since 1997.

Bianca Griffiths- Financial, human resources manager and secretary.

All our staff at Autastic vacation care program will have a working with children check done and have been employed on

the basis of their individual merits and experience in the field of childcare and working with special needs. Every shift has a

nominated- certified supervisor who is trained in first aid, asthma management and the use of an epipen.

Staffing at Autastic vacation care is in a ratio of 1:3 and usually consists of:

1 Diploma of community services(children services)

Child care workers as required per the ratio.

Autistic will be set up with:

1 Diploma of community services( children services)

3 child care workers to 9 Autistic children.

Max children in one day 40

Educators attend regular staff meetings to discuss programming and activities. Educators attend regular training regarding

the latest issues arising in the vacation care environment

Vacation care Program

Autastic is a vacation care program set up around the Autistic world. Our vacation program runs in conjunction with the

school holiday periods. Our program is very structured and routine base to meet the needs of Autistic children. It is a place

designed like their home environments.

Program

We have designed 4 specific rooms. In each room there will be 3 workers to a max of 10 children.

Room 1: Fitness Room

Indoor sports games, group games, climbing, swings, tunnels, hammocks

Room 2: Play room- open plan- school setting

Dramatic play, craft, drawings, constructions, books

Room 3: Sensory room

Including the 5 senses- smell, touch, taste, sight and listening

Room 4: Media Room

This room is set up with I pods, computers, play stations, television, videos, listening posts.

All children will rotate from room to room. Outdoor play, nature garden walks around school and outdoor playground will

also be incorporated into the daily routine. We will not be taking children out of their familiar environment. No excursions

will be taking place at Autastic.

Autastic will from time to time bring excursions to the center. I.e.: Animal’s farms, soccer programs shows, and much

more. All activities will be based around the children’s interests.

What does my child need to bring

Children bring a back pack, sun hat, and change of clothes in case of accidents. Please label all items clearly.

Pack a nutritious lunch in a lunch box with an ice brick. Morning tea and afternoon tea and drink bottle.

Please remember Nuts free policy. Children attending the center have life threatening allergies.

No high fat or sugary foods will be allowed. Water is always available and easily assessable to your child.

Children can bring a comforter or sensory toys if need.

What not to bring

To ensure a happy day for all children please do not allow your child to bring expensive items such as hand held games, I

pods or other electronic devices. The center will not be responsible for lost or broken items. However we do provide all or

most of these devices at our center.

Enrolment and bookings

A booking form is required to be filled out. When approved days a Total amount is payable to secure your spots. Childcare

benefits will be adjusted and paid back to you ASAP.

Pick up extra days and changes of days will be accepted only if there are days available. We won’t accept children who just

turn up on the day. At least 24 hour notice of cancellation is required otherwise full fees will be charged.

An enrolment form needs to be completed for new enrolments and up dated as arise. Parents need to inform the center if

any changes in matters relating to emergency contacts, medication or allergies. Please provide photo of your child and

attach on form in space provided. Please provide us with an up dated copy of your child’s immunisation record for our files.

Hours of operation

Monday to Friday- 830am till 530pm

Opened School holidays only. Care is not provided on public holidays.

Fees

Autastic vacation care is open school holidays only. Closed public holidays.

Fees are payable at the beginning of each term holiday program Full fees will be charged unless 24 hours’ notice is given to casual bookings.

Two weeks’ notice must be given to cancel a vacation care day or full fees apply.

Statements detailing fees, child care benefit and payments will be issued each time your child attends school holidays and

distributed by email.

An Enrolment Fee of $30.00 is payable on enrolment and annually being charged each to hold your spot.

This administration fee is non-refundable and is payable in your first fee payment to the center.

The current fees are: Vacation Care - $150.00

All fees are to be paid by Direct Debit or we can accept cheque deposits into our account; the staff at the center cannot

accept other methods of payment. On enrolment, all families will be asked to fill out a Direct Debit account details

Direct Debit Authority Form as part of the enrolment conditions. Money will be automatically debited from the nominated account. Please do not hesitate to come and see the manager, if you are experiencing any difficulties in meeting your fee

commitments so that a suitable arrangement can be made. All fees that fall into arrears will incur a $10 fee.

AUTASTIC PTY LTD

NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK BSB: 082574

ACC: 846477611

Child Care Benefit Child Care Benefit (CCB) is available to all families who attend Autastic; this is administered through the Child Care

Management System (CCMS). CCB is a type of assistance offered by the Federal Government to assist families with the

costs of child care through the Family Assistance Office (FAO). CCB can be claimed either as a reduction in the weekly fee that you pay to the Centre or as a lump sum at the end of each quarter.

Regardless of which way you wish to receive your CCB, under CCMS you must provide your FAO reference number and date of birth along with the reference number and date of birth for your child. The attendance of your child is sent through

to the FAO electronically on a weekly basis. Family percentages and hourly entitlements are provided to us electronically and we cannot manually change any of these details. If you have more than one child in care but not at our Centre, you

must notify us in order to receive the multiple child rates as it does not automatically apply in the system.

If reference numbers are not provided and attendances need to be resubmitted in order for families to claim their lump sum, a $20 administration fee will be charged.

According to the guidelines we are required to follow as Child Care Benefit Providers, we are not able to claim CCB on a family’s behalf for the last two weeks of their enrolment if their child does not attend. This will mean that if a family gives

two weeks’ notice and does not return to the center for any reason, even sickness, that they will be required to pay full

childcare fees for this period. This will appear on the family’s statement as a ‘Termination Childcare Fee’. If the child attends on the last day of their enrolment CCB may be claimed for the full period, but not unless the child is actually in

attendance at the Centre that day. For further information regarding your CCB please contact the Family Assistance Office on 136150

50% Child Care Rebate

The 50% child care rebate covers 50% of your out-of-pocket child care expenses for approved child care, with a rebate of up to $7,500 (indexed) per child per year. Out-of-pocket expenses are the total fees you had to pay for child care

expenses for approved care, less the amount of Child Care Benefit you may have received. In order to be eligible for the

rebate, you must have been assessed for CCB. Even if you have a zero entitlement for CCB, you are still eligible for the Child Care Rebate. This rebate can now be paid directly to the Centre on a weekly basis, please contact the FAO for further

details.

Allowable Absences

Under CCMS, there will be provision for 42 absence days for each child per financial year which can be used for any reason and without any proof required. Additional absence days above the initial 42 days will be approved for permitted

circumstances. There will be no limit on the number of these additional absences that may be claimed if they are taken for

specific reasons and supporting documentation, where required, is provided. For further information regarding this, please

contact the FAO.

JET Payments

JET Child Care fee assistance helps with the cost of approved child care for eligible parents undertaking activities such as

work, job search, training, study or rehabilitation as part of an activity agreement, to help them enter or re-enter the workforce. If you are entitled to JET, please contact the FAO to link your child to our Centre and then provide a copy of

your letter with the details.

Late Fees

Autastic vacation care is licensed to care for 40 children between the hours of 830am-530pm Monday to Friday, School holidays. This means that all children must be collected and off the premises before 530pm.We understand that there may

be occasions where circumstances beyond your control may prevent you from arriving on time to collect your child and assure you that there will always be staff available to care for your child, however this will incur a late fee.

The late fee charged is $25.00 for the first five minutes or part thereof, then $1.00 for each minute following per child.

This fee will be charged to your account and is payable with your next fee payment. If you know you are going to be late collecting your child it would be appreciated if you could phone the Centre and notify

staff so they are aware of the situation and can relax your child if they show any concerns.

Public Holidays

The Centre will be closed on all public holidays: New Year’s Day (1st Jan) Australia Day (26th Jan) Anzac Day (25th April) Good Friday (Easter) Easter Monday Queen’s

Birthday (June)

Labour Day (October) Christmas Day (25th Dec) Boxing Day (26th Dec)

Family Communication Pockets

Each family that attends Autastic will have their own communication pocket into which Centre information will be placed,

including newsletters and fliers about upcoming events within the Centre.

Parents are also welcome to use these pockets as a means of distributing birthday invitations or other communications between themselves. At no time will any money be placed into these pockets.

Wherever possible we prefer to email so please fill in your email address on your child’s enrolment form or let your Supervisor know it so they can update your file.

Centre Policies

Autastic has developed, and reviews on a regular basis, a comprehensive set of policies and procedures, by which our

center operates. While our policies are not who we are, they are valuable information for you as parents as to what we do. Policies and Procedures have been developed using information and guidelines from a wide range of sources. These

sources where applicable are documented at the bottom of the relevant policies. Our policies cover all aspects of center operation from programming to health and safety, nutrition, communication,

Workplace Health & Safety, and so on and are reflective not only of the regulatory requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.

These policies are available for your perusal in the hall, and we recommend that you take the time to read through these

policies and procedures at your convenience to become more familiar with our Centre as partners in your child’s care and education. A copy of the policy manual may be borrowed from the center to read at home if you prefer. Please speak to

the Centre Director if you would like to take up this option. We appreciate any feedback families may like to offer with regards to our policies and procedures and are always keen to

reflect on, and evaluate our practice in an effort to provide a level of care and education that exceeds your expectations.

Positive Guidance (Behaviour Management)

Children will be encouraged at all times to show respect for each other and for the environment around them. Through positive communication with the children on a developmentally appropriate level, the children will become familiar with the

limits and expectations for their behaviour.

Autastic will include the child & family in decisions to ensure that any positive practices chosen will be individually tailored to each Autistic child and their specific circumstances.

The following strategies will be applied consistently by Autastic managers and other employees:

Build child’s self-esteem – a Autistic child who feels worthwhile is less likely to exhibit challenging behaviour and will

enjoy better relationships with others Acknowledge good behaviour

Be fair and consistent when applying rules –Child lose respect and trust if they think discipline is random, unfair and

punitive Handle conflict calmly

Teach by example Show care, concern and good intentions

Autastic will only endorse the use of practices which are designed to ensure that Autistic child with challenging

behaviors are treated with respect and dignity, and will not use unlawful or prohibited practices.

Behavioral expectations and child rearing practices vary greatly among different cultures and social groupings, therefore our services consider the families using the service. We aim to use a positive approach to behaviour support so that it does

not impair self-esteem, but allows the child to feel capable and competent, encouraging their independence and ability to

interact with others. It praises and acknowledges caring, cooperative and desirable behaviour

Refer to the Autastic Behaviour Support policy and procedures for further information on how employees guide children

behaviors in a positive way.

Where there are serious and ongoing behavioral issues, employees and Autistic Managers will work with parents/guardians

and other services to implement appropriate plans.

Partnerships with family and community links

Autastic knows the relationships between employees and families are crucial to a child wellbeing, development and progress. Families do not exist in isolation and Autastic recognises the importance of the community and developing strong

linkages within our local communities.

We realise that for many working families time is limited and therefore we aim to provide a variety of opportunities for

families to participate according to their availability.

Some of the ways in which families can become involved:

Completing surveys

Input into the weekly program and policies and procedures Spending time with the children at the Centre

Completing service forms as detailed as possible

Responsiveness to families and carers

Autastic employees should liaise with whoever drops off and picks up the Child at the service to identify particular needs of the child that day and provide (and receive) feedback.

Sharing information with the parents/guardian about their child’s day and what they enjoyed doing is perhaps the best way to reunite a tired child and a tired parents/guardian (e.g. they really enjoyed the craft today or they had a great time with

the soft play blocks).

The organisation provides both formal and informal mechanisms to facilitate communication between those with an interest in the child’s well-being. This may include communications between some or all of the following: child;

parents/guardians or other significant family member of the Child; teacher; counsellor; principal; representative of a relevant government, welfare, health or other authority. All of the above activities will be implemented in a manner that is

appropriate to the organisation, it’s clients and the community and with regard to the relevant legislative requirements that

apply to the organisation and the people within its care.

Autastic issues surveys to all employees, service users and their carers with;

We aim to use a positive approach to behaviour support so that it does not impair self-esteem, but allows the child to feel capable and competent, encouraging their independence and ability to interact with others. It praises and

acknowledges caring, cooperative and desirable behaviour.

Refer to the Autastic policies for further information on how employees guide Childs behaviors in a positive way.

Attendance policy

Management will monitor the daily attendance and absence of child by maintaining a sign in/out register for your child at

Autastic Parents/guardians (or employees receiving child on behalf of transport providers) are required to sign child in and

out of the premises using the attendance sheets. Child that do not attend the Centre are to be noted as absent by

employees.

In the event of an emergency the attendance record is used to account for all children in the Centre. Failure to sign the

attendance sheets daily will jeopardise your child care benefit and your child’s position at the Centre.

Child can only be collected by individuals authorised by the family. Identification may be requested if the individual collecting the child is not familiar to the employees at the Centre. At the conclusion of the day the sign in/out sheets are

reviewed and an inspection of sites conducted to ensure no child remain on the premises.

Unexplained absences will be followed up in an appropriate manner with the child and/or their parents/guardians.

Attendance documentation is stored and archived as per the organisations.

Immunisation Policy All children enrolling into Autastic Vacation care must provide evidence of immunisation. Parents or guardians must

provide:

An Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) Immunisation History Statement which shows that their child is up to date with their scheduled immunisations, or;

An ACIR- Immunisation Exemption - Medical Contraindication Form (IMMU11) which has been certified by an

immunisation provider.

These forms need to be signed by the doctor/immunisation provider and lodged with Medicare and a copy provided by the

parent to the vacation care on enrolment.

Children who are not able to be immunised, due to medical reasons or health conditions, needs to fill in a form stating this. NSW Health may ask for them to be excluded from the Centre during an outbreak.

Please note that all contagious illnesses require a Doctor's clearance before your child can return to the Centre. Where the

Director feels that the child does not appear to be fit to return to the Centre, the Director has the discretion to overrule the

Doctor’s clearance. The Director must take into consideration the health and safety of all children and staff within the

service and the duty of care to those other children and staff.

Medication Policy

Medication cannot be administered to a child without a signed permission note from the parents/guardians. The processes

around this are detailed in the Medication Management policies and procedures. It is essential that the medication form is

filled out and documentation regarding medication and specific medical plans are maintained at Autastic. If your child is

taking medication a daily medication form or asthma plan needs to be filled out at time of enrolment.

The following procedures must be observed.

Medication must not be sent with the child, an adult must hand medication to nominated –certified supervisor. Medication cannot be administered to a child without a signed permission note from the parents/guardians.

Medication forms must be filled out and signed by the parent

The forms need to be sign off by the nominated certified supervisor with the time and date of dosage given to the child. This process will also be witnessed by another certified supervisor.

Medication must be fully labelled with your child’s name on it in the original packaging from your doctor. (Including instructions from your pharmacist.) It is the responsibility of the person collecting the child to ask for the medication.

No medication will be given to a child to take home.

Children will not be given medication that is prescribed for another person.

The processes around this are detailed in the Medication Management policies and procedures. It is essential that documentation regarding medication and specific medical plans are maintain.

Sickness Policy We aim to provide a safe and hygienic environment that will promote the health of the children.

Unfortunately Autastic is not equipped to care for children who are sick, and therefore request that if your child is not well that they do not attend the Centre. This is not only to minimise cross infection, but also because we are not able to give

the kind of one on one care a sick child needs and deserves.

If you need to keep your child at home because of illness please notify the Centre, especially if your child is suffering from an illness that may be infectious to others, such as chickenpox etc.

If your child becomes ill whilst in our care every effort will be made to keep him/ her comfortable until you are able to collect them.

We will consider your child is unwell when they are:

Sleeping at unusual times or lethargic

crying consistently from discomfort Vomits or has diarrhea

Needs one on one care Has an infectious disease

Has fever over 38 degrees. During a fever other methods will be employed to bring the CYP’s temperature down until

the parents/guardians arrive or help is sought. Such methods include: clothes removed as required, clear fluids given, tepid sponges administered.

If a child’s temperature is very high, cannot be brought down and parents/guardians cannot be contacted, the child’s doctor will be contacted and permission sought to give paracetamol. If the situation becomes serious or an ambulance

will be called.

However it is important that you try and arrive at the Centre as soon as possible to take your child home, especially if they

are suffering from a temperature and/or vomiting or diarrhea, in an effort to minimise cross infection. Please ensure that you have listed two emergency contacts with us that we can reach if you are not able to pick your child

up, in the event of your child becoming ill or having an accident. Ideally, these people should be local and be able to collect your child.

Infectious diseases requiring exclusion from the Centre Disease Length of time

Acute Conjunctivitis until Symptoms have stopped

Until all discharge from the eye has ceased

Clear fluids should be given from the first symptoms

Diarrhea for 24

Gastroenteritis Hours. If symptoms persist the child should be isolated and checked by a doctor

Febrile condition

Chicken pox At least 7 days from appearance of rash- spots

Measles At least 5 days from first appearance of rash

Rubella At least 5 days from first appearance of rash

Mumps At least 10 days from when the swelling appears

Diphtheria until a doctor’s certificate is produced

Whooping cough for at least 3 weeks

Glandular fever until fully recovered and a doctors certificate is

produced

Infectious Hepatitis Until a doctors certificate is produced

Any child with a temperature o=above 37.5C

consistent for 2 hours

Must be checked by a doctor and a certificate

produced.

Accident If a child is involved in an accident, a trained first aid educator will attend the child and all first aid procedures will be

followed. If the child requires medical attention the following procedures will apply:

The parents- carers or contact person will be phoned An ambulance will be called if needed

The child’s enrolment form will be taken with the educator to the doctor or hospital The educator will stay with the child until the parent- carers arrive.

The educator will compile a written report as soon as possible and notify ACECQA if required.

Parents and carers are asked to fill in an accident and incident form. On enrolment an agreement is obtained in writing from the adult responsible for the child to allow the staff to seek medical

attention if required.

First aid First aid equipment and facilities are available to all employees, children and visitors in the centre. Some employees will be

required to undertake first aid training as part of their conditions of employment.

At Autastic:

A minimum of one employee present at all times will be qualified in first aid and their first aid qualification will be current.

A fully stocked and updated first aid kit will be kept in the designated locked and secured place in the Centre. Employees

are to ensure that this is easily accessible to all employees and kept inaccessible to the children.

For safety reasons it is not appropriate to use ice-packs in these services, instead a frozen pack of peas will be kept in the

freezer for treatment of bruises and strains.

One employee each month will be designated the duty of maintaining the kits to ensure that they are fully stocked, and

that all items are within the use by date. This will be documented each month.

Employees, through their site induction, will be aware of the first aid kit, where it is kept and their responsibilities in relation to it in the orientation process.

Sun hat

Employees are encouraged to wear clothing which provides protection from the sun. Children and employees are encouraged to wear hats at all times when outside.

A supply of sunscreen is maintained at the centers and is available for use by all children, employees and volunteers. Alternatively, any person can provide their own sunscreen.

Permission through annual enrolment forms obtains consent that sunscreen be applied to child.

Grievance Policy

Families are encouraged at all times to speak to management about any issues as they arise so that they can be addressed

as soon as possible, and in turn may prevent them becoming a major concern. We appreciate feedback whether it is in a positive or negative light and would prefer families came forward to raise concerns if they feel that the Centre could be

better meeting their needs. All comments will be considered and handled appropriately as determined by management.

The Centre has a "Compliments, Comments and Complaints" box located in the foyer so that families, visitors and staff can

write their thoughts (anonymously if preferred). A Compliments, Comments and Complaints Form will be available for this purpose.

The Supervisor will empty this box daily and will address any feedback obtained as soon as possible. If you have a serious concern about any aspect of the Centre it is encouraged that you contact the management

immediately to discuss these concerns. A meeting can be set up as soon as it is mutually possible for all parties involved

where these issues can be discussed in depth. You can call Renee 41598545 or Bianca 43218391 or email to info@austastic.com.au

Emergency Procedures

Emergency evacuation procedures e.g. fire, are displayed at the Centre. Our employees are trained to deal with such emergencies and at regular intervals emergency evacuation drills are practiced with the children. Refer to the Emergency

policy and procedure for further information on emergency procedures.

Lost Property

Please try and label all of your child's belongings including their bags and clothing clearly. All labelled items which are found can be returned swiftly or will be placed in a basket at the front door. Please let staff know as soon as you think you

may have lost something and this will make it a lot easier to identify and locate the item. A lost property basket will be located in the foyer for all unlabeled items. If after a reasonable period of time items have

not been claimed, they will either be used at the Centre for spares, or will be donated to a local charity.

All children will be encouraged to be responsible for their belongings, and to store their belongings in either their locker or their bag.). In the event that you are still not satisfied with the outcome of these discussions, you may contact the local

Department of Education and Communities, who will discuss this issue with you and also may contact the Centre to find out any further background information and to ensure that the required standards of quality care are being met.

Feedback

Autastic encourages feedback from families both positive and constructive. If families have any concern with the running of the service, they are encouraged to approach the supervisor so a solution can be fixed. Also fill out a grievance form. All

complaints will be formally acknowledged by the management. Meetings are held after each school holiday term. Please feel free to use the feedback book that is displayed at the sign in sign out area.