new family handbook - wordpress.com · 2017. 11. 1. · family handbook double bay public school...

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FAMILY

HANDBOOK

www.dboosh.org

Double Bay Public School

William Street, Double Bay, NSW 2028

[email protected]

02 9362 4524

0466 323 644


Welcome to DBOOSH!

Double Bay Out of School Hours Inc. (DBOOSH) is a proudly community

owned and managed, out of school hours care centre for school children

aged 5-12.

Dboosh is an incorporated not-for-profit service overseen by a volunteer

Double Bay school parent association, where membership is inclusive of all

families registered with the centre. All profits are directed back into

supporting and improving the quality of service we provide.

We cater for up to 30 children in the morning, 75 children in the afternoon

and 45 children during vacation care. Throughout the school term period

children attending Double Bay Public School utilise our service and during

Vacation Care we accept enrolments from the wider community.

The objectives of Double Bay Out of School Hours Inc. as defined in our

constitution are:

a) To provide an out of school hours service (OSHC) which extends the play,

creative and community engagement opportunities for children in our local

community in their leisure time.

b) To collaborate with the local community and other agencies to address the

varying needs and issues of the children and their families who attend the service,

including children with a disability, children of different cultural, social, linguistic

and economic backgrounds and those in isolated circumstances, all within a

framework of social justice and reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander communities.

c) To promote and support the provisions of the United Nations Convention of

the Rights of the Child, in particular Article 12 (The Child’s Right to Express their

Opinion) and Article 31 (The Child’s Right to Play and Leisure opportunities).

1 Article 12: States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child 1 Article 31: States Parties recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.


Our Philosophy

We believe that Out of School

Hours Care should be a fun, inspiring

and supportive environment where each individual

feels welcome and is deserving of equal attention

and opportunities.

At DBOOSH, children are supported to engage

freely in play experiences in a natural and creative

way and to initiate or contribute ideas for the

centre program.

We value the role of parents in their children’s

lives and parents are encouraged to be involved

in issues that relate to them and their children

at the centre.

Our goal is to create an atmosphere that

offers acceptance, support and an environment

that nurtures the development and care of each

and every child.

At DBOOSH the safety of children in our care

is an absolute priority.


Centre Aims

To provide a friendly, caring and safe environment that will foster each

child’s growth and development.

To provide an environment that will foster each child’s self-esteem.

To foster the children’s independence and self-help skills.

To develop and implement a balanced program that is stimulating,

interesting and exciting and which will allow for opportunities for the

children to explore and develop new skills.

To help children to appreciate and care for each other and their

surroundings.

For children to enjoy themselves

Acknowledgement

Our centre is located on Gadigal land. The first people of this area were the

Aboriginal people of the Eora / Dharawal language group. At DBOOSH we

acknowledge, respect and celebrate the traditional owners of the land who

lived and worked in this area for many thousands of years.

Location

DBOOSH is located within the grounds of Double Bay Public School

overlooking Steyne Park on William Street, Double Bay.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday:

Before School Care 7.00am - 9.00am

After School Care 2.30pm - 6.30pm (Term 1 - Kindergarten only)

3.00pm – 6 .30pm

Vacation Care 7.00am - 6.30pm

Double Bay Out of School Hours Inc. is:

OPEN for NSW public school staff development days, as per the

Vacation Care hours

OPEN for Before and After School Care hours only on teachers’ stop

work days

CLOSED on public holidays

CLOSED over the January (Christmas) school holiday period*


Enrolment of your child

All new families must complete an enrolment form online and provide

supporting documentation requested prior to their enrolment being

accepted. Payment is via Hubdebit through your credit card or bank

account. Families are invoiced fortnightly and pay two weeks in advance. To

enrol please visit https://dboosh.hubworks.com.au/

If there are any changes to your personal information throughout the year,

please login to your Hubworks account and make the changes under the

enrolment form tab. It is crucial that we always have up-to-date information

for all families especially payment details.

For more information about our service, you can visit our website at:

http://dboosh.org/

New enrolments - How to enrol

1. Visit https://dboosh.hubworks.com.au/

2. If you are new to our service, click on “ENROL”

3. If a member of your family already attends the Service, and you

wish to add a sibling log in to your Hubworks account, click on the

enrolment form tab, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on

‘ADD CHILD”. Please ensure that you select the same ID number for

your new child as your child who currently attends to ensure your

family is billed on the same account. If you have lost your login

details please contact the Centre.

4. Click on all 3 services:

Vacation Care

Before School Care

After School Care

5. Fill in all the fields, including Direct Debit Request information,

medical records and dietary requirements.

6. Read the terms and conditions & complete the enrolment check

list before submitting. Additional documentation may be required.

Refer to document checklist on the “Booking Form”

7. If you are accepted by the service, you will receive a user name

and password.

8. You can log in to view the following:

Past bookings

Fees

Enrolment form notes for parents

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

On line enrolment form completed prior to submitting your “Booking

Form”

Booking form

Copy of birth certificate or passport as required

Copy of immunisation records as required

https://dboosh.hubworks.com.au/

http://dboosh.org/


SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST MEDICAL CONDITIONS

If your child has a medical condition

Please complete a Dboosh “Health Care Plan” form and provide a letter from

your doctor outlining your child’s condition and what signs and symptoms to

look for. Please provide any medication that may need to be administered

at Dboosh. If your child has a disability

Please complete a Dboosh “Health Care Plan” form and provide a letter from

your doctor outlining your child’s disability and what support strategies can

be applied. Please provide any medication that may need to be

administered to your child at Dboosh. If your child has anaphylaxis or has an allergy to food or anything else

Please provide an ASCIA Allergy Action Plan from your doctor. You will also

need to provide any medications your child may require at Dboosh (Epipen,

Clarytine)

An allergy requires medication whereas an intolerance has uncomfortable

side effects but does not require medication. All letters and health care plans

must be less than six months old. “Health Care Plan Forms” are available on

our website and at The Centre.

If your child has asthma

Please provide an Asthma Action Plan from your doctor. You will also need to

provide any medications your child may require at Dboosh (Ventolin, spacer)

RE ENROLMENTS

New enrolment forms are only required for children who are attending

Dboosh for the first time. Please keep your details up to date by logging into

your account at https://dboosh.hubworks.com.au. Please email The

Coordinator if your child’s medical or dietary needs change, or your family

arrangements change. Please ensure your payment details are kept up to

date.

THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS-CASUAL AND PERMANENT BOOKINGS

Casual bookings: To make a casual/emergency booking, you can

book via email, phone or in person with The Coordinator or Assistant

Coordinator. Please be aware spots aren’t guaranteed due to limited

space.

Permanent booking: Guarantees your child a spot at a cheaper rate. A

permanent booking will best suit you if you know you will need the

service regularly. To make a permanent booking please complete a

“Booking Form” If you wish to make a change to your permanent

booking during the year please complete a “Change of Booking/

Cancellation Form” available on the Dboosh website and at The

Centre. Changes to permanent bookings require two weeks’ notice.

https://dboosh.hubworks.com.au/


Even if your child/ren are absent, permanent bookings are payable unless

otherwise arranged and permitted by the centre Coordinator (e.g. school

camps, extended family holidays) Swapping permanent days within the same

week is not permitted. Any extra days attended will be charged at the casual

rate.

Annual registration Fee There is a registration fee of $50 per family to be paid

annually. This will be charged on your first account in 2018. Families

requesting separate accounts are required to pay a registration fee for each

family account.

All bookings must be made directly with centre staff - the school will not

accept bookings. It is also VITAL that you inform the school of any casual and

emergency bookings in order for class teachers to send children to the

Centre at 3pm.

If your child will not be attending the centre on any booked day, please

inform the centre prior to the anticipated arrival in person, via phone or by

email. If your child does not arrive the staff will commence contacting the

school, parents and/or emergency contacts.

If claiming Child Care Benefit, Parents should familiarise themselves with the

Australian Government policy on ‘Allowable Absences’ and supply

certificates regarding the absence to the centre within 5 working days.

To access your child’s absence record, view your child care attendance

online statement or for more information on childcare requirements please

go to www.centrelink.gov.au.

Vacation Care

DBOOSH runs a Vacation Care program each school holidays. Currently we

are open in December but closed in the January Christmas holiday period.

This is reviewed annually based on the needs of the families using our service.

The program is available in the weeks leading up to the holidays and priority

is given to Double Bay Public School children. Vacation Care enrolment is

separate from your enrolment into Before and After School Care. A separate

Vacation Care enrolment form must be completed for every school holiday

period. To enrol please complete:

Annual Enrolment Form if you are not currently using our Service

Vacation Care Booking Form - including the Permissions / authorisations

for excursions and booking section of the Vacation Care Form

Payments are made using HUBDEBIT. (All families must register with

HUBDEBIT). HUBDEBIT forms are found on the Enrolment Form on our website

www.dboosh.org and at the centre.

Please note that all children must attend the excursions if they are booked in

for excursion days. There are no refunds for vacation care cancellations so

please book carefully.

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/

http://www.dboosh.org/


Immunisations

The Public Health Amendment (Vaccination of Children Attending Child

Care Facilities)

Act 2013 began in January 1st 2014 and requires that all families provide

documentation detailing the status of their child/ren’s immunisation history. In

order to complete enrolment at our service, all families must provide

information that show your child:

Is fully vaccinated for their age

Has a medical reason not to be vaccinated

Has a conscientious objection, including religious beliefs, to

vaccinations

Is on a recognised catch-up schedule if their child has fallen behind

with their vaccinations

This amendment prevents our service from enrolling a child unless the

mandatory documentation is received. Upon enrolment of your child,

families must provide:

An Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) Immunisation

History Statement which shows that your child is up to date with their

scheduled immunisations

An ACIR** Immunisation Exemption Conscientious Objection Form

(IMMU12) which has been certified by an immunisation provider and

parent/guardian

An ACIR** Immunisaton Exemption - Medical Contraindication Form

(IMMU11) which has been certified by an immunisation provider

An ACIR** Immunisation History form on which the immunisation

provider has certified that the child is on a recognised catch-up

schedule

*These forms need to be signed by the doctor/immunisation provider and

lodged with Medicare and a copy provided to our service upon enrolment.

All forms are available at www.humanservices.gov.au under Immunising Your

Child.


About The National Quality Framework

My Time, Our Place - Framework for School Age Care in Australia is part of the

Council of Australian Government’s reform agenda for childhood education and

care and is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality

Framework for childhood education and care. It has been incorporated in the

National Quality Standard in order to ensure delivery of nationally consistent and

quality school age care across sectors and jurisdictions.

The Framework will ensure that children in school age care will have opportunities

to engage in leisure and play-based experiences which are responsive to the

needs, interests, and choices of the children attending the service and contribute

fully to their ongoing development.

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

You are enrolling in a regulated service that ensures a set of legislated

standards are maintained and the service is subject to regular checks from

the NSW Regulatory Authority and adhered to the National Quality

Framework ( NQF).

Our service is continuing to make improvements to ensure that we provide

the best quality service for all families. The last assessment of our service was

in October 2016. Our current Centre ratings are on display on our family

noticeboard at the Centre and on our website.


Policies & Procedures

The centre policies and procedures are developed based on current

recognised best practice in school age care and to meet current

government legislation. All policies are available to read in the parent

information area of the centre. Policies are reviewed every eighteen months

or as changes are made to legislation or accepted practice. Families are

welcome to make suggestions for improvements to policies or procedures.

These suggestions are submitted to the Management committee for

consideration based on recognised standards and legislation.

A comprehensive set of policies is available that cover:

Administration and Management

Facilities and Equipment

Staff

Health and Safety

Programming

Nutrition

Enrolment and orientation

Child Protection


Maintenance of Records

DBOOSH Inc maintains secure and accessible records for each child.

It is the parents/guardians responsibility to ensure that this information is

current.

All changes to the information provided should be directed in writing to the

Coordinator. The information provided to us remains confidential under the

terms of the Privacy Act and will not be disclosed unless required by law.

Maintenance of Privacy

Confidentiality is of utmost importance to us and we ask that in the event of

any perceived breach of privacy please speak to staff who will refer you to

the appropriate contact.

Staff members are not able to supply details of another child to a parent

unless identified as a contact on the enrolment form.

Fees

Our current fee schedule is available on our website and at the Centre.

Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate is available to families of low and

middle income and accessed through Centrelink. From July 2 2018 one new

streamlined child care subsidy will replace the current two subsidies. Details

will be sent direct to families by the Australian Government.

Annual registration fee

An annual registration fee of $50 is due for each family who requests an

account at the service. Families requesting separate accounts are required

to pay their own individual membership fee.

Late Collection Fees

DBOOSH closes at 6.30pm. We ask that you aim to collect you child by

6.15pm to ensure you have time to discuss your child’s day at Dboosh

with staff.

A late collection fee will be charged to all families who do not collect

their children before this time. Where a family is late more than three

times in a term their position at the centre will be reconsidered.

These fees are available on the “Enrolment Form” on our website

http://dboosh.org/ and our Family Noticeboard at the centre.

Late payment

If you miss more than two consecutive account payments your account will

be suspended until your payments are up to date.

http://dboosh.org/


Payments

DBOOSH relies solely on fee payment for the daily operation of the centre.

Prompt payment of fees and maintenance of up to date fees is critical for

our service viability. Method of payment is done using HUBDEBIT.

HHUBDEBIThIT

Where families select to pay their fees via direct debit from

their account or their credit card. These fees will be

deducted automatically on a fortnightly basis. You will

receive a copy of your invoice on Fridays and payments

will be processed on Mondays. Families are required to

pay two weeks in advance. Vacation Care fees are paid

prior to attendance.No cash sorry.

Online Account Access

Families are able to access their accounts online and edit their enrolment

details via our software HubWorks. This is a great way to keep ahead with

maintaining your account and usage of the service as well as keep our

records up to date. Should you wish to know more about this facility, please

see the Coordinator who will be happy to provide you with more information

and login details.

Accessing Financial Support with Fees

DBOOSH is an approved child care provider and families of low and middle

income who use our service are eligible to claim Child Care Benefit (CCB)

and Child Care Rebate (CCR).

The Australian Government Department of Human services is currently

developing a “New Childcare Package” for families which will mean that

childcare will be more affordable for most Australian families. There will be

one single streamlined payment paid directly to the service to supplement

fees paid by families. The new package will become effective on July 2nd

2018. For more information go to

https://www.education.gov.au/ChildCarePackage. Your fees are calculated

by Centrelink and not Dboosh.

Until 2nd July 2018

The Child Care Benefit is income tested based on the taxable combined

income of both parents. Families may choose to receive this benefit lump

sum payment at the end of the financial year or as reduced child care fees.

The Child Care Rebate covers 50 per cent of out-of-pocket child care

expenses for approved child care. If you have a high income you may still be

eligible for this rebate.

It is the parent’s responsibility to liaise with Centrelink to obtain the approvals

for subsidy. This includes application forms, which must be returned to a

https://www.education.gov.au/ChildCarePackage


Family Assistance Office (FAO). If the correct information is not provided to

the centre, the automated system for payment of the subsidy as a deduction

from fees will not be recognised and full fees will be charged until received.

The centre does not have any control over the subsidy paid.

We recommend that all families who use our service register with the Family

Assistance Office (FAO), even those not claiming the CCB or CCR. For more

information to register for the online service, families may call the FAO on

13 61 50 or online at www.familyassist.gov.au.

Our service is required to report all enrolment and attendance data to the

Australian Government via the internet to allow the calculation and payment

of subsidy for families.

Sign In / Out Procedures

It is required by law that all children are be signed in and out of the centre by

an authorised adult. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure their

children are signed in and out correctly.

AUTHORISED COLLECTORS

Children must not leave the centre except in the manner indicated on their

enrolment form. Alternative arrangements must be communicated to the

centre by families beforehand. A child under the age of 10 years will not be

permitted to leave the centre unless accompanied by a sibling or adult listed

as an Authorised Collector. When an unauthorised person is collecting your

child for the first time please notify the Centre in advance by email. Photo ID

of the new pickup person is required on the first collection day.

Families must notify the Centre of any custody arrangements or court orders

that impact the collection of children. Copies of court orders must be given

to the centre and any other information must be included on enrolment

forms. Staff are not legally able to stop a parent collecting a child if there is

no court order in place.

Our Staff

DBOOSH Inc. is staffed on ratios of 1 staff member to 15 children. On excursions there

is a maximum of 1 staff member to 8 children. On water excursions there is a ratio of

1 staff member per 5 children.

Our staff are employed for their energy, enthusiasm and skills in working with

school age children. In addition, no staff member is engaged without

providing a current working with children check. Our staff come from a wide

and varied range of professional backgrounds, bringing many skills to their

role in the centre. All staff members have current Senior First Aid certificates,

are trained in Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management as well as hold their

Child Protection qualifications. We are committed to ongoing professional

development of all staff and they are regularly invited to attend training to

develop their skills in school age care provision.


Personal Possessions

Children should not bring sweets, junk food, chewing gum or toys to the

centre. Possessions brought to school for school projects should be brought to

the staff’s attention so they can be stored safely. Staff are unable to take

responsibility for children’s clothing, toys or other personal possessions.

Tech equipment (Nintendos, iPhones, ipads, iPods, PSPs etc.) are not allowed

at school and are also not allowed at before or after school care. During

vacation care, we do designate one hour of tech play in the afternoon.

No responsibility will be taken for tech equipment brought into the service.

Management of Illness or Accidents

If your child has an accident or becomes ill while attending the service, the

following procedure is implemented:

The child is kept under adult supervision until the child recovers or until

the child’s parents/ guardians or other approved person takes charge

of the child

If the child requires immediate medical aid, all reasonable attempts

are taken notify the parent/ guardian of the accident

In the case of medication being required in an emergency without

prior consent of the parent/ guardian, every attempt is made to

secure consent.

In the case of serious injury requiring hospitalization, procedures for the

transportation of the child to a hospital are implemented

A record of children’s accidents where first aid is administered during

the program is kept until the child turns 24

The centre has ambulance cover for all children

Supporting your Child’s Health Needs

DBOOSH staff are trained to support the health care needs of all children. We

recommend families work with centre staff to develop health care plans for

children with illness. It is the responsibility of Families to keep Dboosh up to

date with any changes to their child’s medical or dietary needs. Families

need to provide updated health care plans annually.

Medication will not be administered to a child unless the child’s parents/

guardian has given written consent on a centre medicine authorisation form.

All forms are available from the centre so please see a staff member for

assistance.


SUN PROTECTION

DBOOSH Inc. is aligned with the SunSmart Policy as standard for all OSHC

services in NSW that is endorsed as SunSmart by Cancer Council NSW and

Network of Community Activities. We educate children about UV conditions

of 3 or above and how to best keep protected in these conditions. Our

centre generally relies on a combination of playing in the shade, wearing

appropriate hats and applying 30+ sunscreen. Families must provide their

own if your child/ren have sensitivities or allergies.

Our Approach to Programming

The centre aims to provide a stimulating environment for all children enrolled.

We program experiences to support their play and leisure. Children are free

to choose from one of the programmed activities or participate in their own

self directed activities and play experiences. We recognise the critical

importance of play for the healthy development of every child. Materials are

provided to support the development through play of creative thinking,

problem solving, motor skills and social/ emotional skills of every child.

The program provides activities to suit all ages and interests, both indoors and

outdoors. The daily program is displayed on the front door of the Centre. We

program a variety of art and crafts, sports, nature play, cooking, music,

dramatic and cognitive activities.

9+ Programming

We are working hard on expanding our program aimed at children in the 9 -

13 years age group. We have a wonderful senior’s area to provide a retreat

for the older children and are working to obtain age appropriate equipment

and resources for the older children to provide more stimulating and

enjoyable experiences.


Sustainable practices

Dboosh is committed to teaching our children and families about nature and

the environment and how we can preserve our beautiful planet for future

generations to enjoy.

Provision of Food

Our centre provides for the nutritional needs of children, fosters good eating

habits and also takes into consideration cultural requirements and children

with food allergies. Our menu is programmed in accordance with nutritional

guidelines and changes daily. Our weekly menu is displayed on the front

door of the centre.


NUT FREE ZONE

We have children with severe allergies and strive for our centre to be nut free.

We ask that you respect this to protect all children who attend our service.

BREAKFAST

The centre provides breakfast prior to 8.30am and includes cereals, toast,

water, milk, fresh fruit. We also provide daily breakfast specials.

AFTERNOON TEA

We offer afternoon tea daily and provide a range of hot and cold snacks all

cooked and prepared onsite with fresh ingredients. Some of our highlights

include spaghetti bolognaise, fried rice, apple crumble and crackers with

dips & fresh vegetables. At 5pm we offer a platter of fresh seasonal fruit,

popcorn or milk.

VACATION CARE

During vacation care we do provide breakfast and afternoon tea but families

are requested to pack a nutritious morning tea and lunch as well as some

additional snacks for their child as it generally is a very active day and

children’s appetites increase.

For more information on nutritious lunches and snacks for your child we

recommend visiting www.raisingchildren.net.au and

www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au. If you are having trouble downloading this

information please speak with a staff member who can assist you.

In most cases at vacation care, food is stored in lunch boxes for several hours,

so the lunch box needs to stay cool. We ask that in packing your child’s lunch

you choose an insulated lunch box or one with a freezer pack, or include a

wrapped frozen water bottle to keep the lunch box cool. In addition it is

important that you follow hygienic food preparation methods as this is

especially important when food will be stored in the lunch box for many hours

before eating. Perishable foods such as dairy products, eggs and sliced

meats should be kept cool and eaten within about four hours of preparation.

It is recommended that you don’t pack these foods if just cooked - cool first

in the refrigerator.


Ensuring Cultural Safety and Equity for all

DBOOSH ensures that it is accessible to children, parents, visitors and staff

from differing cultures and languages, and encourages children to enjoy

activities free from discrimination or prejudice. The centre takes a cross-

cultural approach to activities within the centre and incorporates these into

daily programming, not an extension to it. No person involved within the

centre whether child, parents or staff will be discriminated against on the

basis of their cultural background, religion, sex, disability, marital status or

income.

Taking Child Protection seriously

Child protection is the collective responsibility of everyone.

DBOOSH staff are recognised by law as mandatory reporters. Mandatory

reporters who suspect that a child or young person is at risk of significant

harm (the statutory threshold) are required to report their concerns to

authorities.

Staff are provided with training in child protection and the centre has a

comprehensive child protection policy that is reviewed regularly.

For more information on the role of staff in child protection and the legislation

go to www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au

We value your opinion

We believe that parent input is important to ensure DBOOSH meets the needs

of the community. We respect and listen to all comments and suggestions.

We aim to ensure that parents feel free to communicate any concerns they

have in relation to the Centre, staff, management, programs and policies

without feeling negative consequences. Our priority is to do everything to

improve the quality of our service.

We encourage families to approach staff to discuss any issues, however

minor, in order that they are resolved effectively. If in doubt about any centre

policy or if you have a recommendation on how the centre can be

improved, please speak with the Coordinator or place your idea in writing. All

suggestions are discussed at Management meetings on a monthly basis.

In you have a concern or a complaint, parents should speak with the

Coordinator. If satisfaction is not reached, the issue will then be referred by

the Coordinator to the Parent Management Committee. Alternatively, you

can put your concerns in writing to the Committee addressed c/o the DBPS

Principal who will pass the letter on to the Committee

.

We look forward to welcoming you to the DBOOSH community!

http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au/

new family handbook - wordpress.com · 2017. 11. 1. · family handbook double bay public school...

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