Family Handbook (AUG 23)
Family Handbook (AUG 23)
Family Handbook (AUG 23)
Family Handbook
July | 2023
www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/children
Children's Services Family Handbook
Children's Services Family Handbook
Table of contents
04 Our Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
07 Regulatory bodies
14 Child protection
16 Shutdown period
18 Attendance patterns
18 Sibling placements
21 Immunisation
24 Points to remember
Our commitment to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples
Inner West Council acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal custodians of this
land, their living culture and unique role in the life of this region.
The traditional Aboriginal groups of the Inner West Council area are the
Gadigal and Wangal peoples.
Building relationships with the local Aboriginal community enhances the living
experience of our residents, businesses and general community members,
and promotes Reconciliation through better understanding.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Inner West Council is the Approved Provider of a number of Early and Middle
Childhood Services – all of which are approved services regulated and
monitored under the Education and Care Services National Law and
Regulations (2011).
Our services are the gateway to inclusive, just and high-quality education,
recreation and care, with a family-centred focus that respects and values the
strength of our children and families.
Our services build and sustain a strong sense of belonging and connection
between families and their community and cultural identity. We actively
engage children in discovering the joys and wonders of learning about the
world we live in so they may achieve their full potential and become active,
valued and confident citizens of their local and wider community.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Rochelle Payne
Acting Operations Manager
Beth O'Connor
Acting Operations Manager
Amy Breen
Acting Operations Manager
Regulatory Bodies
All Education and Care Services catering to children under school age and those
in middle school (5- 12yrs) are currently approved, monitored and regulated by
the Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate under the NSW Department of
Education and Communities.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
The National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS)
are delivered on a state level by the Early Childhood Education and Care
Directorate (ECECD), under the NSW Department of Education.
08
Not all classrooms
have four walls
Children's Services Family Handbook
We believe ‘school readiness’ occurs throughout your child’s time at the centre.
It is achieved most effectively through the ongoing partnership between
families and educators working alongside each other to support your child’s
individual strengths and learning abilities.
Our services design our transition to school programs in accordance with the
‘Early Years Learning Framework’ as well as the NSW Board of Studies ‘Parents
Guide to the NSW Syllabuses’.
We aim to provide you with information that helps achieve a smooth transition
to school for your child and you.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Our programs
Current knowledge, theory and evidenced based research guide our work with
young children and their families. Under the Education and Care Services
National Regulations, all services must provide an educational program
(Regulations, part 4.1, p.73).
Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for
Australia, also known as the Early Years Learning Framework or EYLF, is
Australia's first national framework for early childhood educators.
In line with the educational program, our services value families, recognising
that families are children’s first and most influential educators. We strive to
establish authentic partnerships which are cooperative, respectful and trustful.
Through these partnerships, families and educators work together to make
decisions to enhance children’s learning and wellbeing.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
At all times, while children are present, a minimum of two educators at each
centre must hold a current approved first aid certificate, which includes
emergency management of anaphylaxis and asthma.
When the Nominated Supervisor (NS) is not on the premises, a staff member
deemed by the NS and Council to be a Responsible Person (RP) must be on the
premises at all times. The Responsible Person on premises is on display at each
of the Council operated services in a prominent position.
Replacement educators
In the absence of permanent educators due to illness or leave, centres have
access to a mix of replacement educators. The replacement educator will hold
equivalent qualifications to the person they are replacing.
Council maintains a casual relief pool and access to reputable agencies who
provide high-quality educators.
All our educators and staff are bound by Council’s HR and procurement
policies which ensure relief staff meet Council and Regulatory standards.
12
Your garden, no matter its size,
is an outdoor classroom
waiting to be explored
Children's Services Family Handbook
Child protection
Inner West Council is committed to zero tolerance of child abuse
and neglect. Child safety is embedded in our organisation,
leadership and culture.
A full copy of the Child Protection Protocol is available in the Children's Services
Protocol and Procedure Manual at the centre.
Visit days also provide an opportunity for new parents and carers to
communicate with staff about the child’s individual needs and routine. During
these visits, families will be shown where to put their child’s belongings and how
to collect information about their child each day.
During the orientation visits, parents/carers must sign the visitor’s book upon
arrival and departure.
Once care has started, it is natural for some children to become distressed by
the unfamiliar setting when parents/carers leave. Your child is more likely to
settle quickly if you don't delay your parting. We request that you pass your
child to a staff member, say a quick goodbye and let them know you are
coming back. You're welcome to ring later in the day to ask how your child’s day
is going.
Your child is likely to develop a bond with a favoured carer and this staff
member generally attends to your child whenever possible. If your child has a
security object, ensure they have it with them. Please be patient, some children
find new care arrangements more overwhelming than others. It may take a few
weeks for them to adjust (more if children are in part-time care).
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Supervision protocols
& procedures
Inner West Council has a duty of care to ensure the protection, health and
safety of all children enrolled in our Education and Care services. Active adult
supervision is critically important in providing a safe and protective
environment for all children; and in supporting children in their learning
environment.
Express their needs and wants in ways that respect the rights and safety of
others
Interact positively with individuals and the group
Care for themselves, others and the environment
Recognise the consequences of their behaviour
Choose positive behaviours
Develop problem solving and conflict resolution skills
Shutdown Period
All services shut down for a period of time over the end of year/new year
period. This period includes a number of public holidays and staff development
days. The dates will differ each year depending on a number of factors,
including where the public holidays occur in the calendar.
Families are notified of these dates by Centre Directors each year. The
shutdown period allows time for any planned maintenance and/or capital
works to occur safely in the services in the absence of children.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Excursions
Excursions occur across the Children’s Services operated by Inner West Council.
They form an important part of the educational opportunities designed by
services.
Emergency evacuation drills are part of ongoing service operations and may
fall into the category of excursions as children must leave the approved
premises with the on-site educators and staff. Emergency evacuation drills are
carried out at a minimum every quarter, to meet Education and Care Services
National Regulations and Work Health and Safety Regulations requirements.
Non-Routine excursions
Larger, less frequent excursions refer to venues and routes that are not used
routinely. These excursions are undertaken in consultation with children and
the community of learners within the service.
Separate risk assessments are undertaken by centre personnel for each non-
routine excursion. Specific parental/carer authorisation is required in advance
of the day for each non-routine excursion.
On the day, parents/carers must sign an updated document at the centre that
lists the children, educators and other adults attending the excursion, and the
itinerary.
Community visitors
Parents/Carers will be advised of any in-centre community visitors before they
take place and family authorisation sought where applicable. Visits from
community members and external providers of educational experiences are
an important element of our programs.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Sibling placements
Children’s Services is committed to promoting, supporting and encouraging
healthy family relationships and lifestyles and will endeavour to meet family
needs whenever possible.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
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Children's Services Family Handbook
For more information about fees and charges protocols, please refer to the
up-to-date protocol documentation in Hubworks.
Occasional Care
An annual registration fee will be charged along with the daily fee on your
first day of attendance.
Full fees are paid on arrival on your booked day via credit card.
Families entitled to CCS will have it deposited into the bank accounted
nominated on their enrolment form.
Cancellation (prior to, or on your booked day) and no-shows will incur a
cancellation fee.
Cancellation fees are charged on your next day of attendance.
Council services use Inclusion Support Agencies that provide resources and
support to help with the inclusion of children attending from the target groups
(as defined by Commonwealth and NSW various government departments):
Inclusive practice is promoted for all children and other stakeholders who are
involved at Inner West Council’s Children’s Services. Inclusive practice is seen
as a positive strategy, reflecting the broader social justice commitment
towards achieving a fair and equitable community as strongly promoted by
Inner West Council.
Immunisation
As required by NSW Health, parents must provide a copy of one or more of the
following documents to enrol in a childcare centre:
an AIR Immunisation History Statement which shows that the child is up to
date with their scheduled vaccinations OR
an AIR Immunisation History Form on which the immunisation provider has
certified that the child is on a recognised catch-up schedule (temporary for
6 months only) OR
an AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form which has been certified by a
GP
These documents must be stored by the centre in a secure location for 3 years,
unless a child transfers to another childcare centre. No other form of
documentation is acceptable (i.e. the Interim Vaccination Objection Form or
Blue Book). 21
Every child is
an artist
Pablo Picasso
Children's Services Family Handbook
Medication Procedures
Under no circumstances is medication to be placed in the child’s locker or left in
a child’s bag.
The medicine is in the original bottle, has the child’s name on the label and is
current.
The educator administering the medication will adhere to the instructions on
the container.
Parents/carers will be contacted if there is a discrepancy between the label
and instructions on the medication form.
Staff members/educators must be advised of any non-prescription
medication (Paracetamol, cough syrup, etc.) given in the last 4 hours prior to
the child attending the service.
Staff members/educators are unable to administer non-prescription
medication unless provided with a doctor or Health expert’s written advice.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Points to remember
Upon arrival, you must electronically sign your child ‘in’ (and ‘out’ at the
end of the day). This is a legal requirement. It may also affect your fees
and/or Child Care Subsidy. The list is also used as a check of attendance in
case of an Emergency Evacuation.
It is preferred that children arrive by 9:30am so that they can participate in
the full day’s program and educators can plan for children’s interests and
development.
We ask that families please notify the service by 9:30am whenever your
child is ‘absent’ due to illness (and in advance holiday periods). In the case
of illness, a Doctor’s Certificate may be required stating your child is no
longer infectious and fit to return to care.
Children will be permitted to leave with any authorised parent or carer,
unless the service holds a copy of a custody order restricting access to the
child.
A responsible person over 16 years of age is permitted to collect children
from the service and will require written authorisation from the
Parent/Carer to do so.
All bags, clothes, bottles and other items must be labelled with your child’s
name. Labelling your child’s belongings means they can be placed back in
their lockers/bags. Many children wear similar items of clothing, so it is
easy for clothing to be misplaced. Check the lost property basket on a
regular basis.
Provide labelled bottles and dummies if required.
If the service does not provide meals, you will need to pack nutritious
meals. Please speak with Educators for more information.
Please remember for the safety of all children using the centre, our services
are allergy aware.
Apply sunscreen and provide a hat for your child each day. Sunscreen is
available at the sign in area.
The menu is planned to provide a wide range of nutritious foods in line with
NSW Health recommendations, Caring for Children – Birth to 5 years (Food,
Nutrition and Learning Experiences). The menu changes regularly and
reflects seasonal changes and availability of fresh produce. We aim to
meet cultural and individual dietary needs e.g. vegetarian, allergies, Halal.
Parents and children are encouraged to participate in menu planning and
food selection. The weekly menu is displayed in a prominent position.
24
Play is the highest
form of research
Albert Einstein
Children's Services Family Handbook
Feedback on service,
protocols & procedures
We appreciate all feedback and encourage everyone to share any suggestions
or comments they may have. It is most beneficial to discuss any feedback with
your service directly, so please provide any feedback or suggestions to your
Centre Director.
Serious concerns
& grievances
If you have any complaint, serious concern or grievance, please discuss it with
the Centre Director.
If you feel the matter has not been resolved, you can contact the responsible
Operations Manager.
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Children's Services Family Handbook
Grievance Resolved
Centre Director
UNRESEOLVED
Operational Manager
for your service
UNRESEOLVED
Department of
Inner West Council Internal Ombudsman NSW Ombudsman
Education &
internalombudsman@innerwest.nsw.gov.au to share concerns with
Communities
8757 9044 provision of service
to notify concerns with
investigated
license standards
www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
Complaint Assessment and Administration 1800 619 113
sarah.labone@innerwest.nsw.gov.au ecec@det.nsw.au
or
Child Protection
Hotline
to report a child at risk
of harm
27
132 111
Inner West Council Children's Services
Balmain/Rozelle OC
Leichhardt ELC
Annandale ELC
Family Day
Care Office Cavendish Street ELC
www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/children