Draft version of the Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 -18

8/19/2019 Draft version of the Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 -18.

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Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 201850

DRAFT ACTION PLAN


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1Creating the best future for our children

Action Plan

Children are our future. Investing in the first eight years of a child’s life will improve their health and education prospects and lead to improvedsocial, human and economic outcomes for our community. This is especially true for children from vulnerable families

(Source: MAV Municipal Early Years Planning Framework and Practical Resource Guide May 2011).

Welcome to the City of Greater Bendigo’s (the City) Municipal Early Years Plan – Action Plan for 2015 - 2018.

The City’s Municipal Early Years Plan has been developed with a focus on the needs of children aged from birth to eight years of age including

their families, carers and agencies that serve them.

Our Early Years Vision:

All children aged from birth to eight years and their families are part of an active, healthy and safe child friendly community that promotes andprovides real opportunities for learning and development.

The Action Plan is a key element set over a four year period in preparing the Municipal Early Years Plan along with an evidence base thatcomprises:

1. Greater Bendigo Demographic Profile for Early Years,

2. A Review of Plans and Policies,

3. Community Engagement and Consultation Report;

4. The Review of Early Childhood Services

The Action Plan presents Objectives relating to each Theme and Actions that will be undertaken to meet each Objective, not only by the City but

also with families and children and a range of agencies working with children throughout the municipality.

The evidence base that emerged from these four reports was analysed and used to identify Actions, priorities, emerging issues, trends and

opportunities based on the six Key Themes; these being:

Theme 1: Safety of Children.

Theme 2: Environment and Facilities for Children.

Theme 3: Active and Healthy Children.


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Theme 4: Education and Care for Children.

Theme 5: Whole of Community Partnerships benefitting Children.

Theme 6: A Child Friendly City and Community.

Each of the Themes has led to the development of Objectives and Actions to enable the Greater Bendigo community to create the best future

for our children. These Themes were validated by Key Stakeholder Information Group Forums and the City’s internal Project Control Group as

priorities in the community.

The Action Plan also discusses:

• The lead agency for the Action – who will take responsibility to ensure the Action is undertaken and seeking to include children and

families where possible.

• The partners involved in the Action – who are the other agencies the lead agency will work with to undertake the Action.

• Any relevant strategies associated with the Action – the strategies, plans or policies related to the particular Action.

• What success will look like – when the Action is undertaken what will the outcome look like.• Which year the Action relates too – is the Action across the whole life of the Plan or just certain years.

Agencies had a range of opportunities to contribute to the Action Plan including Key Stakeholder Forums, Agency Surveys and individual face

to face meetings. The Action Plan aims to be a reflection of the existing strategies, programs, partnerships and research occurring throughout

the City for children birth to eight years and the specific work the City, agencies and families and children wish to undertake in the coming four

years.

The City recognises that the Early Years are crucial for children’s healthy growth, wellbeing and development throughout life. Accordingly, the

Municipal Early Years Plan aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of children and families by providing a framework to prioritise needs, plan

for the future, facilitate partnerships and allocate resources as well as recognising the important work community agencies, Early Years

Services and partnerships with the City undertake.

The Action Plan and all associated background reports are available at: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meyp.

NB: Please note that ‘Early Years Providers’ refers to early learning centres / childcare centres (private, Council owned or not-for-profit),

kindergarten (in an early learning centre or as a standalone program), school or a range of other children’s and family services.

http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meyphttp://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meyphttp://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meyphttp://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meyp


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THEME 1. SAFETY OF CHILDREN – ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To develop a safe community f or childr en and their families

Objectives Actions LeadOrganisation

Partners RelevantStrategies

What success lookslike

Year

1.1. To supportorganisations,programs andinitiatives thatpromote children’ssafety in thecommunity.

1.1.1 Seek to have aperson / organisationrepresenting the needs ofchildren appointed to theGreater Bendigo SafeCommunities Forum.

Communities forChildren

• Victoria Police

• Liquor LicensingCommission

• BendigoCommunity Health

• Youth Support and Advocacy Service(YSAS)

• St Luke’s• Department of

Justice andRegulation

• Positive AgeingGroup

• City of GreaterBendigo

• Bendigo Health

• GreaterBendigoCommunitySafety Strategy2013

The needs of childrenare represented on theSafe CommunitiesForum.

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1.1.2 Organise andparticipate in events thatpromote safety for childrenand their families in thecommunity e.g. WhiteRibbon Day.

City of GreaterBendigo

• As above

• Families and

children

• GreaterBendigo

CommunitySafety Strategy2013

A range of events thatpromote safety are heldwithin the City ofGreater Bendigo.

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Year

1.1. To supportorganisations,programs andinitiatives thatpromote children’ssafety in thecommunity.(Continued)

1.1.3 Develop a FamilyViolence Prevention ActionPlan for the GreaterBendigo community.

Loddon-CampaspeCentre for NonViolence

• Communities forChildren

• Early YearsCoordinationGroup

• CASAFamilies andchildren

•


• City of GreaterBendigoViolencePrevention Plan2012

• GreaterBendigoCommunity

Safety Strategy2013

A Family Violence Action plan isdeveloped andimplemented.

Early Years Servicesand programs addressfamily violence throughawareness raising, stafftraining and familysupport.

Greater linkages andcollaboration betweenthe Early Years Sectorand family violencesupport agencies.

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1.1.4 Develop anddisseminate resources onFamily Violence for the

Early Years.

Loddon-CampaspeCentre for Non

Violence


• Early Years

Providers• City of Greater

Bendigo

• Bendigo health

• CASA

• City of GreaterBendigoViolence

Prevention Plan2012

• GreaterBendigoCommunity

Suitable resourceshave been developedand distributed. There

is greater awareness byservice providers offamily violence issuesand how to respond tosuch issues.

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Year

1.1. To supportorganisations,programs andinitiatives thatpromote children’ssafety in thecommunity.(Continued)

Safety Strategy2013

1.1.5 Support thedevelopment and deliveryof the Common Risk Assessment FrameworkFamily Violence Training in

the Early Years Sector.

Loddon-CampaspeCentre for NonViolence


• Early YearsProviders

• Bendigo Health

• CASA

• City of GreaterBendigoViolencePrevention Plan2012

• GreaterBendigoCommunitySafety Strategy2013

The Common Risk Assessment Frameworkhas been developedand delivered. There isgreater awareness by

service providers offamily violence issuesand how to respond tosuch issues.

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1.2. To develop safeenvironments forchildren and theirfamilies.

1.2.1 Promote and enforcelegislation in regards tosmoking in play spacesand other public spaces.


• Victoria Police

• Bendigo Health

• Tobacco Act1987

Children’s play areasand public spaces aresmoke-free.

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1.2.2 Ensure smoke freehealth care for children atBendigo Health.

Bendigo Health • Families andchildren

• Tobacco Act1987

Children protected fromexposure to 1st, 2nd and3rd hand smoke while

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THEME 2. ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN - ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly sp aces and places.


Partners Relevant Strategies What Success LooksLike

Year

2.1. To support anddevelop additionalEarly Yearsinfrastructure andchild friendlyenvironments.

2.1.1 Plan and construct anew Early Learning Centreas part of a largercommunity hub upgrade toClub Court.


• Department ofEducation andTraining

• CommunityReference Group

• Project ControlGroup

• StrathfieldsayeEarly LearningCentre FeasibilityStudies 2009 and2010

• StrathfieldsayeStructure Plan2011

• Council Plan

2013 - 2017

Additional Early YearsServices inStrathfieldsaye.

Construct a new 88place Early LearningCentre, Maternal andChild Health andmeeting area at ClubCourt.

Proposed completionDecember 2016.

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2.1.2 Develop an EarlyYears Infrastructure Plan toassist with the City’senhanced role in long termstrategic planning andcapital works.


• Loddon MalleeKindergarten Association(LMPA)

• YMCA Ballarat

• BendigoKindergarten

• Municipal

Association ofVictoria (MAV)

• Private developers

• KindergartenLicenceagreements

• Review of Early

• ChildhoodServices

• Council Plan2013 – 2017

• Newly developingresidential areasand StructurePlan

Council’s long termplanning role inregards toInfrastructure andfacilities is based onpopulation growth andan Infrastructure Planhas been developed to

feed into capital worksprograms.

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Year

2.1. To support anddevelop additionalEarly Yearsinfrastructure andchild friendlyenvironments.(Continued)

2.1.5 Encourage thedevelopment of additionalLong Day Care places inthe municipality.




• Businesses

• Community groupsand agencies

• Planning scheme

• Structure Plans

• Council Plan2013 - 2017

• City of GreaterBendigoInfrastructurePlan (whencompleted)

Additional Long DayCare places areavailable in thecommunity andensuring these placesmatch the populationgrowth areas.

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2.1.6 Incorporatecommunity feedback inrelation to Maternal andChild Health services andfacilities on an identifiedneeds basis.



• Communityagencies


• Families andchildren

• Maternal andChild HealthProgramStandards (2009)

Maternal and ChildHealth services andfacilities are accessibleand well distributedacross themunicipality.

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2.1.7 Advocate for the

development of servicestandards to ensure thatEarly Years facilities areplanned and maintained tomaximise safety and toprovide a ‘child friendly’environment.

City of Greater

Bendigo

• Early Years

Providers• Department of

Education andTraining


• Australian

Standards• Australian

Building Code

Developers ensure

facilities are safe and‘child friendly’.

Facilities in GreaterBendigo for familiesand children meet Australian Standards

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Year

and Building Coderequirements.

2.2. To provide childfriendly environmentsto encouragecommunityinteractions andchildren’s

development.

2.2.1 Develop play spacefencing guidelines toensure that these spacesare accessible for childrenof all abilities.



• Play Australia

• City of GreaterBendigo PlayStrategy 2009

• City of GreaterBendigo PublicHealth and

Wellbeing Plan2013

• City of GreaterBendigo OpenSpace Strategy2005

A number ofstrategically locatedplay spaces withsecure fencing whichare accessed bychildren of all abilities.

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2.2.2 Develop an EarlyYears checklist(incorporating ChildFriendly Cities principles,Healthy By Designguidelines and Universal

Design principles) to beapplied to the planning ofpublic spaces, openspaces, play spaces,commercial spaces (whererelevant) and transport to


• Businesses



• Community

Agencies


• Greater BendigoPlanning Scheme

• Structure Plans

•

Greater BendigoCommunity Plans

• City of GreaterBendigo –

o Play Strategy2009

Identified child friendlyspaces existthroughout themunicipality.

A checklist is

developed and usedwhen planning publicspaces, open spaces,play spaces,commercial spaces

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Year

2.2. To provide childfriendly environmentsto encouragecommunityinteractions andchildren’sdevelopment.(Continued)

ensure these spaces aresuitable for children andtheir families.

o Open SpaceStrategy 2005

o Walking andCyclingStrategy 2005

o IntegratedTransport andLand Use Study

o Strategic Plan2014

o Public Healthand WellbeingPlan 2014

and transportthroughout the City.

2.2.3 Develop andimplement guidelines toensure that all newresidential areas have safeand adequate walking andcycling networks connectedto key community spacessuch as schools and early

learning centres.


• Propertydevelopers

• VicRoads



o 2036CommunityPlan

o Community

Safety Strategy2013

o Public Healthand WellbeingPl0an 2013

New residential areasare well connected tolocal infrastructure andcycling / walkingnetworks.

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Year


o Walking andCycling

o Strategy 2005o Play Strategy

2009o Open Space

Strategy 2005o Integrated

Transport andLand Use StudyStrategic Plan2014

2.2.4 Progressivelyupgrade cycling andwalking networks in existingresidential areas so that themajority of homes areconnected to keycommunity spaces such asschools and Early LearningCentres by footpaths, off-

road shared trails or onmarked roads.




o 2036CommunityPlan

o CommunitySafety Strategy

2013o Public Health

and WellbeingPlan 2013

Existing residentialareas are wellconnected to localinfrastructure andcycling / walkingnetworks.

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Year


o Walking andCyclingStrategy 2005

o Play Strategy2009

o Open SpaceStrategy 2005

o IntegratedTransport &Land Use StudyStrategic Plan2014

2.2.5 Develop shade inPublic Space Guidelines.


• Public Health andWellbeing Plan2013

• Open SpaceStrategy 2005

Adequate shade existsin public spaces andsites can be identified.

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2.2.6 Undertake a review oftransport opportunities forfamilies within the City of

Greater Bendigo andimplementrecommendations ofreview.


• Department ofTransport,Planning and Local

Infrastructure• Private bus

companies

• Private taxicompanies.

• IntegratedTransport & LandUse Study

Strategic Plan2014

Accessible, affordableand safe transportservices, stops and

terminals exist.

Provide frequent, highquality bus networksacross themunicipality.

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Year



Strengthen regionalpublic transportconnections.85% of people livingwithin a 10 minutewalk of a bus stop.


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THEME 3. ACTIVE AND HEALTHY CHILDREN – ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To improve the health and wellbeing of children



What Success LooksLike

Year

3.1. To provideopportunities for allchildren to participatein physical activities.

3.1.1 Work in partnershipwith sport and recreationclubs and organisations toensure that costs forchildren’s activities,equipment and uniformsare kept to a minimum.


• Sports Clubs

• Recreationorganisations

• Families

• City of GreaterBendigo ActiveLiving Census

• City of GreaterBendigoCommunityGrants Program

Costs are kept to aminimum so that asmany children aspossible can participatein sport and recreationactivities in GreaterBendigo.

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3.2. To improveoverall healthoutcomes for children.

3.2.1 Promote the uptake ofand progression throughthe Healthy Together Achievement Program forEarly Childhood Services.

• BendigoCommunityHealthServices





To be confirmed Early Years Providershave a strong focus onhealth and wellbeing intheir daily operations.

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3.2.2 Promote the uptake ofand progression throughthe Healthy Together Achievement Program forPrimary Schools.

• BendigoCommunityHealthServices


• Primary Schools


To be confirmed Data available oncommunity health andwellbeing incorporatesinformation aboutchildren’s health andwellbeing.

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Year

3.2. To improveoverall healthoutcomes for children.(Continued)

3.2.3 All health andwellbeing data collected byCity of Greater Bendigo toincorporate information onchildren where appropriate.


• City of GreaterBendigo ActiveLiving Census

Data available oncommunity health andwellbeing incorporatesinformation aboutchildren’s (aged 0-8)health and wellbeing.

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3.2.4 Continue to promoteoral health for childrenthrough various servicessuch as the Smiles 4 Milesprogram.

Bendigo Health(Smiles4Milesprovider)

•

City of GreaterBendigo Maternaland Child Healthservices

• Department ofHealth and HumanServices

• Dental HealthServices Victoria


• Dentists

•

Action plan fororal healthpromotion2013-2017

• Localgovernmentaction guide2013

Health professionalsreport lower rates ofpoor oral heath inchildren 0-8 years ofage.

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Year


3.2.5 Increase access toBendigo Health Dentalservices for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islanders.

Bendigo Health • Bendigo andDistrict AboriginalCo-operative

• CastlemaineMeeting Place

• St Peter’s PrimarySchool

• Families and

children

To be confirmed Increased rates of Aboriginal and TorresStrait Island peopleaccessing BendigoHealth Dental Clinic.

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3.2.6 Increase thepercentage of schoolchildren who regularlytravel to school by an activetransport mode to 80% by2020.


• Primary Schools



• City of GreaterBendigoIntegratedTransport andLand UseStrategy

• City of GreaterBendigo ActiveTravel Guide

• City of GreaterBendigo Active

Living Census

More children use activetransportation to travelto and from school.

Provide the ActiveTravel Guide to allGreater BendigoPrimary Schools.

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3.2.7 Maintain Beyond theBump program at St Johnof God Hospital to providenew parents with

St John of GodHospital

• Families To be confirmed Beyond the Bumpprogram continues tooperate and is well

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Year


information about the EarlyYears.

patronised by newparents.

3.2.8 Establish a MaternityConsumer Group toevaluate pregnancy andbirthing experiences of newparents.


• Families To be confirmed Feedback from newparents is used to informservices and programsrelated to pregnancyand birthing.

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3.3. To increaseparticipation inMaternal and ChildHealth Servicesespecially for Aboriginal childrenand families.

3.3.1 Continue to provideoutreach services to Aboriginal families andencourage participation inthe Maternal and ChildHealth service.


• Bendigo andDistrict AboriginalCo-Operative



Core Work More Aboriginal childrenand their families accessMaternal and ChildHealth Services.

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3.4. To maintainimmunisation ratesabove the Victorianstate average.

3.4.1 Continue to promotethe importance ofimmunisations to families.



• Health services

•

Families andchildren

• Guidelines forimmunisationpractice in localgovernments

Information about theimportance ofimmunisation is widelyavailable throughout theCity.

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3.4.2 Continue to reviewimmunisation venues for



• Health services

• Guidelines forimmunisation

Immunisation venuesare safe and accessiblefor all children and their

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Year

3.4. To maintainimmunisation ratesabove the Victorianstate average.(Continued)

suitability and easy andsafe access.

practice in localgovernments

families.

3.4.3 Promote opportunisticimmunisations at BendigoHealth for children

presenting for othermedical treatment.

Bendigo Health • Families andchildren

Core Work A greater percentage ofchildren across the Cityare immunised.

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3.5. To maintainbreastfeeding ratesabove the Victorianstate average.

3.5.1 Continue tosupport and promote thebenefits of breastfeedingthrough the Maternal andChild Health Program,hospitals, socialmedia, Council website,brochures, etc.


• Bendigo Health


• AustralianBreastfeeding Association

• St John of GodHospital

• Maternal andChild HealthProgramStandards(2009)

Breastfeeding rates inthe City remain abovethe state average;support forbreastfeeding is readilyavailable; andinformation about thebenefits of breastfeedingis easily accessible.

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3.5.2 Establish abreastfeeding clinic at StJohn of God Hospital.


• Families To be confirmed Breast feeding clinicestablished.

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http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/resources/guidelines-local-gov.htmhttp://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/resources/guidelines-local-gov.htmhttp://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/resources/guidelines-local-gov.htmhttp://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/resources/guidelines-local-gov.htm


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THEME 4. EDUCATION AND CARE FOR CHILDREN – ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best p ossible education and care.




Year

4.1. To providefamilies with clear andunderstandableinformation aboutprograms, servicesand children’sdevelopment.

4.1.1 Develop an EarlyYears Guide in a range ofrelevant communitylanguages to providefamilies with informationabout Early Yearsprograms, services andfacilities.


• Families


• Private Early YearsProviders


Core Work An Early Years guide isdeveloped anddistributed to familiesthroughout themunicipality, includingculturally diversecommunities.

1

4.1.2 Review theinformation pack providedto new and expectantparents.



• Private Early YearsProviders


• Bendigo Health

Core Work The information pack isreviewed and modifiedas required to meet theneeds of new andexpectant parents.

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4.2. To ensure thatEarly LearningServices andprograms are

affordable, accessibleand inclusive.

4.2.1 Review fee structuresof City of Greater BendigoEarly Learning Centres toensure that they are

affordable for local families.



Core Work City of Greater BendigoEarly Learning Servicesand programs areaffordable for families.

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4.2.2 Undertake an audit ofall City owned EarlyLearning Centres to identifyany areas that are not



Core Work Early Learning Centresare accessible forchildren and families ofall abilities.

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Year

4.2. To ensure thatEarly LearningServices andprograms areaffordable, accessibleand inclusive.(Continued)

accessible and rectifyaccordingly.

4.2.3 Undertake an audit ofEarly Years Services andstaff to ensure thatinclusive practices havebeen adopted andimplemented in Early YearsServices and programs.



Core Work Early Years Servicesand programs areinclusive of children andfamilies regardless ofgender, ethnicity orability.

2

4.2.4 Provide integratedservices for families,particularly vulnerable anddisadvantaged families, toimprove child health andwellbeing anddevelopment, safety andfamily functioning throughthe Community ForChildren’s projects.



• Department ofSocial Services

• Family SupportServices

• Community Agencies

• Government Agencies

• Bendigo Health


• Communitiesfor Children Action Plan2015 – 2017


Enhanced andintegrated Early YearsServices, particularly forvulnerable anddisadvantaged families.

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Year


4.2.5 Establish aGrandparent’s Playgroup inthe City of GreaterBendigo.



• Playgroup Victoria


Core Work A grandparentsplaygroup is operationalin the City.

1

4.2.6 To maintain andenhance the Off To AnEarly Start (OTAES)program throughoutGreater Bendigo byenabling children to accessPlaygroup andKindergarten throughsupporting families andeducating families on theneed and importance ofearly years learning.



• Playgroups



Parents gain skills andunderstanding regardingtheir child’sdevelopment.

Families feel moreconfident to navigatePlaygroup, kindergartenand Primary Schoolnetworks.

Family routines

embedded that enablechildren to participate inearly learningFamilies aware of how toaccess services


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Year


4.2.7 Investigate andencourage thedevelopment of additionalBush Kinder programs.


• KindergartenClusters


• St Luke’s Pre-school Field Officer


• Department of

Education and

Training

• Community groups

and agencies

Core Work Additional bush kinderprograms offeredthroughout the City.

1 - 4

4.2.8 Advocate forimproved Early Yearspolicies and funding at aState and FederalGovernment level.


• KindergartenClusters



•

Community groupsand agencies

Core Work The needs of children,families and Early YearsProviders are expressedat State and FederalGovernment level asappropriate.

1-4

4.2.9 Work withkindergartens to determineprocesses and


• Loddon Mallee

Kindergarten

Core Work Kindergarteninfrastructure andoperations are equipped

1


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Year


infrastructure needed toaddress the changed ratioof staff to children from1:15 to 1:11 in 2016.

Association

(LMPA)

• YMCA of Ballarat

• Bendigo

Kindergarten


• Kindergarten

clusters

to deal with changedsupervision ratio.

4.2.10 Undertakediscussions withkindergartens and EarlyYears Providers to developa strategy to adapt to apotential cut in FederalGovernment funding to fouryear old kindergartenprograms.


• Loddon Mallee

Kindergarten

Association

(LMPA)


• Bendigo

Kindergarten


• Kindergarten

clusters• St Luke’s

Pre-school FieldOfficer

Core Work Strategy is in place todeal with a potential cutin Federal Governmentfunding to the four yearold kindergartenprogram.

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Year

4.3. To provideprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities forservice providers andeducationalopportunities forparents.

4.3.1 Develop guidelinesand a self-reflection tool forEarly Years Providers toassist staff to betterunderstand and work with Aboriginal children andtheir families.


• Bendigo andDistrict AboriginalCooperative(BDAC)

• City of GreaterBendigoDepartment ofHealth and HumanServices

• Communitiesfor Children Action Plan2015 - 2017

Early Years Servicesare inclusive of Aboriginal children andtheir families, and Aboriginal children andtheir families are utilisingEarly Years Services.

1

4.3.2 Continue to promoteonline tools to the EarlyYears Sector in the areasof:

• Identifying and

responding to

vulnerable children

and families and

referral pathways

• Understanding and

responding to child

abuse and making

reports to child

protection.

St Luke’s Anglicare

Department ofHealth


• Health Services

• Bendigo Health

• St Luke’s Anglicare EarlyChildhoodDevelopmentProgram Plan

• Draft HealthCare thatCounts 2015

Increased awareness ofreferral pathways inEarly Years Sector.

Increased awareness ofidentifying, respondingto and supportingvulnerable families.

Increasedunderstanding of child

abuse and mandatoryreporting in Early YearsSector.

Increased awareness ofidentifying, responding

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Year

4.3. To provideprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities forservice providers andeducationalopportunities forparents.(Continued)

to and supportingvulnerable families.

4.3.3 Continue to promoteEarly Years trainingmaterial to Early YearsProviders via the ChildFIRST website and emailnetworks.


• Local familyservice agencies


Increased awarenessand understanding ofchildhood developmentamongst Early YearsProviders.

1-4

4.3.4 Create a childdevelopment planning toolto help increase theknowledge of Early YearsProviders in regards toearly childhooddevelopment stages andissues.


• Local familyservice agencies


Increased planningaround responding tochildren’sdevelopmental needsincluding evidence ofchild developmentalplans in client fileswhere relevant.

1

4.3.5 Provide workshops

for Early Years Providers toenhance skill levels and thequality of programs andservices.

City of Greater

Bendigo

• Early Years

Providers• Department of

Education andTraining

Core Work A number of workshops

held annually toenhance the skill level ofpractitioners.Workshops include:

• Code of Ethics

• Diversity

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Year


• Fostering Literacyoutcomes

• Critical reflectionPositive transitions toschool Communicatingwith all families

4.3.6 Provide parental

education and supportopportunities for families inrelation to Early Years,including pre-nataleducation.

Bendigo

CommunityHealth

• City of Greater

BendigoBendigo Health

• Families

To be confirmed Parental education and

support opportunitiesprovided.

1-4

4.3.7 Continue to providethe Koori Faces parentingprogram and other supportgroups for Aboriginalfamilies.

Bendigo andDistrict AboriginalCo-Operative

• Families Core Work Aboriginal families areengaged in variousparenting and supportprograms offered byBendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative.

1-4

4.3.8 Operate an AutismGroup to work with Aboriginal families andchildren.

Bendigo andDistrict AboriginalCo-Operative

• Families

• AmicusCore Work Autism Group

established for the Aboriginal community

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Year


4.3.9 Develop a packagebased on farm andagriculture education forEarly Learning providersand schools.



• Schools

• Country Fire Authority (CFA)

• Victorian FarmersFederation

• Greater BendigoFarmer’s AdvisoryCommunityFoundation


• Department ofEnvironment,Land, Water andPlanning

• City of GreaterBendigo Rural Areas Strategy2009

• ForthcomingGreaterBendigo RuralCommunitiesStrategy

A farm and agriculturepackage has beendeveloped anddistributed to EarlyLearning providers andschools.

1

4.3.10 Continue to promoteonline tools to the Early

Years Sector in the areasof:

• Identifying and

responding to

vulnerable children and


• Department ofEducation and

Training• Bendigo Health

• St Luke’s Anglicare Early

ChildhoodDevelopmentProgram Plan

• Bendigo HealthVulnerable

Increased Early YearsSector awareness of

referral pathways andidentifying, respondingto and supportingvulnerable families.

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Year


families and referral

pathways

• Understating andresponding to childabuse and makingreports to childprotection.

ChildrenProtocol 2015

Increased Early YearsSector understanding ofchild abuse andmandatory reporting.

Increased awareness ofidentifying, respondingto and supportingvulnerable families.

4.3.11 Provide support andeducational opportunities toEarly Years Providersincluding:

• Maternal and ChildHealth Nurses

• Primary Schools

• Private Practioners

• Child Protectionaround the impact and link

between family

psychosocial disruption(including violence) and

psychological and mental

health issues in children.

Bendigo Health -CAMHS



• Schools

• DHHS

• Bi annual InfantMental HealthForums

• Development ofa Secondaryconsultationframework toMCHN andPrimarySchools

A greater awareness byearly years workers ofthe link between familypsychosocial disruptionand psychological andmental health issues inchildren.

Strategies implementedto reduce the impact offamily psychosocial

disruption on children'spsychological andmental health.

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Year

4.4. To implementCouncil’s changedrole in response to theoutcomes of the EarlyChildhood ServicesReview.

4.4.1 To close BendigoEarly Learning Centre inDecember 2015.


• Families • Review of EarlyChildhoodServices (Draft)2013

• Municipal EarlyYears Plan(2015 – 2018)

New directionsproposed in the EarlyYears Review havebegun to beimplemented.

1-2

4.4.2 Continue strategicplanning for Early YearsServices throughout theCity.


•

Early YearsProviders

• Kindergartenclusters

• State Government



•

Review of EarlyChildhoodServices (Draft)2013

Early ChildhoodServices Reviewimplemented.

• Governance andservice co-ordinationto support improvedquality, access andbetter integration ofearly childhoodservices

• Improvedinformation andreferral processes

for families to accessearly childhoodservices

• Innovative modelsacross the

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Year

4.4. To implementCouncil’s changedrole in response to theoutcomes of the EarlyChildhood ServicesReview.(Continued)

4.5. To ensuresystemic improvementfor vulnerable and atrisk children.

Municipality fordelivering earlychildhood services

4.4.3 Investigate thefeasibility of the City ofGreater Bendigocoordinating the centralenrolment system forkindergarten s and LongDay Care in GreaterBendigo. The currentsystem has beencoordinated by the LMPAsince 2004.

• City ofGreaterBendigo

• Loddon

MalleePreschool

Association

• Kindergartenclusters


•

Early YearsProviders

• Municipal Association ofVictoria (CentralEnrolment GrantsProgram)

• Review of EarlyChildhoodServices (Draft)2013

Liaise with LMPA totransition the system toCity of Greater Bendigoready for enrolments in2016.

Apply to Municipal Association of Victoriafor Central EnrolmentProject grants tosupport transitioningarrangements.

A new central enrolmentsystem has beenimplemented in 2016.

1-2

4.5.1 Increase the numberof supported playgroups inthe City and maintainexisting supportedplaygroups.

BendigoCommunityHealth

• Communities for

Children

• Baptcare


Additional supportedplaygroups areavailable and areaccessed by vulnerablefamilies.

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Year

4.5. To ensuresystemic improvementfor vulnerable and atrisk children.(Continued)



4.5.2 Develop andimplement a package totrain people as supportedplaygroup leaders.


• Communities for

Children

• City of Greater

Bendigo


Additional supportedplaygroup leaders aretrained and leadingsupported playgroups.

1

4.5.3 Develop resources toassist agencies to referfamilies to supportedplaygroups.


• Communities for

Children

• Family serviceagencies

• City of Greater

Bendigo


Resources to assistreferrals have beendeveloped for supportedplaygroups.

Additional vulnerablefamilies are accessingsupported playgroups.

1-4

4.5.4 Continue to provide aplaygroup for Aboriginalchildren.

Bendigo andDistrict AboriginalCo-operative


Core Work The Aboriginalplaygroup continues toprovide quality,supported early learningopportunities for childrenand their families.

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Year

4.5. To ensuresystemic improvementfor vulnerable and atrisk children.(Continued)

4.6. To increaseliteracy and numeracy

skills of children andtheir families.

4.5.5 Establish an EarlyYears Unit to work with Aboriginal families andchildren.


To be confirmed To be confirmed Early Years Unit hasbeen established and iswell utilised by local Aboriginal families.

1

4.6.1 Appoint a Children’sLanguage and Literacyworker in Greater Bendigoto help develop languageand literacy skills ofchildren and their families.

Bendigo Health • Communities for

Children

• City of Greater

Bendigo


Children’s language andliteracy worker isappointed and workingwith vulnerable families.

1

4.6.2 Develop, endorse andimplement the Children’sLanguage and LiteracyPlan.

Bendigo Health • Communities for

Children

• City of Greater

Bendigo

• Goldfield Libraries

• Families and

children


The Children’sLanguage and LiteracyPlan has beendeveloped, endorsedand implemented.

1-2

4.6.3 Develop ImaginationLibrary to provide one bookper month for every child in

Bendigo BusinessCouncil

• Communities for

Children

• Communitiesfor Children

Every child in Bendigoreceives one book per

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Year

4.6. To increaseliteracy and numeracyskills of children andtheir families.(Continued)

Bendigo for their first fiveyears.

• Bendigo RotaryClub

• Bendigo Health

Action Plan2015 - 2017

month for the first fiveyears of their life.

4.6.4 Encourageorganisations andbusinesses to establish achildren’s book area in theirreception areas / foyers /waiting rooms.


• Bendigo Health

• Organisations

• Businesses

Core Work Organisations andbusinesses throughoutGreater Bendigodevelop a children’sbook area.

1-4

4.6.5 Continue to provide‘Story Time in the Park’ inBright Street EaglehawkEngage parents andchildren in books, storiesand general socialconnections in anenvironment that is non-threatening and accessible.

EaglehawkCommunityHouse


To be confirmed Story Time in the Park iswell attended by localfamilies from Eaglehawkand participants report ahigh level of satisfactionwith the program.

1-4

4.6.6 Continue to work with Aboriginal parents toimprove their literacy andnumeracy skills throughliteracy and numeracy kits.



Core Work Literacy and numeracyskills of both Aboriginalparents and childrenhave improved.

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Year

4.7. To supportaccess andparticipation in EarlyChildhood Services forchildren living in Outof Home Care (OoHC)

These can be passed on totheir children.

4.7.1 Provide City ofGreater Bendigo withdetails of children living inOut of Home Care andwork in partnership to

ensure ongoingparticipation in Early YearsServices.

Department ofHealth andHuman Services /contractedcommunity

serviceorganisations


• Bendigo Health

Core Work Partners work effectivelytogether to provideaccess to Early YearsServices for childrenliving in Out of Home

Care.

1-4

4.7.2 Work with carers toensure that children livingin out of home care haveaccess to Early YearsServices such as Maternaland Child Health (universaland enhanced services),kindergarten and other

relevant services.


• Carers of childrenwho live in Out ifHome Care

• Maternal and ChildHealth services

• Kindergartens

• Relevant EarlyYears Services

• Bendigo Health

• Out of HomeCare EducationCommitment2010

• Out of HomeCare PracticeManual

• Charter for

Children in Outof Home Care

• Early Childhood Agreement forChildren in Out

Carers of children livingin out of home care aresupported to ensure thatchildren access EarlyYears Services.

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Year

4.7. To supportaccess andparticipation in EarlyChildhood Services forchildren living in Outof Home Care(OoHC).(Continued)

of Home Care2014

4.7.3 Ensure that childrenwho live in out of homecare are provided with aplace in early childhoodeducation centres whereverpossible; ensure that these

services are inclusive andculturally appropriate; andprovide ongoing support totheir carers.

Department ofEducation andTraining

• Early ChildhoodEducation Centres



• Charter forChildren in Outof Home Care

• Early Childhood Agreement forChildren in Outof Home Care2014

Children who live in outof home care and theircarers are supported toaccess appropriate earlychildhood centres.

1-4

4.7.4 Provide support,advice, resources and

subsidies to early childhoodproviders, City of GreaterBendigo and Department ofHealth and HumanServices to ensure thatchildren living in Out of

Department ofEducation and

Training



• Department ofHealth and HumanServices

• Early Childhood Agreement for

Children in Outof Home Care2014

Organisations that workwith children in out of

home care aresupported to enablechildren to access EarlyYears Services andprograms.

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Year

4.7. To supportaccess andparticipation in EarlyChildhood Services forchildren living in Outof Home Care(OoHC).(Continued)

Home Care are able toaccess Early YearsServices and programs

4.7.5 Develop a policy toensure that Out of HomeCarers retain and pass onthe medical history ofchildren in their care.

Department ofHealth andHuman Services


• Bendigo Health

• DET




• Charter forChildren in Outof Home Care

• Early Childhood Agreement forChildren in Outof Home Care2014

The medical records ofchildren living in Out ofHome Care are retainedby their carers andpassed on to relevant

organisations asrequired.

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THEME 5. WHOLE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS BENEFITTING CHILDREN – ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To strengthen Early Years partnerships to imp rove outcomes for c hildren.




Year

5.1. To enhance anddevelop whole ofcommunity inter-agency partnershipsacross all governmentand communitysectors to enableintegrated planningleading to the

improved delivery ofEarly Years servicesand programs.

5.1.1 Ensure that City ofGreater Bendigo EarlyYears staff arerepresented onappropriate planning andproject partnershipsincluding The FirstQuarter, Early YearsCoordination Group,

Children and Youth AreaPartnership.


• Bendigo CommunityHealth

• Goodstart Earlylearning

• Bendigo Health

• Catholic Care

• Department of Healthand Human Services

• St Lukes Anglicare

• Department of Health

• Baptcare



• Department ofEducation and Training

• Noahs Ark

• Catholic education

• Loddon MalleeKindergarten Association

• Bendigo Aboriginal Coop

Core Work City of Greater Bendigoparticipates in The FirstQuarter and Early YearsCoordination Groupmeetings and otherinitiatives asappropriate.

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Year


improved delivery ofEarly Years servicesand programs.(Continued)

5.1.4 Assist agencies toimprove Early YearsServices, programs andfacilities by providingplanning advice andsupport for integratedpartnership approaches,funding submissions andother initiatives.


• Early ChildhoodProviders

Core Work Agencies are supportedto seek additionalresources or to instigatevarious Early Yearsinitiatives throughadvice, information andspecific data that mayassist in thedevelopment of funding

applications, programsand projects.

1-4

5.1.5 Developpartnerships andparticipate in the Kids inthe Community Study(KICS ) to allow forstrategic planning andcommunity responsesbased on health anddevelopmental factors inEaglehawk, Long Gullyand Maiden Gully .

Centre forCommunity ChildHealth – RoyalChildrensHospital


• Early Years Providers

• Schools

• Kindergarten Clusters

• Bendigo CommunityHealth

•

Allied health• GP’s

• Bendigo Health

• Outside School HoursCare Operators

Reported evidencethrough a set ofmeasures that allowsthe City to strategicallyplan and developeffective policies andprograms to improvechild developmentoutcomes throughoutMaiden Gully, LongGully and Eaglehawk.

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Year


improved delivery ofEarly Years servicesand programs.(Continued)

• Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co op

• Family Day CareProviders

5.2. To encourage thedevelopment ofresearch and sharingof research data toimprove our evidencebase and to help plan,deliver and advocatefor services.

5.2.1 Plan and identifyfuture growth areassuitable for thedevelopment of EarlyYears facilities, servicesand programs.


• Communities ForChildren

• Early YearsCoordination Group

Core Work Strategic planning toidentify growth areassuitable for thedevelopment of EarlyYears facilities, servicesand programs.

1-4

5.2.2 Encourage relevantorganisations to sharedata and information to


• Early Years Providers Core Work Early Years Providersand the community areregularly provided with

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Year

5.2. To encourage thedevelopment ofresearch and sharingof research data toimprove our evidencebase and to help plan,deliver and advocatefor services.(Continued)

improve service planningand delivery.

up to date informationabout Early Years.

5.3. To advocate toState and FederalGovernments forfunding and support inresponse to emergingneeds of thecommunity.

5.3.1 Identify communitypriorities and fundingopportunities and assesseligibility for variousprojects.


• Communityorganisations

• Kindergarten clusters

• St Luke’s Pre-schoolField Officer


• The First Quarter

• Early Years Coordination Group

Core Work Additional resourceshave been received inGreater Bendigo tosupport Early Yearsinitiatives that respondto identified priorityneeds.

1-4

5.3.2 Work in partnership

with peak bodies andcommunity agencies toidentify funding shortfalls,infrastructurerequirements servicegaps and investigate

City of Greater

Bendigo

• Community

organisations• Kindergarten clusters

• St Luke’s Pre-schoolField Officer


Core Work Funding shortfalls,

future infrastructurepriorities and servicegaps are identified andprioritised. Inter-agencypartnerships aredeveloped and funding

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Year

5.3. To advocate toState and FederalGovernments forfunding and support inresponse to emergingneeds of thecommunity.(Continued)

suitable fundingopportunities.

applications prepared inresponse to priorityneeds.

5.3.3 Advocate for anincrease in the number ofpaediatricians, childpsychiatrists, mentalhealth practitioners and

psychologists to servicethe region.

Bendigo Health • Early Years Providers


• Universities

• Businesses

To be confirmed An adequate number ofhealth practitioners areemployed and servicingthe region.

1-4

5.4. To provide highquality, accessible andequitable Early YearsServices andprograms whichrespond to priorityneeds of children andtheir families.

5.4.1 Encourage EarlyYears providers to seekconsult with families toimprove service policiesand practices, using toolssuch as City of GreaterBendigo’s CommunityEngagement Strategyand the Communities for

Children ConsultationModel


• Communities for

Children


• Families

• City of GreaterBendigoCommunityEngagementGuidelines andToolkit 2011

• Communities

for Children

Consultation

Model (2014)• Communities

for Children

Action Plan

2015 – 2017

Early Years Providersregularly seek andobtain feedback fromclients and utilise thisinformation to makeinformed servicedelivery improvements.

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Year

5.4. To provide highquality, accessible andequitable Early YearsServices andprograms whichrespond to priorityneeds of children andtheir families.(Continued)

families with complex andsevere mental healthdifficulties.

• Families and children health difficulties arewell supported by healthprofessionals and earlyyears providers.

5.4.6 Continue to providetimely and responsivesupport to families withcomplex and severe

mental health difficulties.

Bendigo Health -CAMHS


• Maternal and ChildHealth Services

• Families and children

To be confirmed Early childhood servicesare more skilled toidentify and respond tomental health

difficulties.

1-4

5.4.7 Continue to providesupport aroundbehavioural difficulties forchildren at primaryschool, their parents andteachers through theCAMHS And SchoolsEarly Action (CASEA)program

CASEA • Early YearsProviders


CASEA Program

based in

Schools(prep to

Gde 3) and

involves targeting

young children,

their parents and

teachers in

learning new waysof relating and

dealing with

challenging

behaviour.(See

Primary school childrenwho experiencebehavioural difficultiesand their parents /teachers are able toreceive support from theCASEA program.

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Year

5.4. To provide highquality, accessible andequitable Early YearsServices andprograms whichrespond to priorityneeds of children andtheir families.(Continued)

DHHS Program

Description)

5.4.8 Assist youngchildren aged up to 8years who receive Homeand Community Care(HACC) service and theirfamilies to transition tothe National DisabilityInsurance Scheme(NDIS) due tocommence July 2016.


• DHHS

• Disability providers

Core work Children currentlyreceiving HACCservices will receivetheir services under theNDIS scheme

2-4

5.5. To implement theMunicipal Early YearsPlan as a ‘whole ofcommunity’partnership andevaluate itseffectiveness in

achieving the goals,objectives andactions.

5.5.1 The First Quarterand Early YearsCoordination Group tocontribute to, review andprovide feedbackregarding the DraftMunicipal Early Years

Plan.



• Early Years Coordination Group


Progress reports andthe process to evaluatethe Municipal EarlyYears Plan is governedand evaluated by theFirst Quarter and EarlyYears Coordination

Group

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Year

5.5. To implement theMunicipal Early YearsPlan as a ‘whole ofcommunity’partnership andevaluate itseffectiveness inachieving the goals,objectives and

actions.(Continued)

5.5.2 Evaluate theMunicipal Early YearsPlan involving keystakeholders, The FirstQuarter and Early YearsCoordination Group usinga multi-faceted evaluationprocess that includesqualitative and

quantitative evaluationmethods.



• The Early Years Coordination Group


• State GovernmentDepartments

Municipal EarlyYears Plan -Evaluation Plan

Formative EvaluationPlan is prepared andratified.

Methods to collect dataand information areimplemented andreviewed. Annual Evaluation

Reports are preparedand Action Planupdates

Points of continuousimprovement aredeveloped andimplemented.

Actions from the Planare coordinatedinvolving the EarlyYears Coordination

Group.

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Year

5.5. To implement theMunicipal Early YearsPlan as a ‘whole ofcommunity’partnership andevaluate itseffectiveness inachieving the goals,objectives and

actions.(Continued)

5.5.3 Develop an internalCity of Greater BendigoMunicipal Early YearsPlan Working Group toassist in the delivery ofthe relevant actionscontained within the Plan.


• City of GreaterBendigo (CommunityServices, Active andHealthyCommunities,building andProperty, OpenSpaces, StrategyUnits)

Core Work City of GreaterBendigo’s internalWorking Group isoperating effectivelyand delivering andmonitoring relevantactions.

1-4

5.5.4 Link the MunicipalEarly Years Plan with thedevelopment of theLoddon Children andYouth Area Partnership.

The First Quarter

Loddon Childrenand Youth AreaPartnership


• Bendigo Health

To be confirmed The Municipal EarlyYears Plan is effectivelylinked with the LoddonChildren and Youth Area Partnership.

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Year

5.6. To ensuresystemic improvementfor vulnerable and atrisk children.

5.6.1 Develop andenhance partnershipsbetween Child FIRST /Family Services anduniversal and secondaryearly year’s servicesthrough regulardiscussions, informationsharing, networking and

‘conversation circles.’

North CentralVictoria FamilyServices Alliance

• Njernda AboriginalCorporation (Echuca)

• Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative

• St Luke’s FamilyServices

• Bendigo CommunityHealth Family

Services• Cobaw Community

Health FamilyServices

• Mt Alexander FamilyServices

• Catholic Care FamilyServices

• Kyabram and DistrictFamily Services

• Echuca RegionalHealth FamilyServices

• Child Protection

• Universal services

• Bendigo Health


• North CentralVictoria FamilyServices AllianceStrategic Plan(2014)

Increased referralsbetween agencies.

Improved partnershipsbetween agencies.

Increased engagementof vulnerable childrenin universal services.

Increased support forchildren through familyservices.

Reduced reports andre-reports to ChildProtection.

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THEME 6. A CHILD FRIENDLY COMMUNITY – ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To ensure the creation of chil d friendly environ ments and enhance children’s participation in decision making processes that affect

them




Year

6.1. Lead theimplementation of theVictorian LocalGovernment Association’s Charterfor Child FriendlyCities and

Communities.

6.1.1 Adopt the VLGA ChildFriendly Cities andCommunities Charter.


• VLGA

• Child FriendlyCities andCommunitiesNetwork

• The First Quarterand Early Years

CoordinationGroup

• Victorian ChildFriendly CitiesandCommunitiesCharter 2014

Greater Bendigo is aChild Friendly City andCommunity.

1

6.1.2 Implement the threeGoals discussed in theChild Friendly Cities andCommunities Charter.


• VLGA

• Child FriendlyCities andCommunitiesNetwork


Three Goals in the ChildFriendly Cities andCommunities Charterare implemented acrossthe Municipality.

1-4

6.2. To enablechildren to experience

environments thatrespond to their needsand aspirations.

6.2.1 Develop and utilise aChild Friendly Cities lens or

checklist to ensure thatplaces and spaces withinthe City of Greater Bendigoare designed to allowchildren to feel welcomeand safe; to be active and



• Businesses

• Victorian ChildFriendly Cities

andCommunitiesCharter 2014

Child Friendly Citieslens or checklist has

been developed and isutilised in planning ofpublic spaces.

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Purpose: To ensure the creation of chil d friendly environ ments and enhance children’s participation in decision making processes that affectthem




Year

6.2. To enablechildren to experienceenvironments thatrespond to their needsand aspirations.(Continued)

healthy; and to activelycontribute to their localenvironment.

6.2.2 Incorporate safetyfeatures in the design ofpublic spaces and ensurethat emergency

preparedness and planningspecifically considerschildren.


• Emergencyservices, e.g.police, fire,ambulance, State

EmergencyServices (SES)

• Victorian ChildFriendly CitiesandCommunities

Charter 2014

Safety features areincorporated into thedesign of public spaces.Emergency

preparedness andplanning has consideredchildren’s needs.

1-4

6.3. To enable andencourage children toexpress their opinionsand to participate inand contribute todecisions about theircommunity and theirhealth and wellbeing.

6.3.1 Develop policies andprocesses to ensure thatchildren’s needs areinvestigated and that theirinput is actively sought onall matters that impactthem.




Policies and processesare established andprovide for children’sinput.

1-4

6.3.2 Update City ofGreater Bendigo’sCommunity EngagementFramework to includespecific tools / informationto engage with children.


• All relevant CityUnits

• City of GreaterBendigoCommunityEngagementGuidelines andToolkit 2011

City of GreaterBendigo’s communityengagement frameworkand tools includeinformation on how toconsult with children.

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Year

6.3. To enable andencourage children toexpress their opinionsand to participate inand contribute todecisions about theircommunity and theirhealth and wellbeing.(Continued)

6.3.3 Conduct annualworkshops encouragingchildren’s leadership andparticipation in Councildecision making processes.



• Children


Leadership workshopsfor children are heldannually.

1-4

6.4. To provideequitable access tosupportiveenvironments andservices for children,regardless of gender,ethnicity, religion orability.

6.4.1 Develop and utilise aChild Friendly Cities lens orchecklist for planning andauditing of basic services,activities and events toensure that they are safeand accessible to children.




Child friendly cities lensor checklist has beendeveloped and is utilisedin planning of services,activities and events toensure safety andaccessibility.

1-4

6.4.2 Actively promote ourcommunities and servicesthrough various forms ofmedia as a welcomingplace for children and theirfamilies to live, work andvisit.





Our communities andservices are promotedas a welcoming placefor children and theirfamilies to live, work andvisit.

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Year

6.4. To provideequitable access tosupportiveenvironments andservices for children,regardless of gender,ethnicity, religion orability.(Continued)

6.4.3 Review Councilpolices, strategic plans andservices to ensure that theyare supportive to the needsof children from allbackgrounds.



Council polices,strategic plans andservices have beenreviewed to ensure thatthey are supportive tothe needs of children.

1-4

6.4.4 Ensure that the City

of Greater Bendigo’s web-based Child Friendly Citiesinformation is regularlyupdated.

City of Greater

Bendigo

• Early Years

CoordinationGroup

• Bendigo Health

Core Work Information is available

on Council’s website forchildren and parents.

A range of Applicationsand websites that assiststaff to undertake theirday to day work,communicate withfamilies and promoteservices.

1-4

6.4.5 Develop an Application and websiteswith information regardingchild friendlyfacilities/business andservices acro

Documents

Draft version of the Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 -18