Inner North East of Adelaide(INEA) YMCA

Vacation CareHandbook

2018

Page 1 of 22

ContentsAbout the YMCA of the Inner North East of Adelaide 3

Mission 4

Vision 4

Values 4

Philosophy of Vacation Care 5

Priority of Access 6

Daily Activities 6

Staffing 7

Facilities 7

What to Bring 8

Children with Additional Needs 8

Wat is Access and Inclusion? 9

What is Gender Equality? 9

What is it to be Multi-Cultural? 10

Communication 10

Managing Behaviour of Participants 11

Health and Safety 13

Nutrition 15

Booking Procedures 16

Arrival and Departure 17

Fees 17

Centre / Program Hours 19

Contact Numbers and Emergency Pick Ups 19

Children Sent Home 20

Lost Property 20

Privacy and Confidentiality 20

Grievances 20

Evaluations 21

Page 2 of 22

About the YMCA of the Inner North East of Adelaide

The YMCAs of Australia are a group of diverse associations and part of a worldwide movement dedicated to justice, equality of opportunity, and peace.

Local YMCA Associations operate as autonomous incorporated bodies with responsibility and authority for their own Association.

The YMCA of the Inner North East of Adelaide Inc. (aka INEA YMCA) currently runs two YMCA sites, located in Walkerville and Kensington.

Established in 1956, the INEA YMCA was originally the RSL Walkerville Boys Club, located on Walkerville Tce, before becoming a YMCA the following year.

On 2nd May, 1965, the INEA YMCA moved to the current Smith St. site.

The centre administrative structure has a Board of Management headed by the President, Catherine Follett.

The centre staff consists of a Chief Executive Officer, Centre Manager, Childrens Services Director and Fitness/Health Coordinator, two administration, staff and 26 casually employed coachers, leaders and instructors.

The facilities of INEA YMCA in Walkerville include a single court sports stadium, purpose built gymnastics hall, three squash courts, cardio room, weights room, cycle room, three function rooms, front desk/kiosk, an office, waiting area and free car parking.

The facilities of INEA YMCA in Kensington include a 1 ½ court sports stadium, two squash courts, cardio room, two weights room, circuit room, front desk/kiosk, offices and free car parking.

The role of the INEA YMCA is to provide a community facility offering recreational programs for people of all ages and all abilities.

Current programs INEA YMCA in Walkerville include recreational gymnastics, Edgym, Gym Sense, fitness classes, supervised and unsupervised weights, indoor soccer, vacation care, and birthday parties. INEA YMCA also provides a hiring of space service, currently used by such groups as X-llent, Peter Morton’s Academy of Judo, Jujitsu & Karate, etc.

Page 3 of 22

Mission Statement

The YMCA’s of Australia work together, from a base of Christian values, to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit.

Vision Statement

We are making a positive difference by providing opportunity to each and every person to be healthy, happy and connected.

Values

The YMCA’s of Australia are guided to achieve their Mission by the following Christian values.

We value:

the whole person, consisting of a body, a mind and a spirit each of which is of equal importance. the dignity and intrinsic worth of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, belief or other

difference. diversity of people, communities and nations. equality of opportunity and justice for all people. healthy communities based on relationships between people which are characterised by love,

understanding, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. acceptance of personal responsibility.

These core values translate into four key operational values:

Honesty – Respect – Caring – Responsibility.

Page 4 of 22

Vacation Care Statement of Philosophy

The vacation care program endeavours to provide a high quality program for primary schooled-aged children to enjoy, thrive and be challenged in that is rich in opportunities to learn, develop and have fun. We are an inclusive program of children with additional needs and take great pride in supporting all children. We foster children to develop active bodies, creative minds and healthy spirit.

We believe:

that children should have access to a safe, caring and fun environment where they can experience a sense of belonging

that children should be given opportunities to take responsibility for managing their own behaviour and to participate in decisions that affect them

that play is valued and should be promoted as an important aspect of childrens development that every child is a unique individual with particular physical, intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic

and cultural needs and potential that the Vacation Care program is important in promoting health and wellbeing and in fostering

healthy life choices that children have a right to an environment that fosters inclusivity of all people in the importance of forming and maintaining links within the community that partnerships with families are vital to the development and continuous improvement of the

program that children’s relationships with their peers is valuable in developing a high self esteem

We aim to:

ensure a safe environment is provided develop children’s’ life skills, such as negotiation skills, decision making, leadership skills and resilience. provide a program that promotes a choice of activities at all times, ensure that new activities are

introduced, and is flexible and adaptable in design regularly liaise with children and families to ensure they are involved in the evaluation, development

and direction of the program provide suitable activities for all children, regardless, of physical or intellectual ability, and social,

emotional, linguistic or cultural backgrounds promote good nutrition, hygiene and sun protection measures, and educate children in regards to

developing healthy lifestyle habits develop and maintain strong networks within the community support children to engage in a variety of social interaction experiences work as a team to create a friendly and professional atmosphere provide opportunities for children to engage in creative, self-directed play operate a program that complies with our funding and services agreement and the National Quality

Framework

Page 5 of 22

Priority of Access

The YMCA observes the Commonwealth Government Priority of Access Guidelines. These guidelines are referred to when a service has families on the waiting list.

Priority Levels:

a child at risk of abuse or neglect is regarded as a priority group for access to quality childcare. These families in crisis should have the support and assistance from childcare services to the maximum extent possible

a child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy the work/training/study test under section 14 of the Family Assistance Act (via centre link)

any other child

When the demand for childcare exceeds availability, it is imperative for services to allocate available places to those families with the greatest need for support. These places will be offered in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Priority of Access guidelines.

What this means is that your child’s place is not guaranteed. If a child on the waiting list, who is considered by the service to be of greater need requests care, parents may be required to relinquish their place to these families.

It is with sensitivity and care that these guidelines are adhered to by the YMCA.

Daily Activities

The daily timetable includes centre-based activities, incursions and excursions for participants.

A variety of activities include:

sport and games; art and craft;

cooking; large and small group activities;

indoor and outdoor play; opportunities to experience drama and music

Please see a copy of the program available five weeks prior to each vacation care period for detailed itineraries via hard copy at front desk and posted on the noticeboard, INEA YMCA website and Facebook page.

Page 6 of 22

Staffing

In accordance with the National Quality Framework, the INEA YMCA is required to staff the program at all times at a ratio of:

1 staff: 15 children for children aged 5-12 years within the YMCA facilities, centre-based and incursion activities

1 staff: 8 children aged 5-12 years for excursion and specific outdoor activities 1 staff: 5 children aged 5-12 years for water-based excursion activities

Support staff for children with additional needs, aged 5-17 years, will also be organised in consultation with relevant funding providers.

Facilities

Successful operation of the vacation care program requires the use of a number of program rooms and areas both indoors and outdoors.

The primary areas inside the centre allocated for use of the vacation care program are:

Gymnastics hall Stadium ‘Quiet’ room – a.k.a. Kids Chill Zone

The secondary areas inside the centre allocated for use of the vacation care program are:

‘Blue’ room ‘Red’ room Squash courts ‘Reflection’ room

Areas outside of the INEA YMCA centre which are included in the program that may be used at any time and in accordance with the centre-based ratio of 1 staff: 15 children are:

Grassed area around the INEA YMCA

Areas outside of the INEA YMCA centre which are included in the program that may be used at any time and in accordance with the specific outdoor activities ratio of 1 staff: 8 children are:

Walkerville Oval and playground (Smith St, Walkerville) Path alongside Torrens River

Page 7 of 22

What to Bring

INEA YMCA highly recommends the following items to be brought to each day of attendance:

a sun-safe hat, such as a legionnaires hat, bucket hat or broad-brimmed hat (not baseball caps) – as hats must be worn during ALL outdoor activities or excursions

a drink bottle a healthy recess snack a healthy lunch sunscreen that is specific to a child’s skin condition (otherwise the centre will provide an all-purpose

SPF 50+ sunscreen) spare clothing appropriate to the age of your child

It is also recommended that children:

dress appropriately for the day’s activities and forecast of weather, i.e. exercise clothing for fitness/sports related days, warm clothing for cold days and cooler clothing for hot days

footwear that is appropriate for the day’s activities leave valuables at home, including portable electronic games and music players, mobile phones, and

trading cards. There will occasionally be themed days allocated for these types of items, otherwise please support the program and discourage children from bringing these.

bring a packed lunch in a disposable bag on excursion days are allowed to get “dressed up” for relevantly themed-days, such as sports typed days, Christmas days,

Halloween, etc.

Children with Additional Needs

The INEA YMCA encourages and wishes to enhance the access and inclusion of all members or our community to YMCA services, programs and opportunities. In developing the access and inclusion policy the INEA YMCA will involve a range of people from a diverse background of communities and level of expertise in the planning, development, construction and maintenance of the physical environments so that people with a disability have reasonable access.

The INEA YMCA works in conjunction with Gowrie SA in providing support for children with additional needs. For information about the support and resources available for children with additional needs, please call Gowrie SA on 08 1800 129 606 or (08) 8234 5219.

INEA YMCA provides support on a case-by-case basis and every effort is made to include children with additional needs into all activities planned for each day while supporting their physical, emotional or psychological development.

Page 8 of 22

What is Access and Inclusion?

When we think of access to facilities or activities, too often our thoughts turn to the physical barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participation. Whilst such concerns are obviously relevant to the opportunities available for participation, there are other less tangible barriers to access and inclusion that are of equal, if not greater significance.

Welcoming environments – With all physical barriers removed, people, whether having disabilities or not, feel uncomfortable in an environment that does not make them feel welcome. Orient people around facilities; introduce yourself and others to them. New people will be helped to feel and act more like they belong once they are shown that they do.

Think outside the norm – When considering the input of people with disabilities or minority groups to community based groups or activities, we often focus too much on what people may not be able to do whilst forgetting about all the things they can do. Groups can require input in terms of players, administrators, coaches, general assistants, scorers, timers, umpires, maintenance, organisers, fundraisers, supporters, and general management. Involvement in all of these areas adds to group success and from an individual’s perspective, responsibility for such activities contributes to a feeling of active participation, appreciation, and belonging.

Maintain consistency – Whilst people with disabilities or minority groups may require assistance in some areas of their participation, their involvement in other areas of competence should not be met with unusual or extraordinary treatment. Genuine participation in community-based recreation requires contributions from both participants and groups. While people continue to be treated ‘specially’ their identification as a person with a disability is highlighted, rather than them being regarded as an active and contributing participant.

What is Gender Equity?The INEA YMCA aims to provide an environment where all children realise their full potential regardless of gender. To provide gender equity practices and programs, we embrace the principle that all persons are of equal value and have the right to equality of treatment and opportunity. As children are exposed to gender equity issues through society and the media, it is vital that we help them to understand the world that they live in and that they realise they have the opportunity to engage in all activities throughout life regardless of their gender.

At the YMCA of INEA, we implement socially just practices in relation to gender by:

regarding all children as individuals and providing equal opportunities for boys and girls. including positive experiences for all children in day to day programs, which are not based on sex role

stereotypes. making all resources available to all children through a program which allows children to select their

own activities. encouraging children to treat, respect and play with other children happily, regardless of sex or

culture.

Page 9 of 22

What is it to be Multi-Cultural?

Developing cultural understanding in children is a foundation area of learning focusing on developing a growing awareness and appreciation of one’s own cultural identity and the culture of others.

At INEA YMCA we:

model respect for children’s cultural identities are sensitive to cultural differences in body language, behaviour, attitudes, values, communication

styles and protocols related to cultural beliefs. discuss, question and challenge attitudes and behaviours and encourage the appreciation of

alternative views encourage parents to become involved in their child’s program.

Communication

The YMCA aims to provide quality educational, safe and inclusive vacation care programs. One key to achieving these outcomes is to ensure that all staff working on the program communicates in an appropriate manner with colleagues, participants and parents.

Children with additional needs who are enrolled in the vacation care program often are unable to communicate effectively with other children or their families therefore the INEA YMCA requires all leaders who support children with additional needs to ensure that on a daily basis there is the child’s parents/caregivers:

the types of activities they participated in during the day things that happened during the day that may have generated a significant response or interest if there were any behavioural issues if there were any personal hygiene issues that may have occurred during the day

The INEA YMCA will endeavour to provide a communication book if your child requires one.

Page 10 of 22

Managing Behaviour of ParticipantsINEA YMCA programs will provide a secure, caring and stimulating environment, which encourages children to co-operate, enhances their self-esteem and encourages their ability to interact with others, where acceptable behaviour is promoted and any recriminations are kept to a minimum.

What is Behaviour Management?

Behaviour management is a set of processes that enable INEA YMCA staff to respond appropriately to the actions of the children in their care. It is also referred to as guidance and discipline.

Any community of people needs rules.

Rules prohibit certain unacceptable actions and limit harmful behaviours.

Positive Expectations

Positive expectations are descriptions of behaviours that we would like to see demonstrated by the children. We use the term expectations because we have a right to expect that children will learn and demonstrate positive behaviour. All positive expectations are adaptive and pro-social. Adaptive behaviours are actions that help the child to adapt to his/her environment e.g. chewing and swallowing food before attempting to speak. Pro-social behaviours are actions that help the child to get along with other people, e.g. helping someone, friendship skills and manners.

To continuously promote the values of the YMCA movement, positive expectations allow children to develop honesty, respect, caring and responsibility. These are beneficial, not only in interacting with peers during the vacation care program, but also in our engagement as citizens in our community, from local to international.

Examples of positive expectations:

“Please walk in the hallways”

“In this service we are all expected to clean up any mess that we help to make”

“In this Service we expect everyone to use friendly language”

Behavioural management process

Behaviour management strategies describe techniques to modify inappropriate behaviour and encourage appropriate behaviour. Behaviour management strategies are not forms of punishment.

While your child is participating in the vacation care program, their behaviour will be managed by the following step-by-step procedure. Parents are welcome to provide feedback on this process to ensure it meets the need of their child.

Page 11 of 22

Step 1 Redirect behaviour from incorrect/unsafe action

Step 2

Warning of the repeated incorrect/unsafe behaviourChild is taken to a “soft area” to reflect on their behaviour (i.e. complete a reflection sheet or discussion with vac care leader – what did you do, how did this make you feel, how did this make others feel, how can you improve this, explanation that the next step is to see Andrew, etc.)Upon return to activity, child will be redirected away from the same area of incorrect/unsafe behaviour

Step 3

Removal from the activity and sent to Andrew(or Kira or Scott)Further discussion of behaviour, including an assessment of the severity of the incident to determine if the child is to be sent home at this stage or the next. Parents will be called at this stage to report this level of process.

Step 4

Send child homeCall child’s parent(s) / caregiver(s) again to come and collect the child from the centre, as their behaviour is no longer acceptable.Assessment to be made for when the child can return to vacation care.

The above behaviour policy is for general behaviour for the majority of children under the program’s care that would be considered minor/medium incidences. This will be displayed, at all times, during vacation care near the sign-in sheet. Minor to medium incidents could include the following (but will not be exhausted only to):

Not following instructions Accidently pushing Not sharing items or equipment Being rude to other children or staff Not respecting other children’s space Continuous defiance Inability to resolve an argument Low level swearing

For major behavioural incidences, the child will directly refer to step 3 of the above system and judgement will be made as to whether the child will be sent home. Major incidents could include the following (but will not be exhausted only to):

Fighting Spitting Verbal abuse / high level swearing Physical, verbal or emotional harassment of other children or staff Stealing Destruction of YMCA property Putting other children’s, or staff’s, safety & wellbeing at risk

For children who carry-out several minor to medium incidences, they will also refer directly to step 3 of the system. For children with additional needs, while every attempt will be made to use the above system for their behaviour, there are times that other strategies will be used and their behaviour expectations will be slightly different to the majority of the children.

Page 12 of 22

Health and Safety

MedicationCorrect administration of child’s medication is not only a safety issue but very important in a program of this size. Upon enrolment, child who have a medical issue need to complete a ‘Medical Authority’ form. Each day, parents are asked to sign in all children’s medication, including asthma medication. Full details, including the child’s name, dosages and times must be provided and staff will co-sign once medication has been administered to children. The medication register can be found in the manager’s office and at the front desk. Please ask desk staff for assistance.

Accidents & Illnesses

All accidents and illnesses and the treatment given for these will be fully documented by staff completing incident forms, and then recorded in the accident, illness and medication register. Parents/caregivers, whose children have had an accident or have been unwell, will be asked to co-sign the incident form when collecting their child(ren). For serious incidents such as reasons to be taken to hospital, etc, staff will complete a Serious Incident Notification form which parents/caregivers will also need to co-sign.

Infectious Diseases

No child can attend the service if suffering from an infectious or communicable disease.

If the child is brought to the service with an infectious disease or communicable disease, the parent/caregiver will be required to take them home. Staff will make the final decision.

If there is a confirmed occurrence of an infectious disease, the YMCA will notify all families as soon as practicable.

Enrolment form

To improve the care and safety for your children, please make sure you provide details about the following in the enrolment form:

Immunisation Allergy Dietary Restrictions Impairments Behavioural issues

The details you provide us with on this form will enable us to provide better and more appropriate care for your child. All information in this form will remain confidential and in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Page 13 of 22

Mandatory Reporting

All services of INEA YMCA, including vacation care, have an obligation to all children attending the service to defend their right to care and protection. This is covered by the “Safeguarding Children and Young People” policy. All staff who are employed by INEA YMCA are required to complete Reporting Abuse and Neglect (RAN) training, read, acknowledge and sign the Safeguarding Children and Young People policy and further discussions are held in staff meetings and toolbox meetings to ensure that practices are being implemented and improved upon when required.

To support this right, the service will follow the procedures set down by the Department of Family and Community Services under the Children’s Protection Act 1993 Section 11(1) & (2), when dealing with any allegations of abuse or neglect of children.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

INEA YMCA recognises that all children and young people have the right to develop and reach their potential in environments that are caring, nurturing and safe.

INEA YMCA considers any form of child/young person abuse, including emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect, as intolerable under any circumstances.

INEA YMCA has a legal, moral and Mission-driven responsibility to protect children and young people from harm and to ensure that any incidents of suspected child abuse are promptly and appropriately managed.

INEA YMCA is legally and morally responsible for ensuring that appropriate policies and practices are in place to minimise, if not eliminate, the risk of abuse of children and young people who participate in our services and programs.

All of our staff and volunteers are required to act to safeguard children and young people by:

Adopting appropriate practices and behaviour when carrying out their duties. Complying with INEA YMCA Policies Complying with the INEA YMCA Staff Code of Conduct at all times Reporting any abuse, of which they become aware, that is perpetrated by staff or volunteers within

INEA YMCA, or by those outside of INEA YMCA, including extended family members, neighbours, friends, peers, siblings or strangers

Please refer to the centre’s Safeguarding Children and Young People’s policy for further details. The following signage is also displayed throughout the centre:

Page 14 of 22

Nutrition

The importance of good nutrition throughout childhood is well documented. Healthy eating practices adopted early in a child’s life will provide a solid grounding for future health and wellbeing. The INEA YMCA is committed to supporting healthy eating for children in its vacation care program by following the “Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia” policy (as displayed with signage during the program).

Drinking water will be available at all times for children and staff.

Children and parents will be encouraged to pack healthy food in lunch boxes for their children

Ideas for healthy lunch box alternatives will be available from the centre

Food items and food activities will include those from a variety of cultures.

INEA YMCA is a nut-free centre. This is clearly visible through signage throughout the centre.

Spending money

Children are permitted pocket money to spend at the centre. We recommend that this money is handed into the front desk, where the children can access this at appropriate times. We recommend that parents leave only a minimal sum each day.

Please fill out a form at the desk to inform the staff of any restrictions your child has regarding the spending of their money.

Canteen will only be open to the children during the lunch breaks. Staff has the responsibility to supervise children during the lunch break and we will ensure that children eat their provided lunch before they are invited to spend money at the canteen.

While lunch orders are no longer a service provided by vacation care, children who find themselves in the situation that lunch has forgotten to be provided, their lunch is damaged in some way or nuts in some form are included as the main option for lunch, children will be provided with a basic but nutritious lunch.

Lunch & morning/afternoon tea times

The children are supervised during all break times. Meal breaks are generally:

Recess 10am - 10.30am

Lunch 12.30pm-1.30pm (including canteen time)

These times can vary slightly from day to day depending on planned activity times.

Children must remain in the specified eating area at all times and clean any mess that they make.

Page 15 of 22

Booking Procedures

Age of Children attending

Children must be of primary school age to attend this program, or upon turning 5 years of age and being enrolled into a primary school in the following term.

The service must not restrict the attendance of primary school children in order to offer care to older or younger children

INEA YMCA will not accept enrolments of non-primary school children, unless an assessment has been made for children with additional needs to be of similar developmental stage.

Enrolments of students who are enrolled in an Early Learning Centre cannot be accepted.

Registration

Parents/caregivers making the booking must complete and sign the INEA YMCA booking sheet and enrolment form.

Only one booking sheet needs to be signed for the full program and can cover all members of the same family.

An individual enrolment form is required for each child each financial year.

Bookings can be submitted by:

email to inea@ymca.org.au post hard copy to 39 Smith Street, Walkerville 5081

Children must be booked into the program at least 24 hours prior to commencement of the program. There are a limited number of places available for the program (total of 75 places); priority will be given to those who book early.

Full program details are available five weeks prior to the holidays commencing. The booking form is available via:

personal email to parents/caregivers of children who have attended vacation care previously INEA YMCA website www.inea.ymca.org.au hard copies available at the front desk

The YMCA encourages parents of children with special needs to book their children in the program at least 1 week prior to commencement. This will assist us to adapt programs to cater for their needs, to be inclusive, and assist in staffing for these participants.

The upcoming program is also advertised via:

INEA YMCA Facebook page www.facebook.com/INEA YMCA hard copy posted on notice board adjacent to front desk

Page 16 of 22

Arrival and DepartureSigning in:

Children are not to be left at the centre at any time prior to the opening hours of the centre. On arrival, the authorised person bringing the child is responsible to sign the child in on the sign-in

form, initialling and recording the time of arrival as well as completing all other required information. It is essential that the name who will picking up the child(ren) matches one of the names present in the enrolment process.

The person bringing the child to the centre must ensure that a staff member is aware of the child’s arrival before leaving the centre, and that any special needs, including medication, are communicated.

If the child does not attend for any reason the service will record the type of absence on the attendance record or allowable record. The parent must verify the absence by signing/initialling the attendance record and providing the necessary documentation as soon as possible.

Signing out:

Children must be collected by the closing time of the centre. The authorised person who is collecting the child must sign the child out on the sign-out sheet,

initialling and recording the time of departure The names and contact numbers of all persons collecting children from the centre must be included on

the enrolment form. Any changes to these authorities must be advised in writing to the centre by the custodial parent or guardian before a child will be released to the nominated person. Staff will ask to see the identification of the named person.

The centre will not release a child to anyone who is not authorised without prior consent. The person collecting the child must ensure that a staff member is aware that the child has been

signed out and is leaving the centre. Late pick up fees will apply if child is picked up after the programs finishing time. Refer to late

collection policy

Fees

Fees are charged for the whole day only, an hourly rate is not available. Full payment is required upon booking into the program. Fees will be charged for each day booked. Bookings can be made on the day as long as places are available. Payment is to be made at time of booking.

Fees are as follows: Full Day: $52.00

Incursions: $570.00

Bronze Excursions: $57.00 (free entry admission to the site)

Silver Excursions: $62.00 ($1-10 entry admission to the site)

Gold Excursions: $67.00 ($11+ entry admission to the site)

Page 17 of 22

Alterations to the program – All activities are subject to change due to poor weather or low attendance. Parents are notified of changes where possible and a full refund will be made for the activity that is cancelled if alternative arrangements are not made.

*** Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur the full fee for that day ***

Payment Methods

Please Note: Payment must be included with enrolment.

Payment may be completed by one of the following:

Cash/credit card/EFTPOS/cheque at the centre

Provide credit card details on the booking sheet

Credit card by phone - Enrolment forms need to be received by the centre prior to payment via phone. This can be done by email to: inea@ymca.org.au, or fax on 8342 0040

Cheque (Cheques should be made payable to: YMCA of the Inner North East of Adelaide)

Payment is accepted by mail addressed to:

YMCA of INEA

39 Smith Street

Walkerville SA 5081

.

Child Care Benefit

Child Care Benefit is available for families using all programs. Parents can obtain an application form from a Family Assistance Office. Families already receiving Family Tax Benefit can complete the application for CCB over the telephone on 13 61 50.

Child Care benefit can be received in two ways:

As a fee reduction where the fee is reduced by the YMCA before the account is sent or claimed as a lump sum directly through the Family Assistance Office each financial year.

When applications have been processed, the parent and the YMCA will be notified if a reduction is applicable.

Page 18 of 22

Vacation Care Locations Vacation Care ID Numbers

Inner North East Adelaide YMCA OSCH 555 012 993K

Centre and Program Hours

Vacation care operates each day of the school holidays except for public holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Year. Opening hours are 8:00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

On excursion days, children need to be at the YMCA by 9.00am (unless otherwise indicated). If a child is late, the program cannot wait for them, and the child will not be permitted to stay at the centre but arrangements can be made to meet at the excursion destination.

Late Collection Policy

Parents/guardians who are unavoidably detained from collecting their child by the centre’s closing time must telephone the centre to advise of their lateness and their expected time of arrival.

If a child has not been collected by the closing time of the centre the Childrens Services Director, nominated supervisor or Centre Manager will telephone the parent/caregiver. In the event of not being able to contact the parent/guardian the emergency contacts will be called.

If no one can be contacted and the child has not been collected 30 minutes after the centre’s closing time, the police will be contacted who will then assume responsibility for the child.

A late fee will apply if children are not collected at the conclusion of the session. Fees are as follows;

For up to 10 minutes late - $10.00 will be charged, and then an additional $1.00 per minute thereafter.

Contact Numbers and Emergency Pick Ups

Parents/caregivers are to provide emergency details, as a part of the enrolment form.

In the event of a change in pick up person designated for a particular afternoon, parents are asked to notify the receptionist by telephoning prior to collection time with the name of the new person collecting their child.

No child will be released to any person or persons not listed on the registration form until a parent or guardian can be contacted and the identity of the pick-up person checked.

Page 19 of 22

Children Sent Home

Refunds and time in lieu are not available when children are sent home during the course of the program, due to illness, an accident/incident whilst participating or inappropriate behaviour.

When children become ill it is usually unexpected. Staff levels are set at the beginning of the session and it is not possible to send a staff member home because a child has gone home, nor is it feasible to replace a child with someone from a waiting list at such short notice.

If you believe your child may become ill during the day it is advisable that your child remain at home and not be in care.

Lost Property

Children are responsible for their own clothing and belongings whilst in care. To assist with returning lost items please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled. The INEA YMCA will not be held responsible for loss of property. Lost items will be kept for one week only after program end.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The YMCA is committed to protecting private personal information collected from our patrons, members, guest and participants. This information is confidential and will only be used for the purposes in which it has been intended. Customers of the YMCA programs and service must give their informed consent should their personal information be required to be given to other staff for any other purpose other than for use in the YMCA Vacation Care Program.

Grievances

The INEA YMCA views customer feedback as an opportunity for improvement and deems to utilise these events as an opportunity to not only improve the service provided but to build stronger relationships and loyalty with individual customers who have taken the time to let us know how they are feeling.

Please call the YMCA

If the coordinators of the program are unable to take your call, the desk staff will take your details

The coordinators are obliged to contact you within 48 hours.

Page 20 of 22

Please refer to the ‘Integrated Management System (IMS)’ – Section 8.9 for more detail. A grievance can occur between a member/parent and staff, a child and staff or between staff. Procedure for someone who has a grievance:

Discuss directly with the person to solve the grievance If not satisfied or an agreement can’t be made, complete required form and see line manager. If not satisfied or an agreement can’t be made, complete required form and see centre manager. If not satisfied or an agreement can’t be made, complete required form and see CEO. If not satisfied or an agreement can’t be made, complete required form and contact board of

Directors. If not satisfied or an agreement can’t be made, contact Regulatory Authority – Education & Early

Childhood Services & Standards Board of SA via website www.acecqa.gov.au, Safework SA or the Fairwork Commission.

Regulatory Authority

INEA YMCA is accountable, and also gains support from, a Regulatory Authority in South Australia. This body is known as the Education and Early Childhood Services Registration and Standards Board of South Australia (EECSRSBSA). If any changes are required, from an operational perspective, or a customer would like to make a grievance report, the following contact details available:

Address: GPO Box 1811Adelaide SA 5001

Website: www.eecsrsb.sa.gov.auEmail: EECSB.NationalQualityFramework@sa.gov.auPhone: 1800 882 413 (toll free)

The vacation care service and program is assessed against the ‘Quality Areas’ outlined by the National Quality Framework (NQF). The NQF is administered by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). The assessment is carried out by an assessor from EECSRSBSA.

The NQF consists of the following Quality Areas:

1 – Educational Program and Practice

2 – Children’s Health and Safety

3 – Physical Environment

4 – Staffing Arrangements

5 – Relationships with Children

6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

7 – Governance and Leadership

Page 21 of 22

The vacation care program is also directed broadly to guide our staff in facilitating children’s play, leisure and learning against the “My Time, Our Place” Framework.

This framework consists of 5 outcomes:

1 – Children have a strong sense of identity

2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

4 – Children are confident and involved learners

5 – Children are effective communicators

Evaluations

Feedback from both parents and children in relation to program delivery and organisation is very valuable to centre management and all staff involved in the program’s daily operation. The INEA YMCA provides a written evaluation form for all families to complete during every holiday program. Copies of the form are emailed to each family who attend the program and can be posted back or returned email. We encourage all families to complete these forms, as your feedback will aid in improving our program and benefit your family for improved services. Constant feedback is all sought directly from children during their attendance of the program.

We hope that this handbook has been helpful to you in providing information about the YMCA of the Inner North East of Adelaide Inc and our vacation care program.

If you have any feedback, comments or suggestions, please forward them to:

Andrew Stacey

Childrens Services Director

Ph: 08 8344 3811 / 08 8101 0800

Mob: 0455 534 490

Email: astacey@ineaymca.asn.au

Website: www.inea.ymca.org.au

Page 22 of 22