National Quality Framework Information for Families

What is the National Quality Framework? Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life. That is why the Australian Government and state and territory governments have introduced changes to improve the quality of Australian education and care services commencing from 1st January 2012. Prior to this date, quality standards across early childhood education and care services varied. The national Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care (National Quality Framework) has set a new national quality standard for education and care services across Australia. This has created greater consistency between services and across states & territories. Under the National Quality Framework, education and care services will be assessed and rated against 7 key quality areas.

1. Educational Program & Practise 2. Children’s Health & Safety 3. Physical Environment 4. Educators Arrangements 5. Relationships with Children 6. Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities 7. Leadership & Service Management

Ratings are: Excellent Exceeding National Quality Standard Meeting National Quality Standard Working towards National Quality Standard Significant improvement required

This quality ratings system will help you to make informed choices about the education and care you chose for your child.

How will the National Quality Framework benefit your child? The National Quality Framework is designed to encourage continuous improvement of education and care services across Australia. The major benefits for you and your child include:

Improved educator-to-child ratios in most services meaning individual care & attention for your child

Educators with increased skills and qualifications who are able to support your child’s learning & development

Educational programs that take into account your child’s strengths, capabilities, culture, interest & experience

Support for your child to build & maintain sensitive & responsive relationships with other children & adults

Indoor & outdoor environments that promote independent exploration & learning through play

For more information, please view documentation in our centre’s foyer, speak to Padstow Play N Learn Educators or access the following website

www.acecqa.gov.au/families or call 1300422327

Early Years Learning Framework Information for Families

What is the Early Years Learning Framework? In conjunction with implementing the National quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework was also introduced to Early Childhood services in January 2012. The Early Years Learning Framework has been developed to ensure that your child receives quality education programs in their early childhood setting. This is a vital time for them to learn and develop. The Framework’s vision is for all children to experience play-based learning that is engaging & builds success for life. It is a guide for early childhood educators who work with children from birth to 5yrs. They will use the framework in partnership with families; children’s first and most influential educators, to develop learning programs responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities, and recognise that children learn through their play.

The Early Years Learning Framework describes childhood as a time of Belonging, Being & Becoming

Belonging; is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.

Being; is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just ‘be’ – time to play, try new things and have fun.

Becoming; is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to

form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.

EYLF Outcomes & Symbols Learning Outcome 1: children have a strong sense of identity Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with & contribute to their world Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident & involved learners Learning Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

Padstow Play N Learn Staff Information Profile (the Governance/Management of the centre is solely with the Owner/Director. Responsible Person is the Nominated Supervisor,

In her absence the Responsible Person is determined in the order that Educators are listed below. There is always a certified Supervisor on duty at all times the service is operational.)

Centre Owner

Sara Partridge Sara has worked in childcare since 2000 and has been at Padstow Play N Learn since November 2001. She has

been the Owner/Director of the centre since October 2005.

Sara holds a Diploma in Children’s Services & a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment

Centre Manager/Joint Butterfly Room Leader

Hayley de Gruchy Hayley started at Padstow Play N Learn in January 2008 under a Certificate III traineeship. Hayley completed

her Cert III & Diploma in Children’s Service, and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Education Birth-5 years

from Charles Sturt University in 2014.

Hayley has a current Senior First Aid Certificate as well as Asthma and Anaphylaxis emergency certificate and

is the primary point of contact at Padstow Play n’ Learn.

Butterfly room leader/Certified Supervisor/Educational Leader

Jessica Mansfield Jessica started at Padstow Play N Learn in February 2010. Jessica holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and

brings to our team, room leader experience with thorough knowledge of Curriculum planning & assessment.

Jessica also holds a current First Aid Qualification, Asthma & Anaphylaxis Training aswell as training in Child

Protection.

Caterpillar Room Leader

Jodie de Gruchy Jodie started at our centre in June 2010 as a casual staff member and realised her passion for early childhood

education. In the past 5 years Jodie has completed her certificate three and diploma of children’s services

through correspondence. Jodie also holds a current first aid qualification and asthma and anaphylaxis training.

Caterpillar Room Assistant

Lorelle Sinclair Lorelle has worked in childcare for over 15yrs and has been employed at Padstow Play N Learn for majority of

those years.

Lorelle holds a current Senior First Aid Certificate & Certificate III in Children’s Services (July 2010.)

Butterfly Room Assistant

Maddie Dellosa Maddie commenced working at our centre in January 2016. Maddie finished high school in 2015 and has

nannying/babysitting experience. Maddie will be doing her traineeship in 2016, working towards achieving her

certificate three in children’s services.

Butterfly Room Assistant

Jacinta Skinner Jacinta joined the Padstow Play N Learn team in 2016 after a career change to pursue her passion in early

childhood education. Jacinta will be doing her traineeship in 2016, working towards achieving her certificate

three in children’s services.

All staff undergo Police Screening Checks before commencing employment at Padstow Play N Learn.

Description of Padstow Play ‘N’ Learn Padstow Play ‘N’ Learn is an approved, privately operated, Licensed 29 place Long Day Care Centre. It has been

operational as a child care centre for over 20yrs. Padstow Play ‘N’ Learn is owned & Directed by Sara Partridge

who takes pride in providing quality childcare to families & the community to the standards outlined in The National

Quality Framework, and beyond.

Padstow Play ‘N’ Learn caters for children aged 2-6yrs & offers a range of educational facilities & experiences,

including Early Years Learning Framework & a comprehensive School Readiness Program for children ‘To Learn,

Grow & Develop Through Play’.

Staffing Our staffing team is made up of diverse & dedicated Educators with qualifications, skills & experience ranging from

University degrees to Diplomas & Cert III’s in Children’s Services. Child/staff ratios are adhered to at all times; 1

staff: 5 2yr children, 1 staff:8 3yr children & 1 staff: 10 3-5yr children. Educators are supported to extend their

training & knowledge through in-service training. All educators have current Senior First Aid training aswell as

training in Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management.

All staff employed at the centre are police screened before commencement of employment.

Padstow Play N Learn’s layout is divided into 2 rooms; with 2-3 Educators in each room

Hours of Operation

Padstow Play ‘N’ Learn is open from Monday-Friday 7.30am-6.00pm. We are operational for 49 weeks of the year,

closing for 3 weeks over the Christmas period, weekends & all public holidays.

Fees, Charges & Bond Payments

On enrolment you will pay a nominated bond to secure your childcare placement.

Bond charges for 2015 are $250.00 bond for 1-3 days attendance bond payments are refundable providing

2weeks written notice be given on

$350.00 bond for 4-5 days attendance termination

An administration fee of $20.00 is also paid on enrolment (this is a one-off non-refundable charge)

From January 2016 full fees will be set at $87.00/day

Fees must be kept at least two weeks in advance & are to be paid by internet transfer, cheque or cash ( internet

transfer & cheque payments are preferred over cash for security benefits). Cheques are to be made payable to

Padstow Play ‘N’ Learn Pty Ltd. Details for internet transfer can be obtained upon request from the Director.

Receipts & invoices will be issued weekly via e-mail.

Failing to keep your fees 2 weeks in advance will result in notice being issued notifying you of the intent to cancel

your child’s childcare placement unless fees are paid up to date immediately.

Fees are payable for any absences &/or public holidays.

(Further details of the centre’s Fee Policy can be viewed at the centre in our comprehensive Policy & Procedure

portfolio)

Child Care Assistance The Australian Government provides families with financial assistance to help cover the cost of approved child care

through the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate. The Child Care Benefit is based on family income, (with not all families being eligible to receive this rebate), the Child Care Rebate is

not income tested (however is capped at $7, 500/year)

Child Care Benefit is income tested & is usually paid directly to approved child care services to reduce the fees

that eligible families pay.

To check your child care benefit eligibility or to apply for your benefit visit your local Centrelink Office or enquire

online at www.humanservices.gov.au/childcarebenefit

Child Care Rebate is an additional payment to the Child Care Benefit which helps families cover out-of-pocket

costs of child care. It is not income tested and covers up to 50%of out-of-pocket child care costs, up to $7,500 per

child/year. Out-of-pocket child care costs are calculated after deducting any Child Care Benefit payments that are

received.

Even if your family’s income is too high for you to receive the Child Care Benefit you may be eligible for the Child

Care Rebate. For more information visit www.australia.gov.au/mychild or call 132468

Settling in/Orientation This is as individual as your child, & educators are aware that it can be a very anxious & stressful time for both the

parent & child. Prior to commencement parents are welcomed to visit the centre with their child as many times as

they wish to help their child become familiar with the environment, educators & routine. It also provides the parent

with an insight to what happens during the day & provides opportunity to ask any questions they are unsure of.

Arrangements for these visits can be made with the Centre Director by contacting the centre.

It is recommended that you try to settle your child into an activity & always say goodbye before leaving. Once you

say goodbye, make your departure quickly & educators will be available to comfort your child if required. Parents

are encouraged to contact the centre whenever they wish to inquire about their child & how they are settling in.

Different settling in routines can be adapted to suit each family’s individual requirements.

Our service has an ‘Open Door’ Policy & parents and families are welcome to visit the centre

at any time.

Attendance & Absences: Your child may only attend the centre on the days that they are booked in. If additional days are required, as either a

casual or permanent requirement, arrangements can be made with the Director providing that there are vacancies.

Please keep in mind however that booked in days cannot be swapped for other days.

If your child is absent, you must notify the centre before 8am on that day. Fees are still payable for your child’s

absences.

If your child has been absent with a contagious illness you will need to provide a doctor’s certificate with clearance

before returning. If your child is absent for more than 2 days you are also required to provide a doctor’s certificate.

Failure to provide a doctor’s certificate upon return to the centre will result in your child not being permitted to

return until a certificate is provided. You are still required to sign the attendance register for your child’s absent

day/s. This is indicated through the word ‘absent’ & your signature.

If your child has more than 42 unexplained absences within a financial year you will no longer be eligible for child

care benefit & you will have to pay full fees. By providing a doctor’s certificate when your child is absent, it

registers as an explained absence & does not count towards unexplained absences, therefore not interfering with your

Child Care Benefit.

Holidays: You need to notify the centre Director if your child will be absent due to going on holidays. All fees are still payable

with no reduction in fees for absences due to holidays. Fees are not payable for the centre’s closure over the

Christmas break, however are payable for all public holidays.

Arrival & Departure (sign in & out): Upon arrival at the centre you are required to sign your child’s attendance register (in the parent foyer) EVERY MORNING.

You are required to unpack your child’s bag, including placing your child’s lunch box in the fridge, putting drink bottle in the

esky & putting your child’s hat in the outdoor hat pockets & then placing your child’s bag in their locker. When bringing your

child into the play environment, we recommend that you assist your child in washing their hands & then settle them into an

activity. Always be sure that a staff member is aware of your child’s arrival to the centre, & be sure to pass on any valuable

information about your child to an educator.

Upon departure of the centre you are required to sign your child’s attendance register (in the parent foyer) EVERY

AFTERNOON

You will need to collect your child’s drink bottle & lunch box from the fridge, aswell as their bed sheets & bag from their

locker. At the end of your child’s week you are required to take their hat home or you can take it home daily if you wish.

Always be sure that an educator is aware of your child’s departure & feel free to discuss your child’s day with their educator.

Information regarding your child’s sleep and eating habits during the day can be discussed with educators or can be viewed on

your child’s ‘daily information chart’ which is displayed in their room.

Authority to Collect Child: On your child’s enrolment form you will be asked to nominate 3 authorised persons. These authorised persons will

have the authority to collect your child in the event that either parent is unable to do so. Educators are not permitted

to allow any other person, other than those authorised on the enrolment form to collect your child from the centre.

Please be sure to nominate authorised persons who are able to collect your child if required to do so. (Interstate

relatives are not sufficient). In the event of an emergency when you require someone else to collect your child that

is not authorised on your child’s enrolment form, you must give verbal permission to the centre Director over the

phone.

Late Collection of Child: It is the responsibility of each parent to ensure that their child is collected by 6.00pm. In the event that the parent is

unable to collect their child by this time, arrangements must be made by the parent for an authorised person to

collect their child. Parents must notify educators of these arrangements.

If a child remains at the centre after 6.00pm, the following late fees will be charged;

$20.00 if collection is between 6.02pm & 6.10pm & $10.00 per each additional 5mins after

6.10pm Late fees are expected to be paid in the following fee payments.

Ceasing Attendance: When you wish to cease attendance at the centre, you are required to provide 2 weeks written notice to the Director.

Providing that your fees are up to date, this 2 weeks written notice ensures the refund of your bond paid on

enrolment. If you fail to provide written notice, your bond will be retained by the centre.

If you wish to decrease the days that your child attends the centre, you are also required to provide 2 weeks written

notice to the Director.

Education, Curriculum & Learning: Padstow Play N Learn Educators aim to create positive learning environments and guide experiences for each child

in conjunction with their family. Educators will observe children and facilitate their learning to provide each child

with an individual portfolio by documenting their learning throughout the year. Children and their families will be

encouraged to participate in the ongoing process to promote engaged learning.

Padstow Play N Learn is committed to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

EYLF Learning 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 & involved learners

5. Children are effective communicators

Our Educational Leader is Miss Jessica. The role of the Educational Leader is to work with educators to provide

curriculum direction and to ensure children achieve the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework.

Sleep/Rest times: After lunch each day children are provided with sleep/rest time. Every child is provided with a bed to have a quiet

rest period; however it is our policy not to force a child to have a sleep. Lights are turned out & quiet rest music is

played whilst educators sit with those children that do wish to have a sleep. Children who do not wish to sleep are

provided with a quiet activity.

Parents are required to provide bed sheets for their child, consisting of a cot sized fitted sheet & top sheet or blanket.

Sheets can be purchased through the centre or you may put together your own linen package. Specific sleeping/rest

requirements can be communicated to educators to follow through. Parents are responsible for the laundering of

their child’s bed linen.

Meal times: During the course of the day we partake in 4 meal times; Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea & Late Afternoon

Fruit Break. Morning & Afternoon Tea, aswell as Late Afternoon Fruit Break is provided by the centre in a

transitional environment & weekly menus of these meals are displayed in the parent information foyer.

Lunch, aswell as a refillable drink bottle for each child is provided by the individual parent. Children are closely

supervised & encouraged at each meal time, & nutritional values are educated. If your child arrives early in the

morning, you are welcomed to provide breakfast for them to eat at the centre.

If your child has a food allergy or cultural beliefs involving a food restriction, then this is taken into account when

planning/selecting the weekly morning and afternoon tea menus. Notice of these particular food restrictions will be

communicated for all staff to be aware of.

Toilet Training & Nappy Changing: Parents are required to provide nappies for their child. 4-5 nappies/day or 2 nappies if your child is toilet training but

requires to wear a nappy at rest time. You are not required to supply nappy wipes unless your child has a sensitive

skin condition. If you forget to supply nappies for your child, you must re-stock the centre’s supply on your next

day of attendance. If your child is toilet training it is important to provide adequate changes of clothes to allow for

any mishaps aswell as communicating their progress & requirements to educators. Your child’s toilet training &

nappy changing habits at the centre are recorded on charts for parents to be aware of. Educators monitor each child’s

progress & work together with parents in the toilet training process.

Birthdays: Birthdays are very important in a child’s life, & we like to make them as enjoyable as possible. Please feel free to

send along a cake, however homemade cakes cannot be accepted due to food allergies & lack of knowledge of

ingredients. We will take photos if you send your camera along, however please do not send presents.

Excursions: Excursions are a fun & valuable part of the program & are based on children’s interest. Lots of places for children’s

excursions are now becoming mobile & so rather than traveling to a destination, we bring the destination to us.

We plan in-house in-cursions with such places as the Kindifarm, Kids Museum & shows; both entertaining &

educational. By planning in-cursions it ensures greater safety aswell as being cost effective. Before any in-

excursion, information is provided to each parent & permission & payment is to be obtained.

Throughout the course of each year we will also organize to have visits at the centre from the local fire brigade,

police officers and ambulance service.

In the second half of each year we also organize for the Butterfly children to walk to Padstow Library to borrow

library books and participate in activities there.

Family Involvement: We value the input of each & every parent at our service. We have an OPEN DOOR POLICY, parents are welcome

to visit the centre at any time & educators will be happy to give detailed information about children’s progress &

activities. Parents are invited to a variety of events at the centre including open days, concerts, parties, in-cursions

etc. Parent meetings are held quarterly & continuous evaluation forms are displayed for parents to add suggestions

& feedback. We value the importance of feedback from parents in an effort to continuously improve the quality

provided at the centre.

We also conduct a variety of fundraisers each year which parents can offer as little or as much input as they wish.

The centre’s parent information foyer also has a suggestion box where parents can offer their input confidentially if

they do not feel comfortable communicating to educators.

Grievance/Complaint Management: Families are actively encouraged to be involved in all aspects of our service delivery which is based on the

principles of equity, affordability, and accountability. For families to have confidence in the quality of care

provided by our service; it is important that they are aware of their ability to influence the nature of the service.

This means that families know they have a right to comment on or appeal against any action or decision which

has consequences for themselves or their children.

This grievance & complaint policy/procedure is formal recognition, promotion and protection of each family’s

rights.

Padstow Play N Learn implements a grievance & complaint management procedure to ensure that each

family/parent feels comfortable to voice their grievance, aswell as being confident in the way in which centre

staff and/or management will manage their grievance.

Management and staff will be responsive to the needs and concerns of families and their children to ensure the

constant development and refining of centre practises and procedures, hence implementing continuing

improvements towards the centre.

Families are asked to raise any grievance at the earliest opportunity, by doing so this can often prevent

escalation and lead to a prompt and sometimes simple resolution.

Families will be encouraged by all staff to follow one or more of the following options when expressing a

grievance/complaint:

If appropriate and the family member feels comfortable in doing so, approach the staff member

involved and if needed set a time where the matter can be discussed appropriately. Grievances

addressed in this manner will normally be resolved by clarification of the needs or wishes of the

family or by clarification by the centre procedures and policies.

If the family member does not want to speak to the particular staff member involved then they may

approach another staff member with whom they do feel comfortable, and with the family’s consent,

this third party may then approach the original person involved in the grievance. The Director will

subsequently be notified of the grievance and its outcome.

The family may raise their grievance with the Centre Director, (if the previous step does not produce

a satisfactory outcome to the parties involved or if the person concerned feels it is not appropriate).

The Director

will then research the grievance and work towards a resolution. Again grievances addressed in this

manner are often resolved by clarification of the needs or wishes of the family or by clarification by

the centre procedures and policies. Resolution may also involve the development of new policy or

procedures if the matter raised has not previously arisen.

If the family does not feel that they have been provided a satisfactory resolution to their grievance or

they do not feel that they can express their grievance using one of the above options, they may take

their grievance to a higher level. External agencies that grievances can be reported to include

Department of Community Services and/or National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Within all options of grievance/complaint management within the centre, the concerned family will be asked to

complete a ‘grievance/complaint documentation form’. This form will be followed up with documentation of

discussions between families, staff and management, any progress within the grievance resolution aswell as a

resolution or outcome.

The completed documentation will be evaluated by the centre Director to ascertain if centre policy and

procedures need to be revised or if any other changes or improvements need to occur to prevent the same

grievance from reoccurring.

If a grievance occurs between 2 families or with a child at the centre, families are encouraged to address their

grievance with the centre Director. Under no circumstance is a family to approach a child that may be involve

in a grievance.

Grievances and complaints are often resolved when involved parties act maturely and appropriately towards the

presented situation. Staff at Padstow Play N Learn will always remain professional in all aspects relating to

grievance resolution, and see family involvement (both positive and negative) essential to the continuing

improvement of the centre.

Centre Routine – Winter

Children who do not sleep are provided with quiet activities including books, puzzles, drawing, fine motor & cognitive activities

Routines are altered around children’s interests, weather conditions and events when required

The Centre Manager ensures that this routine is developed, maintained & implemented at all times January 2016

Caterpillar’s (2-3yr olds) 9:45am – Morning tea is served

10.15am – Children engage in programmed indoor activities

10.30am – Nappy changes/toileting

11.00am - Children are encouraged to tidy play area are assisted

by staff to find hats

11.05am – beds are made

Spontaneous – Children engage in Developmental group time

11.15am – Children transition via the bathroom to outdoor play

area & engage in outdoor activities

11.50am – children are encouraged to tidy outdoor play area &

gather together

11.55am – transition; children toilet, wash & dry hands

12.00noon – children sit for lunch

12.30pm – children are transitioned from lunch to bathroom;

toilet, wash & dry hands, change nappies and are settled down to

bed

Butterfly’s (4-5yr olds) 9:45 – Morning tea is served

10:15am – children engage in outdoor activities

11:00am – children are encouraged to tidy outdoor play area &

transition indoors

1100am – children gather on indoor mat to discuss daily

activities; they then engage in programmed indoor activities

Spontaneous- Group time

11.45am – Children assist staff to make their beds

11.45am – Children engage in school readiness group time

12.00noon – transition; children toilet, wash & dry hands

12.05pm – children sit for lunch

12.40pm – children are transitioned from lunch to bathroom;

toilet, wash & dry hands and are settled down to bed

7.30am – Centre Opens; Children arrive for family grouping & indoor activities

9.20am – Children are encouraged to tidy play area & gather on mat

9.30am – Children engage in a morning language/literature group time.

9.45am – Transition to Morning Tea; children apply sunscreen then toilet, wash & dry hands before separating into

room groups.

2:30pm-3:00pm – Children awake & are encouraged to pack away their bed sheets, put shoes on, apply

sunscreen, transition; toilet, wash & dry hands. Nappy changes

3:00pm – Munch and move program: Children participate in ‘move’ time where they exercise and move their

bodies

3.15pm – Children transition to outdoor play area

3:30pm-4:00pm- Progression afternoon tea where children come and eat as they are hungry

Weather dependent- Children are encouraged to tidy play area & gather for transition to bathroom; toilet, wash

& dry hands before collecting their drink bottles to sit on indoor group mat

Spontaneous – Children engage in a story time group time

4.45pm – children engage in indoor play activities & family grouping

6.00pm – Centre Closes.

Centre Routine – Summer

Children who do not sleep are provided with quiet activities including books, puzzles, drawing, fine motor & cognitive activities

Routines are altered around children’s interests, weather conditions and events when required

The routine is flexible so that children can make decisions for themselves and have a say in

their day-to-day experiences but is regimented enough for children to be able to predict times

throughout the day.

January 2016

Caterpillar’s (2-3yr olds) 9.50am – Morning tea is served

10.15am – Children engage in interest-based indoor activities

10.30am – Nappy changes/toileting

11.40am – Children are encouraged to tidy play area & gather

together for developmental group time

11.45am – Beds are made

Spontaneous- children participate in group

11.55am – transition; children toilet, wash & dry hands

12.00noon – children sit for lunch

12.30pm – children are transitioned from lunch to bathroom;

toilet, wash & dry hands, change nappies and are settled down to

bed

Butterfly’s (4-5yr olds) 9.50am – Morning tea is served

10.15am – children engage in interest-based indoor activities

11.40am – Children are encouraged to tidy play area & assist

staff to make beds

Spontaneous – Children engage in Developmental group time

12.00noon – transition; children toilet, wash & dry hands

12.05pm – children sit for lunch

12.40pm – children are transitioned from lunch to bathroom;

toilet, wash & dry hands and are settled down to bed

7.30am – Centre Opens; Children arrive for family grouping & outdoor activities

9.20am – Children are encouraged to tidy play area & gather on mat

9.30am – Children engage in a morning language/literature group time.

9.45am – Transition to Morning Tea; children toilet, wash & dry hands before separating into room groups.

2:45pm-3:00pm – Children awake & are encouraged to pack away their bed sheets, put shoes on, apply

sunscreen, transition; toilet, wash & dry hands. Nappy changes

3.00pm – Munch and move program: Move group time children are encouraged to move & exercise their bodies

3.15pm – Children transition to outdoor play area

3.30pm-4:00pm – Progression afternoon tea where children come and eat as they are hungry

4.30pm – Children engage in a story time group time

Spontaneous – children engage in outdoor play activities & family grouping

5.30-6pm- Children are encouraged to pack away yard and transition inside

6.00pm – Centre Closes.

What to bring/ What not to bring & when you take it home

DO BRING:

IMPORTANT: LABEL EVERYTHING THAT YOUR CHILD BRINGS TO KINDY WITH A

PERMANENT MARKER OR LABEL THAT WILL NOT WASH OFF

School bag – take home at the end of each day

Hat – take home for laundering at the end of your child’s week

Spare change of clothing, including clothes suitable for all weather types

Nappies (minimum 4/day)

Bed sheets; consisting of cot sized fitted bottom & top sheet (cot sized blanket in winter) –

take home for laundering at the end of your child’s week

Lunch box (refer to lunch box fillers for ideas) – take home daily

Refillable drink bottle – take home daily

Don’t Bring

Toys. It very important from the beginning that you encourage your child to leave their own

personal toys at home. We have an ample amount of toys, equipment & facilities to keep all

children entertained & happy throughout the day. Bringing toys from home only causes

conflict amongst peers, we ask for your strong support regarding this request.

The only exception to toys being brought from home is cuddly comforters that children may

wish to bring for rest time.

Lunch box fillers

Do’s X Don’ts

Sandwich Peanut Butter

Spaghetti/baked beans Nutella

Noodles Nuts

Left over dinners Chocolate

Fruit Chips

fruit cups Lollies

Yoghurt Soft drinks

Cheese Hazelnut spreads

Muesli bars

Salad

Biscuits

Le snacks

We have facilities to heat up lunches if your child prefers a hot lunch; however we are not able to cook hot lunches.

Please ensure that if you are sending a hot lunch for your child that it is pre-cooked and only requires heating at

lunch time.

The centre does not allow peanut butter/nutella due to Anaphylaxis.

If you are unsure of a lunch box snack, just ask staff for clarification.

Important centre policies to be aware of (A full account of the centre’s policies & procedures can be viewed at the service)

Nutrition: The centre encourages healthy nutritious eating & supports this with menus that are formulated to

provide a variety of foods from all food groups. Parents are encouraged to provide healthy lunch box snacks for

their child when at the centre.

Sun Smart: When planning outdoor play time, the routine abides by sun safety regulations. Although the

outdoor play area is adequately shaded with shade sails we still recommend the following preventative measures to

keep your child safe from harmful UV rays. Please apply sunscreen to your child before they come to Kindy,

educators will also re-apply sunscreen before children go outdoors to play both in the morning & afternoon. (if your

child has sensitive skin then you will need to supply own sunscreen). Please ensure that your child wears clothing

with a sleeve that covers their shoulders; singlet tops & backless dresses are not adequate. Most importantly ensure

that you provide a hat for your child each day that they attend Kindy. Centre policy outlines that children who do

not have a hat are only allowed to play in the undercover area. The centre does not provide spare hats for hygiene

reasons.

Excludable Infections: We aim to provide a safe & hygienic environment at all times, ensuring that we take

strict measures to reduce the spread of infection. Parents play a big part in helping us with this prevention. Your

child is not permitted to attend Kindy when:

Child is not well enough to participate in normal activities

Child has a temperature of 37.8C or higher

Child is in the first 24hrs of starting a course of antibiotics

Child requires antibiotics less than 4 hourly

Child has excessive, coloured discharge from eyes/nose/ears

Child has live head lice

Child has a contagious childhood disease

Child has an excludable infection (listed below)

Chicken Pox Salmonella Ringworm Hand foot & mouth Meningitis

Gastroenteritis Measles Mumps Diarrhea/vomiting Rubella

Scabies Cold sores Whooping Cough Croup Tonsillitis

HIB infection Conjunctivitis Influenza Staphylococcal Impetigo

Your child will be sent home if they produce any symptoms of these infections. In the event of your child showing

symptoms or suffering an excludable/contagious disease you will be required to provide a Doctor’s certificate upon

return to the centre

Medication: Educators are permitted to administer prescribed medication to a child upon consent from the

parent. If your child requires medication whilst at the centre you must fill out a medication consent form for it to be

administered. The medication must remain in its original packaging & dosage must correspond to what has been

prescribed. When educators administer medication there is always 2 staff present to check dosage & administration.

No unprescribed medication with exception to Panadol can be administered by staff at the centre. Medication must

always be handed to staff to store safely, not left in your child’s bag.

Accidents: The centre aims to provide a safe environment to children, parents & staff however in the event of

your child suffering an accident at the centre educators are trained to administer first aid. Parents will be contacted if

the injury is serious, & further medical attention may be accessed. Any minor injuries such as grazes or bumps will

be documented on an accident report form & communicated to parents on collection of their child.

Confidentiality: Educators abide by a strict confidentiality policy that ensures that information regarding your

child & family is kept confidential between staff members that are required to be advised. Educators are strictly

advised that any information regarding any child or family is not to be discussed outside the centre. Educators are

also not permitted to discuss any centre issues with parents/families outside the centre. It is important when viewing

any records at the centre that you only view those that are of your own child. Parents are not permitted to ask staff

questions regarding any other child other than their own.

Grievance/Complaint Documentation Form Date: _________________

Name: ________________________________________________________

Grievance/Complaint:

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Persons involved in the grievance:

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Desired resolution to grievance:

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Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________

Grievance/Complaint Documentation form has been presented to:

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Staff member’s signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________

Director’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Padstow Play N Learn

* Please complete this form returning it to the centre Director within 4 weeks of commencement at the centre.

Parent/Child Orientation Evaluation Form

Date: __________________

Name: (parent) ______________________________ Name: (child) ________________________________

Please briefly describe the orientation process that you experienced at Padstow Play N Lean (as a parent)…

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Briefly describe the orientation process that your child was provided…

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Please circle as many words below that describe the centre’s management and staff during your orientation

process

Flexible Experienced Disinterested Patient

Unapproachable

Informative Approachable Rude Professional Unwelcoming

Unorganised Pleasant Unorganised Nurturing Organised

Would you have liked to receive any further information or a different experience in your orientation process?

Y N

If yes, please elaborate… _____________________________________________________________________

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Can you make any suggestions or improvements towards the orientation process that could have made you and

your child’s settling in experience better?

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Please provide a rating of the centre’s orientation process 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Thank you for your time. I hope you enjoy your experience at Padstow Play N Learn