Mernda Primary School 0488
Before & After School Care
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
INDEX Page No
Philosophy of BASC………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Goals…………………………………………………………….……………………….……4
Program history……………………………………………………….………………….…..5
National QualityStandard………………………………..……………………...... ………...5
Australian Education And Care Quality Authority……………………….…………….….5
Quality improvement plan………………………………………………………………...... 6
Premises & facilities & space requirements………………….…………………………...6
Family involvement………………………………………………………………………….6
Fees…………………………………………………………………………………………...7
Bond……………………………………………………………………………………………7
Fee Relief……………………………………………………………………………………..7
Child care benefit/child care rebate………………………………………………………..7
Statements……………………………………………………………………………..….….8
Non- payment………………………………………………………………………………...8
Operating times:………………………………………………………………………….…..8
Late pickup…………………………………………….………………………………….…..8
Continued late pick-up…………………………………………………………………….…9
Late pick-up fee………………………………………………………………………………9
Priority of access……………………………………………………………………………..9
Enrolment ………………………………………………………………...…………………10
No Jab no Pay………………………………………………………..……………………...10
Bonds………………………………………………….….…………………………….……11
Refusal and acceptance of authorizations…………..……………………………….….11
Bookings………………………………………………..……………………………………11
Attendance…………………………………………….…………………………………....12
Administration……………………………………………………………………………....12
Confidentiality policy………………………………………………………………….…....12
Children’s program…………………………………………………………………….…...13
Program evaluation………………………………………………………………………...13
Health AND safety……………………………………………….………………………....13
Delivery and Collection……………………………………………………………………13
Dealing with infectious diseases……………………………………………..……….…..14
Hygiene…………………………………………...……………………………………..…..14
Statutory rule…………………………………………...………………………………..….14
Infection control & prevention…………………………...……………………….……..…17
Dealing with medical conditions…………………………...……………………………...17
Guidelines…………………………………………………………………………………….17
Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………18
Administering medication…………………………..……………………………………...19
Asthma policy………………………………………….……………………………………19
Allergic reactions - anaphylaxis & epipens policy………………………………..……..20
Allergic reactions- anaphylaxis management………………….……………….……….20
Administration of first aid (injury, illness, accident or trauma)………………….……...21
First aid kit contents:…………….…………………………………………………………22
Reporting of child abuse…………………….…………………………………………….22
Emergency evacuation & lockdown…………………….………………………………..23
Occupational health and safety (OH&S)………………………………………………....24
Storage of potentially dangerous products…………………………………….………..25
Smoke free environment………………………………….……………………………….25
Nutrition, food and beverages, dietary requirements……………………………..……25
Sun protection policy………………………………………….……………………………26
Interactions with children……………………………………….………………………….26
Mobile phones policy………………………………………….……………………………26
Toys from home policy……………………………………..……………………………...26
Photography policy…………………………………………………………………………26
Environmental sustainability policy……………………………………………………....27
Program rules……………………………………………………………………………….27
Daily Organisation and Procedures……………………………………………………….28
Staff…………………………………………………………………………………………..28
Staff/child ratio………………………………………………………………………………29
Grievance/complaints policy………………………………...…………………………….29
Daily routine………………………………...……………………………………………….30
Inclusion policy…………………………………...…………………………………………30
Newsletter………………………..………………………………………………………….30
MERNDA PRIMARY SCHOOL
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PHILOSOPHY OF BASC.
At Mernda Primary School Before and After School Care, or BASC, we aim to provide a positive and broad environment where children, families and staff can be happy, feel supported and build friendships & partnerships with the wider community.
BASC strives to be a place where each person, regardless of age, culture or ability, feels respected and valued and are comfortable to express their thoughts and feelings and identify that they will be treated as equals.
Our vision at BASC is to couple our knowledge and expertise to create a nurturing environment which has a positive impact on every child’s growth, development and more importantly their future. BASC is a place where children have the chance to make choices, be part of decision making, learn responsibility, play and most of all have fun.
-We believe that:
• Each child, their family and the members of staff have the potential to provide a unique contribution to BASC.
• Family members and children are encouraged to partake in their child’s learning through discussions with the educators and by providing written feedback of the curriculum.
• Each child has the ability to contribute in and work towards their own learning journey.
• It is integral to the growth and development of each child the importance of delivering a high quality curriculum which supports the children to develop into happy, healthy and well balanced individuals.
• Children deserve to feel safe and secure in their learning environment and therefore strive to provide each child with a “home away from home”
• Children have the right to develop their own particular learning and subsequently we supply every child with the chances to learn and find the world around and that the part of the instructor is to framework this learning.
• It is critical that children feel supported without educators over stepping and consequently we will boost and assist the children to become independent learners.
• Each child and the child’s family culture is what makes this a unique community and therefore we encourage the active participation of our families and the wider community by sharing each culture, language and home experiences.
• The role of the educator is to scaffold the child’s learning through intentional teaching and high quality observations and curriculum plans.
• Providing a program that is comprehensive to all children and their families that caters for all cultures and developmental differences.
• Ongoing training of all our staff is required to provide opportunities for learning, evaluation and professional development for the ongoing success of the program and staff.
GOALS
The goal of Mernda Primary School Before and After School Care as expressed in our Philosophy and in conjunction with the “My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia” include the following aims and objectives in relation to the knowledge and skills children will be encouraged to develop whilst attending our service. The program incorporates the School’s emphasis on Equality, Confidence, and Independence & Trust.
The key outcomes are:
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children feel safe, secure and supported
- Children develop their autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency
- Children develop knowledge and confident self-identities
- Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of reciprocal rights
- Children respond to diversity with respect
- Children become aware of fairness
- Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing
- Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children develop dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
- Children use a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation,hypothesizing, researching and investigating
- Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another
- Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials
- Children are effective communicators
- Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
- Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts
- Children collaborate with others, express ideas and make meaning using a range of media andcommunication technologies
Source: My Time, Our Place Framework for school age care in Australia
PROGRAM HISTORY
Mernda Primary School Before and After Care started on the 4th of December 1995. The program started as a ‘single staff’ initiative until the number of children needing care increased, requiring a second staff member. BASC has been expanding ever since!
Staff ratio is;1 staff member to 15 children. The program operates in two main designated portable buildings, (BASC Portable in corner closest to carpark and the BER building directly in front of the BASC Portable). The aim of this program is to provide access to all children enrolled at Mernda Primary School.
BASC is currently funded to hold a maximum of a 105 students in both the before and after school care program.
NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD
The National Quality Standard sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care services. It will also give services and families a better understanding of a quality service. This will enable families to make informed decisions about the services providing education and care to their child. The National Quality Standard is a key aspect of the National Quality Framework.
The National Quality Standard was constructed through research about best practice and the way in which high quality education and care contributes to positive outcomes for children. It consist of standards, quality areas and elements. The seven quality areas in the National Quality Standard are:
- Educational program and practice.
- Children's health and safety.
- Physical environment.
- Staffing arrangements.
- Relationships with children.
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities.
- Leadership and service management.
The National Quality Standard is linked to national learning framework ‘My time, Our Place’ to promote children’s learning.
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION AND CARE QUALITY AUTHORITY
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is the national, independent statutory authority governing the National Quality Framework. ACECQA provides oversight of the National Quality Standard and its application across the country to ensure services are meeting the new requirements.
Website
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The BASC service has a Quality Improvement Plan in place. The Quality Improvement Plan is an assessment of the quality of practices of the service against the National Regulations and National Quality Standards identifying areas which require improvement. The Quality Improvement Plan was developed by the BASC staff/educators including input from children & families. The Quality Improvement Plan is a ‘living document’ with is revisited and updated by BASC staff/educators on a regular basis. The Quality Improvement plan will be submitted on request to the Northern Metro Region prior to the Assessment and Rating visit. A copy of the Quality Improvement Plan is available on request to BASC families.
Reg 238
PREMISES & FACILITIES & SPACE REQUIRMENTS
The Mernda Primary SchoolBASC program operates at the Mernda Primary School, 25Everton Drive, Mernda. The program operates in the two portables next to the staff car park. One building has a ramp at the front for wheelchair access whilst the other has an office and a fully equipped kitchen. The program also uses the Gymnasium for indoor games and the school playground, oval and basketball courts for outdoor play. The program has a large selection of sports equipment, craft, leisure activities, books, toys, television, DVD player, play station and games, computers with restricted internet access. The building has adequate heating & cooling, ventilation & lighting. The program has the Regulated indoor space 3.25sqm per child, Outdoor space 7sqm per child.
Reg 107 & 108.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
The Mernda Primary School BASC welcomes the active involvement, contributions and ideas of the families using the service. Families can play a key role in a variety of areas including sharing time, skills, knowledge and resources in a manner that enhances and strengthens the community. Families are also required to have input in the assessment process, policy development and the program of activities and evaluation that ensures the BASC educators continue to provide High Quality Care in a happy, safe and stimulating environment. Effective communication is essential in a partnership approach and parents are asked to maintain regular communication with the BASC staff. Staffs are best able to care for your child when they are informed about what you expect. Staffs are always willing to discuss your child’s health and well being, strengths and interests with you. This can be done informally or a formal appointment can be made if the need arises. Staff may need to speak to you regarding changes in your child’s behavior or development, which will be done confidentially.
A copy of the National Law Act 2010, Education and Care Services National Standards 2011, National Quality Standards and My Time, Our Place Framework are available from the BASC Co coordinator at any time.
BASC information will be put into the schools newsletter weekly. The newsletter aims to keep families up-to-date with any legislation changes, program changes, special days, new equipment, activities, program plans, staff changes, reminders, future events etc. Important notices will be placed on the ‘sign on’ table for families to read.
There are many ways that families can contribute to the development and evaluation of the activities at BASC
- Verbally on a daily basis through informal discussions with staff
- By completing feedback forms or surveys about the children’s program and the service
- Participating on the Program committee
- The ‘suggestion box’ on ‘sign on’ table
- Email suggestions to the Co-coordinator
Families/parents will be advised of and changes to policies/procedures within 14 days.
FEES
Current fees:
Before School Care - $12.00 per session (breakfast ends at 8.00am).
After School Care - $16.00 per session.
Effective 31st January 2016
- Fees may change each year as determined by the Program Committee
BOND
As of 2016 all families need to pay a bond of $100.00 per child for your child to attend the BASC program before they start otherwise the coordinator is available to discuss options.
FEE RELIEF
Fee relief is available to all families attending the program. Child Care Benefit information is obtained by parents through the Family Assistance Office, which is situated at Centrelink Offices. Contact the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 and quote:
Mernda Primary School Before and After School Care
Provider Number CRN – 555 008 243L
All children who receive CCB (Child Care Benefit) are entitled to 42 absences per financial year (including public holidays), without the need to provide any supporting documentation. This means if your child is booked in to the program and does not attend (even if you notified the program staff) you are charged for the session.
Please note if your child is absent for more than 42 days during the financial year you will be charged at the full child care rate.
CHILD CARE BENEFIT/CHILD CARE REBATE
Families may be eligible for Child Care Rebate (CCR) and Child Care Benefit (CCB). To register for CCB & CCR please contact the Family Assistance Office (Centrelink) on 13 6150. You need to be assessed for CCB. Upon registering for CCB, the Family Assistance Office, you will receive a letter stating your percentage, children’s reference numbers and your eligible hours. We can apply this to your account if you have provided a CRN and date of birth belonging to both yourself and your children on the enrolment form.
From 1 July 2016, you can only receive Family Tax Benefit, child care payments and Double Orphan Pension for up to 6 weeks while you or your child is temporarily overseas.
STATEMENTS
Statements will be issued weekly on a Friday; all accounts are to be settled weekly. The statements will include any payments, the amount of CCB fee reductions provided for the sessions (if any), the total number of hours of care, total number of absence days.
Payments can be made by cash, EFTPOS (credit payments incur an additional fee of $1.00)
Also families can pay fees by using direct debit (families need to fill in a form) and BPAY (located at the bottom of invoices).
Please note this is a non-profit program, which relies upon a regular income of fees for salaries and general running costs.
Non payment
Non payment of fees will result in a letter notifying families that the child’s care will be cancelled until full payment is received. Special payment arrangements can be negotiated with the Principal for families experiencing difficulties.
OPERATING TIMES
The Mernda Primary School Before and After School Care Program operate only on days when children attend school.
Before School Care- 7.00 am- 8.45am Monday to Friday
After School Care - 3.15pm- 6.15pm Monday to Friday
The program also caters for end of term early release. No care is offered or will be provided on weekends, public holidays, school holidays, curriculum days or when stop-work action is taken.
LATE PICK UP
If any child is continually collected late by the parent, a position in before and after care for this child may be cancelled; this matter would be brought to the attention of the Program Committee.
It is the responsibility of parents/authorized nominees to arrive at BASC by 6.15pm so that the staff may secure the premises and close the service promptly at 6.15pm. If
Parents/authorized nominees are going to be unavoidably delayed beyond 6.15pm, it is their responsibility to contact BASC and let staff know when they will be arriving, or advise the BASC Coordinator of an alternative arrangements, e.g., emergency contact or other authorized nominee to collect their child.
If any child has not been collected from the Program by 6.15pm the Coordinator will continually attempt to contact the child’s parent/guardian and the emergency contacts. The staff will reassure and comfort the child.
If the parent/authorized nominee has not contacted BASC and fails to collect their child by 6.15pm, the educators on duty at closing time will:
• Remain at BASC and attempt to contact the parents;
• Call the child’s emergency contact if parents cannot be contacted;
• Sign the Attendance roll when the parents/authorized nominees/emergency contacts arrive,noting the time of collection;
• Ensure parents/authorized nominees/emergency contacts sign the Attendance roll on arrival;
• Inform the Coordinator so an appropriate late fee (see below) can be imposed.
If the staff are unable to contact parents or emergency contacts by 6.45pm (30
minutes after closing time), the coordinator will contact the police. Police will be asked
to assist in locating the parents/emergency contacts.
If the child has not been collected by 7.15pm (one hour after closing time), the Coordinator willthen contact the Department of Human Services Child Protection 24 hour helpline 13 12 78, who will contact the relevant authorities and implement recommendations.
In an instance where the student is collected by the regulating authority, the following steps will be taken by the BASC Coordinator:
• Tape a notice to the Main Entrance door, in the event a child has been collected by Careand Protection Services, notifying parents of the address and phone number of where thechild is.
• Complete an Incident Report.
• Will speak to the family and remind them of the BASC Policy.