PARENT HANDBOOK
Devised V A Henson
REVISED 28.02.2011
Table of Contents
Section 1. About Our Service:
1.1 Service Philosophy
1.2 Service Goals
1.3 Parking
1.4 Management Committee
1.5 Policy and Procedures
1.6 Enrolment and priority of access
1.7 How we communicate with Families
1.8 Confidentiality Policy
1.9 Complaints Procedures
1.10 Anti bias
1.11 Gender equity
1.12 Diversity and inclusion
1.13 Child Protection
1.14 Parental Custody
1.15 Parent Code of Conduct
1.18 Community Resources
Section 2. Caring for Your Child:
2.0 Orientation
2.1 Arrivals and Departures
2.2 Late Collection
2.3 Children leaving without permission
2.4 Child Code of Conduct
2.5 Custody
2.6 Safety and Evacuation
2.7 Daily Routines
2.8 Homework
2.9 Meals
2.10 Behaviour Management
2.11 Damage to Equipment of Facilities
2.12 Students, Visitors and Volunteers
2.13 Excursions
2.14 Clothing
2.15 Babysitting
2.16 Programming
2.17 Personal effects
2.18Health and Hygiene
2.19 Illness and Injury
2.20 Medication
Section 3. Payment for Care:
3.1 Payment of Fees and Outstanding Fees
3.2 Childcare Benefit
3.3 Bookings
3.4 Attendance
3.5 Allowable Absences
3.6 Approved Absences
Section 4. Important Contact Numbers
WELCOME
The Management and staff are pleased to offer your child/ren a place at our Centre. We hope that your experience with us will be a happy and beneficial one. This booklet is intended to help you become more familiar with our practices by understanding the policies and practices of Terrigal Before and After School Care. We thank you for your co-operation and for taking the time to read this information.
TerrigalSchool Care.Inc
Postal AddressPOBOX 573
TERRIGAL NSW 2260
Street AddressHillcrest St
Terrigal NSW 2260
Contact Details:
Co-ordinator Vicky Henson
Tel: 43 845645
Fax: 43 845645
Mob: 0423 141 650
Web page
Hours
Before School Care6:30am – 8.30am
After School Care3.00pm - 6:30pm
Vacation Care6:30am - 6:00pm
Pupil Free Days6:30am - 6.00pm
Public Holidays Closed
Christmas Period To Be Announced
Our Staff
Co-ordinatorVicky Henson
Team LeaderMargaret Thurston
Childcare AssistantsJenny Floyd
Lilian Whittaker
Natalie Williams
TraineesJosh Henson
Sigrid Reid
Casual StaffAmelia Hay
Kerry Ryan
Krystal Senz
Brea Williams
This centre operates with experienced and/or qualified supervisors and assistants who are employed to provide quality care for your children. Staff are committed to ensuring that the daily routine runs smoothly and that the program provided has activities that are fun filled. The staff want the children to enjoy a journey of self discovery in a safe and caring environment. This service complies with the Working with Children Check as required by the Commission for Children and young people. The centre operates with the appropriate staff to child care ratios of:
1:15 In-house
1:8 Excursions
1:5 Swimming
We have the following funded places: 35 AM
75 P.M
Vacation care75
Management Committee Contact Details
President Kellie Snelling
Vice President:
Secretary: Kara Middleby
TreasurerMichelle Lyons
Committee MemberBrett Mckeown
Public OfficerIva Prentice
2011 Fees and Charges (Before Commonwealth Child Care Benefit reductions)
We are now operating under the CCMS scheme.
Casual
Before School Care $12.75 (includes breakfast)
After School Care$18.50 (includes afternoon tea)
Vacation Care/Pupil Free Day:$45.00 in house/$60.00 excursions
Fees will be charged unless 24hrs notice is given to cancel a casual booking.
Permanent
Before School Care$11.75(includes breakfast)
After School Care $17.50(includes afternoon tea):
In house Vacation Care$45.00
In house Pupil Free Day: $45.00
Vacation care Excursion day$60.00
Toy Levy and Registration $25.00 per child and $30.00 per family payable on enrolment and every February.
Bond $50.00 (refundable)
Please note that fees are payable on pupil free days and teacher strike days.
Fees are payable on public holidays if they fall in term time.
TO RECEIVE CHILD CARE BENEFIT (CCB):
- Ring Centrelink 136150
- Asked to be assessed for CCB
- If your income is over the threshold for a means tested % rebate, you are still eligible for a 50% rebate.
- Please supply the centre with the family CRN and any children’s CRN
- Our centre has transitioned to CCMS.
- It is the responsibility of parents to contact the Family Assistance Office to arrange CCB
If you do not ring Centrelink and request that you be assessed for CCB you will not be eligible for the 50% rebate and it cannot be claimedthrough your tax return
If you have any questions, please contact Vicky
About TerrigalSchool Care
TerrigalSchool Care
Philosophy
As a school care environment, we endeavour to provide children with the highest quality care through our interactions, programming and by providing a safe, happy and nurturing environment.
Middle childhood is a crucial part of a child’s life and as such Terrigal School Care employs only qualified or experienced staff with the motivation, empathy and work ethics to ensure that the goals that we have for the children are met.
We understand that children come from a variety of backgrounds and bring with them their own individual cultures, customs, languages and beliefs. We believe that it is important to acknowledge and embrace each children’s unique qualities and experiences without prejudice or bias and that each child be treated equitably in an environment where their opinions and ideas are valued.
Our Beliefs:
In relation to Programming
To provide an opportunity for the children and their families/ carers, to participate in the planning and implementation of the programs provided by the service.
To enrich children’s ideas, potentials and confidence.
To provide a flexible, adaptable and spontaneous program.
To evaluate and reflect on programs in a variety of ways and in an objective manner.
To foster children’s middle childhood and life skills.
To identify the importance and the nature of the Terrigal local community.
Reflect various social and cultural experiences and values.
To reflect children initiated and child directed experiences.
To reflect children’s ideas, abilities, interests.
To build on a sense of trust and openness with children and their families.
To encourage play in a variety of contexts.
To encourage growth and development of their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development that is life long.
To provide art, language, drama and music to promote creativity and self expression.
Emphasis on the process no the product.
In relation to Children
Interactions can shape attitudes and beliefs of children and strengthen existing relationships
Foster effective and positive communication
To foster a responsive and inclusive atmosphere and relate to children in a warm and friendly manner
To provide each child with an environment that is safe stimulating, comfortable, hygienic and aesthetically pleasing environment, where they feel free to explore, create, experiment and express themselves.
To foster the children’s physical, nutritional, cultural, social, emotional and cognitive needs
That each child has a right to be treated equitably and with respect, understanding, kindness and courtesy
To develop an understanding of themselves and others.
In relation to Families
To foster effective relationships with family members or carers.
Build positive relationships based on trust and respect.
Families to contribute in the in the decisions and operations of the service.
Provide opportunities for information, advice and support for families.
Parents have unique knowledge of their children that can contribute to their future experiences, interests and learning.
In relation to Staff
To encourage staff with on ongoing reflections of their professional development.
To make every encounter between children, staff and families should be approached professionally with respect and be positive.
To maintain confidentiality about children and families.
To up hold a legal and moral obligation toward children to ensure their safety and well-being.
To understand the legal responsibilities and to implement these responsibilities consistently and effectively.
Acknowledge fellow colleagues, their commitment, suggestions and insights in a professional manner and their skills and abilities should be fostered and shared amongst all staff members.
To encourage staffs individual talents and abilities.
In relation to the Community
To provide avenues that encourages community involvement
To be aware of the wider community
Acknowledge the information about what’s happening in the local community
To maintain links and shared information with the local community
1.2 Long Term Goals
Help children realise their full potential and extend their talents regardless of gender, race religion, social origin, disability, gift or talent.
Encourage a sense of belonging for children and parents. Where parents are supported in caring for their children and privacy and confidentiality is respected.
Provide a high quality Program, which is rich in learning opportunities, designed to suit each individual child and encourage growth and development of their social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills.
Develop creativity and self expression through art, language, drama and music Emphasis on the process, not the product.
Encourage children to accept responsibility and become more independent and encourage self help skills through daily routines.
Maintain a safe and hygienic environment for all people concerned, with clear expectations for children, parents and staff.
For each individual child to develop an understanding of themselves and others.
For each child to develop emotionally, socially, physically, culturally and cognitively.
For each child to grow in independence, confidence and responsibilities.
For children to participate in independent learning through self selecting activities, enabling them to develop skills and knowledge appropriate to developmental age and stage.
For each child to feel as though they are participating, and part of, a team which is Terrigal School Care.
For each child to develop an active and positive approach to life, encouraging them to reach achievable goals in a safe and secure environment.
For staff, children and families to develop a relationship based on trust and respect.
To reflect a diverse multicultural perspective and show acceptance of all people as equal.
To provide a program which responds to individuals as well as group needs and interests.
To provide an environment where families have the opportunity to contribute in the decisions and operations of the service.
1.4 Parking
Please park outside on the road at all times and avoid using the No Standing Zone outside the school gates. Parking inside the centre's grounds is strictly forbidden.
1.5 Management Committee
Terrigal School Care is a Constitutional Incorporated Association run by a volunteer management committee using the model rules for Incorporated Associations under the Associations Incorporation Act, 1984. The management committee is committed to ensuring the smooth running of the service according to the guidelines set for quality assurance. This centre is currently accredited and passed with high quality. Parental involvement with the centre is encouraged and you are welcome to attend our AGM and/or join our management committee.
1.6 Policies and Procedures
Terrigal School Care has an extensive Policy and Procedure manual which reflects the Philosophy and Goals of our service and is according to legislated requirements. This manual is a large document, which will be made available to you to read on enrolment of your child. For easy referencing a copy is kept at the Parent/Guardian Information table.
In this Family Handbook we provide a snapshot of policies, which will affect you, your family and individual child during their time with us.
Details in this handbook are correct at the time of printing. These will change as situations arise and will be regularly evaluated. Notice of any changes will be given to the parents via the parent's notice board.
1.7 Enrolment and Priority of Access
No child will be taken into care without completion of the necessary enrolment forms and payment of the Bond, Toy Levy and Registration fees.
All enrolments are subject to adherence to Family and Community Services directive re. Priority of Access for Child Care places.
They are as follows:
First PriorityA child at risk from serious abuse or neglect.
Second Priority 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.
Third priorityAny other child.
Within each category mentioned above the following children are to be given priority:
Children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Children in families which include a disabled person.
Children in families whose CCB percentage is 100%.
Children in families with a non-English speaking background.
Children in isolated families.
Children of single parents.
The above list is not in any particular priority order and children may fall into more than one category.,
When the service has no vacant places and is providing care for a child who is in the third priority in the above priority groups, the service may require that the child leave the service in order for the service to provide a place for a higher priority child but only if: the person who is liable to pay child care fees in respect of the child was notified when the child first occupied the child care place and the service followed this policy; and the service gives that person at least fourteen day's notice of the requirement for the child to leave the service.
Parents/guardians are required to complete an enrolment form before any child is to attend the service. A meeting will take place on enrolment of your child; this is a fantastic opportunity for you to discuss with us what will help make his/her time with us enjoyable, particularly the initial few weeks. Each newly enrolled family will receive a copy of this Parent Handbook detailing selected policies and conditions of enrolment. You will be shown around the service and be given a rundown on basic operations such as staffing and programming.
Information will be required from the parent/guardian. Refer Enrolment Policy for details.
If your child has additional needs, a meeting will take place between relevant parties (e.g. Parents/guardians; Co-ordinator; occupational therapist, teacher) before the child commences. Topics being discussed will be:
Level of support the child requires;
Duration of support;
Necessary training of staff and volunteers;
The safety of all children enrolled;
Environmental factors;
Sources of information and resources/support services that will ensure the best possible care of the child.
This information will help us to meet the needs of your child and where necessary, seek assistance from specialist support workers. All information obtained through the enrolment procedures will be kept in the strictest confidence and used only for the purposes for which it is obtained. It is in your child’s best interest that these forms are kept up to date.
See Enrolment Policy & Communication with Parents Policy.
1.8 How We Communicate with Families
We have a number of ways we communicate with you as a family. These include newsletters, posters, a communication book and brochures featuring a number of subjects that may be of interest to you. We can possibly gather information in other languages if this is a requirement for your family.
Your feedback is important to us. We have a number of surveys throughout the year and provide a suggestion box situated by the sign in book. We have a confidential grievance procedure for all service users. However, please feel free to discuss any issues at any time. We value and encourage your participation in our Service as we believe it enhances the service we provide.
Refer Complaints Handling Policy.
If you have any concerns, complaints or suggestions, please speak to the Co-ordinator. If this is not satisfactory, our Management Committee will handle complaints. Contacts for Management Committee are at the front of this handbook. The happiness and well-being of your child is our top priority and we are continually striving to improve the quality of care we provide families.
1.9 Confidentiality Policy
Policy Statement
All matters pertaining to the Centre should be considered to be confidential, and should not be discussed with unauthorised personnel. This includes:
•Information pertaining to any child enrolled at the Centre and/or that child’s family,
•Information about any of the staff or committee members and/or their families,
•Information on issues relating to the running of the Centre.
Idle discussion does nothing but undermines the staff’s relationship with parents and is detrimental to the good name of the Centre. The privacy of others should be respected at all times.
Procedure
•Privacy is to be respected at all times.
•No information is to be given out without written authority from the parent or legal guardian.
•The only exceptions will be for legal reasons such as information for the police or Department of Community Services.
•Confidential information is to be stored in a secure, lockable cabinet or in the office which is only accessible to staff.
•A confidential issue can be discussed at a meeting without divulging the personal details of the individual/s involved. Once the meeting is closed details should not be discussed with people outside the meeting.
•Any information given in confidence to a staff member should remain between that member of staff and the Director. If the Director considers that this information will impact on the well being of any child or staff member at the Centre, then the information will be shared as is necessary.
• There will be times when parents need to speak in confidence with staff of the Centre. This should be done in a quiet private area.
• Confidentiality needs to be taken seriously within the service. A professional approach is needed at all times.
• Staff! Committee contact details, phone numbers, addresses etc. are not to be given out under any circumstances. In the event of someone needing to contact a staff or committee member, staff will take your particulars pass them onto the said person so they can call back.
1.10 Complaints Procedure
Policy Statement
We believe that parents have an important role in the centre and we value their comments. We aim to ensure that parents feel free to communicate any concerns they have m relation to the centre, staff, management, programs or policies without fearing negative consequences. And that they are made fully aware of the procedures to do this. Our priority is to do everything possible to improve the quality of our service.