KCS Family Handbook 2017

Empower& GrowOutside School Hours CareFamily HandbookProviding recreationalactivities where childrenare encouraged to havefun, express themselvesand learn through play.

ContentsWELCOME�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������02OUR PHILOSOPHY�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������03NATIONAL QUALITY FRAMEWORK������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������04NOMINATED SUPERVISOR / RESPONSIBLE PERSON���������������������������������������������������������������������������05KCS ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������06FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 07WHO CAN ACCESS OUR OSHC SERVICES?�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������08ENROLMENT AND ORIENTATION���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������08BOOKING INFORMATION��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������09 BOOKING AMENDMENTS/CANCELATIONS�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������09 VACATION CARE ENROLMENT�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������09 ABSENT CHILDREN�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������09 ANNUAL RE-ENROLMENT�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������09SERVICE CLOSURES��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������09EDUCATOR:CHILD RATIOS������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS���������������������������������������������������������������������������10BEFORE SCHOOL CARE (BSC) ROUTINE���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11AFTER SCHOOL CARE (ASC) ROUTINE������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12VACATION CARE (VAC) ROUTINE��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15 KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION PROGRAMS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������15 TWEENIES PROGRAMS��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15 HOMEWORK�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16 WHAT TO BRING/WEAR TO VACATION CARE��������������������������������������������������������������������������������16 BRINGING TOYS AND PERSONAL ITEMS TO OSHC�����������������������������������������������������������������������16 NUTRITION AND FOOD AT OSHC�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16POSITIVE PATHWAYS TO BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17POLICIES AND PROCEDURES�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19 DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF CHILDREN���������������������������������������������������������������������������������19 FEES���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 COMPLAINTS, COMPLIMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS���������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 CHILD PROTECTION������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 21 EXCURSIONS��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 WATER SAFETY�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22 SUN SAFETY����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22 MANAGING THE SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE����������������������������������������������������������������������22 ADMINISTRATION OF FIRST AID��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22 ACCEPTANCE AND REFUSAL OF AUTHORISATIONS�����������������������������������������������������������������������22 MANAGEMENT OF INCIDENT, INJURY, ILLNESS AND TRAUMA��������������������������������������������������������22 MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION����������������������������������������������������������22 EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22CONTACT DETAILS�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 01 –

WelcomeWelcome to Kogarah Community Services Inc. (KCS) Children’s This OSHC family handbook has been designed to provide youServices – Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program. with the essential information you need to ensure a smooth transition into our service. In the event that you require furtherKCS is your local not for profit community organisation, information about any of our services, our contact details areoriginally established by a group of passionate volunteers in listed on the last page of this handbook.1975 to provide support and information to local residents. Finally, we like to keep in touch with our families via our OSHCSince then we have grown to become an organisation e-newsletter which is published on a regular basis, providingemploying over 60 staff with a reputation for delivering you with information about our programs, special events andexceeding quality childcare services as well as excellent aged activities. You will automatically receive this newsletter uponcare services and community engagement programs. We enrolment into the service. We also have a very active socialcontribute to building stronger communities through our broad media presence so you can keep up to date with all that werange of community capacity building activities, direct services are doing via our Facebook and Twitter pages.including aged care and childcare and through sustainablepartnerships with local, state and federal governments, local Please refer to our website, www.kogarahcommunity.org.aubusinesses and other like minded organisations who share for further information.our social justice values and strengths based practices.– 02 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

OUR PHILOSOPHYWe believe in the creation of a safe and nurturing environment, where children are provided with opportunities to learn through play. These beliefs are inherent in our program ofactivities and reflect the children’s interests, current knowledge and cultural backgrounds. Children will be supported and encouraged to participate in the program and planning with the freedom to choose from a variety of activities and experiences. We recognise the importance of childhood and a child’s need to explore and develop their social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional skills and characteristics.We create positive partnerships with our families and school community, to support open communication and enable seamless transitions for children throughout their day. Our passionate team of Educators collaborate to create a culture of respect, empathy and trust. Their balance of qualifications and experience combined with initiative and innovation supports the delivery of a quality program.Most importantly, children’s well being, self worth and self esteem are fundamental to our daily practices.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 03 –

NationalQuality FrameworkTo ensure children get the best possible start in life the The NQF is designed to provide better educational andNational Quality Framework (NQF) has been implemented developmental outcomes for all children, wherever theyin NSW to set consistent, high quality standards for OSHC live in Australia and covers the critical areas of education,services. The Australian Children’s Education and Care development, health and safety and provides clear andQuality Authority or ACECQA guides the implementation of comprehensive information for families about the quality ofthe NQF across Australia. care services available.EXCEEDING National Quality Standards National Law and Regulation National Learning Frameworks Assessment and Quality RatingIn March 2016 our OSHC service at Carlton South Public School underwent a two dayNQF assessment resulting in our service receiving an EXCEEDING QUALITY RATING.1. The National Quality Standards: 3. National Learning Frameworks The ‘My Time Our Place’ framework for school aged careThe National Quality Standard (NQS) sets benchmarks for the was designed to assist Educators to provide children with opportunities to maximise their potential and develop aquality of children’s education and care services in Australia foundation for future success in life. The framework was designed to be delivered in partnership with children, theirand is divided into seven areas that contribute to the quality families and the community to ensure: • Children have a strong sense of identity;of care, and are as follows; • Children are connected with and contribute to their world;1. Educational program and practice • Children have a strong sense of wellbeing;2. Children’s health and safety • Children are confident and involved learners;3. Physical environment • Children are effective communicators.4. Staffing arrangements5. Relationships with children6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities7. Leadership and service managementServices are assessed and rated against 7 quality areas, 18 4. An assessment and quality rating processstandards and 58 elements that make up the NQS. All services approved under the Education and Care Services National Law are assessed and rated by their state or territory2. The National Law and Regulations regulatory authority. Services must display their ratingsThe National Law and Regulations guide the operational at the service at all times. Ratings promote transparencyrequirements of our service and guide the development of our and accountability and help parents assess the quality ofpolicies and procedures. education and care services available. – 04 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR / RESPONSIBLE PERSONUnder the NQF approved childcare providers must identify • Administration of medication in accordance witha Nominated Supervisor for each service. The Nominated National Regulations.Supervisor does not need to be present at the service at alltimes, however in their absence a Responsible Person must • Ensuring staff do not consume alcohol or be under thebe identified who will be placed in day to day charge of the influence of drugs (including prescription medication)service. which could affect their ability to care for children.Responsibilities include: • Excursions and ensuring a risk assessment is conducted and that parental approval is sought before the• Delivery of an appropriate range of educational programs excursion occurs.which are based on children’s developmental needsand interests. • Ensuring staff levels are maintained in accordance with ratios and that staff have the required qualifications as• Supervision and safety of children, ensuring they are safe per KCS policy (currently not a regulation requirementfrom hazards and not subject to inappropriate discipline. within OSHC).• Supervision of food and beverages, including ensuring If you have any questions or concerns relating to the service safe food handling practices; ensuring children have or your child/ren’s care please direct your query in the first access to a range of high quality and nutritious food instance to the Responsible Person in charge at the service and beverages which take into consideration any The name of the Nominated Supervisor and/or Responsible dietary requirements. Person in charge of the service will be clearly displayed at the service desk / noticeboard.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 05 –

KCS ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Children’s Services OSHCAdmin/Accounts Manager Drivers Of cer Coordinator (Nominated Supervisor) Responsible Persons Team Educators Students & VolunteersThe KCS team is committed; experienced, and most importantly passionate about delivering a quality OSHC service. With a focus on professional development; our team boasts industry qualifications at both Diploma and Cert IV levels as well as certifications in Child Protection, First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis. Our leadership team promote an ethos of continuous improvement and seeks learning opportunities in all areas of our work thus ensuring the ongoing provision of quality care to our families and school community. – 06 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEThe Australian Government provides families with financial Additional Support assistance to help cover the cost of approved childcare. Further information relating to Special Child Care Benefit andEligibility criteria applies. Grandparents Child Care Benefit is available at: www.australia.gov.au/mychild or by calling 13 24 68.For more information and to register: Allowable Absences• Call the Family Assistance Office (FAO) on Eligible families can receive CCB/CCR etc for 42 absence 13 61 50 (8 am - 8 pm, Monday to Friday) days per child each financial year. These can be for any 13 12 02 for information in languages other than English reason and will not require proof.Visit their website: www.humanservices.gov.au You can claim CCB/CCR etc for additional absence days once your initial 42 absence days have been used. ThereChild Care Benefit (CCB) is no limit on these days but you may be required toCCB is an income tested payment from the Australian provide documentation directly to Centrelink to supportGovernment that helps you with the cost of childcare. You can these absence.choose to receive CCB as an annual lump sum payment or asreduced child care fees throughout the year. Families who are E.g. illness (with a medical certificate), or another absenceeligible for the CCB subsidy and elect for the payment to be due to sickness of the child, a parent or sibling, supported bysent directly to KCS will only be required to pay the daily gap medical certificates.fee on their account. Further information relating to allowable absences isChild Care Rebate (CCR) available at:CCR is an additional payment to the Child Care Benefit tohelp families cover the out of pocket costs of childcare. It • https://docs.education.gov.au/collections/information-is not income tested and covers up to 50 per cent of out of families-using-child-care-fact-sheetspocket childcare costs, up to $7,500 per child, per year. Outof pocket childcare costs are calculated after deducting any • https://docs.education.gov.au/documents/fact-sheet-9-Child Care Benefit payments that are received. absences-child-care NOTE: Families must supply us with Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs) obtained from FamilyAssistance Office (FAO). We need your registered parent CRN and a child CRN for each child before we can claim financial assistance on your behalf.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 07 –

WHO CAN ACCESS OUR OSHC SERVICES?As a result of an increased demand for OSHC services, KCS has implemented the Department of Education, Employment andWorkplace Relations (DEEWR) Priority of Access guidelines to ensure the fair and transparent allocation of places. Our serviceprovides care for families of primary school aged children. Children who are outside of this age category will be consideredbased on service availability and their individual families’ circumstances.DEEWR PRIORITY OF ACCESS Within these main categories priority should also be given to the following children:Eligibility: Children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families Priority 1 – a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect Children in families which include a disabled person Priority 2 – a child of a single parent who satisfies, Children in families on low incomes or of parents who both satisfy, the work, training, study Children in families from culturally and linguistically test under section 14 of the A New Tax System (Family diverse backgrounds Assistance) Act 1999 Children in socially isolated families Priority 3 – any other child Children of single parentsENROLMENT AND ORIENTATIONThe KCS enrolment and orientation policy forms the To enrol please go to:foundation of a successful and caring partnership between http://kogarahcommunity.hubworks.com.au and completeour families and the service and helps to support your child’s an online enrolment by selecting Enrol or follow the links fromtransition into OSHC. KCS uses an online enrolment system our website.to register our families for OSHC - HubWorks. Parents must keep all enrolment details up to date in Please list anyone who may be collecting your child fromHubWorks including: our service under the Emergency Contacts & Authorisations• Contact details section (it is essential that you include a contact phone• Family custody arrangements number for them), if a person is not listed they will not be• Emergency contacts & authorisations allowed to collect your child. Please notify all contacts listed• Health & medical information that they will need to produce some form of photographic ID to the Responsible Person in charge when collectingIt is imperative that if your details change that they are your child.updated within HubWorks so we have access to the mostrelevant information in the event of an emergency. If you wish to pay your account via direct debit you will need to complete the Direct Debit request section at the bottom of the HubWorks enrolment form. – 08 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

BOOKING INFORMATIONUpon receipt of your completed HubWorks enrolment form, 3. Requests for medical management plans (whereKCS will provide you with further documents required to relevant)complete your enrolment process. These include: Does your child have a medical condition such as asthma and/or anaphylaxis? If so, please provide a1. All about You - Child profile copy of the child’s medical action plan – including a photo of your child for easy identification. If your child2. Booking Form requires an EpiPen, you will need to provide one to (Nominate which days and type of care you require) the service prior to commencement of care.• Permanent or Casual 4. Court Orders (where relevant) Casual Bookings – we ask that families provide Is your child listed on any current Court Orders/ (24 hours) notice of care required, preferably by Parenting Agreements? If so, please provide a copy email [email protected]. Please for our records. remember we cannot guarantee that a spot will be available as all casual bookings are subject to 5. Information on additional support needs availability and priority of access guidelines. (where relevant) Does your child have any additional or high support• Booking forms can be completed electronically or by needs e.g. Autism, toileting and/or behaviour hand. Booking forms also include annual and program challenges, ADHD, DHD or global development specific authorisations. All families are required to delay? We will need to organise a meeting (on site) to complete an annual booking form for Before and After observe your child in the care environment so that we School Care and a Vacation Care booking form for can accurately assess your child’s individual support each holiday period. needs. To assist this process, please provide us with a copy of their diagnosis report.CBAMAONOECKNEIDNLMGATEINOTNSS/ Please note that the above information is essential for providing care for your child and we cannot confirm yourWe require 2 weeks written notice (email) to amend or cancel booking until the above information is provided.a booking, otherwise you will be charged the standard sessionfee, this applies to Before, After and Vacation Care. Please ABSENT CHILDRENnote that we cannot swap days without (2 weeks) notice. KCS must account for every child that is booked into our care,VACATION CARE therefore if you know in advance that your child will not beENROLMENT attending our service we ask that you notify us via email [email protected] at your earliestThere are no permanent bookings for our Vacation Care convenience & prior to your booked session.program. If you would like your child to attend the VacationCare program, a booking form with all excursion permissions ANNUAL RE-ENROLMENTmust be submitted by the nominated date otherwise a late AT BEFORE AND AFTERapplication fee will be charged. Parents are required to check SCHOOL CAREtheir email confirmation to see which excursions they havebeen able to successfully secure for their child as places are At the end of each year, families returning to use the servicelimited. Families are also required to log into HubWorks and the following year must complete a new booking form and anyupdate their enrolment details including medical conditions, annual authorisations required for their child/ren’s inclusionemergency contacts etc. in our service. Families are also required to log into HubWorks and update their enrolment details including medical conditions, emergency contacts etc. SERVICE CLOSURESThe service is closed for all NSW and nationally recognised public holidays. There will also be additional closures during theChristmas and New Year period which will be clearly advertised within the Vacation Care program.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 09 –

EDUCATOR:CHILD RATIOSWhilst it is not a formal requirement at present to implement Educator: Child ratio’s within the national regulations for OSHCservices; KCS will endeavour to maintain the following ratios at all times:• 1:15 In Service - with a minimum of two Educators at all times;• 1:15 Local Excursions - nearby parks/community facilities (within 2kms from the service);• 1:10 Excursions;• 1:8 Water based excursion with life guard present;• 1: 5 Water based excursion where no life guard is present.INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDSKCS is committed to providing an inclusive OSHC service. our program as possible and that we provide the appropriateThe availability of places for children with additional needs is level of supervision to support their inclusion.determined by government guidelines and an assessmentof our ability to provide the level of support required for the If your child has additional inclusion or behavioural supportindividual needs of the child and their family. needs, please contact the KCS administration office for further information on how we can support their inclusion inWe have implemented a range of inclusive practices which to our OSHC services.ensure that children with additional needs engage as fully in – 10 – “KCS welcomed Carter without prejudice and reassuringly had experience providing services for children with additional needs from a range of local schools in the area. The team worked in consultation with us on communication and behavioural strategies and evolved polices to support the inclusion of Carter and other children with additional needs. As Carter grows, the Educators seek to create new opportunities for him to participate with his peers in activities at his level of interest and capability. We strongly believe with all the challenges we have faced within the mainstream school system that Carter would not have been as happy or accepted by the children at school if it weren’t for the fun and inclusive environment of KCS OSHC.” – Melissa and Adam. Parents OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE (BSC) ROUTINESigning In/Out Procedures THESE ROUTINES ARE AOur service opens at 7am. When your child arrives please SAMPLE OF WHAT FAMILIESensure you sign them into our care and that an Educator is CAN EXPECT AT BSC, ASC ANDmade aware of their presence. Children will be signed out ofour care by an Educator prior to the commencement of school VACATION CAREeach morning.Operating Hours7:00am – 9:00am, Monday to Friday7:00 Service opens. Breakfast provided Indoor Play – Free play and programmed activities8:00 Breakfast finishes Indoor and outdoor play (weather permitting)8:15 Children attending off site schools depart the service (1st bus). Children are signed out of care when they arrive at their school gates by an Educator.8:45 Equipment/Toys/Games are packed away8:50 Remaining children attending off site schools depart the service (2nd bus). Children are signed out of care when they arrive at their school gates by an Educator.8:55 On-site children are signed out of care. Years 1 – 6 walk independently to their classroom. Kindergarten children walk to their class lines where they meet their teacher under the close supervision of our Educators. In Term 4, Kindergarten children begin to independently walk to their lines in preparation for Year 1. Educators supervise this transition from a safe distance always, keeping sight of the children until they meet their teacher.9:00 Service closes.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 11 –

AFTER SCHOOL CARE (ASC) ROUTINE Signing In/Out Procedures Operating HoursChildren are signed into our care by an Educator when they 3:00pm – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday arrive at the service or at the designated collection point at each of the off site schools. 2:30 Educators arrive at the service and prepare afternoon tea/programmed activities. OSHC mobile Parents/Carers must ensure the following when organising phone is checked for messages. Daily briefing with collection of their child/ren from the service: staff occurs prior to children arriving. 2:50 Bus 1 and 2 depart the service with an Educator on • Only people authorised on the enrolment form can collect each bus to collect children attending from off site schools. the child/ren; 2:55 Carlton South Kindergarten children are collected from the Kindergarten teachers in the kindy area.• Written permission must be provided in advance for 3:00 Carlton South Public School children arrive at service, someone not authorised on the enrolment to collect the and are signed into our care. child/ren. In the case of an emergency collection an Children are free to participate in a range of indoor email to [email protected] from the and outdoor activities. parent/ guardian will be accepted; Children travelling to the service by bus are collected from the designated collection point at each off   • When collecting children the individual will be asked to site school by an Educator. produce photographic ID (i.e. driver licence, passport or a 3:15 Afternoon Snacks are served (until 4pm) proof of age card) by the Responsible Person in charge at 3:30 Daily program of activities commence – (See term the service prior to releasing the child/ren into their care. program for full details on structured and unstructured, indoor and outdoor activities) 3:45 Buses have returned from collecting children at the off-site schools 5:15 Outdoor activities are packed away 5:30 Remaining activities are packed away, Educators lead group games 6:00 Service closes– 12 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

VACATION CARE (VAC) ROUTINE Signing In/Out ProceduresWhen your child arrives at the service please ensure you signthem into our care and that an Educator is made aware oftheir presence on site. Parents/Carers must ensure the following when organising collection of their child/ren from the service:• Only people authorised on the enrolment form can collect the child/ren;• Written permission must be provided in advance for someone not authorised on the enrolment to collect the child/ren. In the case of an emergency collection an email to [email protected] from the parent/ guardian will be accepted;• When collecting child/ren, the individual will be asked to produce photographic ID (i.e. drivers licence, passport or a proof of age card) by the Responsible Person in charge at the service prior to releasing the child/ren into their care. Operating Hours7:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday(excluding public holidays)7:00 Service opens. Breakfast provided Indoor Play – Free play and programmed activities 8:00 Breakfast finishes Indoor and outdoor play (weather permitting)9.00 The daily program commences including incursions and excursions as published within the Vacation Care program. These activities generally run between the hours of 9am – 4pm. Please be aware that if your child is attending an excursion they must be at the service by 9 am to participate in the excursion pre departure procedures.10.00 Morning Snack1.00 Lunch - Parents are responsible for providing all food for their child/ren during Vac Care.4.00 Afternoon Snack 5:15 Outdoor activities are packed away 5:30 Educators lead group games 6:00 Service closesKOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 13 –

What we loveabout OSHC

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIESRegulation 118 requires that KCS designate an Educational Leader to lead the development and implementation of educationalprograms in the service. The aim of our educational program is to facilitate play based learning in a supportive, meaningful andstimulating environment. The daily program encompasses individual, small group and whole group activities in both indoor andoutdoor settings nurturing social; cultural, physical, intellectual and emotional developmental needs.Children are able to freely choose what they would like to participate in from a range of creative, sports, recreational andspontaneous activities, all of which are guided by Educators. Our program of activities is available both on our website and alsoat the service for families to review and provide feedback on.Kindergarten Orientation Programs Tweenies Programs (9 years+)KCS provides a range of activities which are designed to KCS provides a range of age specific programs to support thefamiliarise new children with our program and help them to growth and transition of children in our care. Our Tweeniesfeel at home in our service. We also develop an educational program designed for our 9 years + children is developedprogram specifically designed for 5-6 year old children which in line with the ‘My Time Our Place’ learning framework andincludes a range of arts & craft activities, group games and helps support the growth and independence of these children.nature based play. During After School Care, this program is delivered off site atA designated Educator will be assigned responsibility to the KCS Community Hub (walking distance from the service)induct/orientate the children into the service routines, rules, a number of afternoons each week. Please see the termsafety and hygiene procedures. program on display in the service for full details on the range of activities planned.The Responsible Person will assign all new children a buddy(older child from Year 4 +) to support their transition into Our Vacation Care program also provides a range of activitiesthe program. specifically designed for this age group which include incursions and excursions as well as local excursions to theChildren who travel by bus to/from the service will also be KCS Community Hub each week.provided with a ‘Bus Buddy’ to support them with this newexperience. An Educator will always escort the children when Homeworktravelling by bus with OSHC. Families will be informed of thecollection point at each of the off site schools and full details As per our service philosophy, we promote the opportunity forof the delivery and collection of children procedures are children to learn through play at our service. Please be awareoutlined in our “Delivery and Collection of Children” policy. that while we are happy to provide a space for your child to do their homework, we cannot provide the one-on-one homeworkEducators will review the child profiles at a staff meeting support that your child may require.so they are familiar with your child’s interests and needsbefore they start OSHC. These interests will influence theeducational program developed by our Educational Leader.Each family will be emailed a copy of the KCS Social Storywhich they can read to their child in advance of their firstday in OSHC. It helps to familiarise the children with whathappens at OSHC and who they can talk to if they have anyconcerns. The Educators will also read this story to thechildren over the course of the first week.There are a number of administrative procedures in place tohelp support the transition of your child/ren into the servicewhich you will be informed of via email prior to your child’sfirst day. These include informing the school office andkindergarten teachers of all of the children that are enrolled inour service and their permanently booked days for attendingBefore and After School Care.KCS have also developed a Frequently Asked Questionsdocument which new parents have found beneficial as a quickreference guide.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 15 –

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOWWhat to bring/wear to Vacation CarePlease ensure that you provide your child/ren with thefollowing every day:• A nutritious morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (use • Any other items that your child may need will be specifiedcooler bag with ice brick in summer) – Please note, we on the Vacation Care program.are a nut aware service. • A hat and a shirt with sleeves (no singlets) for the• Spare change of clothes (if messy or water play is purposes of sun safety.on the program) • A rashie/sun safe shirt if attending a swimming excursion• A refillable water bottle and small back pack to carry their or water play activities.lunch, water, hat and other items if going on an excursion. • Enclosed shoes (no thongs or open toed sandals).Bringing toys and personal items to OSHCKCS does not take responsibility for personal belongings (including toys, electronic devices or money) which are lost or stolenduring the OSHC programs. If you choose to allow your child to bring such items, please ensure that they are labelled withtheir name. Educators may also ask children to hand in certain toys or belongings should they pose a risk of being damaged ormisused by the child. These items will be returned to the parent on collection of the child/ren.Nutrition and food at OSHCOur breakfast and afternoon tea menus will be displayed at the service for families to view. Children will be involved in thepreparation and service of our food at OSHC.Consideration is given to children with special dietary needs; our service is an allergy friendly service. We do not include nutproducts in our menus.• Breakfast will be served from 7-8am each day at Before School Care and Vacation Care.• An afternoon snack is served from 3-4pm each day at After School Care.• Children will bring their own packed lunch during Vacation Care. – 16 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

POSITIVE PATHWAYS SUPPOOPSUOITRTCITOVAMECESTIWVIETHENFAGMAIGLEIMESENT POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT PROBLEM SOLVE TOGETHER CLEAR & CONSISTENT APPROACH RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS POSITIVE ENGAGEMENTPOSITIVE PATHWAYS TO BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENTOrientation into our OSHC service is important and supports Positive behaviours are rewarded with encouragement anda smooth transition into our care. During orientation, our recognition. Behaviour concerns will be discussed withEducators will discuss the service safety rules and behaviour parents where a pattern begins to occur or if they are ofexpectations with children, providing them with a focus on a serious nature so that we can work together to addressrespect for oneself, others, and the environment. Children are them. As an experienced Community Services provider, wethen encouraged to follow the rules and accept responsibility understand that family circumstances differ and we will workfor their behaviour whilst the Educators are clear and to tailor our support to your needs by partnering with a rangeconsistent in their approach to these matters. We work to of professionals as we strive to achieve positive outcomes forproblem solve with the children so they learn to manage everyone involved.their emotions and enhance their conflict resolution skills.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 17 –

PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN OSHCWe recognise the importance of parent involvement within our programs, and we understand that for many working parents time islimited, therefore we aim to provide a variety of opportunities for parents to be involved in our service according to your availability.Any feedback and/or contribution from families to help evaluate and further improve our practices are warmly welcomed.Please do not hesitate to talk to our Educators if you are interested in contributing in any way. Here are some ways whichfamilies can contribute to the program:• Visit for a little longer when collecting your child/ren • Help by recycling unwanted items for our craft programespecially during end of term BBQs or events; e.g. wool, paper, collage material (please check with the• Join our Parent Advisory Committee or become the Parent Responsible Person as to what items are suitable);Representative on the KCS Board of Management; • Provide feedback or suggestions by completing hard copy• Volunteer to assist with children’s activities; parent feedback form at the service or complete our on• Volunteer with our cooking program; line Parent Survey at:• Share recipes and traditions to enrich the variety and www.surveymonkey.com/r/5FNN78P;enjoyment of food by the children and support the • Comment on our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) locatedchildren’s development of respect for and understanding at the parent counter under the service noticeboard;of diversity; • Provide feedback on our service policies and procedures. – 18 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

POLICIES AND PROCEDURESOur policies and procedures are developed in accordance with the regulations outlined in the National Quality Framework whichaims to provide effective management and efficient operations of the service.KCS policies and procedures are available at www.kogarahcommunity.org.au and a copy is also kept at the service for yourviewing at any time. KCS encourages parents to review our policies and procedures particularly those that relate to children’shealth and safety as there are a number of parental obligations within these policies. Any changes to our service policies will beoutlined in our e-newsletter and an updated version of the policy made available for parents to view.A list of our NQF policies can be found here: http://www.kogarahcommunity.org.au/page/policiesFor further information on KCS polices and procedures, please ask a member of our team. DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF CHILDRENKCS will ensure that children arrive and leave the service in a manner that safeguards their health, safety and well being.Educators will manage this by adhering to clear procedures regarding the delivery and collection of children, ensuring that familiesunderstand their requirements and responsibilities in accounting for the whereabouts of children at all times whilst in our care.At Carlton South Public School Collection of childrenAccess to OSHC is via the side gate on Ecole St, Carlton, 2218. Any person collecting your child/ren on a regular basis mustStreet parking is available to parents on Ecole St, but please pay be listed under the Emergency Contacts & Authorisationsattention to the bus and ‘No Stopping’ zones and time limits section of the enrolment form (this includes grandparents and other family members). For one off occasions (e.g. your child KCS OSHC @ CSPS is being picked up by a friend’s parent), please email details KCS Office & Community Hub to [email protected] or complete an Authorisation to Collect form at the service. Educators will ask for photo ID when collecting a child if the Educator does not recognise the adult as an authorised person. If anyone under the age of 14 is going to be collecting your child/ren (e.g. older sibling), we will also ask you to complete an additional authorisation form.Sick or unwell children Late collection of childrenFamilies are reminded not to bring sick children to the service Our service closes at 6 pm daily and all children must be collectedand to arrange prompt collection of children who are unwell by this time. If you are unable to collect your child/ren by this time,once notified by the Responsible Person. we ask that you inform the service as early as possible, on 0419 019 032. Families will incur a late fee for every fifteen minutes (or part thereof) after 6pm that they collect their child/ren, this will be added to your account. KCS has an obligation to abide by the relevant child protection legislation. Therefore, unless alternative arrangements have been made for the collection of your child/ren or we have received contact from the parents to notify us of their reason for being late (and a time-frame for collection), we are required by law to notify local police and the Dept of Family and Community Services (FaCS) when a child has not been collected by 6:30pm.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 19 –

FEESKCS is a not for profit community organisation with charitable status. Our fees are set in accordance with the annual budget inorder to meet the income required to develop and maintain a quality service for children and families. At KCS, we are committedto providing an exceeding quality program at reasonable prices to ensure that our service is affordable and accessible to allfamilies in our local community. Please refer to our website for our current fee structure.As we provide casual care for our families and for the purposes of managing CCB payments, invoices are distributed fortnightlyafter care has been provided.Payment of FeesPayment OptionsFees can be paid by:• Direct Debit - (HubDebit - available within HubWorks. Payment reference will show on your account as ‘HubHello’)• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)• Credit Card – via telephone at the KCS office• Bank Deposit – Please identify your child’s name in reference line.Bank: Commonwealth BankAccount Name: Kogarah Community ServicesBSB: 062 253Account Number: 10110050At Administration Office only:• Cheque – made out to Kogarah Community Services Inc.• Cash• EFTPOSPlease note that Children’s Services Educators are not permitted to accept cash at the service. Cash payments can only be madeat our Administration Office.Overdue FeesParents are encouraged to discuss any financial difficulties they may be experiencing in relation to meeting their financialobligations to KCS. We have a provision within our Fees Policy to establish a payment plan where necessary to assist familieswith meeting their childcare costs. Overdue accounts will be closely monitored by the KCS Management team. – 20 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

COMPLAINTS, COMPLIMENTS AND SUGGESTIONSKCS understands that well managed complaints can have a complaints within a specific timeframe. We want to ensurepositive outcome for all parties involved. We view them as an families are fully aware of their right to make a complaint,opportunity to reflect on our practice and build strong, lasting who to address this to in the first instance and what to do ifrelationships with our families. KCS promotes an ethos of they are not satisfied with how it has been managed by KCScontinuous improvement, where all families have the right including information on where to access a notification ofto make a complaint and/or provide us with a compliment complaint or incident form from the ACECQA website.or suggestion at any time. We regard this feedback as anopportunity to improve the services we provide, all of which is KCS is also accountable to report all written complaints todealt with fairly, promptly, confidentially and without retribution. Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate (ECECD) and the Ombudsman’s Office where necessary.Our policy clearly states the expectation of KCS toacknowledge, investigate, respond to and resolve all KCS COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT FLOWCHARTReceive Acknowledge Assess & investigate using Clock Model (Ombudsman Office Step by Step Guide) Review internal Options for redress Provide Reason forsystems & implement and close complaint Decisionquality improvement plan as requiredCHILD PROTECTION EXCURSIONSWe believe that it is every child’s right to be safe and KCS will plan excursions to extend the educational programprotected from all forms of abuse, violence or exploitation. It at the service. Excursions are designed to allow children tois the legal and moral obligation of all our Educators to ensure explore their physical and social environment, including theirthe safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. We have a local community, away from the service’s premises.duty of care to ensure the safety and protection of all childrenwho access the service’s facilities and/or programs. Parental permission will be sought for all excursions and every excursion will be carefully planned with any potentialThe safety and welfare of all children is of paramount risks assessed. When planning excursions, Educators willimportance to us. As Mandatory Reporters, we will take take into consideration experiences that encourage children toaction to protect and support children we suspect may be at investigate ideas, solve problems and use complex conceptsrisk of significant harm. We will carry out the responsibilities and thinking, reasoning and hypothesising and to transfer andof Mandatory Reporters as indicated under legislation. This adapt what they have learned from one context to another.responsibility involves following the procedures as outlinedby NSW Department of Family and Community Services –Community Services and the NSW Commission for Childrenand Young People.KOGARAH COMMUNITY SERVICES – 21 –

WATER SAFETY SUN SAFETYKCS will program activities with appropriate levels of KCS takes a sensible approach to sun protection, thus challenge where children will be encouraged to explore, empowering children to take responsibility for their own health experiment and take controlled risks including the use of and wellbeing. Sunscreen is applied on a regular basis atwater as a medium for play in both the outdoor and indoor BASC and Vacation Care. environment and on excursions. MANAGING THE SPREADWater activities will be supervised at all times to ensure the OF INFECTIOUS DISEASEsafety of children. Drinking water is accessible for children and staff at all times. KCS will provide a safe and hygienic environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of the children in our care.The safety and supervision of children is paramount when We will take all reasonable steps to prevent and manage the close to water. This relates to water play, excursions near spread of infectious diseases through the implementation of or at bodies of water, hot water, drinking water and hygiene procedures that are consistent with the NSW Department ofpractices with water in the service environment. Health guidelines.ACCEPTANCE AND REFUSAL ADMINISTRATION OF FIRST AIDOF AUTHORISATIONS KCS provides and maintains a high level of care for childrenThe National Regulations require KCS to request authorisation attending our service. KCS will ensure that the Responsible(permission) from families in certain situations to ensure the Person in day to day charge of the service or an Educatorsafety of your children: E.g. responsible for leading an excursion is suitably qualified and• Administering medication to children (Regulation 93) has the necessary equipment available to administer first aid• Children leaving the premises of a service with a person to children in our care. who is not a parent of the child (Regulation 99) MANAGEMENT OF INCIDENT,• Children being taken on excursions (Regulation 102) INJURY, ILLNESS AND TRAUMA• Access to personal records (Regulation 181) KCS aims to ensure the safety and well being of childrenAdditional KCS authorisations include: within the service and on excursions, through proper care and A child is leaving the service to attend an extra-curricular attention in the event of an incident, injury, illness or trauma. activity away from the service, for example, attending a We will make every attempt to prevent any worsening of the sporting activity, dance, drama, etc. that is run by a provider situation and complete reports on each event which will be other than the OSHC service. signed by the Parent/Guardian of the child involved. Parents or Children are leaving the service to make their own way home emergency contacts will be informed immediately or as soon or are being collected by a sibling younger than 14 years old. as practicable where the incident, injury, illness or trauma is deemed serious. KCS will report all serious incidents in lineEducators may refuse a request unless the appropriate with the National Law and Regulations. authorisation is provided. MEDICAL CONDITIONS ANDEMERGENCY AND EVACUATION MEDICATION ADMINISTRATIONKCS will endeavour to provide a safe environment for the KCS work closely with children, families, our local schools children in our care. All children and Educators will be made and other health professionals to manage medical conditions aware of and practise emergency and evacuation procedures of children attending our service. We will support children on a regular basis. In the event of an emergency, natural with medical conditions to participate fully in the day to disaster or threats of violence these procedures will be day program in order to promote their sense of well being,immediately implemented. connectedness and belonging to the service. Our Educators will be fully aware of the nature and management of anyEducators will follow the instructions outlined within the child’s medical condition and will respect the child and the emergency evacuation plan on display in the service. families confidentiality. Medications will only be administered to children in accordance with the National Law and Regulations.– 22 – OSHC FAMILY HANDBOOK

CONTACT USOffice/Community Hub CALL US ON: 9553 6506 (Admin Office) CALL OSHC SERVICE ON: 0419 019 032 (7am-9am/2:30pm-6:00pm) EMAIL US: [email protected] AGED CARE: [email protected] CHILD CARE: [email protected] LOG ON AT: www.kogarahcommunity.org.au FACEBOOK.COM/kogarahcommunity TWITTER.COM/kogarahconnect COMMUNITY HUB: 49 English St, KogarahNeighbourhood Centre CALL US ON: 9587 6622 EMAIL US: [email protected] NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE: 90 Railway Pde, Kogarah© 2017 Kogarah Community Services Inc. All Rights Reserved.