FAMILY HANDBOOK 2021 HUME CITY COUNCIL CHILDREN'S SERVICES
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HUME CITY COUNCIL
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
FAMILY
HANDBOOK
2021
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 1
Copyright Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure that
All rights reserved. Australian copyright law and the information available through the Children’s
international treaties protect all graphics, textual, Services Family Handbook is accurate and up to
audio, and audiovisual material in this manual. You date, Hume City Council and it’s employees will
may not copy, distribute, or use these materials not accept any liability for any loss or damage
except as necessary for your personal, which may be incurred by any person relying on
non-commercial use. Any trademarks are the this information. Please contact the service provider
property of their respective owners. for updates and changes to policies, procedures or
guidelines.
© Hume City Council 2021
For the most current version of this handbook,
please download a copy from our website at
www.hume.vic.gov.au.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Welcome to Hume 4
Code of Conduct 9
Volunteers / Students 10
Enrolment and Orientation 11
Parent Feedback and Concerns 17
Health 18
Safety and Supervision 25
Fees and Holidays 30
References 32
WELCOME TO HUME
Hume City Council is one of the largest • Australian Children’s Education and Care
local government providers of early Quality Authority (ACECQA)
childhood programs. We welcome all • Children’s Services Act (1996) and Children’s
families to our suite of programs which Services Regulations (2020) (for Occasional Care
and 3 Year Old Programs)
include:
• 3 Year Old Activity Programs Further information about our educational services
• Long Day Care is available in the foyer at each service location.
• Maternal and Child Health (Parent Support The reference section of this handbook provides
Workers, Babies in Hume) additional resources as well.
• Occasional Care Programs Hume City Council recognises that families are the
• Playgroups primary influence in their children’s lives, and have
• Preschool important beliefs regarding the education and care
of their children and the experiences in which their
• Preschool Field Officers children should be able to participate. Our policies,
procedures and guidelines are reviewed regularly
Relevant policies for our Preschool, 3 year Old and we welcome suggestions and feedback.
Activity Programs, Long Day Care and Occasional
Care are available on the Hume website at
www.hume.vic.gov.au.
Children’s Services Early
Our programs for children and families are
designed in accordance with the National Quality Years Policy Framework
Framework, a national legislative framework which
consists of: Hume City Council’s, Family Youth and Children’s
Services Early Years Policy Framework is available
• Education and Care National Law Act 2010 at all centres. We invite you to read through these
(National Law) policies and procedures at your leisure. If you
have any questions, would like more information
• Education and Care Services National
Regulations 2011 (National Regulations) or would like to provide input into the content of
these documents, please speak with a member of
• National Quality Standards our educational team.
• A Quality and Assessment Rating System
The policy is also available on the Hume website at
• A Regulatory Authority in each state www.hume.vic.gov.au.
(Department of Education and Training (DET))
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 4
Aboriginal and Torres Customer Service Centres
Strait Islanders Open from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday
Hume City Council’s Family, Youth and Broadmeadows
Children’s Services aims to create a positive 1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows VIC 3047
awareness of its indigenous culture and
Craigieburn
heritage within its children’s programs 75–95 Central Park Avenue, VIC 3064
through:
Sunbury
40 Macedon Street, VIC 3429
• by incorporating learnings of indigenous
themes and culture through professional Phone: 9205 2200
development and training of educators Email: contactus@hume.vic.gov.au
Web: hume.vic.gov.au
• learning activities including books, songs, Mail: PO Box 119, Dallas Vic 3047
dance, art, craft and puzzles
• building relationships and networks with local
Please check the Hume City Council website at
Indigenous Community Elders and Service
hume.vic.gov.au for modified opening hours as
Providers
applicable.
• ensuring Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) is
available to all 3 year old children who identify
as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander - for more
information on Early Start Kindergarten, refer
to:
http:www.eduation.vic.gov.au/chidhood/
parents/kindergarten/Pages/earlystart.aspx
Hume City Council proudly displays signage on all
its facilities acknowledging the Wurundjeri people
as the traditional land owners.
Aboriginal Flag Torres Strait Islander Flag
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 5
Services Contact Details
Long Day Care Preschool
Craigieburn Campbellfield
Craigieburn Early Childhood Services Campbellfield Preschool
153 Craigieburn Road West 26 Waratah Street
Phone: 9356 6150 Phone: 9359 6304
Email: craigieburnecsc@hume.vic.gov.au
Coolaroo
Coolaroo Westmere Children’s
Westmere Children’s Services Centre Service Centre
492 Barry Road (Integrated Preschool)
Phone: 9351 1544 492 Barry Road
Email: westmerecsc@hume.vic.gov.au Phone: 9351 1544
Roxburgh Park Craigieburn
Homestead Child and Family Centre Aitken Hill Preschool
15 Homestead Run 40 Waterview Boulevard
Phone: 9356 6750 Phone: 9356 6778
Email: homesteadcfc@hume.vic.gov.au
Bank Street Preschool
Sunbury 26 Bank Street
Sunningdale Avenue Children’s Centre Phone: 9308 1129
Dornoch Drive
Craigieburn Child
Phone: 9744 2845/9356 6984
Email: sunningdalecc@hume.vic.gov.au & Family Centre
24-26 Cleveland Drive
Phone: 9205 2710 / 2712 / 2713
Hilton Street Preschool
87-91 Grand Boulevard
Occasional Child Care Phone: 9308 1562
Kalkallo Preschool
Craigieburn 33 Toyon Road
Hume Global Learning Centre Phone: 9356 6770
75-95 Central Park Avenue
Malcolm Creek
Phone: 9356 6111
87-91 Grand Boulevard
(bookings only on Tuesdays 9:30am-1:30pm, Phone: 9308 4843
one week in advance of care)
Mitford Crescent Preschool
Greenvale Enter through Whitley Crescent
Bradford Avenue preschool Phone: 9308 2299
24 Bradford Avenue
Newbury Child &
Phone: 9356 6797
Community Centre
(bookings only on Mondays 9:30am-1pm, 450 Grand Boulevard
one week in advance of care) Phone: 9356 6724
Roxburgh Park Pembroke Preschool
Roxburgh Park Youth 38 Pembroke Crescent
& Recreation Centre Phone: 9308 3544
75 Lakeside Drive
Phone: 9356 6798 Gladstone Park
(bookings only on Mondays 10.00am- Taylor Drive Preschool
2:00pm, one week in advance of care) 91 Taylor Drive
Enquiries: 0417 163942 Phone: 9338 2009
Greenvale
Barrymore Road Preschool
31 Barrymore Road
Phone: 9333 3063
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 6
Bradford Avenue Preschool Sunningdale Avenue
24 Bradford Avenue Children’s Centre
Phone: 9333 1488 Dornoch Drive
Greenvale West Preschool Phone: 9744 2845/9356 6984
7 Ventura Way
Phone: 0418 352 037 Sunningdale Avenue Children’s
Centre (Integrated Preschool)
Meadow Heights Dornoch Drive
Tarcoola Preschool Phone: 9744 2845/9356 6984
12-16 Tarcoola Avenue
Phone: 9305 3577 Tullamarine
Dawson Street Preschool
Mickleham 27A Dawson Street
Annadale Community Centre (via Dalkeith Avenue)
27 Ellscott Boulevard Phone 9338 0060
Phone: 9356 6742
Merrifield North Westmeadows
Cnr St George’s Blvd & Westmeadows Preschool
Blackmore Rd 9A Ardlie Street
Phone: 9356 6742 Phone: 9333 1696
Roxburgh Park
Bluebird Way Preschool
12-14 Bluebird Way
Phone: 9205 2720
Homestead Child
& Family Centre
15 Homestead Run
Phone: 9356 6753
Homestead Child
& Family Centre
(Integrated Preschool)
15 Homestead Run
Phone: 9356 6750
Sunbury
Dobell Avenue Preschool
35 Dobell Avenue
Phone: 9744 2153
Dulap Wilim Hub
Leichardt Street
Phone: 9205 2200
McEwen Drive Preschool
9 McEwen Drive
Phone: 9744 4715
Stewarts Lane Preschool
9 Stewarts Lane
Phone: 9744 3535
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 7
Three Year Old Activity Program
Craigieburn Greenvale West Preschool
Aitken Hill Preschool 7 Ventura Way
40 Waterview Boulevard Phone: 0418 352 037
Phone: 9356 6778
Bank Street Preschool Mickleham
26 Bank Street Merrifield North
Phone: 9308 1129 Cnr St George’s Blvd &
Craigieburn Global Blackmore Rd
Learning Centre Phone: 9356 6742
75-95 Central Park Ave
Phone: 9356 6148
Roxburgh Park
Craigieburn Leisure Centre Roxburgh Park Youth
127-149 Craigieburn Road West and Recreation Centre
Phone: 9308 2022 75 Lakeside Drive
Kalkallo Preschool Phone: 0417 163 942
33 Toyon Road
Phone: 9356 6770 Sunbury
Dulap Wilim Hub
Gladstone Park Leichardt Street
Taylor Drive Preschool Phone: 9205 2200
91 Taylor Drive Elizabeth Drive Child
Phone: 9338 2009 & Family Centre
511 Elizabeth Drive
Greenvale Phone: 9205 2829
Barrymore Road Preschool
31 Barrymore Road Sunningdale Avenue
Phone: 9333 3063 Children’s Centre
Dornoch Drive
Bradford Avenue Preschool Phone: 9744 2845/9356 6984
24 Bradford Avenue
Phone: 9333 1488
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 8
CODE OF CONDUCT
Staff and Families If an incident occurs, parents and/or any other
person may, at Council’s discretion, be asked
to leave a service, be banned from entering a
All staff and parents are required to adhere to program or may be restricted in their movements
the Code of Conduct at all times. The principles within, or access to certain parts of a program.
of the Code of Conduct apply to all staff and The child/ren will continue to be welcome in the
families. program. Parents/Guardians are not to approach
other children within the service in relation to
Staff and Families: behaviour guidance.
• are required to treat and deal with each other
with respect, courtesy and integrity at all Hume’s Child Safe Policy has a zero tolerance
times, approach to child abuse and demonstrates a
• must maintain a professional only relationship commitment to child safety from its leaders,
at all times. Staff and parents should not staff, volunteers and contractors. The aim of the
share their personal phone numbers, contact policy is to protect children in care and prevent
details, including social media details with abuse from occurring.
each other,
• are not permitted to engage current staff in A child safe environment takes a preventative,
private care duties, proactive and participatory stance on child
• are required to maintain a level of protection issues.
confidentiality at all times in relation to the
service and other families.
Where a staff member identifies, or is subject
to, any unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour,
the staff member is required to immediately
report all such incidents to their Regional Team
Leader. Social Media
Where a parent identifies any unacceptable All children’s services staff and families should
or inappropriate behaviour, the parent can maintain strictly professional boundaries and
report their concerns in accordance with the relationships with service users.
Complaints procedure in this handbook. Council
will investigate any allegations and will contact Sharing personal contact information, associating
the parent/person to discuss the matter. The with service users on social media and engaging
person committing the behaviour or using in private care of nannying services can create
inappropriate language may be asked to leave a conflict of interest, blur boundaries between
the program. educators and families, and can place staff and the
service in a compromised position.
Any formal complaint of inappropriate
or unlawful behaviour (sexual or other Staff will only maintain professional relationships
harassment, discrimination, victimization, with service users to ensure professional standards
vilification, or criminal assault) will be dealt with are not compromised.
in accordance with Council policies, procedures,
guidelines and/or the relevant legislation. Police
Parents are required to treat and deal with each
may be called to investigate complaints or to
other with respect, courtesy and integrity at all
escort persons from the premises if deemed
times.
necessary.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 9
VOLUNTEERS / STUDENTS
Hume City Council welcomes and encourages Educators will inform volunteers/students about
volunteers (including parents/guardians, grand- specific practices to support the safety and
parents and other family members) to volunteer wellbeing of all children and in particular where
their time at children’s services to provide a range an enrolled child has a specific health care need/
of perspectives, skills and abilities to the medical condition (ie. risk of anaphylaxis or other
children’s program. Educators will supervise relevant medical conditions).
students and volunteers at all times and these
individuals are not identified in the staff ratio and All volunteers/students are required to adhere
will not be left unattended with children. to the relevant WHS protocols whilst undertak-
A working with children check may be required ing tasks in the children’s programs to minimise
in some instances. risk of injury. All volunteers/students wear neat,
practical and acceptable clothing suitable for sun
Hume City Council recognises the importance of protection and work being undertaken.
supporting the future educators within the sector
through facilitating practical placements Sturdy, flat, enclosed comfortable shoes are
for students from secondary school, TAFE, required for good traction to cover a range of
and universities. All relevant documenta- indoor and outdoor play spaces.
tion will be completed prior to a placement
commencing including ensuring adequate Further advice on safe work, health and safety
Working with Children Checks are held. practice in the work place can be obtained from
service educators.
All visitors/volunteers and students are required
to provide their name, entry and departure
times, reason for visiting and signature in the
visitor register at each children’s service.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 10ENROLMENT & ORIENTATION Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 11
Enrolment and Orientation procedures in all
Hume City Council’s children’s services ensure a
Waiting Lists and
strong foundation for relationships with children, Enrolment
families and educators.
Families are encouraged to visit Hume City
Council’s children’s services with their child to
ensure the best fit for child and family. Things to You may wish to place your child’s name on a
consider include: waiting list for Hume City Council’s Long Day Care
Services. When a place becomes available, you will
• attending a tour of the service indoor and receive a phone call and confirmation in writing,
outdoor environment
with information about the enrolment process.
• asking questions about the service philosophy
and play based curriculum To ensure the system is fair, the Australian
• meeting the educators and observing them Government has ‘Priority of Access Guidelines’
with the children in their care for allocating places. The guidelines only apply to
approved childcare services and are used when
• asking to see the policies, procedures and
guidelines there are limited vacant places.
• considering the fit of administrative Enrolments are allocated according to the priority
procedures, costs and fee payments of access criteria, date and time of receipt, and are
subject to availability.
Open Night
Each year all council managed and some non
council managed services participate in an Preschool registrations open on the 1st of March,
open night in February. This night provides two years prior to attendance. Registration forms
an opportunity for families to visit prospective are available at Council customer services offices,
services to assist in deciding on the right centre preschools and on the Council website. Forms must
for you and your child. For more details please be accompanied by your child’s birth certificate
visit www.hume.vic.gov.au. and proof of address as well as payment of the
registration fee or a copy of a Concession Card for
exemption (if applicable).
Preschool places will be offered in accordance
with the Preschool Enrolment Policy, and offers
are usually made in August of the year prior. You
will receive an enrolment pack in term four of the
year prior, which will contain a letter confirming all
relevant details. For further information, please visit
www.hume.vic.gov.au.
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 12Orientation The booking line works under the Australian
Government’s Priority of Access guidelines.
You are strongly encouraged to participate in Bookings are taken one week in advance on an
the orientation program offered to help your allocated booking day. Bookings can only be made
child settle in. The orientation program forms for one session per week and if the opportunity
a partnership with families to ensure a smooth presents, the child/ren may attend another session
transition for their child and families. You may up to a maximum of 15 hours per week.
need to stay within the centre during the Confirmations of bookings are sent via text
orientation process to comply with regulatory message. A response to the message is required
requirements - please discuss this with your child’s to confirm your booking.
educator.
Cancellation / Change of
Bookings
Orientation is offered when children transition to a
new group. Sometimes children become unsettled
during an adjustment to a new situation, even
though they may have been at the service for a Two (2) weeks’ notice in writing is required if
long period of time. you wish to cancel your child’s care or cancel any
booked days.
Children transition to the next group when
developmentally appropriate and if a vacancy
exists. When a vacancy in another group becomes
available, parents and educators in each room will
consult on the transition process. For Occasional Care, bookings can be cancelled
prior to 8:00 am of the day of the session with-
out incurring session fees. Cancellations made
after this time will incur the full session fee, and
Registration for the 3 Year Old Activity Programs Child Care Subsidy does not apply to this session.
are available in the year prior to attendance.
• Registration forms are available from 1 March
(one year prior to attendance)
• Children who turn three years of age prior to
30 April, may participate in the program with For cancellation, notice must be provided by
their parents in attendance (term fees still completing the online Cancellation of Placement
apply). Preschool/Activity Program form found on the
Hume City Council website or emailing pre-
You will receive a letter of offer prior to school@hume.vic.gov.au.
commencing a 3 Year Old Activity Program
There are no pro rata fees for partial term
with all relevant details.
attendance.
If you wish to change your child’s preschool
preference, please complete the Change of
Registration/Enrolment Details form and email to
Bookings can be made by calling the relevant
preschool@hume.vic.gov.au.
booking line.
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 13Inclusion Support Children with additional needs include:
• children with disabilities and.or development
delay
• children from culturally and linguistic diverse
background
The Inclusion Support Program supports Early
Childhood Services to build their capacity and • Aboriginal children
capability to include children with additional • Torres Strait Islander children
needs in mainstream services; providing them
with an opportunity to learn and develop along- • any child experiencing social and/or emotion-
al difficulties
side their typically developing peers.
• any child who is experiencing trauma or has
The program provides access to specialist experienced trauma
equipment and resources, developing Service
• a child who is not already receiving services
Improvement Plans and applying for funding to by an Early Childhood Intervention Agency
employ additional workers or specialist cultural
expertise. Families are able to refer directly to this
Children with additional needs include: program or in consultation with Preschool
Educators. Please contact 9205 2200 for further
• children with disabilities and/or developmen- information.
tal delay
• children from culturally and linguistically di-
verse backgrounds Second Year of Funded
• Aboriginal Children Preschool
• Torres Strait Islander Children
Families are encouraged to speak to the service
regarding this program. The Victorian Government provides funding to
support children to attend preschool in the year
Preschool Field Officers before they start school.
Not all children are ready to start school at the
end of their preschool year. Children develop at
different rates and it is important that children start
The Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) is a school when they are developmentally ready to
consultancy role that provides support to pre- learn in a more formal environment.
school children with additional needs and their A second year of funded four year-old preschool
families who attend a State Government funded may be considered when a child shows delays in
Preschool Program. We aim to enable access and key outcomes of learning and development. An
enhance participation of all children in an Early assessment is carried out for each child by an early
Childhood Program. childhood teacher in Term 4 of the first year of
funded preschool when a second year is being
The PSFO program is provided by Hume City considered as per the Kindergarten Funding Guide.
Council in partnership with the Department of
Education and Training (DET). The service is pro- The application process requires discussion
vided at NO COST to families. between families, educators, and if necessary
the Preschool Field Officer.
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 14Deferrals • families from a non-english
speaking background
In accordance with The Kindergarten Guide • socially isolated families
and its successor agreements, you may defer an • single parents
enrolment within term 1, provided the registration
has not been recorded on the State Government Second a child of a single parent
Kindergarten Information Management System Priority who satisfies, or of parents
(this usually occurs in April). who both satisfy, the work,
If you wish to defer your enrolment please speak training study test.
with the Preschool Educators as soon as possible
Within this category, priority
to discuss your child’s readiness for preschool. A
should also be given to the fol-
deferral form is available on Council’s website.
lowing children:
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Priority of Access Islander families
• families which include a disa-
Long Day Care & bled person
Occasional Care • families which include an indi-
vidual whose adjusted taxable
income does not exceed the
lower income threshold spec-
ified by Family Assistance, or
who or whose partner are on
In accordance with the Commonwealth income support
Priority of Access Guidelines, access to • families from a non-english
services will be prioritised as follows: speaking background
• socially isolated families
First Priority a child at risk of serious • single parents
abuse or neglect.
Third Priority any other child.
Within this category, priority
should also be given to the fol- An educational service may re-
lowing children: quire a Priority 3 child to vacate
a place to make room for a child
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander families with a higher priority, provided:
• families which include a disa- • the family is notified that
bled person the service follows this policy
• families which include an indi- when their child first enters
vidual whose adjusted taxable care
income does not exceed the
lower income threshold spec- • at least 14 days notice of the
ified by Family Assistance, or need for the child to vacate is
who or whose partner are on given
income support
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 15Priority of Access
Preschool & Three Year Old
Activity Program
In accordance with the Preschool Enrolment
Policy, access to services will be prioritised as
follows:
FIRST Children of Hume City residents who • Require a combination of services
PRIORITY are: which are individually planned
At risk of abuse or neglect, including • Have an identified specific
children in Out of Home Care where: disability or developmental delay
• The child is attending a Four Year • Hold a child disability health care
Old Kindergarten Program (as a card
three year old) through Early Start
Kindergarten or Access to Early SECOND Children of Hume City residents and
Learning, OR PRIORITY rate payers
THIRD Children of Non Hume City residents
PRIORITY
The child is referred by or known to:
• Child Protection
• Child and Family Services (family
services referral and support team,
Child FIRST / Integrated Family
Services / Services Connect Case
Worker) or;
• Out of Home Care Provider
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander Children
Asylum Seeker and Refugee Children
Children eligible for a Kindergarten
Fee Subsidy
Children with additional needs,
defined as children who:
• Require additional assistance in
order to fully participate in the
kindergarten program
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 16PARENT FEEDBACK AND CONCERNS
Parents are encouraged to participate in Families are advised to:
children’s programs, to provide suggestions,
1. Raise the issue with room educators who will
feedback and reflection on program practice. follow up the matter.
Feedback may be submitted in the format that is
most appropriate and comfortable for the 2. If the room educator cannot resolve the
parent, eg. letter, email via Hume City matter to the parent’s satisfaction, they
may contact the Assistant Team Leader or
Council’s website, face to face or by telephone. Regional Team Leader on 9205 2200.
When a parent has a concern or complaint 3. If the Regional Team Leader cannot resolve
regarding the care and education of their child, the matter to the parent’s satisfaction, they
this complaint will be treated seriously and may contact the Regional Coordinator on
9205 2200.
investigated within 24 hours. Children’s
Services are obligated under the Education and After speaking with the Regional Coordinator, if
Care Services National Regulations 2011 to the parent feels that the matter has not been re-
notify the Department of Education and Training solved to their satisfaction, you may contact the
(DET) in writing within 24 hours, if the complaint Coordinator Children’s Services at 0477 323 353
alleges: and/or the Manager Family, Youth and Children’s
Services at 0436 006 626.
• the health, safety or wellbeing of any child
being cared for or educated by the children’s
service may have been compromised, or Further information about the complaints
policy can be accessed on the Hume City Coun-
• a contravention of the Act or these cil’s website within the Early Years Policy Frame-
Regulations work.
Parents are also advised that they are able to
discuss complaints with the Department of
Education and Training (DET) Quality Assessment
and Regulation Division, located at 900/1 McNab
Avenue, Footscray. DET can be contacted by
telephoning (03) 7005 1989.
For Sunbury services, DET is located at 7-15
McLaren Street, Bendigo. DET can be contacted
by telephoning (03) 4433 7502.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 17HEALTH
Immunisation Parents are required to inform educators of
any ongoing health problems or recent illness,
including hospitalisation.
Immunisation and regular boosters help to
provide both children and adults with protection
against some harmful infectious diseases.
Under the Australian Governments ‘No Jab, No
Play’ policy, which began on 1 January 2016,
children must be up to date with their vaccina-
tions, have a valid medical exemption or be on
a catch up schedule.
A copy of the child’s immunisation record from
Children who have experienced the following
the Australian Immunisation Register will need
symptoms in the last 24 hours will be deemed to
to be provided to the service at the time of
be unwell and should not attend the children’s
enrolment and throughout the year when sched-
services centre until the symptoms disappear and
uled immunisations have been administered.
a doctors clearance is provided:
All educational services require that immunisa- • Persistent Cough
tions be kept up to date while the child is at the
service. A copy of the Australian Immunisation • Breathing Difficulties
Record is required. • Sore Throat
If there is an outbreak of an infectious disease • Eye Redness/Discharge
or a suspected infectious disease parents will be • Excessive Discharge from the Nose
notified from the service during the period, as (associated with other symptoms)
in accordance with Public Health and Wellbeing • Temperature between 37.5°C and 38°C or
Regulations 2019. higher (associated with other symptoms or
specific COVID-19 related symptoms (refer to
ancellation of Childcare Subsidy entitlement
C pg 20))
will occur by the government if a child’s immu-
• COVID-19 specific symptoms (refer to pg 20)
nisation is not maintained and kept up to date.
This will affect payable fees and is the parent’s • Blood or Urine in Faeces
responsibility to contact Centrelink to discuss • Headache or Sore Neck
(Long Day Care and Occasional Care Only).
• Reaction to Immunisation
• Blisters/Rash
Illness • Vomiting
Children are required to stay at home and not • Loose Bowel Movements
attend the children’s services centre if they are • Hospitalisation
not well enough to take part in daily activities
including all aspects of the indoor and outdoor • Broken Bones/Fractures
program. Cross infection is heightened when
children who are unwell attend the service. The
best place for children when they are unwell is at
home.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 18Parents/Guardians will be required to collect
children from the children’s service centre if the
Hygiene
child displays any of the following symptoms:
High standards of hygiene are important in
• 2-3 loose bowel motions in a day (diarrhoea) maintaining the health of children and educa-
• Excessive vomiting (more than twice in a day) tors are trained in infection control procedures
to protect all children and educators from cross
• Temperature between 37.5°C and 38°C or infection with effective hygiene practices in place
higher (associated with other symptoms or to help control the spread of disease.
specific COVID-19 related symptoms (refer to
pg 20))
Procedures are guided by the Education and
• Yellow/green discharge from the eyes Care Services National Regulations to maintain
(possible conjunctivitis) practices and are implemented to ensure each
• Breathing difficulties child’s health is promoted.
• Development of a rash Educators will use all opportunities to teach
• Lethargy (unable to engage in the program) children about hygiene and incorporate hand
washing and hygiene practices into learning.
Children who leave the centre due to illness
are to remain absent from the service for 24
hours or until a medical practitioner’s clearance/
certificate is issued.
The certificate must state that the child is not in-
fectious to others and well enough to participate
in the entire program.
The exclusion for vomiting and/or diarrhoea will
be 48 hours after the last symptom, as recom-
mended by the Victorian Government Depart-
ment of Health Guide for the management and
control of gastroenteritis outbreaks in children’s
centres (see references).
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 19Safety during COVID-19 • have been in close contact with a confirmed
case of COVID-19
Commitment to children, families Families and Visitors
and employees
Families and Visitors are not to attend the centre
Our first priority is the health and safety of our if they, their child or siblings in attendance are:
children, families, and employees. We are closely • unwell
monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation
• have returned from overseas within the last
and following advice from government agencies.
14 days or returned from particular areas of
Australia within the last 14 days
• have been directed to self isolate
• are awaiting COVID-19 results
• have been in close contact with a confirmed
case of COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing and Confirmed Cases
Keep sick children at home Families and visitors are required to notify the
If your child is unwell or has flu like symptoms, centre if they or their child have been tested, are
please keep them at home and seek medical awaiting results, and/or have received results of a
advice. You can call 1800 020 080 or speak to COVID-19 test.
your GP.
Exclusion
Hygiene and Cleaning A medical clearance from your child’s GP or
Hume City Council commits to implementing proof that your child has received a negative
stringent hygiene and cleaning procedures which COVID-19 test result must be provided in order
are in line with current and best practice for your child to return to the centre if symp-
Victorian Public Health guidelines. toms had been identified and the child has been
tested.
Personal Protective Equipment
Communication
Hume City Council commits to ensuring
adequate stock of personal protective equipment Hume City Council will communicate with
as required. families in a timely, open and transparent
manner. We welcome the input of families and
Attendance children.
Hume City Council commits to ensuring that em- Social Distancing
ployees will not enter or attend the centre if:
Hume City Council ensures that social distancing
• they are unwell is implemented appropriate for an early child-
hood and care centre. Families and visitors must
• have returned from overseas within the last practice social distancing of at least 1.5 meters
14 days or returned from particular areas of whilst at the centre.
Australia within the last 14 days
• have been directed to self isolate If you would like further information re-
garding how your centre is staying COVID
• are awaiting COVID-19 results
safe, you are encouraged to speak with your
centre.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 20Medical Conditions Medical Action Plans must be reviewed in
consultation with you following any activation of
the plan or in response to a change in your child’s
Hume City Council has practices in place to medical condition as indicated by the medical
manage specific health care needs, allergies, practitioner.
medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and
those at risk of anaphylaxis.
A ‘medical condition’ means a condition diagnosed
by a medical professional. This includes asthma,
Medication
diabetes, anaphylaxis, or other medical diagnosis
(Regulation 90 and Regulation 168 2(d)). The Education and Care Services National
Regulations (2011) states that medication (including
Under the Education and Care Services National prescription, over-the-counter and homeopathic
Regulations, educators will develop in partnership medications) must not be administered to a child
with parents the following: at a service without authorisation by a parent
• Medical Action Plan to be followed in the or person with the authority to consent. All
event of an incident – provided by the family in medication is to be handed to an educator upon
consultation with a medical practitioner arrival at the service.
• development of a Risk Minimisation Plan Educators must be informed if any medication (eg.
• development of a Communications Plan Paracetamol (Panadol)) or medication containing
antihistamines has been administered to the child
prior to their arrival the service.
These plans are required to be updated annually.
Medical Action Plans
You are required to inform the service of your
child’s medical condition on enrolment or
immediately after diagnosis. All affected children
must have a current medical management plan
detailing the child’s care, including signs and
symptoms, medications and first aid management.
The Medical Action Plan must also include a colour
passport-sized photo and be signed by a medical
practitioner.
All relevant medication must be at the service at all
times your child is in attendance and administered
in accordance with the Medical Action Plan. Clear
strategies must be listed in the Medical Action Plan
to ensure prompt and efficient management of the
any symptoms.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 21Administration of Please include a spare change of clothing in your
child’s bag.
Medication Please refer to our Sun Protection policy in
the Early Years Policy Framework for further
Medication must be in the original container and information.
must be clearly labelled by a pharmacist with your
child’s name – detailing the administration dosage
and frequency.
Over the counter medication, including Panadol
and nappy cream, must also be clearly labelled by
a pharmacist.
Medication must be appropriate for the age of
your child and must be within the nominated
expiry date.
If your child requires a higher dosage than that
specified on the label, we will require written
confirmation from your child’s medical practitioner.
Screen Time
Clothing and Sun
Protection Educators will ensure screen time is limited as
per the Department of Health guidelines.
Children’s skin is precious and needs to be
If screen time is integrated into the educational
protected. It is the policy of our centre that all
program at the service, educators will ensure
children and staff are required to wear a hat and
that families are informed. Educators will
sunscreen whilst outdoors. We ask that children
communicate the purpose and time limits based
have sunscreen applied at home so they are ready
on age group.
for play as soon as they arrive.
Children will not be left unattended during
In the warmer months, we recommend that screentime and will only use this time for
children wear clothing that provides some sun enquiry. The educators will actively interact with
protection – such as collars and sleeves. In the children to help them understand what they are
cooler weather, we suggest dressing children in seeing.
layers which can be easily removed as the day
becomes hotter.
Play is the foundation of our program – and
children should be dressed in clothing which
allows them to interact fully with the daily
activities. We understand that children’s clothing
can be expensive and suggest that your child
wear play clothes and appropriate footwear to our
centres.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 22Nutrition and Oral Sleep and Rest
Health Services will consult with families about their
child’s individual needs and be sensitive to
Hume City Council Nutrition and Oral Health different values and parenting beliefs, cultural or
Policy for children in early year’s services is guid- otherwise, associated with sleep and rest.
ed by The Healthy Eating Advisory Service in
conjunction with Nutrition Australia. The guide- If a family’s beliefs and requests are in conflict
lines have been designed so that they can be with current recommended evidence-based
applied in a variety of early childhood settings, guidelines, the service will need to determine if
are evidence-based and consistent with current there are exceptional circumstances that allow
thinking on early childhood development. for alternate practices. In this circumstance
written support from the child’s medical
Educators are provided with training to ensure practitioner will be required. The service will
food safety procedures and standards are met undertake a risk assessment and implement risk
and maintained in accordance with the stand- minimisation plans for children.
ards of the Food Safety Act 1984, Education
and Care National Regulations 2011 and Hume Opportunities to meet each child’s sleep, rest
City Council’s Food Safety Program. Educators and relaxation needs will be provided. Children
are aware of the need to implement appropriate who do not wish to sleep will be provided with
health and hygiene practices and use safe food alternative quiet activities and experiences, while
handling practices when preparing, serving and those children who do wish to sleep will be
storing food. High risk foods must be stored ap- allowed to do so, without being disrupted. If a
propriately with an ice pack and in an insulated child requests a rest, or if they are showing clear
container to prevent spoiling. signs of tiredness, regardless of the time of day,
there will be a comfortable, safe area available
Hume City Council’s educational services provide for them to rest.
food and beverages that are nutritious and cul-
turally appropriate and served to children in an Educators will ensure that the physical
environment that promotes good eating habits environment is safe and conducive to sleep.
and social interactions. Diversity and culture are This means providing quiet, well-ventilated and
considered when implementing healthy eating comfortable sleeping spaces.
and oral health practices and when menu plan-
ning.
Mealtimes are social occasions and children are
encouraged in all our programs to help with the
preparation of mealtimes or snacks. Generally
both Long Day Care and Preschool settings
have flexible routines for children at meal times
and children are involved and participate in
the learning routines surrounding mealtimes.
Menus have been reviewed by the Health
Eating Advisory Service and meet the criteria
determined.
For further information on our Nutrition and
Oral Health Policy, please refer to the Children’s
Services Early Years Policy Framework.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 23Birthdays / Celebrations /
Special Activities
• Some processed meats (e.g., sausages,
The Children’s Services Early Years Policy frankfurters/hot dogs, salami, strasburg, devon,
Framework outlines healthy eating standards. some commercial chicken nuggets and fish
Any food brought into the service needs to be fingers)
nutritious, therefore the following foods will not be • Soft drinks, fruit drinks, cordial, sports drinks,
accepted: sports waters, flavoured waters, flavoured
mineral waters, iced teas and energy drinks
• Confectionary, chocolate, jelly, lollies
Long Day Care is unable to accept any food into
• High fat/sugar sweet biscuits
the service.
• Chips and high fat/salty savoury biscuits
• High fat, sugar cakes and slices
• Cream and Ice Cream
• Deep fried foods
• Sausage rolls and pastries, most fast food and
takeaway foods
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 24SAFETY AND SUPERVISION Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 25
Supervision of Children and acted upon in accordance with relevant
policies and procedures. Council requires
that Councillors, employees, volunteers and
Supervision involves direct observation and organisations or others associated with Council
engagement of individual and groups of children understand and follow child safe principles and
to protect them from hazards and plan appropriate expectations for appropriate behaviour towards
programs. and in the company of children.
Effective supervision requires educators to be This may also result in the Commission for
actively involved with children and this requires Children and Young People (CCYP) being
knowing where children are at all times, in both notified if a reasonable belief of any type of
indoor and outdoor environments. Consideration is misconduct towards a child is reported (as per
given to children of different ages and abilities who Reportable Conduct requirements).
need different levels of supervision.
For further information on Child Safe Standards
and Reportable Conduct, please refer to
Children’s Services Early Years Policy Framework.
Excursions
Excursions/incursions are valuable experiences
for children, families and early year’s educators
as they provide opportunities to enhance chil-
dren’s learning, explore different environments
and engage in meaningful ways with their
communities.
Child Safe Standards All excursions and incursions require appropri-
ate planning, risk assessment and preparation
Hume City Council has a zero tolerance to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences are
approach to child abuse and demonstrates a achieved. A risk assessment is conducted which
commitment to child safety from its leaders, is consistent with Hume City Council’s Work
staff, volunteers and contractors. Our aim is Health and Safety Policy and Risk Assessment
to protect the children in our care and prevent Hazard Identification Checklist (HWHS-312/1).
abuse from occurring. Using a matrix to determine and record the risk
level, corrective action, person responsible, date
Council provides a safe working environment and signed.
that values child safety, diversity and inclusion for
all children and young people aged 0 - 24 and EXCURSIONS/REGULAR OUTINGS are when
adheres to the Victorian Child Safe Standards children leave the premises of the children’s
and related legislation. centre with an educator having written author-
ised permission of the person who has authority
Council acknowledges the cultural safety, to authorise as listed in the child’s enrolment
participation and empowerment of all children; record. These occasions may be routine visits to
especially children from Aboriginal or culturally the neighbouring school, community centre or
and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and local library. There may be larger excursions to
those with a disability. the zoo for example.
All allegations of abuse and safety concerns
received by Council will be treated very seriously
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 26INCURSIONS are external organisations that
come into the educational service premises and
Emergency Procedures
provide experiences for children to enjoy, as part
of the educational program. These experiences Hume City Council has a critical incident man-
may be a mobile farm for example. agement policy and procedure which outlines
the requirements for the management of critical
Authorisations for excursions must be given incidents at Hume City Council’s workplaces to
by a parent or other person named in the minimise risks to health and safety and minimise
child’s enrolment record as having authority the impact on people, infrastructure and the
to authorise the taking of the child outside environment.
the education and care service premises by an
educator. The policies and procedures are based on a risk
assessment that identifies potential emergencies
relevant to each children’s service and definitions
and all procedural requirements for Hume City
Arrival / Departure of Council’s employees are outlined in this docu-
ment.
Children
All educators are familiar with frequent emer-
Hume City Council is committed to ensuring a safe gency/evacuation drills, evacuation floor plans
and documented procedure occurs for the arrival and evacuation assembly areas for their individ-
of and departure of children that supports children ual services and instructions are displayed in a
and families each day.
prominent position near each exit at the service
It is the responsibility of educators and families to premises. Appropriate and current emergency
ensure the safe arrival and departure of children at management training and information is pro-
the education and care service and the completion vided to all employees and is explained during
of statutory documentation. All children must be induction of all employees.
signed in and out of the service by their primary
carer or authorised person, this is a statutory
requirement. Emergency drills are scheduled to take place at
all Hume City Council’s educational services at
For further detailed information on the Arrival and various times of the day and week during a three
Departure of Children, please refer to Children’s month period. In the event that any emergency
Services Early Years Policy Framework. situation/evacuation results in distress for some
children or their families, support is available
through KidsMatter Early Childhood developed
in collaboration with Beyondblue: the national
depression initiative, the Australian Government
Department of Health, Australian Psychological
Society and Early Childhood Australia.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 27Lockdown Procedures Incident, Injury, Trauma
Lockdown procedures are designed to secure
and Illness
staff and children in the case of potential threats,
Hume City Council’s educational programs support
such as:
the wellbeing of each child in the service and have
• Death or severe trauma of child, staff or established procedures and practices that minimise
visitor the risk of harm to children. All Educators have first
• Potential hostage situation or siege situation aid qualifications.
• Local disaster including severe weather The National Law requires the Regulatory Authority
(DET) to be notified of any serious incident that
• Media attention - uncontrolled/unwarranted occurs at an educational service, including:
• Public nuisance (violent, intoxicated/drug • the death of a child while attending a service
affected) or following an incident while attending the
• Legal/custody dispute or situation service
• any incident involving injury, trauma or illness
• Estranged parent/carer threat of a child where urgent medical attention
• Event in neighbourhood with potential to and/or attendance of emergency services was
impact children and/or the center sought, or should have been sought
• if a child appears to be missing or cannot be
• Dangerous animals accounted for, appears to have been taken or
removed from the service premises in a way
When a threat occurs, the Regional Leadership that breaches the National Regulations, or is
Team will follow the procedures outlined in the mistakenly locked in or locked out of any part
of the service premises
service’s Emergency Management Plan. The
Emergency Management Plan is available upon
request at each service.
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 28Educators will telephone the parent/guardian to All parents/guardians are required to sign the notify of any injury sustained in the program. enrolment form that authorises educators to seek Parent/guardians are then able to determine treatment at a hospital or to call a doctor and/ whether they would like to collect their child early or or an ambulance so emergency treatment can have the child remain in the program. commence. If emergency treatment is required an Educators are required under the Education and ambulance will be called without delay. Care Services National Regulations (2011) to report For further information on the Incident, Injury, any serious injury/illness sustained by children in Illness and Trauma policy, please refer to Children’s their care. Services Early Years Policy Framework. In the case of serious injury, educators will contact 000 first, then the parent/guardians and advise that medical attention has been sought. On collection of the child, the parents/ guardians are required to add their name, date and signature to the incidents, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record. Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 29
FEES AND HOLIDAYS
Non Collection of A variety of payment options are available and are
listed on the invoice, however, Direct Debit is the
Children and Late Fees preferred method of payment.
Pro-rata fees do not apply. Please speak with the
If a child/children has not been collected by the
Preschool Accounts Officer for further information.
service closing time, educators will undertake
arrangements for the child to be collected by * No fees are applicable for Preschool in 2021.
a designated emergency contact person as
recorded in the child’s enrolment record * A $62 fee applies to the 3 Year Old Program
in 2021.
If neither parents/guardians nor emergency Please check the Hume City Council website
contact persons can be located, the Department for information on current fees.***
of Human Services (Child Protection) and Victoria
Police will be contacted to inform them of the
situation. The child/children will remain at the
service with two educators until Child Protection/
Victoria Police arrives at the service
An SMS message will be left on the phones of
parents/guardians and emergency contacts to
inform them of their child/children’s location
Hume City Council offers support for families
The Hume City Council’s Regional Team Leader/ experiencing financial difficulties. It is the
Regional Coordinator and the Department of responsibility of the family to inform the service
Education and Training (DET) will also be notified of any changed circumstances where payment
within 24 hours of the incident and provided arrangements can be discussed.
with written documentation
Families who are in arrears will receive notice of
An additional fee is applicable for late collection Cancellation of Care. Council reserves the right
of children. This additional fee is set at $20.00 to forward outstanding accounts on for debt
for the first five minutes and $1.00 per child per collection. Families with an outstanding debt with
minute thereafter. Hume City Council can negotiate a payment plan
to clear the debt prior to enrolling their child into
another Council educational service. Bookings or
enrolments will be cancelled where a payment plan
Payment of Fees is not honoured.
When children are absent for any period (e.g injury,
accident, incident, holidays, sick, public holidays),
fees are still payable.
Preschool and 3 Year Old Activity Group Fees are For further information on fees, please refer to the
invoiced each term and are payable before the Children’s Services Early Years Policy Framework.
commencement of the upcoming term.
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 30Child Care Subsidy If your child attends multiple centres within the
same financial year, it is important to remember
that you have 42 allowable absent days per child,
NOT per childcare centre you attend.
Council Long Day Care Centres are approved Child
Care Subsidy (CCS) recipients.
In order to receive this subsidy as a fee reduction,
Service Closure Dates
families must follow the Centrelink guidelines to
ascertain their eligibility. All Council children’s services are closed on all
gazetted public holidays:
Where children attend more than one centre,
families can allocate the CCS to be split between • Australia Day
the centres through their MyGov account. • Labour Day
If the CCS entitlement is not split, it will be paid to • Good Friday
the first centre that submits their attendances for • Easter Monday
that period. This may result in full fees becoming • Anzac Day
due if the full subsidy is paid to an alternate centre. • Queen’s Birthday
More information about Child Care Subsidy • Melbourne Cup Day
including eligibility requirements, is available • Grand Final Eve
from the on the Human Services website (www.
humanservices.gov.au).
Fees are paid on public holidays if your child is
permanently booked in on these days.
Allowable Absences All Hume City Council’s educational services are
closed for the following:
• All school holidays (with the exception of Long
Day Care)
Families will be entitled to 42 absent days per
child, per financial year, and may be entitled • Two (2) days per year for Educator Professional
Development (parents will be advised in
to additional days in certain circumstances advance)
(including illness of the child, parent and sibling).
Fees are not charged for Educator Professional
Under the Child Care Subsidy, when a child Development days where the service is closed.
does not attend care on a day that they were Please be aware for those children attending full
scheduled to, providers are able to claim time care and receive the weekly fee rate, fees will
an absence for the child up to 42 times revert to the daily rate as you will only be charged
per financial year, so long as on the day the for four days (Long Day Care Only).
absence is claimed , Child Care Subsidy would
have been claimed (i.e. the child would have Services will be closed over the Christmas/New
otherwise been in care, and the family hasn’t Year period for a minimum of two weeks.
already reached their fortnightly entitlement
of subsidised hours based on their activity test
result).
Long Day Care Preschool Three Year Old Activity Program Occasional Child Care
Hume City Council | Children’s Services | Family Handbook Page 31You can also read
