NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
NORTH ADELAIDE OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE
PARENT HANDBOOK
North Adelaide Primary School
62 Tynte Street, NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006
Phone: 8267 5127
Mobile: 0418 853 610
Fax: 8267 1287
Out of School Hours Care is located:
Next to the school Hall in the JP unit
Adjacent to the Staff Car Park & Playground Area
Provider Numbers:
Before School Care: 555 009 407J
After School Care: 555 009 208S
Vacation Care: 555 010 112H
1
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care operates a Before School Care and After School service, for
children attending North Adelaide Primary School. Vacation Care is offered during school holidays to
children from our school and other public and private schools in the wider community.
Our service aims to offer a fun, educational and exciting program to all children, stimulating their
needs and interests.
Currently our service offers up to 15 places in Before School Care, up to 45 places for After School
Care and 45 places are available during Vacation Care. On average the centre operates at its full
capacity.
HISTORY OF THE SERVICE
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care Service has been operation for more than 20 years. It was
service that was developed through a need from the community. The service began with Before and
After School Care, then later established a Vacation Care program. With the school redevelopment in
2003, a dedicated area for OSHC was established.
DEFINITON OF OSHC
An Out of School Hours Care service is a valuable service that supports the needs of school aged
children and families. An OSHC service provides supervised care for children whose parents work,
study or need respite. It is available to all primary school aged children. The environment should be
informal, fun, social, stimulating allowing children to choose from a variety of activities that suit their
needs, interests and abilities. Activities include craft, cooking, construction, indoor or outdoor games
or to simply relax and socialise.
2
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
PHILOSOPHY OF THE SERVICE
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care provides Before School Care, After School
Care and Vacation Care programs to families within our school and wider community.
The program aims to meet the needs, interests and cultural diversity of the community,
allowing opportunities for children to grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally
and psychologically.
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care supports and incorporates the philosophy and
motto of the School in its planning, programming and day to day running of the centre.
Planning and programming ensures that inclusivity of all children and developmental play
is regularly incorporated into OSHC. The centre aims to link the programme with the
wider community where possible, to educate children about the opportunities within their
community.
VISION, PRINCIPLES, VALUES
The following are a clear statement of service goals for our OSHC service:
At North Adelaide OSHC we will:
1. Provide a warm, safe, friendly and caring environment for children to grow, play
and develop.
2. Provide all children with a stimulating setting and incorporate many areas of the
school curriculum being educational, yet fun and exciting.
3. Meet the needs of all parents and families through encouraging involvement and
feedback to the program.
4. Provide a range of recreational and educational resources and activities to suit
both genders and various ages, whilst encouraging independent thinking.
5. Foster children’s self esteem allowing them to grow and express themselves in a
nurturing environment.
6. Cater for nutritional and individual dietary needs by providing balanced and
healthy meals.
7. Together with Management and staff will attempt to meet all requirements and
individual needs of families when possible.
8. Adhere to and follow the Philosophy and motto of the school, “we care”, and
reflect this through the activities and the environment of the centre.
9. Children’s interests and suggestions will be listened to and taken on board when
planning and implementing programs.
10. The service aims to meet and support families with children of Special Needs through
additional resources and outside agencies.
3
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
SERVICES PROVIDED
HOURS OF OPERATION
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE 7.30 AM – 8.30 AM
AFTER SCHOOL CARE 3.10 PM – 6.00 PM
VACATION CARE 7.45 AM – 5.45 PM
PUPIL FREE DAY 7.45 AM – 5.45 PM
NUMBER OF PLACES
The number of children that North Adelaide OSHC service can cater for is dependant on the places provided by Child
Care Benefit, and space regulations imposed by Licensing and Standards (DECS).
Currently we operate with Before School care 15 places
After School Care 45 places
Vacation Care 45 places
Pupil Free Days 45 places
How old do you have to be?
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care caters for all primary school aged children, from Reception to Year 7.
Who can access the service?
Before School Care and After School Care is offered to children attending North Adelaide Primary School.
Vacation Care is available to all children from outside schools; however priority is given to North Adelaide School
families.
Out of school hours care will be made available to the community in accordance with the Commonwealth Priority of
Access guidelines.
When can children commence care?
Children can commence Before and After School Care only once they have started school.
Children can commence Vacation Care from the time they are 5 years of age, only if they have commenced school.
What will happen on the first day?
Staff will be made aware of children commencing for the first time.
A staff member will be allocated to make your child/ren feel comfortable and ease them into the program, helping
them interact with other children.
Staff will provide a tour of the necessary areas that your child uses
4
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
SERVICE FEES & PAYMENTS
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE
Times: 7:30 am – 8:30 am 1 hr of care
Fee: $8.00
BREAKFAST SERVED
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Times: 3:10 pm – 6:00 pm 3 hrs of care
Fee: $16.00
PUPIL FREE DAYS
Times: 7:45 am – 5.45 pm 10 hrs of care
Fee: $40.00
VACATION CARE
Times: 7:45 am – 5.45 pm 10 hrs of care
Fees: $40.00 - Home Days & Excursion Days
LATE PICK UP FEE
$1.00 per minute, per child will be charged to your account
for children collected after 6.00pm for OSHC or 5.45pm during Vacation Care
Methods of Payment
OSHC and Vacation Care accounts are issued weekly and can be collected in Family Boxes.
Any accounts uncollected by the end of the week will be posted.
North Adelaide OSHC and Vacation Care accepts payment via cash, cheque, money order or credit card. No cash is
kept on premises if change is required.
Payments can be made using the payment envelopes or credit card slips provided in the OSHC centre or school
finance office. If paying in the OSHC centre, hand the envelope to a staff member.
Postal payments can be sent to North Adelaide OSHC, 62 Tynte Street, North Adelaide SA 5006.
Receipts will be attached to your next account.
Surplus payments will be kept in credit on your account for next usage.
5
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
Child Care Benefit : * is available from Centrelink through the Family Assistance Office by call 13 61 50.
* can help reduce your child care fees. All families are entitled to Child Care Benefit regardless of the amount of
income.
To claim you must be registered with Centrelink and you need to quote the following Reference Numbers:
Before School Care 555 009 407J
After School Care 555 009 208S
Vacation Care 555 010 112H
If claiming Child Care Benefit at another centre you still need to contact the Family Assistance office and provide them
with our details or you will not be eligible for Child Care Benefit at our service.
If claiming Child Care Benefit for the first time please arrange this prior to commencement of care.
In March 2009 North Adelaide OSHC will transitioning to a new system called CCMS (Child Care Management
System). Due to these changes it is essential that ALL FAMILIES register their children with Centrelink and receive a
CRN (Customer Reference Number) for their children and themselves. Families who do not wish to receive Child Care
Benefit are encouraged to register as if you do not YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE 50% CHILDCARE REBATE that all
families are eligible for.
Having trouble paying your fees?
As soon as you encounter difficulties paying your fees please see the Director to implement an individual payment plan
or access outside agencies or Centrelink for extra assistance. Non payment of fees over a period of time will result in
care be cancelled.
BOOKINGS AND CANCELLATIONS
Before and After School Care
All children attending on a regular basis need to make permanent bookings
Additional bookings can be made by using the communication book located on the sign in and out table or informing
a staff member.
Cancellations need to be made as soon as possible to avoid being charged an Allowable Absence. Cancellations
can be made as late as 3.00pm in the afternoon.
Allowable absences include child care benefit and are the same cost of a normal session.
Vacation Care
Bookings are to be made by using the Booking Form distributed prior to the commencement of Vacation Care
Additional bookings can be made by informing a staff member or by phone messages.
Cancellations must be made 7 days in advance.
Allowable absences will be charged to all cancellations made after 7 days.
6
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
OSHCQA
Out of School Hours Care
Quality Assurance
OSHCQA is designed to provide OSHC services with guidelines for self-improvement and evaluation. The standards of
quality care are intended to guide staff practices that best promote positive outcomes for children. This is achieved
when management, staff and families work together to assess the current state of their OSHC program, set goals for
program involvement and have their quality standards validated.
There are 8 Quality Areas and 30 Principles of Quality Care to adhere to and improve on. The 8 Quality Areas are as
follows:
1. Respect for Children
2. Staff Interactions and Relationships with Children
3. Partnerships with Families and Community Links
4. Programming and Evaluation
5. Play and Development
6. Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing
7. Protective Care and Safety
8. Managing to Support Quality
North Adelaide OSHC staff, management, families and Governing Council are always working towards the standards
set by Quality Assurance. Families will be involved and asked for feedback on certain situations and programs.
OSHCQA will ensure your child/ren receive the best possible care from North Adelaide.
It is the parent’s responsibility to collect any information that is distributed in relation to Quality Assurance and to voice
their opinions on matters, whether it is positive or negative through the relevant feedback and communication methods
in place by the centre.
The centre has already been Validated and Accredited in August 2008 and will again undergo the process in May of
2009. All staff will aim to meet all Principles of High Quality Care.
7
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
PRIORITY OF ACCESS GUIDELINES
The Australian Government has determined guidelines for allocating places when the demand for childcare exceeds
supply. The guidelines apply to all Government funded Childcare services including Out of School Hours Care
services.
There are three levels of priority, which childcare services must follow when filling vacant places:
Priority 1 – a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect
Priority 2 – a child of a single parent who satisfies, or parents who both satisfy, the work/training/study test under
section 14 of the Family Assistance Act
Priority 3 – any other child
Within these main categories priority should also be given to the following children:
Children in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander families
Children in families, which include a disabled person
Children in families on lower incomes
Children in families with a non-English speaking background
Children in socially isolated families
Children of single parents
There are some circumstances, which a child already in childcare may be required to leave the service
A service with no vacant places and is providing care for a child who is a third priority may require that child to leave the
service in order for the service to provide a place for a higher priority child.
Out of School Hour Care services must give school children priority over children who have not yet commenced school.
8
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
North Adelaide Out Of school Hours Care is committed to the principles of equal opportunity in relation to community
access to the service. Individual families and children will be treated with respect regardless of their gender, race,
religion, age, impairment or disability, sexuality, or family status.
The service will actively promote the positive aspects of diversity and encourage acceptance and appreciation of
individual differences.
In the interests of children's welfare and protection, access to children referred/enrolled to North Adelaide Out of School
Hours Care Service by appropriate agencies will be accommodated wherever possible, while still ensuring the safety
and care of every child at the service.
* The operator/committee will determine limits on the number of children with special needs that the service is able to
appropriately care for.
* Acceptance of a child with additional/special needs will depend on:
- The service having the required resources to appropriately care for the child
- Successful completion of a referral form with a negotiated agency
- A visit from the referring agency/case manager to:
- Provide information about the referral
- Clarify any special conditions of enrolment
- Provide necessary details about the child's care arrangements, including foster care details if appropriate.
- Determine a suitable introduction process (child to the service and staff, the service and staff to child's needs and
negotiated childcare time).
- Reach agreement about the cost for providing care and any special requirements, e.g. transport, equipment
- Subsequent enrolment according to the service's usual enrolment procedure
- Agreement to a debriefing from the case manager at the end of the referral period.
* Where the service cannot accept a referred child, the referring agency or parent/guardian will be advised to contact
other/alternative Out of School Hour Care services.
9
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
North Adelaide Out Of School Hours Care Service operates on an Independent school site and meets all National
standards outlined by the Department of Education and Children’s Services. It will make every effort to reflect the
special nature of the community and will encourage parent input and take into account the needs of children, parents,
and staff in the operation of the service.
The Advisory Committee will ensure that all relevant guidelines, acts and regulations are adhered to in the
management of the service (for example, funding guidelines, associations rules/constitution, departmental OSHC
Standards, departmental AIGs, relevant industrial awards etc.).
Membership of the committee will be open to all parents using the service. Parents will be actively encouraged to
participate. The Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the operator for its endorsement (ratification), and
shall not make decisions or act on behalf of the service without School Board approval.
The committee will ensure the service's philosophy statement reflects the needs and values of its clients by
evaluating the statement annually. The committee will also ensure the operation of the service is always consistent with
the philosophy statement.
Policies and procedures will be strictly followed by the committee. They will be regularly reviewed to ensure they
meet current needs.
Responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the service is delegated to the Director. The Director then reports
directly to the School Principal. Any matters that the Director is not confident about resolving, or determines to be
significant, will be brought to the attention of the Principal or Advisory Committee for discussion and resolution as soon
as possible. Where urgent decisions need to be made, an executive decision may be made by phoning at least a
quorum of members of the committee (including at least one executive member).
The Management Structure is as follows:
School Principal
Deputy Principal (Line Manager)
North Adelaide Governing Council
Legally liable for the OSHC service
Oversees all major decisions regarding the welfare of the OSHC service
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care Advisory Committee
Meets on a regular basis to discuss issues of relevance to the OSHC service
Consists of Deputy Principal, OSHC Director, School Board Member and Committed Parents.
OSHC and Vacation Care Director
Is responsible for the daily operations of the service, staffing and programming.
Management Liaison
If a parent wishes to have an issue discussed by Management they may to choose to contact the;
Director – Vicky Radetti on 8267 5127 or 0418 853 610
School Deputy Principal – Mike Thurston on 8267 1644 during school times
Advisory Liaison Person – Melissa Ballantyne – c/o NAPS 8267 1644
The Advisory Committee recruits new members annually. If you wish to be involved please make yourself known to
one of the persons mentioned above and register your interest.
10
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
STAFFING
All staff at North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care are of legal age. Volunteers, students on placement or work
experience students are not deemed to be part of the staff. All staff have a current Catholic Police Check Clearance.
Staff: Child Ratio
At school There shall be a maximum of 15 children to each staff member
1 to 12 children = 1 qualified staff member
13 to 30 children = 1 qualified staff member
1 unqualified staff member
31 to 45 children = 2 qualified staff members
1 unqualified staff member
46 to 60 children = 2 qualified staff members
2 unqualified staff members
On Excursions There shall be a maximum of 8 children to 1 staff member
1 to 8 children = 1 qualified staff member
9 to 16 children = 1 qualified staff member
1 unqualified staff member
17 to 24 children = 1 qualified staff members
2 unqualified staff member
25 to 32 children = 2 qualified staff members
2 unqualified staff members
33 to 40 children = 2 qualified staff members
3 unqualified staff members
41 to 48 children = 2 qualified staff members
4 unqualified staff members
49 to 56 children = 2 qualified staff members
5 unqualified staff members
When participating on a water excursion such as swimming, beach or waterslides the program
must adhere to a 1:5 staff: child ratio.
11
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
STAFFING FOR EACH SERVICE
Before School Care
Operates with 1 staff members each morning.
1 qualified staff opens at 7.25am – NO CHILDREN WILL BE ACCEPTED BEFORE 7.30am.
Any children who qualify for extra assistance through Inclusions SA will have additional support staff.
After School Care
Operates with 2-3 staff members each afternoon.
2 Qualified staff and 1 unqualified staff members.
Any additional staff members will be allocated to the afternoon session according to the ratio.
Any children who qualify for extra assistance through Inclusions SA will have additional support staff.
Vacation Care
The amount of staff working each day varies according to the number of children booked and the planned activity for
the day.
Some staff members work in all 3 areas of the service while others join us for the Vacation Care periods only.
Qualified staff members have a University or Tafe degree in Childcare, Early Childhood or Junior and Primary school
Bachelors of Education or a Certificate of Completion of the 2 nd year of Bachelor of Early Childhood, sent by the
University.
A majority of our unqualified staff members are in the process of completing one of the above courses or undertaking
other forms of higher education.
All staff can be easily identified by our red uniforms please do not hesitate to approach a staff member, they are ready
to accommodate your needs.
Please see the windows above the pigeon holes for a current staff list and photo.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Behaviour Management
The children, together with the staff at North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care, devised a set of rules and
consequences that they believed to be fair and equitable to all ages and gender.
RULES CONSEQUENCES
1. We will respect each other and all OSHC 1. Warning
workers. 2. Sit out for reflection time (age=mins).
2. We understand that bullying will not be tolerated. 3. Write or draw what inappropriate behaviour you
3. We will take responsibility in trying to solve our are displaying
own problems. 4. Parents called go home
4. We will follow instructions and procedures (Children will be suspended from the service if
without arguing. behaviour is deemed to be inappropriate and
5. We will work and play cooperatively and safely. harmful to themselves and other children / staff.)
6. We leave the area and the resources neat and
tidy once finished using them.
EXPECTATIONS
It is expected that all families: It is expected that all children:
Follow the procedures outlined in this booklet. Feel safe and comfortable in the OSHC
environment and feel confident to discuss and
approach staff with issues.
Pay accounts regularly and on time Follow the rules implemented at OSHC
Support staff with behaviour management issues Accept responsibility for their behaviour and carry
that relate to your child out the appropriate consequences.
12
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
FAMILY INFORMATION
ENROLMENTS
Each family must complete an enrolment form for each child before using the service.
When a parent is not fluent in English, the enrolment interview will, wherever possible, be conducted in their first
language.
On enrolment, parents will be given a Family Information Folder
If a place is not immediately available at the service, the child may be put on a waiting list. Once on the waiting list,
the family is asked to contact the service regularly to confirm they wish to remain on the list. When a place becomes
available, the family will be contacted by the Director and enrolment may proceed.
Enrolment forms should be updated annually or when a family's circumstances change, to ensure information is
current and correct. It is the responsibility of a parent to notify the Director of any changes to family circumstances.
Enrolment information will be kept in a confidential file. Access to this information is available only to the Director and
service staff. Parents may access their own file upon request.
The children of committee members/operators and staff may access the service only under the Commonwealth
'Priority of Access Guidelines'.
Committee members' children can be cared for by the service with no fee payable if the committee member is
engaged on committee business, for the duration of that business only. Placement is to be organised through the
Director. Otherwise staff and committee members must pay the standard fee if their children attend the service.
* Suspension or exclusion of children from the service will occur only after all other avenues of communication and
support have been exhausted and when:
- Professional advice confirms a child is in psychological danger as a result of an unusually prolonged inability to settle
into care, or
- A child puts one or more children at risk through inappropriate/dangerous behaviour (see Behaviour Management
policy)
- (See also Health policy for policies relating to infectious disease)
- (See also Fees policy, which outlines procedures when fees are not paid).
WHAT YOUR CHILD/REN NEED TO BRING
When attending Before School and After School your children do not need to bring any additional equipment.
During Vacation Care children need to bring
A bag for their belongings Legionnaire, wide brim or Drink bottle
bucket hat
Recess and lunch Appropriate foot wear Sun safe clothing
(unless otherwise specified on the
program)
If children bring personal belongings such as toys please make sure they are clearly labelled.
Game boys and other expensive electronic items are not permitted at school or Vacation care.
Mobile phones must be given to a staff member to be locked away.
Staff will accept no responsibility for items being lost or stolen.
13
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
Children referred from school
Children not collected from school or sports practices will be taken to the OSHC service. The custodial parent will be
liable for any fees incurred. If the child has not been enrolled at the service their relevant health and contact details will
be made available to the OSHC service by the school. It is recommended that all children enrolled at the school be
enrolled at the OSHC service.
Children not collected after school on Tynte St or Gover St, will be sent to the OSHC room for care. The parent is
expected to pay for the session used by the child.
Authorisation for collecting children
The names and contact numbers of all people authorised to collect children from the service must be included on the
enrolment form. Any changes to these must be advised in writing to the service by the custodial parent/guardian as
soon as possible.
If the custodial parent/guardian or authorised person arranges for an unauthorised person to collect their child from
the service, they must contact the service to advise of this arrangement and confirm who will collect the child.
If the service has not been notified and someone other than the custodial parent/guardian or authorised person
arrives to collect the child, the director/coordinator will contact the custodial parent/guardian to get their authorisation.
Wherever possible, prior notification in writing should be provided by the parent. The child will not be released until the
custodial parent/guardian's authorisation has been obtained. If that authorised person is not known to the service, the
custodial parent/guardian will be asked to provide a description of the person concerned, who will also be required to
provide proof of their identity.
Late collection
Parents who are unavoidably detained and unable to collect their child at the collection time must telephone the
service to advise of their lateness and expected time of arrival.
If a parent is unable to collect their child before closing time, they should arrange for another responsible adult to
collect the child and advise the service of this arrangement, if other than an authorised person on the enrolment form.
This advice should be in writing if at all possible
If the parent has not contacted the service and the child has not been collected 15 minutes after the closing time, the
service will attempt to telephone the parent or, if this is not possible, telephone the emergency contact people listed on
the child's enrolment form to arrange for the child's immediate collection.
If no-one can be contacted and the child has not been collected 30 minutes after the service's normal closing time,
Crisis Care will be contacted and asked to take responsibility for the child. A notice about this will be posted on the
service's entrance with the relevant telephone contact numbers.
Drop off and collection of child/rens checklist
1. All children must be signed in and out of the service daily by parent/guardian.
2. Staff will endeavour to settle children into an activity and provide breakfast if required.
3. When collecting children take home all their belongings and artwork.
4. Check the lost property basket located under the whiteboard for any of your child’s belongings.
5. Collect your account or other relevant information put out by the Director for communication.
6. Discuss any extra bookings or cancellation with a staff member or put a note in the communication book.
CAR PARKING
Staff car park, on the left of the OSHC room, is NOT TO BE USED FOR PARENTS DROPPING OFF CHILDREN IN
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE. Please park on Tynte St or Gover St and ensure your car is secure and you leave no
personal belongings visible when collecting children.
Please keep in mind the speed limit is 25 kph.
14
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
Family / Staff Liaison
* Staff will communicate with parents in a positive and supportive manner that encourages the parent/child relationship
and the parent/staff relationship: Information about family issues and personal lives will be handled confidentially. Every
effort will be made to treat both parents equally.
* Parents will have access to the director/coordinator at any reasonable time, to discuss any concerns regarding their
child. This may be on the spot, or by telephone or by appointment. Staff will not discuss with parents confidential
information regarding any other child or family within the service.
* Parents may visit the service at any reasonable time while their child is in care.
* Where a child attending the service is not living with both parents, or where disputes arise or have arisen about the
responsibility of the child, the following will apply:
- Parent responsibility remains with both parents jointly and individually except where it is altered by a Parent Order. In
the absence of a Parent Order the child will be released to either parent.
- A Parenting Plan may determine where the child will reside (Residence Order), which parent will have contact with
the child and how this contact will happen (Contact Order), which parent has maintenance liabilities for the child
(Maintenance Order) and which specific aspects of parental responsibility are given to one parent (Specific Issues
Order).
- Where a non-enrolling parent cites a Parent Order giving himself or herself lawful access to the child, the Parent
Order needs to be produced for inspection by the director/coordinator. The enrolling parent will be telephoned, to both
check the existence of the Parent Order and to be informed about the situation.
* The child will only be released into the care of the parent with Parental Responsibility.
* In the case of a parent arriving at the service in a visibly intoxicated or otherwise unfit state to drive, to collect a child,
the person will be encouraged to contact another adult to drive them and the child home or the service will offer to call a
taxi. If the unfit person insists on taking the child, the police may be informed.
* Where human life is at risk, despite staff efforts, the police will be immediately informed.
15
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES
North Adelaide Before and After school care are programmed weekly. The staff work independently and collaboratively
to develop programs which cater for the needs, interest and abilities of children attending the service.
Cultural events and traditions are planned for and displays in the OSHC room take place to support the multiculturalism
of the school.
Children are involved in the planning process by working with staff, brainstorming ideas, completing questionnaires &
evaluations, using the suggestion box and through informal discussions.
During before and after school care, some of the activities and resources available to the children are
Board games Dress ups Imaginative play areas
Quiet area for reading Nintendo’s Gymnasium
Painting Hama beads Beading activities
Play dough Play station Television
Cooking Free time outside play Playground
Sporting Equipment Large oval area Basketball courts
Structured art & crafts Free time art and crafts Puzzles
The Before and After School Care weekly program is displayed on the white board for all families and children to view,
along with the weekly menu.
Parents wishing to suggest an idea can do so by using the suggestion box or speaking to a staff member.
Each Vacation Care period is planned several weeks in advance. Again children are asked for their input with a
brainstorming session. Programs are designed to be fun, educational yet exciting and to cater for all age groups and
gender. The 8 curriculum areas are incorporated into the program.
The Vacation Care programs are distributed to all families using the service up to 4 weeks prior to the
commencement of the holiday period. Programs are mailed to families and other schools within the community.
Additional Vacation Care programs are located in the OSHC room by the sign in out book and school front office.
16
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
ROUTINES OF THE SERVICE
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE
Children are able to arrive at the service at any time after 7.30am.
Small art and craft activities outlined on weekly program will be set up for children.
Ensure that your children are signed into the service by a parent / guardian using the sign in and out book located on
the table near the OSHC office.
Staff will help settle the child into an activity allowing the parent to leave for work.
Staff encourage children to prepare their own breakfast (see menu on whiteboard). Children are able to choose own
breakfast if do not like what is offered on daily menu.
8.15am – Begin to pack up room and prepare children for school.
8.20am – Children given permission may leave OSHC to go to their classroom.
8.30am – All other children are able to leave. Staff do not allow children to leave the room before the school
bell has rung at 8.30am.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Activities are organised for children to participate in, inside OSHC room and hall. Both structured and free time
activities will be set up (see planning and programming chart located on the whiteboard).
Staff check the communication book (located on sign in and out table) and orange sheets by the phone for last
minute bookings or cancellations.
For bookings or cancellations made through the school office, staff will check the OSHC pigeon hole which is cleared
daily.
3.10pm Children are dismissed from school and begin to arrive into OSHC room.
3.10pm As children arrive they are to sit in the hall and wait for roll call – staff members are checking the roll sheets
as children arrive to ensure all children are meant to be here and safe.
3.25pm Children are settled for roll call. Children are sent to wash their hands and settle for afternoon tea.
Staff member in charge is to follow up any non attendance
3.30 – 4.00pm Children eat afternoon tea
4.00 to 5.30pm All children are encouraged to participate in sporting activities, art activities and creative play. (see
planning and programming chart on whiteboard for structured activities). One table is set-aside for children doing
homework .
5.30pm Children pack up activities and clean up room. Quiet, free time activities only. Staff to tidy up kitchen area,
room etc.
6.00pm Close
VACATION CARE
On home days, usually 3 per Vacation Care week, the routine varies according to the scheduled activity. All children
are expected at the service by 10:30am. We aim to structure our days like a regular school day, providing the children
with recess and lunch breaks.
On average we have 2 excursions per Vacation Care week. The children travel on public transport or by hired bus.
Every excursion is different depending on the destination. Please ensure your child is at the service NO LATER THAN
9AM on excursion days. The Vacation Care program will outline any information you need to know. If you have any
queries please do not hesitate to approach staff with questions.
Vacation Care programs will be out from Week 7 of each term. The Booking Sheet provided with the program must be
filled out and returned by the Tuesday of Week 10 in every term. After this day no extra bookings will be accepted.
17
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
MEALS & SNACKS PROVIDED
Food provided at North Adelaide OSHC Service will be nutritious and varied.
Snack times and activities involving food preparation will provide positive learning experiences for children who will be
encouraged to develop healthy eating habits.
Parents will be consulted and encouraged to share family and multicultural values and experiences to enrich the variety
and enjoyment of food to meet children's nutritional needs.
* Food is prepared and stored hygienically (see Health policy).
* The service will provide children with balanced snacks that meet the recommended nutritional needs of children.
* Snack times will be treated as social occasions. Staff members will sit with the children and interact with them to
encourage good eating habits and an appreciation of a variety of foods and drinks.
* Where possible, snacks and drinks will reflect a wide variety of cultures, especially the cultural backgrounds of
families and within the local community.
* Snacks and drinks will be appetising and provide variety. Where possible, fresh produce will be used.
* Menus will be planned with input from children, parents and staff.
* Drinking water will always be available and accessible to staff and children.
* Children will be encouraged to try different food but will never be forced to eat. Their food likes and dislikes and their
family's religious and cultural beliefs regarding food will always be respected.
* Where children are on special diets, the parents may be asked to provide a list of suitable and unsuitable foods and
their child's food preferences or to supply special food.
* The denial of food will never be used as punishment.
* The importance of good, healthy food will be discussed with children during snack time, as appropriate.
* Information on nutrition, food handling and storage will be displayed at the service and provided to parents.
* During vacation care, parents will be asked to provide their child's lunch and drinks, except when otherwise stated on
the vacation care program.
* When food is prepared as part of the children's program of activities, the ingredients and preparation techniques used
will be hygienic and safe and contribute to children's nutritional needs.
Breakfast
During Before School Care, breakfast is provided from 7.30am to 8:00am
During Vacation Care, breakfast is provided from 7.45am to 8:15am
18
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
Lunch
During Vacation Care, lunch is provided only on days specified on the program.
Afternoon Tea
During After School Care and Vacation Care, afternoon tea is served between 3:30pm and 4:00pm.
Example of Menu for a week during Vacation Care
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST
7.45 am – 8.15 7.45 am – 8.15 7.45 am – 8.15 am 7.45 am – 8.15 7.45 am – 8.15 am
am am am
Cereals: Pancakes: Eggs: Toast and Muffins and
Children choose Served with Scrambled, fried or Cereals crumpets:
from a wide maple syrup, in a nest Served with a wide
variety jams & fresh fruit range of spreads
LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH
Hot Dogs: Cooking Fried Pizza Subs: with
Served with Rice and a choice of ham,
sauces and Noodles pineapple and
cheese cheese toppings
SNACK SNACK SNACK SNACK SNACK
Dip & Mixed Platter: Prawn Crackers Fruit Platter Fruit and Veg
Crackers with boiled eggs, with water Platters
Platters fritz, cheese, Spring Rolls melon, rock Apples, melons,
with carrots, tomatoes, melon, pears, kiwi fruit
cucumber, crackers and pineapple, strawberries,
sultanas. Dim Sims strawberries cherry tomatoes,
celery and
cheese apples and bananas, celery,
Salad With soy sauce pears carrot & mushroom
Pasta with Sandwiches and sweet chilli
sauce Nachos: Vegemite,
Bolognese With mince,
sauce Cream Cheese
salsa, cheese,
guacamole &
and Fairy Bread
sour cream sandwiches
BREAKFAST in Vacation Care will normally only be toast and cereal as it is served for a short time only. In Before
School Care however, the above variety and more will be available.
Items on the menu will be adjusted or replaced to suit your child/rens likes and dislikes.
For example pasta with Bolognese sauce will also be served with plain sauce and no sauce to cater for all children. If
children do not like pasta an alternative snack will be made for them.
On the enrolment form you will find a space to specify your child/rens dietary needs.
All attempts will be made to cater for special dietary needs. Support from parents may be required to help supply
particular foods. This will be negotiated when the need arises.
19
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
HEALTH ISSUES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
OSHC FOLLOWS THE SCHOOLS POLICY ON:
Infectious Disease
o Children with infectious disease will be isolated or excluded to minimise the risk of cross infection.
o Children with infectious disease will not be able to attend the service until the child has medical clearance.
Illness and Accidents
o Children will be kept under adult supervision until the child recovers or until the child’s
parent/guardian/approved persons takes charge of the child.
o If the child requires immediate medical aid, all reasonable attempts will be made to secure that aid and to
notify the parent of the accident of illness.
o In the case of medication being required, in an emergency without prior consent, every attempt will be made
to secure consent from parent or registered medical practitioner.
o In the case of serious injury requiring hospitalisation, child will be transported either by staff member vehicle
or ambulance depending on the severity of the accident/injury.
o All staff at the service are qualified in providing First Aid and will treat all minor injuries.
o All injuries and illness are recorded by staff and sited by parents.
Medication
o Prescribed medication must be accompanied by a doctor’s letter to be kept on file.
o We will only accept medication prescribed by a Doctor which must have the bottle clearly labelled with child’s
name and instructions to administer. The medication must be in its ORIGINAL container. Without this criteria no
medication will be administered by a staff member.
o All relevant information forms must be signed and dated by parent.
o All medications are stored in a lockable cupboard by staff.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Complaints Procedure
North Adelaide Out of School Hours Care fosters positive harmonious relations between levels of staff. The Advisory
Committee or Governing Council will deal with all complaints, grievances and appeals. Parents and children are to take
all grievances to the Director or School Deputy Principal for a prompt and fair solution.
* All confidential discussions with parents will take place in a quiet area away from others.
* Parents' names remain confidential. Parents will have the option of remaining anonymous in providing written
information.
20
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
Parent and Staff conflict
* The parent should discuss the problem with the relevant staff member.
* If, after discussion with the relevant staff member, the parent feels action is necessary, they should take the matter up
with the director/coordinator.
* If the parent still feels the problem is not resolved, the director/coordinator may offer to take the matter to the Advisory
Committee for guidance, or the parent may write directly to the committee to explain the problem.
Parent and Management conflict
* The parent should discuss the problem with the director/coordinator.
* If the parent still feels, after discussion with the director/coordinator, action is necessary, they should ask the
director/coordinator to raise the issue at the next management meeting, or with the operator. Alternatively the parent
may write directly to the Advisory Committee/operator to explain the problem.
* The Advisory Committee/operator will advise the director/coordinator of its decision and the director/coordinator will
convey that decision to the parent concerned, or the committee/operator will write directly to the parent concerned to
advise of the decision. If the parent still feels the problem is not resolved they can request a meeting with the
chairperson/operator to discuss the matter further. The chairperson/operator will discuss the issue further at the next
committee meeting, at which time the committee's final decision will be made. The chairperson/operator will write
directly to the parent to advise of the final decision. Where services are not managed by a community committee the
owner/operator will write directly to the parent to advise their final decision and why it was made.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. All policies and procedures have been compiled using sample policies provided by DECS and have been tailored to
suit the specific needs of our service. They cover all relevant aspects of the day to day operations of the OSHC
service, including management, staff, families and children.
2. All policies and procedures are displayed in a labelled folder situated near the sign in out table for all
parents/guardians to read at any time. Please make yourself familiar with them and feel free to discuss any queries
with a staff member.
3. Management and staff review, update and evaluate policies and procedures on a regular basis or when the need
arises.
MANDATORY REPORTING
As parents, caregivers or guardians, it is of the upmost importance that you make yourself aware of the procedures for
reporting any type of suspected abuse to your child/ren, or to other children you may come in contact with. All children
have a right to be safe and cared for. Keeping them safe is everyone’s responsibility.
You can report suspected child abuse by calling the 24 hour Child Abuse Report Line on 131 478. Calls to this line are
confidential.
For more information on types of abuse, your role in reporting abuse and signs of abuse, please feel free to seek the
advice of the OSHC Director or go to:
www.childabuseprevention.com.au
21
February 2009
NORTH ADELAIDE OSHC PARENT HANDBOOK
ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL CARE COMMUNITIES
Australian Sports Commission:
Helping kids and communities get active.
Active After School Care Communities (AASC) is a national program part of the Governments $116 million Building a
Health Active Australia Package.
It provides school aged children with access to free; structured physical activity programs in After School
Care settings. The program will enhance the physical activity of your child/ren with a focus on developing mobility
skills and motor skill development with a “Game sense” principal and resources.
The AASC program will take place 2 times per week between 3.45pm and 4.45pm for an eight-week block per
term. The sessions will be delivered on our school grounds in consultation with national sporting groups an
OSHC staff supervising.
At North Adelaide OSHC the AASC program will allow the children to participate in Volleyball, baseball, basketball,
football, cricket, hockey, dance, gymnastics and multiskills clinics and much more is planned for the future.
This is a new program implemented by the Australian Government and the OSHC staff are looking forward to each
session beginning in Term 3, 2009 (if our school is successful).
22
February 2009