CHNS.P43 Sustainability Policy

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Document Control

Policy number:	43
Policy area:	CHNS
Policy owner:	Children's Services
Responsible / contact officer:	Cathy Cahill
Effective date:	27/05/2022
Review date:	As required

Enhance FDC encourages the awareness of environmental responsibility and implements practices that contribute to a sustainable future. Enhance FDC Educators support children to become environmentally responsible and show respect for the environment through role modelling. We practice and promote sustainability through reducing waste, minimising consumption, and protecting and conserving wildlife and natural habitats.

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)
Quality Area 3: Physical Environment: 3.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3

Purpose

Enhance FDC believes in educating children about being environmentally responsible which is promoted and supported through daily practices, resources, and interactions. Sustainable practice is encouraged within the services and our wider community, assisting children and families to become advocates for a sustainable future.

Scope

This policy applies to the Enhance management and team, Educators, children, families, and visitors of Enhance FDC.

Implementation

Learning about being environmentally responsible starts with everyday practice and routines. Enhance FDC believes being environmentally responsible should be embedded into the operations of the services, rather than being a tokenistic theme that is investigated every now and then. Enhance FDC is committed to protecting our environment to ensure a sustainable future for our children. This involves Practice Mentors, Educators, children, and families working together to protect and respect our environment and the Earth.

Enhance FDC will:

Network with the local community to keep up to date with current practices and ideas for being environmentally responsible.
Encourage educators, families, and children to engage in sustainable practices and appreciate the natural environment
Provide professional development opportunities for educators to learn about integrating environmentally sustainable education into all areas of their program
Ensure Enhance FDC services and Educators join a preferred provider e.g. The QLD early childhood sustainability network to liaise with other education and care services and maintain currency on practices and ideas for being environmentally responsible
Where relevant, review policies and procedures within the service to achieve more sustainable outcomes (e.g., using individual hand towels instead of paper towel to dry hands)
Use electronic communication where possible to reduce paper use in Enhance FDC offices and between families for newsletters, billing, and other communication needs
Conduct environmentally responsible audits to ensure consistency and continuous improvement
Source resources and materials from reverse garbage or second-hand stores to use within the loose parts trailer and play sessions

Educators will:

Incorporate recycling as part of everyday practice at their service. Recycled or multiuse containers will be provided throughout mealtimes and experiences
Role model environmentally responsible practices
Discuss environmentally responsible practices with the children and families as part of the curriculum
Provide information to families on environmentally responsible practices that are implemented at the service and encourage the application of these practices in the home environment
Share ideas between enhance FDC educators, children, and families about environmentally responsible ideas, implementation, and resources. This will be supported through our communication strategies, including emails, newsletters, and informal conversations
Reduce food waste in the service through the introduction of a waste reduction program such as a worm farm/composting bin or ‘nude food’ days. Children will be encouraged to consider food waste and contribute to less waste by placing food scraps into separate containers for use in the worm farm or composting bin or to be donated locally to a community garden etc
Role model energy and water conservation practices: for example, turning off lights and air-conditioning when a room is not in use, emptying water play containers onto garden areas
Seek to purchase equipment that is environmentally friendly where possible. Educators will reduce the amount of plastic and disposable equipment they purchase and select materials that are made of natural materials
Use the concept of ‘reduce, re-use and recycle’, which will become part of everyday practice for both children and educators to build lifelong attitudes towards environmentally responsible practices
Use ‘green cleaning’ products to replace chemicals where possible
Collaborate with families and the community for involvement in programs that promote sustainability such as take 3 for the sea or clean up Australia day
Provide colour coded bins for landfill only, organic waste, paper recycling, mixed recyclables
Continue to consider and review practices that support sustainability in their own environment, specific to their home, community and children accessing their service

Sustainable practice	Ideas
Recycling	• Provide bins and signage for waste and recycled materials • Recycle paper and all other recyclable rubbish • Use recycled water (e.g., for watering gardens)
Gardening	• Plant vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees • Establish a worm farm • Give food scraps to worms or service pets, or to families to take home for their pet/s • Provide education to children about activities such as ‘garden to plate’ activities • Provide opportunities for children to participate in experiences such as seed sprouting, vegetable gardening, cooking with what is grown, and provide education about weeds
Energy conservation	• Install led lighting where possible • Turn off non-led lights when not in use • Turn off electrical appliances at the outlet when not in use • Use natural ventilation and insulated blinds/drapes rather than air conditioning when temperatures are not extreme
Water conservation	• Using half flush on the toilet • Turn off the taps and ensure leaking taps are fixed immediately • Encourage shorter showers • Teach children to turn off tap when brushing teeth • Collect rainwater and use in the garden and for water/sand play • Use water play water on the garden rather than tipping out at the end of the day • Install water tanks or a grey water system • Convert toilet cisterns to dual flush • Convert to water saving taps at the residence
Nature and wildlife	• Use natural materials – trees, blocks, boxes etc. In arts and crafts and play • Educate children about the natural decomposition cycle through exposure and participation in worm farms and composting food scraps • Plant ‘bird attracting’ plants and install a birdbath • Plant ‘butterfly attracting’ plants • Create a lizard lounge • Collaborate with wildlife educators to assist in educating children
Communicate	• Provide families with hints and tips in newsletters about how they can become sustainable at home • Use scrap paper for art and craft • Use both sides of paper for drawing

Variations
FDCAQ reserves the right to vary, replace or terminate this policy.

Links to associated documents

Nil

Acknowledgements and references

Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE): www.aaee.org.au
Department of Environment and Energy: www.environment.gov.au
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011).
Kearns, K. (2017). The Business of Childcare (4th Ed.).
NSW Early Childhood Environmental Education Network (ECEEN): www.eceen.org.au
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network (QECSN): www.qecsn.org.au
Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2012) (updated June 2013). Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th Ed.).

CHNS.P42 Pets and animals' policy

PETS AND ANIMALS POLICY

Document Control

Policy number:	42
Policy area:	CHNS
Policy owner:	Children's Services
Responsible / contact officer:	Cathy Cahill
Effective date:	27/05/2022
Review date:	As required

Having a relationship with a pet and/or animal can help children develop a caring disposition and skills such as nurturing, responsibility, empathy, and improved communication. Having a pet in an early childhood environment enables children who are not otherwise exposed to animals learn these skills. Animals and pets can become part of the educational program and lead to activities and learning about other animals. The safety of children is of utmost importance, as is the wellbeing of any animal in the FDC space. Enhance FDC will ensure that no animal poses a health or safety risk to children, adults or visitors in approved FDC services, and that animals have their own space away from children’s play areas.

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)
Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety: 2.1, 2.2, 2.2.1
Quality Area 3: Physical Environment: 3.1.2, 3.2.3

EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES NATIONAL REGULATIONS
116 Assessments of family day care residences and approved family day care venues
116 (2) Risk posed by animals
168 Education and care services must have policies and procedures

Purpose

Having pets and animal experiences can be a valuable part of children’s education enriching their learning about nature, ecology and relationships. Enhance FDC aims to provide a safe, hygienic and humane environment for all animals and pets that visit or reside at the FDC residence, including educating children in the proper care of animals.

Policy

This policy applies to Enhance FDC management, Practice Mentors, Educators, children, families, and visitors.

Implementation

The National Quality Standard encourages Educators to understand and appreciate the natural environment and the interdependence between people, plants, animals and the land. Animals help children from a young age learn to care for other living things. When kept as pets, animals can teach a sense of responsibility, caring and tolerance. As part of the enrolment and induction process, Educators must discuss with all potential families any pets that are kept on the premises and outline their involvement in the program.

Educators should discuss any potential new pets prior to purchase with their Practice Mentor to ensure that they will be approved by Enhance FDC. Educators should also consult their local vet to ascertain whether the type of pet is suitable for interactions with young children, and with families to ensure that they will provide permission for their child to interact with the potential pet.

An assessment of animals involved in the program is conducted at least annually to ensure that the health, safety and wellbeing of children who are educated and cared for by the service are protected and reviewed whenever there is a change in the environment, conditions or number of animals on the property.

Considerations

Some animals, such as lizards, turtles, snakes, spiders and tropical fish may not be appropriate choices for Family Day Care services. Check with a veterinarian if you are unsure whether an animal is suitable for children and check with the local health department for regulations and advice regarding animals in residences. Some animals require a license before they can be kept in a home environment.

Animals that may be more likely to be suitable for family day care may include goldfish, hermit crabs, stick insects, or guinea pigs as these animals are relatively low maintenance.

Assessing and Managing Risks

Whilst there are many benefits to providing children with access to animals and keeping pets at the family day care residence, there are risks that must be minimised or mitigated for the safety and wellbeing of both the children and the animals concerned prior to interacting with a pet or an animal visiting the service.

As part of the risk assessment process, Educators should assess the following potential risks:

Diseases from birds (Parrot fever (psittacosis)) and other animals
Injury due to biting, kicking, or pushing a child over (e.g., farm animals)
Scratching (e.g., chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs)
Pests and vermin (snakes, rats, mice)
Allergies (e.g., bees, wasps, ants)

Disease

As animals can spread disease, access to animals at the FDC residence requires special consideration to prevent this. Health authorities identify that: germs can be present on the skin, hair, feathers, scales, and in the faeces, urine and saliva of animals. While these germs may not cause disease in the animal, they may cause disease in humans.

Effective hand washing and cleaning

Children and adults should employ effective hand washing after touching or feeding animals, or cleaning their bedding, tanks, cages, or enclosures. However, it is important to engage children with these tasks as they learn responsibility through ‘hands on’ learning experiences.

Appropriate supervision and clothing

Children should also be appropriately supervised when they have contact with animals to avoid potential injury or harm to the child or the animal.

Ensure children wear appropriate clothing and footwear when handling animals and pets. Be aware of children who may have allergies to insects such as bees, wasps and ants that may be more apparent when animals are kept at the FDC residence.

FDC Service Pets

On approval of a pet for the residence, Educators will ensure:

Children’s interaction with animals are planned and parents/guardians have given permission for a child to interact with a pet on enrolment or prior to the first encounter with the animal
Children are supervised at all times while the animal is interacting with children e.g.: bathing, grooming, bottle feeding of young, play etc.
Children are educated about correct handling techniques and acceptable behaviour when handling animal /pet
Pets must have a separate area inaccessible to children that provides shade, food, water, and any litter requirements. This area must prevent the children from entering and the animal from leaving the space. Animals should be kept in this area when there are no direct interactions planned
All appropriate veterinarian treatments (for example: parasite, worming, fleas, immunisations) are current
Any shared area used by the animals, and pets must be cleaned to ensure no faeces, urine, hair, or smell is present before children are given access. Shared areas must be cleaned regularly as required
All allergies are considered to ensure that children who may have symptoms around animals have suitable management plans in place (including no interactions while in care; where necessary). Educators will also consider children with food allergies as some pet foods contain common allergens such as nuts and seafood
Any incident where an animal or pet has harmed a child is reported
The Educator should prepare children for the animal visit, gaining perception into how the children may react to the pet
The Educator, children and families should consider the rationale for having a pet and long-term implications of such a decision prior to getting the pet
All pets and their enclosures are to be kept clean and hygienic with appropriate bedding and water
Food will be made available for all pets and animals, but kept out of reach of children at all times
Animals including pets will not be allowed in the sand pit or any other play area. In event that this happens, Educators must thoroughly disinfect and sanitise the sand pit prior to children returning to play
Animals including pets will never be taken into the food preparation area/kitchen nor will they have access to the eating or sleeping areas, toys, bedding, eating surfaces and/or utensils
Anyone who has handled the animal or pet will immediately wash their hands
The educational program will include how to properly care for animals and how to treat them appropriately

Uninvited Animals

Depending on the area in which the FDC service operates, there may be times where uninvited animals enter the property, especially in more regional and rural areas. Examples of this may be, birds flying into a yard or house, a dog entering the property, or a snake found in the back yard. With safety as the first priority, Educators should ensure that the children are safe and separated from the animal and assess whether they are able to remove the animal from the property themselves (in the instance of a dog entering the yard, or bird flying into the house) or whether a local authority should be contacted for assistance.

If an animal or bird is potentially dangerous such as a snake or spider, Educators will contact an appropriate authority for assistance.

In Queensland: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 1300 130 372 or RSPCA Queensland 1300 264 625

At no time is the potentially dangerous animal, insect, or bird to be approached or touched by Educators, children, or families. Educators should consider whether an evacuation or soft lockdown is required to keep children and themselves safe until assistance arrives.

Uninvited animals also includes animals that are other people’s pets and that have not been assessed as part of the FDC risk management plan. Whilst these animals are not undomesticated, their nature and tendencies are not known and could therefore pose a safety risk to children and adults. Educators should ask the pet owner to remove their animal from the FDC residence away from children immediately.

Visits from Children's Pets

Occasionally a child may have a new pet such as a puppy or kitten that they wish to bring to the service to show their friends and Educator. Whilst this provides a wonderful learning experience for children, families must seek permission from the Educator and from Enhance FDC prior to bringing in the pet. A risk assessment should then be completed before giving permission to the family. Families should also be advised that pets visiting the service that are not confined (for example, in a fishbowl or bird/mouse cage) must not be left at the service but be taken with the family member at the conclusion of their visit.

Interactions with Animals during an incursion or excursion

Excursions and incursions that involve animals can be very exciting for children and provides opportunities to interact with animals that they may not have encountered before. Educators will need to notify families of their intention of the incursion or excursion and highlight any animals and interactions that children may have as part of this experience.

In the event of an incursion or excursion where children will be in direct contact with an animal, Educators should ask the venue or incursion manager for their risk assessment to review on how animals and children will be kept safe.

Educators must ensure that no animal is left unsupervised by their carer where animals have direct access to children, and that animals are removed from the service after the incursion.

Educators should ensure that they have provided families with a thorough risk assessment and have written permission for their child to interact or participate in the experience prior to the day.

Pests and vermin

Pest control will occur at the FDC residence on an annual basis as a minimum
Pest control certificates are required as part of the annual assessment of a FDC residence
If pests and/or vermin are seen, or evidence of pests and/or vermin such as droppings, the FDC Educator must take the necessary action to arrange for a treatment and notify a Enhance FDC Practice Mentor
The Educator is responsible for arranging additional pest control visits for their home as required, outside of FDC service operation hours
Where appropriate, the Educator will discuss safety issues relating to dangerous products, plants, vermin and objects with the children
FDC Educators will thoroughly clean all areas that pests have accessed in the residence/property with disinfectant
If the remains of animal or animal faeces have been found, the remains will be disposed of according to the local Council guidelines and the area where the remains were found will be thoroughly disinfected

Variations
FDCAQ reserves the right to vary, replace or terminate this policy.

Links to associated documents

Links/Nil

Acknowledgements and references

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014).
Bone, J. (2013). The animals as the fourth Educator: A literature review of animals and young children in pedagogical relationships. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood 38(2). Deakin West, ACT: Early Childhood Australia.
Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics. (2016).
ECA Code of Ethics.
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. (Amended 2018).
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011)
Elliott, S., McCrea, N., Edwards, H., & University of New England. (2012). Sustainable outdoor play spaces in early childhood centres: Investigating perceptions, facilitating change and generating theory.
Frith, J., Kambouris, N., & O’Grady, O. (2003). Health and safety in children’s centres: Model policies and practices (2nd Ed.). NSW, Australia: NSW Department of Community Services. Retrieved from http://eduserve.com/sites/default/files/iccc_resources/Child_Care_Model_Policies.pdf
Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2017).
Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2017). (amended 2020).
Kidsafe NSW Inc. https://kidsafe.com.au/
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2012) (updated June 2013). Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th Ed.).

CHNS.P21 Assessment, Approval and Re-Assessment of Family Day Care Residences

ASSESSMENT, APPROVAL AND RE-ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY DAY CARE RESIDENCES

Document Control

Policy number:	21
Policy area:	CHNS
Policy owner:	Children's Services
Responsible / contact officer:	Cathy Cahill
Effective date:	January 2022
Review date:	As required

Under the Children (Education and Care Services) National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Enhance Family Day Care must conduct an assessment (including a risk assessment) of each family day care residence before education and care is provided to children at the residence. Following approval, an annual assessment must be conducted, including a risk assessment, of each family day care residence to ensure that the health, safety and wellbeing of children who are educated and cared for by Enhance FDC are protected. Records of all assessment must be maintained.

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)

Quality Area 3: Physical Environment: 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.2.1
Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership: 7.1.2

EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES NATIONAL REGULATIONS

Sec. 50A          Approval of a place as a family day care venue
Sec. 54(1A), (8A)          Amendment of service approval on application
Sec.103A         Offence relating to places where education and care is provided
Sec. 167           Precautions to be taken to protect children from harm or hazards
Sec. 174           Offence to fail to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority
Sec. 174A         Family day care Educator to notify certain information to approved provider
26        Application for service approval – family day care service
63        Assessing approved education and care services
97        Emergency and Evacuation procedures
103      Premises, furniture and equipment to be safe, clean and in good repair
104      Fencing
105      Suitable and sufficient furniture, materials and developmentally appropriate equipment
106      Laundry and hygiene facilities
109      Toilet and hygiene facilities
110      Ventilation and natural light
116      Assessments of family day care residences and approved family day care venues
116 (2) The suitability of nappy change arrangements- Water hazards- Risk posed by animals
117      Glass
163 (1), (2)        Residents at family day care residence and family day care Educator assistants to be fit and proper persons
168      Education and care service must have policies and procedures
169      Additional policies and procedures – family day care service
170      Policies and procedures to be followed
172      Notification of change to policies or procedures
176A    Prescribed information to be notified to approved provider by family day care Educator
177      Prescribed enrolment and other documents to be kept by approved provider
274      Swimming pools

Purpose

Enhance FDC commits to ensuring that each Family Day Care residence children’s health, safety and wellbeing. By conducting comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, potential hazards that may cause injury or harm to children being cared for at a residence are identified and actions to minimise potential risk are clearly documented and action taken to ensure compliance.

Scope

This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Children Services team, Educators, children, families and visitors.

Implementation

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Enhance FDC must ensure that policies and procedures are in place for assessing proposed FDC residences and reassessing approved FDC residences. They must also take reasonable steps to ensure policies and procedures are followed. Enhance FDC will conduct assessments (including a risk assessment) of each family day care residence before education and care is provided to children and then at least once a year. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children is protected at all times. Enhance FDC will maintain a record of assessments undertaken and provide a copy to the Educator for their records.

Risk assessments are to be conducted to identify any potential hazards that may cause injury or harm to children being cared for, assess the risk of harm or potential harm and eliminate or minimise the risk by using control measures. Risk assessments are to be evaluated, reviewed and continually monitored. This may include conducting regular daily safety checks, regular WHS inspections and regular spot checks conducted by a Practice Mentor.

Enhance FDC is responsible for ensuring all approved FDC residences are compliant to the National Regulations and understand that penalties apply for non-compliance including record keeping requirements.

Enhance FDC will:

Advise potential FDC Educators of the requirement of assessment of their residence to comply with legislated regulations in order for approval to operate family day care including:
- Suitability of the residence according to the number, ages and ability of children attending or likely to attend
- Suitability of nappy change arrangements for children attending, or likely to attend
- Existence of any water hazards, water features or swimming pool at or near the residence
- The risk posed by any animals at the residence or venue
Advise potential FDC Educators of consequences of non-compliance – suspension or cancellation of contract
Develop an assessment procedure/ FDSee checklist to be used when assessing each FDC residence
Develop a re-assessment procedure/ FDSee checklist to use when re-assessing each FDC residence
Develop a risk assessment procedure for Educators to implement to identify potential hazards and manage risks
Provide continuous and ongoing monitoring of the environment through regular home visits by a Practice Mentor to observe the environment and if necessary, make recommendations to ensure compliance and safety for children at all times
Conduct a comprehensive annual assessment of each approved family day care residence at least annually
Conduct an annual assessment of the Educator and Educator assistant and any person over the age of 18 who resides or frequently visits the family day care residence while education and care is provided, as a ‘fit and proper person’. Enhance FDC must also consider each person to have a valid Blue Card
Provide a copy of the assessment and re-assessment to the Educator for their own records
Ensure Educators and Educator assistants hold current first aid certificate, anaphylaxis and asthma management training certificates and copies of these certificates are recorded at the Enhance FDC office
Notify families at least 14 days before changing policies and procedure that:
- Affect the fees charged or the way they are collected
- Significantly impact the service’s education and care of children or;
- Significantly impact the family’s ability to utilise the service.

In the case of non-compliance of National Regulations, Enhance FDC will:

notify the regulatory authority of matters in accordance with the notification requirements in sections 173-174 of the National Law and regulations 173-176
conduct a meeting with the Educator to develop an action plan to ensure areas assessed as non-compliant are rectified within a specific time frame
ensure ongoing monitoring and assessment of the FDC residence and Educator’s action plan by the Practice Mentor.

If there are other issues preventing compliance, Enhance FDC may take further action to suspend or cancel the approval of the residence and terminate the contract of the Educator.

Educators will:

Provide a safe environment, meeting all regulatory standards by completing daily safety checklists, which monitor the suitability and safety of the education and care environment
Ensure the residence is set up to facilitate adequate supervision of children
Ensure the environment is free from tobacco smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs at all times
Ensure Blue Card is valid at all time
Ensure any person residing in the residence over the age of 18 has a valid Blue Card
Participate in annual assessments of their residence or more regularly if necessary
Ensure their residence meets all regulatory requirements including ensuring that the premises, furniture and all equipment and toys are safe, clean and in good repair
Ensure quiet, well-ventilated and comfortable sleeping spaces are provided for children’s sleep and rest
Remove ladders from any bunk beds or make the top level of the bunk inaccessible to children under 8 years
Ensure all cots meet Australian Standards and are in good repair
Ensure all glazed areas of the residence or venue complies with glass Regulation 117 (2). The glazed area must be-
- Glazed with safety glass if the Building Code of Australia requires this,
- Treated with a product to prevent shattering if hit, or
- Guarded by barriers to prevent a child from striking or falling against the glass.
Ensure that all equipment used complies with Australian Standards (cots, bedding, toys, electrical equipment)
Ensure floor coverings are secure and free from tripping hazards
Follow safety advice from recognised authorities and manufacturers
Ensure any play equipment or building structures are not placed near fences where children could gain a foothold and climb over a fence
Ensure gates and doors have childproof catches that prevent access to hazards including dams, roads, water features, spas or swimming pools
Ensure dogs and animals that may cause injury to children are housed in areas with secure fencing
Ensure notification has been made to Enhance FDC of any proposed renovations and/or changes to the residence that will affect the education and care provided to children at the service (at least two weeks’ notice)
Comply with the outcomes of the residence pre-assessment and annual assessment in a timely manner (as per action plan if required)

Assessment of family day care residences may include ensuring:

Children are provided with a safe, secure education and care environment that poses minimal risks
Children have access to sufficient furniture, materials and developmentally appropriate equipment suitable for their education and care
All equipment and furniture used in providing education and care are safe, clean and in good repair
The service has enough seats and developmentally appropriate utensils for children to use at mealtimes
There are adequate facilities for safe handling, preparation, storage and disposal of food and beverages
The location and design of toilets and hand washing facilities enable safe and convenient access by the children
Adequate supervision is provided for children when using toilet facilities
Adequate, developmentally and age-appropriate toilet, washing and drying facilities are provided
Hot water taps have temperature controls or safety guards to reduce risk of being scalded
The suitability of nappy change facilities for children attending or likely to attend the service (including ensuring the Educator is able to maintain hand on contact with a child during nappy changes)
Hygienic procedures are followed for cleaning the nappy change area between changes of children- including replacing paper on the change table, handwashing and use of gloves
Nappy change facilities are located in an area that prevents unsupervised access by children
laundry facilities are adequate and appropriate for Educators to deal with soiled clothing, nappies and linen
laundry facilities are located and maintained in a way that does not pose a risk to children
the service is well ventilated and has adequate natural lighting
Ensure all glazed areas of the residence or venue complies with glass sub regulation (2). The glazed area must be-
- Glazed with safety glass if the Building Code of Australia requires this,
- Treated with a product to prevent shattering if hit, or
- Guarded by barriers to prevent a child from striking or falling against the glass.
Sliding doors have decals/transfers positioned at various eye levels of children
The premises are maintained in accordance with all regulations and building standards
Sleep/rest environment and sleep equipment are fit for purpose
Consideration of evacuation procedures of infants and toddlers if their sleeping arrangements are located upstairs. (see specific risk assessments).
Any equipment with a fall height over 500mm has Australian Standard playground surfacing/soft fall to prevent serious head injuries
Fencing of the outdoor space used by children at the service is enclosed and is of a height and design that prevents preschool age children or under from getting beneath, through or over
Any items that children may use to assist them to scale a fence (play equipment, branches of a tree) are either removed or moved away from the fence
All fences and gates are appropriately maintained to ensure the safety of children
Indoor spaces are kept at a temperature that ensures the safety and wellbeing of children
Existing water safety hazards, including water features and swimming pools at/or near the residence and/or venue are considered as part of the risk assessment
If required, a current swimming pool compliance certificate is available for sighting
The risk posed by animals at the residence are carefully considered within the risk assessment
All internal or external stairways, ramps, corridors, hallways or balconies are enclosed in such a way as to prevent a child being trapped or falling through or climbing over it
Power points are fitted with approved safety options or with an earth leakage circuit breaker
Safety plugs are installed when electrical points
Electrical appliances are kept out of reach of all children
Sandpits are covered at night and raked regularly to dispose of any animal faeces
Outside area is checked to prevent any pests or vermin (snakes, rats, mice, spiders)
Garden sheds/garages are kept locked
Firearms and ammunition are inaccessible to children at all times and are stored securely and separately in a locked cupboard at all times
Firearms licences of registered persons are provided to the approved provider

Variations

FDCAQ reserves the right to vary, replace or terminate this policy.

Links to associated documents

Australian Children’s Education & Care Authority. (2014).
ACECQA. (2021). Policy and procedure Guidelines. Assessment and Re-assessment of Residences and Venues for family day care
ACECQA- (2018). Assessment of family day care residences and venues
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. (Amended 2018).
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011)
Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations (2017).
Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2018). (Amended 2020).
Kidsafe NSW. Kidsafe Family Day Care Safety Guidelines. 7th Edition. (2020).
Queensland Government. (2019). Approving family day care residences and approved family day care venues
Queensland Government. (2019). Assessments of Family day care residences
Queensland Government. (2019). Fencing Requirements for family day care residence
Queensland Government. (2018). Guidance for approved providers- early childhood education and care services operating in multi-storey buildings
Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).

Acknowledgements and references

Nil

CHNS.P14 Safe Play Spaces Policy & Guidelines

Safe Play Spaces Policy

Safe Play Spaces Guidelines

CHNS.P11 Sun Safe Policy

SUN SAFE POLICY

Policy Number:	11
Policy Area:	CHNS
Policy Owner:	General Manager - Children Services
Responsible / Contact Officer:	Quality and Risk Officer
Effective Date:	April 2021
Review Date:	June 2022

Policy Information
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Too much of the sun’s UV radiation can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. As infants and toddlers up to four years of age are particularly vulnerable to UV damage, Enhance Family Day Care commits to creating Sun Smart environments and implementing Sun Smart processes to keep children, educators and staff safe from UV exposure and damage.

National Quality Standard (NQS)
Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety: 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.2, 2.2.1
Quality Area 3: Physical Environment: 3.1.1

Education and Care Services National Law
167 Protection from harm and hazards

Education and Care Services National Regulations
100 Risk assessment must be conducted before excursions
113 Outdoor space natural environment
114 Outdoor space shade
168 Education and care service must have policies and procedures
168 (2)(a)(ii) Sun Protection

Purpose
To protect all children, educators and staff from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and to ensure adherence to Cancer Council’s Sun Smart recommendations for the safety of all people in the Family Day Care environment.

Scope
This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Children Services team, educators, educator assistants, children, families, and visitors.

Procedure
Implementation
Enhance Family Day Care will work in compliance with the National SunSmart Early Childhood Program to ensure children’s health and safety is maintained at all times whilst at the service. This policy applies to all activities at Enhance FDC services and whilst engaging in regular outings and excursions. It also applies to activities undertaken by the Children Services team.

Monitoring UV Levels
Sun protection is required when UV levels reach level 3 or above. Enhance FDC educators and staff will monitor the UV levels daily through one or more of the following methods:

Using the smartphone SunSmart app available at iTunes App Store and Google Play store
Using the SunSmart widget on the Service’s website available at www.cancer.org.au
Viewing the Bureau of Meteorology website http://www.bom.gov.au/
Visiting www.myuv.com.au

Due to high levels of UV in Queensland, the UV index is always above 3 regardless of the weather or season.

Outdoor Activities
The sun protection measures listed are used for all outdoor activities during the daily local sun protection times, when the UV Index is 3 or above. The sun protection times are a forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology for the time of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher. At these levels, a combination of sun protection will be used for all skin types.

Enhance FDC educators and staff will use a combination of sun protection measures (see below) whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above. Care is taken during the peak UV radiation times and outdoor activities are scheduled outside of these times where possible.

Enhance Family Day Care educators and staff will follow the advice from Cancer Council Queensland and if recommended, modify outdoor play to under cover or shaded areas if UV levels reach 8 or above.

Shade

Sufficient natural, portable, or man-made shade will be provided, particularly in high use areas.
Shaded areas will be used for play experiences.
Play experiences will be monitored throughout the day and moved as required to remain in the shade.
Regular risk assessments and reviews will be made of the outdoor area to assist in planning for further shade requirements.
Children who do not have appropriate hats or outdoor clothing are required to choose a shady play space or a suitable area protected from the sun and not move to unshaded areas of the playground.

Hats
Enhance FDC educators, children, staff and visitors are always required to wear sun safe hats if they are outdoors. In line with Cancer Council Australia’s definition, a sun safe hat is a:

Hats that protect a person’s face, neck, and ears, which include:
- A legionnaire hat – the flap should cover the neck.
- A bucket hat with a deep crown and brim size of at least 5cm for children and at least 6cm for adults and must shade the face, neck, and ears.
- A broad brimmed hat with a brim size of at least 6cm for children or 7.5cm for adults. The brim should provide shade for the whole face.

Baseball caps and visors do not provide adequate protection from the sun and are therefore unable to be used.

Children without a sun safe hat will be asked to play in an area protected from the sun. They may be provided with a spare hat by the Enhance FDC educator if available.

Clothing

When outdoors, educators, staff and children will wear sun safe clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible. Cancer Council Australia recommends clothing that:
- Covers the shoulders, back and stomach
- Is loose fitting such as loose-fitting shirts and dresses with sleeves and collars or covered neckline, or longer style skirts, shorts and trousers
Children who are not wearing sun safe clothing can be provided with spare clothing or will be required to play under shade or in an area protected from the sun or provided with spare clothing.

Sunscreen
As per Cancer Council Australia recommendations:

Enhance educators, staff and children will apply SPF30 or higher broadspectrum water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if washed or wiped off.
Permission to apply sunscreen is included in the Enhance FDC Service enrolment form.
Where children have allergies or sensitivity to the sunscreen, parents are asked to provide an alternative sunscreen. A record of any allergy must be provided in writing from the parent/guardian and recorded on the child’s enrolment record.
To help develop self help and school readiness skills, children from three years of age are given opportunities to apply their own sunscreen under supervision of the educator and are encouraged to do so.
Sunscreen is stored in a cool, dry place and the use-by-date monitored.

Babies
In line with recommendations from the Cancer Council Australia:

Babies under 12 months will not be exposed to direct sun when the UV Index is 3 or above.
Physical protection such as shade, clothing and broad-brimmed hats are the best sun protection measures.

If babies are kept out of the sun or well protected from UV radiation by clothing, hats and shade, then sunscreen need only be used occasionally on very small areas of a baby’s skin. The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under 6 months old is not recommended.

Risks of Summer Play
Australia has a hot climate and inevitably playground equipment and surfacing can heat up rapidly and retain heat. Many playground surfaces and equipment can exceed temperatures greater than 50°C and if young children come into contact with these surfaces, they can be burned severely within seconds.

Enhance educators and the Children Services team will:

Ensure risk assessments are conducted to identify any potential hazards to children during summer months that could cause harm or injury to children. Risk minimisation control measures will be put in place to protect children. Potential hazards could include:
- Hot equipment- slides, poles, guardrails, any metal surfaces
- Hot surfaces- rubber and synthetic grass, walkways, concrete surfaces
- Sun burn
- Access to bodies of water (filled water troughs/containers/trays/pools)
Complete a Daily Sun Safe Checklist on any day that care occurs.
Use a thermometer or their hand to test surface temperature and make an informed decision about permitting children to play on equipment or in the outdoor space. If the surface temperature is determined to be too hot or is recorded as at or above 50°C, following recommendations from KidSafe Australia, children will NOT play on the surface.
In extreme heat and during peak summer temperatures, ensure children wear shoes when playing in the outdoor area [children may remove shoes when playing in sand or mud pit].

Role modelling and work health and safety
Cancer Council Australia acknowledges that children are more likely to develop sun-safe habits if they are role-modelled and demonstrated by adults around them. Occupational UV exposure is also a WH&S issue. All educators and Children Services team members will therefore be required to role model appropriate sun protection behaviours. These include:

Wearing a sun safe hat (see Hats)
Wearing sun safe clothing (see Clothing)
Applying SPF30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors
Using and promoting shade
Wearing sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067:2003 (optional)
Families and visitors are encouraged to role model positive sun safe behaviour
Monitoring the UV Index and Daily Sun Protection times throughout the day

Enhance Family Day Care will ensure that:

The Sun Safe Policy is regularly monitored and reviewed for effectiveness and compliance with Cancer Council recommendations.
The Sun Safe Policy is submitted to the Cancer Council every three years to maintain SunSmart status.
Enhance Family Day Care services are registered with the National Sun Smart School Program and that resources are regularly shared with Educators, families and children.
All educators have their outside play spaces as well as their risk management plans regularly reviewed to ensure that the service is compliant with our Sun Safe policy.
All staff and educators undertake Sun Smart training every biannually.
All staff comply with sun protection behaviours (listed above).

Enhance Educators will ensure:

That families receive information about sun safety and are aware of our Sun Safe Policy during orientation. Educators will discuss with families suitable clothing and hats for their child while attending the service.
Their service complies with the Sun Safe policy and with the Cancer Council’s Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Shade campaign
The Daily Sun Safe Checklist is completed, and the day’s experiences and program are adjusted to ensure minimum exposure to extreme UV levels and hot surface temperatures.
Where the UV level is 8 or above, outdoor program experiences must be under shelters that create shade eg. shade sails, verandahs, movable umbrellas or marquees.
Risk Assessment and appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented at the service and on excursions to minimise exposure to harmful UV levels.
All children are dressed in Sun Safe clothing, have a hat and have applied sunscreen before going outside.
Sun Safety is regularly incorporated into learning programs and resources and information is shared with families to promote sun safety.

Families will ensure that:

They give permission for sunscreen to be applied to their child on the enrolment form.
Their child/ren attend care in sun smart clothing and with a sun safe hat each day of care.
They role model sun safe behaviours in our services. If coming into the outside play areas, we request that parents wear a sun safe hat and clothing.
Alternative sunscreen is provided for their child/ren if there is a sunscreen sensitivity identified on the enrolment form.

Induction and Training for Educators

New educators will undergo Generation Sun Smart online training as part of their induction on registration with Enhance FDC, and then as part of a biannual reinduction refresher.
Information and training on sun safety will be regularly shared with Educators.
Enhance FDC Practice Mentors will include sun safety as part of their ongoing support and mentoring for Educators during face-to-face visits and at other times.
The Sun Safe Policy will be made available to all educators, families, and visitors of Enhance FDC services to ensure a comprehensive understanding about keeping sun safe.

Information about Sun Safety will be included in our Family Handbook.

Variations
FDCAQ reserves the right to vary, replace or terminate this Policy.

Acknowledgements and References

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014).
Bureau of meteorology. Home page (for UV Index):
http://www.bom.gov.au/uv/
Cancer Council. (2019). UV alert: https://www.cancer.org.au/preventingcancer/sun-protection/uv-alert/
Cancer Council. Home page: https://www.cancer.org.au/
Cancer Council. Preventing cancer: Sun protections:
https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/
Children's Services Act 1996
Cancer Council Queensland. National Sun Smart Program:
https://cancerqld.org.au/cancer-prevention/programsresources/national-sunsmart-program/
Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics. (2016).
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. (Amended 2018).
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011).
Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2018). (Amended 2020).
KidSafe NSW Playground Safety .(2020).
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).