informationbooklet - castle hill funhouse · informationbooklet inc. information booklet effective...

informationbooklet

Inc.

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about us CASTLE HILL Funhouse is a non-profit organisation managed by a voluntary group of parents who employs a Centre Manager and a team of staff to run the day to day needs of the Centre. Castle Hill Funhouse provides affordable services to families by ensuring that the children are part of a caring environment. A high priority of the Centre is to maintain the safety and welfare of all the children whilst having fun and learning through play, physical activity and socialisation.

AccreditationOur Centre was last accredited in June 2015 by the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate. Our centre received ‘exceeding expectations’ in all seven National Quality Standards. If you would like further information on the National Quality Framework, you can visit: www.acecqa.gov.au

Parking Only available onsite: Before 8am or after 4pm.

Opening HoursBefore School Care – 7:00am to 9:00am (breakfast provided until 8.20am)After School Care – 3:00pm to 6:30pm (afternoon tea plus light snack provided)Vacation Care – 7:00am to 6:30pm(breakfast and afternoon tea provided)Pupil Free Days – 7:00am to 6:30pm(breakfast and afternoon tea provided)

Session NumbersEach session can accommodate up to 200 children in the morning, in the afternoon and during Vacation Care.

StaffThe Centre operates within the Staff to Child ratio of 1:15, with the exception of excursions where the Staff to Child ratio is 1:8.

ManagementA voluntary group of parents comprise the Management Committee of Castle Hill Funhouse. The Committee mainly decides financial, legislative

and policy matters. This Committee meets each month or as required. Parents with any concerns, suggestions or queries are encouraged to attend these meetings, or contact management directly via email: [email protected]

Each family is expected to serve on the Management Committee for a minimum of one year during their use of our services.

The Centre Manager, Isabelle Zastavnikovic, is the nominated supervisor and responsible for the overall operations and focuses on the Centre’s strategic plan, on the quality improvement plan, the accreditation system and manage the team of staff.Isabelle has 15 years experience in ‘Out Of School Hours’ Care, is a mother of two and holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Isabelle has been at the Centre since March 2009.

Working closely with our Centre Manager are a team of Leaders: Sarah (Administration Manager), Louise (Medical Manager), Sue (Kitchen Manager), Tamika (Program Manager; Educational Leader) and Emma (Inclusion Support Manager) and a team of staff who range from Uni students to qualified educators.

LEADERSHIPTRUST

funCommunity

DIVERSITY

innovation

supportive

teamwork

Professionalismstewardship

values Our Philosophy Our aim is to provide a high quality care service in a safe, secure, fun and friendly environment. Castle Hill Funhouse is a place where children can play and learn, where staff are professional and families and the community are valued and included. Embedded in our philosophy are our Vision, Mission and Values.

VisionCastle Hill Funhouse Inc. has permanent facilities that have been designed and built to deliver our high quality care for the children. These facilities have areas for education, recreation and craft, administration, storage and food preparation. These enable children to learn, discover and most importantly, have fun. Families are aware of our existence by our reputation as a high quality service provider in the field of childcare. Castle Hill Public School (CHPS) and its P&C recognise the Centre as an integral asset to its school’s community support program. Our children who attend the Centre will be happy and safe, our staff will continue to be well respected and sought after, and our families will value their relationship with the Centre. All involved are committed to our philosophy.

MissionCastle Hill Funhouse is an incorporated organisation that offers Before School, After School and Vacation Care services. These services are primarily for the children of the families of Castle Hill Public School (CHPS) with the support of CHPS, the P&C Association and all parent members of Castle Hill Funhouse. The Centre is a non-profit organisation. Any benefits of financial success are utilised for improved facilities, employing and retaining professional and caring staff, and by providing supervised and varied activities for the children that are interactive, educational and fun, and that encourage children to encounter challenges and healthy behaviour. Castle Hill Funhouse provides these services in accordance with all governing rules, statutes and laws to ensure the safety of all children and staff.

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values FunOur indoor environment is bright and cheerful, our outdoor areas are large and our programs are varied and exciting. Our children and staff love being at the Centre, and there is lots of laughter.

Community We work to be fully connected, engaged and aligned with the Castle Hill Public School community. We work to manage and meet the broader expectations of the community in which we operate.

Diversity We respect, encourage and support diversity within our Centre and community, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their racial, physical or personal beliefs and circumstances can attend our Centre.

Innovation We will continue to look at ways to improve our Centre, its services, offerings and operations. We will challenge the status quo. We encourage feedback and will use it to improve the facilities and services of the Centre.

Leadership Leading the Centre effectively, ensuring compliance

and demonstrating effective management in accordance with our philosophy statement. When change and innovation is required for the benefit of the children the centre is equipped to adhere to these needs.

Learning We recognise the importance of a child’s development through their primary school years, and our programming aims to provide learning through activities that encompass life skills, play, risk taking and formalised sessions to engage the diversity of the children’s needs. We also acknowledge that children are capable individuals and work in partnership with the child and family, to achieve the best outcome.

Professionalism The Centre is a non-profit organisation and we conduct practices in a professional manner. We will endeavour to continually deliver the best possible service for all involved. Our staff are professionally trained Childcare workers. Staff are accountable for their performance and everyone needs to meet the expectations of their role description. We endeavour to communicate proactively and to be receptive to the needs of all involved by utilising the various mediums that best suit the recipient.

Respect We promote self-respect, and respect for all who

are associated with the Centre. We will continue to earn the respect of the children, parents, School and broader community by always acting with integrity and treating others with humility.

StewardshipWe demonstrate a commitment to continuously improve the foundations on which we build our Centre and to enable seamless transitions of management in the future.

Supportive Our Centre understands that families encounter a variety of issues and as the situation arises we will be compassionate, sympathetic and supportive. These circumstances will be held in the strictest of confidence.

Teamwork The Centre committee, staff and parents are unified in our commitment and vision for the Centre. We will see things through to the end together.

Trust Children are safe and the Centre gives parents confidence that their children are being looked after with their best interests as a priority. This is achieved through qualified carers who continue to reinforce the children in positive ways and our community of families that support and share our ideals.

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enrolment MembershipTo enrol your child, you must complete an enrolment form and pay the annual membership fee of $25.00. The membership fee is charged per family each year.

• An enrolment form must be completed in full, PRIOR to your child attending the Centre.

Before School Care: During the first term, Kindergarten children will leave the Funhouse with Funhouse staff and walk to the school meeting point.

After School Care: During Term 1 of each year, the Kindergarten students will be collected by one of our staff at the school meeting point.

• The enrolment form contains medical consent in case of an accident. The Centre MUST also be advised of any medical conditions, special requirements, or behavioural issues to ensure any relevant precautions and treatments are in place. Failure to supply accurate information regarding your child may jeopardise the safety of your child and the other children in our care.

• The enrolment form also specifies who may collect your child from the Centre. The Centre MUST be informed of any court orders relating to the custody of your child. The Centre staff MUST keep a copy of any such order affecting custody of children in the Centre’s care.

• All families wishing to enrol should have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) - one for the parent and one for each child. This can be obtained by contacting Centrelink or the Family Assistance Office (FAO) on 13 61 50. Families who do not have a CRN and may wish to claim their subsidy in the future will be charged $100.00 per quarter administration fee in order to process the data.

• Families wanting to enrol will need to attend an information session prior to their child starting care.

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enrolment Priority Of Access In the event that the Centre has a waiting list, and by our agreement with the NSW Department of Education & Communities for child care fee relief, our Centre must follow their guidelines for allocating places.

In the event that a child on a higher priority needs care, another child on priority 3 may be required to leave the service. For more information please contact our Centre Manager or Administration Manager.

BookingsAll before and after school care bookings, including absentees, must be done in writing either by using:• Our online change of booking form (preferred option)• Via email ([email protected])• Via text (0423 843 917)• In writing at the centre (form or communication book)

Permanent BookingsIf a child is to attend the Centre on a regular basis, a permanent booking is required. A permanent booking must be paid for, whether or not the child attends. There is a small discount (relative to the casual booking rate) for booking your child/ren on a permanent basis. Permanent bookings falling on a public holiday are non-chargeable.

To cancel a permanent booking, written notification must be given two (2) week before the care is cancelled. Permanent bookings cannot be cancelled and then reinstated within a period of less than eight (8) weeks, unless there are extenuating circumstances. You will need to notify the Centre Manager in writing, requesting change to your bookings and charges.If a cancelled booking is rebooked within eight (8) weeks, all the fees from the day of cancellation to the new commencement must be paid in full prior to the new booking being accepted.

Casual BookingsIf a child is to attend the Centre on a casual basis, then a casual booking may be made in writing or via our website. However, an enrolment form must first be completed (as per enrolment procedures).

Casual bookings may be cancelled without charge provided twenty-four hour notice is given prior to the booked session. If the appropriate notice is not given, payment is still required. Casual bookings will not be accepted if fees are outstanding for prior bookings, unless arranged by written agreement.

Vacation CareVacation Care operates from 7:00am – 6:30pm (Late fees apply from 6:30pm). It includes activities such as: • Craft and educational workshops• Outdoor games• Free Play• Variety of science, craft, cooking & drama activities• Excursions and incursions• Water play

All vacation care bookings must be done using our Vacation Care Booking Form, available to families as of week 7 of each term.Please Note: Children must bring their own food and drink for morning tea and lunch during vacation care. NO PEANUT BUTTER/NUTELLA or food containing nuts is allowed at the Centre. The Centre will provide breakfast, afternoon tea and a light snack.

During excursion days children are required to wear their Castle Hill Funhouse T-shirt, provided on payment of membership fee. If your child/ren do not wear their T-shirt, we will provide another one at the extra cost of $18 which will be added to your invoice. Children are required to wear a hat everyday.If they do not bring one, the Centre will provide one for them at an extra cost of $10 that will be added to your invoice. Vacation care bookings are non-refundable.

Absentees If your child will not be present at a pre-booked session, whether a casual or permanent booking, families must let the Centre know in writing, prior to 8:30am for Before School Care and 2:30pm for After School Care, to avoid unnecessary confusion and concern. A non-notification fee of $15.00 applies for not adhering to the procedure.

A roll is called in each session to ensure all children are present. Staff members are under instruction to follow the “Missing Children Procedures” and contact families if a child is reported absent. In the event a parent cannot be contacted, a person from the emergency list will be contacted. In the event a child is still not to be found and no one can identify the child’s location, the police will be contacted.

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fees Administration Of FeesThe Centre employs a bookkeeper to manage family accounts. If you wish to discuss your account please contact Pina at the Centre or alternatively email: [email protected] bookkeeper works one day a week. You can meet our bookkeeper at the Funhouse on Thursday.

Payment of FeesFamilies will be invoiced fortnightly via e-mail. We expect families to pay their account within one week of receipt of the invoice statement.

Late fee payment applies for families not paying their fees within that week. Families wishing to pay monthly or by the term must discuss this with the Centre Manager or our bookkeeper. Families having difficulties with e-mails must address this issue with the Centre Manager to ensure your family receives the invoice statement.

For the safety of the children, staff and families, the Management Committee advises that there is to be no form of payment at the Centre. Families will be able to pay their invoice statement via:• Direct Debit (preferred option)• Internet Banking

Internet Banking ProceduresThis procedure is for those parents who have established internet banking facilities with the ‘Pay Anyone’ feature activated with their Bank or Credit-Union, and would like to pay the Centre by direct credit. Each family will need the following bank information.

BANK BSB CODE: 062 347BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1035 5756BANK ACCOUNT NAME: Castle Hill FunhouseBANK BRANCH: CBA Castle Hill

When processing your payment, you MUST complete the Payment Description field by entering your child’s surname and initials so your payment can be correctly identified and credited to your account. Receipts will be emailed to families each week. Child Surname, Child/ren Names or Initials.

Non-payment Of FeesOverdue family accounts will be handled in the following manner:1) Accounts unpaid after a week of receiving the invoice will receive a reminder notice with a late fee of $20.00. The family will have until the end of the week to rectify the situation.

2) If the account is not settled in full by the end of the next week, a further late fee of $20.00 will be charged and another letter sent indicating the late payment fee charge and a request for full settlement of the account. The letter will also indicate that the child/ren’s position at the Centre is now in jeopardy. 3) If by the end of the next week the account has still not been finalised, the family’s bookings and enrolment at the Centre will be cancelled.

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Legal action will then be commenced, with the cost of this action charged to the family’s account.

4) If the family wishes to return to the Centre after full payment of any outstanding monies, the parents/guardian will need to complete and sign a new enrolment form, stating that they have read and understood the conditions of use of the Centre. Outstanding fees must be paid prior to acceptance of the new enrolment form with a condition of paying fees using the direct debit option only.

Child Care PackageOur Centre is a registered childcare provider with Centrelink. Families may be eligible for a Child Care Subsidy. For further information please contact CENTRELINK on 13 61 50. You may need to quote the Centre’s Provider Numbers as follows:

Before and After School Care – 555 006 788KVacation Care – 555 007 284J

Families with JET status are requested to bring their letter from Centrelink to the Centre within a week of it being received.

Late Pick Up FeesThe Centre closes at 6:30pm. Any child collected after 6:30pm will incur a $30 charge per child up

until 6:45pm (or part thereof). From 6:45pm until 7pm an additional $50 charge per child will be incurred.

If no contact has been made by 7pm, the Centre Manager will have no option but to contact the local Police Station.

Current Fee Schedules For 2018

Membership Fees$25 per family per annum

Attendance Fees Per ChildPermanent Morning Session ........................................ $12.00Afternoon Session ...................................... $21.00CasualMorning Session ........................................ $15.00Afternoon session ...................................... $24.00

Late Pick Up Fee Per ChildAfter 6.30pm to 6.45pm (or part thereof) ..... $30.00 From 6.45pm to 7pm (an additional) ............ $50.00

Late Payment Fee$20.00 per week

Non Notification Fee $15.00 per event

Vacation Care Fees$47.00 per day $57.00 per day for incursion$73.00 per day for excursion$10.00 “NO HAT” per hat provided$18.00 “NO T-SHIRT” per T-shirt provided

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programs and procedures Child ProtectionOur Centre follows strict guidelines to ensure children’s safety is our priority. We have measures in place in order to avoid situations that could put children at risk such as: WWC clearance, provide training to staff, staff are never to be alone with a child, risk assessments in place and a staff member with current child protection training is on the premises at all times. Our team of staff are mandatory reporters and will notify suspected abuse or neglect if the need arises.

For further information please refer to our policy book or contact the Centre Manager.

Inclusion Support Program Our Centre works collaboratively with the Inclusion Support Team and may be required to access an Inclusion Support Subsidy to assist children with additional needs accessing our program. For further information please don’t hesitate to contact our Centre Manager.

FoodOur Centre Is A “Nut Free Zone”.

Breakfast:Breakfast is served each morning from 7:00am until 8:20am. Every day we provide toast and spreads with five varieties of cereal. Twice a week we add something extra to our menu such as: toasted sandwiches, pancakes, English muffins, raisin toast, muffins etc.Afternoon tea - 3:15pm-3.45pmA healthy afternoon tea is provided each day which includes fresh fruit, vegetables and a small snack: sandwiches, crackers and dips, cheese melts, pasta, curry etc. Menus are available on the family notice board.Light Snack - 5:30pmLight snacks vary: crackers and cheese, biscuit, fruit custard & Milk.

Please advise the Centre of any special dietary requirements and/or allergies your child may have on the enrolment form. If you wish to provide extra food for your child you are welcome to do so as long as it is a healthy alternative.

Castle Hill Funhouse employs a Kitchen Manager who is responsible for menu planning and managing the team to ensure health snacks are provided to all children.

Programs and ActivitiesPrograms are developed based on children’s needs and interests. We also encourage families and staff members to participate in the planning of programs. The programs are displayed on the family notice board. The Centre values learning through a variety of experiences; working collaboratively, learning through play and through positive interactions with children, the community and staff members.

SPORT: Children play outside daily and are involved in running and playing physical games. Please ensure your children are wearing appropriate footwear for these types of sports activities.

To ensure the best of care and best outcomes are in place for your child/ren, the Centre’s program is guided by “My time, Our place” framework.

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programs and procedures Homework SessionFrom week 2 until week 11 each term, during the after school care session, (3:30 until 4:30) children have the chance to do their homework at the Centre. The computer room is transformed into a “homework room” where children attend independently to their homework with a staff member allocated to the room to support the children in need.

Signing In And Out Only authorised persons are to sign children in and out. Families must ensure that prior written notice is given if an individual not on the enrolment form is to pick up the child. Children must be dropped off and collected from the Centre, and physically signed in and out. At 3:00pm, a Castle Hill Funhouse staff will sign the children in. This is vital to the running of the Centre and is most important since it is a legal requirement of the funding body and it is linked to childcare subsidy payments. In addition, the Centre must also be able to account for all children should an emergency arise.

Children’s BehaviourNo bad language or unacceptable behaviour will be tolerated at any time. Consistent bad behaviour or

language will result in parents being contacted and possible cancellation of booking. The Centre will work with the child/ren and the families involved to provide alternatives and behaviour management options.

Our Centre follows school rules and responsibilities:• Everyone needs to be friendly and respectful• Everyone needs to learn• Everyone needs to be safe• Everyone needs to be healthy and hygienic

Child Safety:Staying in boundsWe are fortunate to have free use of many areas of the school grounds. The centre itself is not enclosed. We have expectations that children will be responsible and stay in these designated areas. Each session (morning/afternoon) children are informed by staff which areas are open. If families have concerns with their child wandering and going out of bounds, this must be communicated to the team of staff.

Emergency ProceduresThe Centre has an emergency evacuation procedure, which is clearly displayed for all to see. An evacuation drill will be carried out at least once a term in both morning and afternoon sessions, as well

as during each Vacation Care period. To ensure the safety of the children “lock down procedures” will be explained and practiced with the children regularly.

Smoke Free ZoneSmoking is not allowed in the Centre or in the school grounds.

Community Diversity We adopt an attitude of respect for all families, staff and visitors regardless of background, financial status, gender, physical capability or cultural diversity. This is encouraged by fostering high self-esteem and a positive self-identity in children by learning through different experiences.

First Aid PolicyA minimum of one staff member with a current First Aid Certificate and Asthma & Anaphylaxis Management Certificate is staffed at the Centre during every session.

Incident, Injury & Trauma ProceduresShould your child need urgent medical attention, parents or authorised persons will be notified as soon as possible.

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programs and procedures If the parent/guardian or emergency contact persons are unavailable, a Funhouse team member will accompany the child in the ambulance.

If a serious injury occurs, we will discuss the incident with you after first aid is given. Minor injuries are not always discussed with parents since school aged children have the ability to share their concerns. A record keeping folder is however kept in Funhouse’s sick bay and this is available to families should parents wish to obtain further feedback.

Funhouse staff are required to notify the Department of Education and Communities if your child requires professional medical attention for any serious injury, illness or trauma that occurs at the Castle Hill Funhouse. A representative from the department may contact you to follow up the incident.

Sun ProtectionCastle Hill Funhouse follows the guidance of the NSW Cancer Council when it is necessary to apply sunscreen and follow sun safe practice. The Cancer Council recommends when the UV index 3 and above, a minimum 50+ sunscreen is to be applied every 2 hours.

The Funhouse provides Coles everyday SPF50+

sunscreen lotion for the children and staff of the centre. If your child has an allergy to this particular brand, please supply an alternative with their name clearly labelled. This sunscreen will be stored at the centre. If your child has an allergy and cannot wear sunscreen please let staff know.

Children are also required to wear their hats outside at all times. If children do not have hats they are expected to play inside or in shaded areas.

Administration Of MedicationIf a child has a condition which requires medication, however occasional, parents must complete and sign the relevant form. It is very important that all medication is to be sent in the original bottle with the original label. Only prescription medication will be administered by the Funhouse team of staff.

Infectious Disease In order to protect the health of the families using the service, the staff and visitors, it is necessary to mini-mise the risk of cross-infection by infectious diseases. We will follow the guidelines recommended by health authorities as to any exclusion periods for specific infectious diseases. Guidelines all families must adhere to are displayed on our family notice board.

Parent Communication We value working in partnership with families and therefore expect families to share their concerns and ask questions when unclear.

Families are encouraged to participate in the program. Parents can become involved by completing surveys, attending committee meetings, provide ideas for our weekly programs and menus, give feedback on our practices, policies and programs or being involved in fund-raising. These are just some examples in which families can participate.To ensure current information is distributed to families we expect parents and carers to read the family notice board, the monthly newsletters and visit our website.

Volunteer ProgramFamilies wishing to come along to our Centre as a volunteer are most welcome. If you would like to cook a special afternoon tea for the children, would like to do a craft, be involved in a sport, read to the children or you have some other idea to engage, educate and entertain the children, please contact the Centre Manager to arrange a suitable time.

We hope that you and your children find the Centre to be a fun, friendly and safe environment

Making a ComplaintShould you encounter any concerns with the Centre, we ask families to talk directly with the Centre Manager as soon as possible. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend management meetings.

Families, Staff Members and Visitors wishing to make a complaint regarding the Castle Hill Funhouse can do so by:• Talking directly to our Centre Manager or the

Responsible Person of the day (refer to notice board). Our Centre Manager Isabelle, can also be contacted on 0418 687 579 or via email: [email protected]

• Completing a complaint form or writing a letter (insert into the letter box at the entrance desk)

• Contacting our Management Committee via email: [email protected] or by contacting our President - Chris White.

• Contact the NSW Early Childhood Education and Car Directorate on 1800 619 113.

Your feedback and concerns are important to us and you can expect a prompt response from our Management team.

ConfidentialityThe Centre acknowledges and follows confidentiality guidelines. No information is shared with other companies. The information you provided is kept at the centre in a locked filing system.

GeneralThe rules which have been set out in this information booklet are strictly enforced. Application for variations to these policies must be addressed to the Castle Hill Funhouse Management Committee in writing and handed to the Centre Manager. Alternatively, email our centre manager at: [email protected]. No staff has the authority to alter any of these policies without Committee approval.

The Centre’s comprehensive Policies and Procedures handbook is located next to our sign in/out table. Parents are encouraged to read and comment. Your feedback is valued.

Last Reviewed - July 2018If there are any points you are unclear about or any comments that you wish to make, do not hesitate to contact the Centre Manager or one of our supervisors.

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Information Booklet effective JULY 2018

5 Les Shore Place, Castle Hill NSW 2154 p 9680 3361 | m 0423 843 917

e [email protected] | w castlehillfunhouse.com.au

informationbooklet - castle hill funhouse · informationbooklet inc. information booklet effective...

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