Health & Safety

May 18, 2017

Scallywaggs Kindergarten's health and hygiene policies aim to provide a healthy and safe working and playing environment for children and staff. They also aim to protect the general health and wellbeing of children and staff by minimising the risk of infection and the spread of infection within the centre.

Children with contagious illnesses are required to be kept at home and a doctor's certificate must be presented to show that the infection cannot be passed when the child returns to the centre. 

 

Illness
NO CHILD will be admitted with obvious signs of any highly contagious infection or illness. Our policy states the incubation period, symptons and exclusion periods of such diseases. Children who are not immunised will be required to be exempt from the centre.

 

When should you keep your child at home?
Childcare is not the best place for a sick child. The close proximity of many children increases the risk of cross infection, not only between children, but staff as well. Your child should stay at home with any of the following conditions:

  • Temperature
  • Consistent cough
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Acute Tonsillitis
  • Mumps
  • Cold Sores
  • Chicken Pox
  • Measles
  • Severe skin rash or infections
  • Ear aches or infections
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Head Lice
  • Ring Worm
  • Excessive discharge from eyes, ears or nose

Children should not be brought to the centre if they have been vomiting or had diarrhoea in the last 24 hours. If a child becomes ill while at the centre, a parent will be notified immediately. A parent or nominated person will then need to collect the child. We would appreciate parents advising us of the nature of the illness after they have been to the doctor.

A Doctors certificate may need to be produced before your child is allowed to return to the centre. If your child is going to be absent, you are required to notifify the centre as soon as possible. If your child is absent for more than two week without notice, your child's position may be terminated and you will be liable for any outstanding fees.

To minimise the spread of infectious disease we follow and implement the National Health and Medical Research Council 'Recommended Minimum Periods of Exclusion' to exclude children and staff and inform parents of exclusion and non exlcusion periods.

 

Immunisation
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them in the community. Immunisation not only protects individuals, but also others in the community, by reducing the spread of disease. 

 

Child Care Benefit
The benefit applies to children who are fully immunised or have an approved exemption from immunisation. This initiative ensures parents are reminded of the importance of immunising their children at each of the milestones.

Immunisation is not compulsory; however, in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease at the Centre, unimmunised children will be required at home throughout the duration of the outbreak. 

Upon enrolment at the centre, parents will be asked to provide verification for their child. 

 

Medication
Staff will be able to administer medication to children who are recovering from illness.

A medication form must be completed and signed by parents before any medication will be given. All prescription medication must be prescribed for your child and not another family member - unless stated otherwise by a doctor's certificate. Medication must be in date and in its original packaging. 

The medication must be handed to a staff member to store in a locked container in fridge. Please DO NOT leave medication in your child's bag.

The staff member who gives medication requires a medication form to be completed by the parent, eg tablets, mixture, creams. 

Any child who has commenced an antibiotic must not attend the Centre of 24 hours from commencement. 

 

Food Allergies
In order to combat and restruct possible food allergy reactions, Scallywags Kindergarten is a NUT FREE ZONE. 

This means that any foods containing nut or nut products are prohibited from the centre at all times. Foods that may contain nuts or nut traces include:

  • Peanuts, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecan nuts;
  • Any other type of tree or ground nuts, peanut oil or other nut based oil or cooking product, peanut or any nut sauce, peanut butter, hazelnut spread, marzipan;
  • Any other food which contains nuts such as chocolates, sweets, lollies, nougat, ice creams, cakes, biscuits, bread, drinks, satays, pre-prepared Asian or Vegetarian foods;
  • Foods with spices and seeds such as mustard, poppy, wheat and sesame seeds;
  • Nut and peanut material is also in cosmetics, massage oils, body lotions, shamppos and creams such as Arachnis Oil. 

Please inform the staff if your child has an allergy. 

 

Asthma
The centre aims to provide a safe environment for children who has asthma. It is Centre policy that an "Asthma Record Plan" be completed by guardians/parents in consultation with the family doctor. It is also a requirement that the record plan be reviewd by your family doctor annually or as circumstances change. This must be completed and returned before enrolment commences.

 

Sun Protection
Sun protection is very important. We have a 'NO HAT NO PLAY' policy. Children without a sun safe hat* will be asked to play in an area protected from the sun (eg under shade).

A sun safe hat is:

  • Legionnaire hat
  • Bucket hat with a deep crown and brim size of atleast 5cm
  • Broad brimmed hat with a brim size of at least 6cm
  • *Please note: Basebell caps or visors do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended. 

We privde 30+ sunscreen for the children each day. Parents are required to send a sun safe hat with their child and to apply sunscreen to their child on arrival at the centre. Staff will re-apply sunscreen before going outside.

Staff and children will wear sun safe hats that protect their face, neck and ears.

When outdoors, staff and children will wear sun safe clothing* that covers as much of the skin (especially shoulders, back and stomach) as possible. This includes wearing:

  • Loose fitting shirts and dresses with sleeves and collars or covered neckline.
  • Longer style skirts, shorts and trousers.

Children who are not wearing sun safe clothing can be provided with spare clothing.

*Please note: Midriff crop or singlet tops do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended. 

Staff role model sun protection by wearing hats and applying sunscreen to themselves before going outside. If your child is sensitive to certain sunscreens, please advise the centre as it will be necessary to provide your own. 

 

Accidents
In the case of an accident or illness occuring at the centre, the Authroised Supervisor or Centre Manager will contact parents if deemed necessary. As a matter of extreme importance parents must ensure that the Centre has up to date emergency contact numbers. An incident report will be filled out, outlining the accident and signed by staff who observed and administered first aid, as well as any witnesses. Ther parent;s signature will also be required.

 

Emergency Drills
We practice emergency drills every month, which occur at any given time throughout the day. These are carried in a well organised and orderly manner. Also staff will be trained in using the fire extinguishers that are in th Centre. An emergency escape plan will be in every room. 

 

Smoking

Scallywags Kindergarten is a smoke free environment. Smoking is not permitted on any part of the centre's property at any time. 

 

Using the centre safely

  • Never leave children unattended in cars while collecting children from the centre.
  • Car parks are dangerous places for children, always hold children's hands when arriving and leaving the centre.
  • Never leave a door or gate open.
  • Never leave your hcild unattended in a room.
  • Children are not permitted into the kitchen and laundry areas.

 

OH&S Feedback
We welcome all feedback regarding the safety of our centre. If you see something that concerns you regarding safe work practises, the safety of building and equipment or general OHS, please contact the director immediately. 




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