Setting up a Creche - Department for Communities

More documents

Recommendations

Info

The physical environment ...continued • a first aid kit is available and stored in a child-proof cabinet • there is direct access to toilets suitable for children • suitable nappy changing and handwashing facilities are directly accessible • food preparation, play areas and nappy changing areas are separate, but adjacent or easily accessible • drinking water is available for staff and children • shade is provided in outside play areas • playground equipment is safe, well maintained and does not pose a risk to children • fences surrounding the area are adequate and secure. Toilet requirements • A junior size toilet or adapted adult toilet should be conveniently located with direct access from the playroom. If the service is for young children only, consider the use of half doors. • Access to the toilet should not be through a swimming pool area or an adult activity area in use. • If the toilet is not immediately accessible to the playroom, a staff member must be available to accompany children to the toilet – without risking the safety of remaining children. Alternatively, parents should accompany their child to the toilet. • If toilet doors are fitted with locks, they need to be easily opened from the outside. • Hand washing facilities, soap and paper towels should be available. If babies attend the crèche, special precautions should be taken to prevent cross-infection: • ensure a change table or bench that is easily cleaned is readily available • ensure a supply of clean water is adjacent to the change table • spray the nappy change surface with detergent and warm water after each nappy change • wash hands using soap and wear disposable gloves. To access current information see National Health and Medical Research Council website www.nhmrc.gov.au Staying Healthy in Childcare – preventing infectious diseases in Childcare. Toilet and nappy change areas should be kept separate from play areas and any food preparation areas. Outdoor area It is highly recommended that an outside play area be provided, to include the following: • it should be located adjacent to the crèche room and be adequately fenced with a child safe gate. The outdoor area should be checked for hazards before children commence play • there should be shade provided to ensure protection from the sun. A common policy for outside play is “no hat, no play” and for children to remain inside in the middle of the day. Check with the WA Cancer Council for information and advice on developing a “Sun Protection Policy” www.cancerwa.asn.au 10
Playground equipment It is important to ensure that your playground area and equipment is safe and children’s play is supervised at all times. The Australian Standards provide important information about safety of playground equipment and Kidsafe WA can provide information on nature-based playgrounds and safe play www.kidsafewa.com.au Safety considerations for babies and toddlers Small babies and toddlers are extremely vulnerable in group care situations with older children. If possible, provide separate play areas for babies and toddlers where they can be safe. If this is not possible consider higher staff to children ratios to ensure constant supervision. What do parents need to know? Written information outlining what is expected and what happens in the crèche should be provided to parents. Parents need to be made aware that they must be available to attend to their children’s needs during their attendance at an unlicensed crèche service. Parents should also be informed about: • admission requirements and enrolment forms • hours of operation • costs and how to pay • arrangements about delivering and collecting children • details of what to bring • expectations of their responsibility in attending to their children’s needs • activities offered for children • procedures for dealing with illness and emergencies • procedures and expectations for nappy change and feeding times • details of any parental contribution, such as cleaning rosters • complaints procedure A sample Parent Information Sheet is provided on page 22. 11 Operating a Creche Service All unlicensed crèche services are required to prominently display a notice to inform parents that the service is NOT a licensed child care service and therefore not subject to the licensing requirements of the Child Care Services Regulations 2007. For a copy of an Example of a Notice see page 24.
Page 1 and 2: Department for Communities Informat
Page 3 and 4: Introduction Contents Why offer a q
Page 5 and 6: Why offer a quality crèche service
Page 7 and 8: What insurance is needed? Public Li
Page 9: Recording incidents, accidents, inj
Page 13 and 14: - one staff member for every five c
Page 15 and 16: • things for pushing, pulling, th
Page 17 and 18: Some Useful Contacts and Resources
Page 19 and 20: Duty Statement for Creche Worker Pu
Page 21 and 22: Name of Child First name Surname Da
Page 23 and 24: 1. Legal Obligations • Duty of ca
Page 25 and 26: Self-Assessment Form Self-assessmen
Page 27 and 28: 27 Children should be enjoyed, supp

Setting up a Creche - Department for Communities

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?