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1. Overview

1.1.  Purpose

The provision of a safe and healthy environment for children and employees is fundamental to Junior Adventures Group’s (JAG’s) responsibility as an approved provider and employer. A collaborative partnership with children and families is paramount for the inclusion and participation of children with additional needs in accessing childcare services, to ensure that the Service meets the needs of all stakeholders.

1.2.  Scope

All (JAG) People are required to comply with the provisions set out in this policy, their contract of employment and all other relevant policies, procedures and legislation. All parents and guardians are required to comply with the Families Code of Conduct and policies relating to working with the Service to get the best outcomes for children.

1.3.  Legislative Requirements

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Junior Adventures Group is required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the children in care.

2.    Policy Statement

The inclusion and participation of children with additional needs into mainstream society is the responsibility of the whole community. JAG is committed to enabling appropriate access to Childcare Services for families and providing opportunities for the child to participate in physical, social and emotional experiences that are offered to children from any background.

3.    Principles

3.1.  Duty of Care

We have a duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children attending the Service. This includes a quality management system that supports the identification and management of risk, good education and learning outcomes, response to individual needs of children we support and safekeeping of private information to assist in delivering the Service. We safeguard the children attending the program through our policies and procedures.

3.2.  Determining Care for Child with Additional Needs

Inclusion of a child with additional needs to the service will be determined in consultation with families, Management and relevant support personnel on a case-by-case basis. Every attempt will be made to enable children equal access to and participation in the programmed activities.

3.3.  Alternative Care Arrangements

Admission of a child to the service may be reviewed by Management if appropriate facilities, resources and staff are not available which will ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of all children. Recommendations will be made for alternative care where the service is unable to provide the right and safe care for a child.

3.4.  Appropriate Programs and Environments

JAG people will identify a child’s specific needs regarding the physical environment and in individual areas of development prior to enrolment if possible.

The program will ensure activities and experiences are appropriate for their stage of development and promote inclusion and participation.

3.5.  Use of Health and Wellbeing Plans

The Service may request a health and wellbeing to be put in place to support the needs of an individual within the Program. This document should be created in collaboration with Parents/Guardians and other stakeholders.

3.6.  Responsibilities and Accountabilities

JAG People will access outside agencies and liaise with nominated support workers and services to successfully plan for and integrate children into the Service. Educators will devise appropriate communication procedures with families and other stakeholders as necessary.

3.7.  Enrolling Parent/Guardian’s Responsibilities

The Service will request any information regarding the child that may impact on their ability to participate in the service and be appropriately cared for within the service. Families are responsible for ensuring that information about their child’s individual needs are provided through the enrolment and orientation process.

Parents/Guardians are fully involved in regular reviews of their child’s development, including Service staff and any related support workers. Parents/Guardians assist and collaborate with service to plan, implement and evaluate intervention services for the individual’s goals.

Parent/Guardian permission will be requested prior to contacting an Inclusion Agency (IA). This will be in the format as required by the IA. Where a Parent/Guardian refuses this permission, management may suspend enrolment of the child, if it is determined that that the impact on the ability to include and support the child in the program will be compromised.

3.8.  Supervision

Team Members ensure that supervision of children is maintained throughout the delivery and collection process. Where variance from standard arrival and departure occurs, Team Members must ensure that adequate supervision is maintained while resolving the situation. Team Members must seek guidance from their line manager immediately, or as soon as reasonably practical to ensure that proper intervention and process is effectively implemented.

3.9.  Child Safety

Policies and practices reflect the relevant legislation, including the Child Safe Standards. JAG provides policies and procedures to support and equip people with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children safe. These practices are continuously reviewed and improved to ensure up to date practices are in effect throughout the business.

4.    Key Terms

5.    References