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All questions are required to be answered honestly and to the best of your ability, if you require assistance please indicate.

The approved provider will consider a person to be a family day care educator after they have met with and discussed their suitability in this role and upon receiving –

• A current Blue Card and for those with an Exception status, a current teacher’s registration to ensure they are a fit and proper person.
• A certificate or transcript stating relevant, minimum qualification; actively (commenced study, are making satisfactory progress and are meeting the enrolment’s requirements) studying towards or have obtained a Certificate 3 in Children’s Services and/or in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• An approved, current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis and CPR certificate.
• A medical clearance stating that the educator is fit and healthy, to be updated yearly.
• Evidence of cover for Public Liability Insurance.
• Photo identification showing that they are over the age of 18 years old.
• A reference about their history in relation to past experience in the education and care industry.
• Training certificate, or proof of enrolment in training on child protection/mandatory reporting, food handling and safety, and Safe Infant Sleeping.
• If providing transport in own vehicle an educator will provide –
  – A photo of their current driver’s license
  – Current car insurance policy
  – Current car seat safety certificate
  – Current car service history and/or current car warranty and/or road worthy certificate

The family day care educator who is directly associated with the registered residence or venue is the individual who is responsible for the premise’s safety and maintaining its specifications as stated on their Registered and Approved Certification Assessment. Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme recognises that more than one individual may be working as the family day care educator, with the provision that Regulation 124 be met at all times.

Electronic Attendance Records

An electronic system which will allow families to sign in on a tablet (provided by the scheme).
The system is used across schools in Australia, and we have collaborated with the design staff to create a system especially for Nurturing Family Day Care.

This information is submitted each night by the educator with a press of a button; there’s no need to post timesheets!

Training

Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme is passionate about the professional development of the educators linked with the scheme.

Our belief is that we are all lifelong learners, through knowledge we can build on our own abilities increasing job satisfaction and improving outcomes for families.

We believe that time with family is important and will strive to incorporate training within meetings and provide flexible options for those unable to attend training. There is a requirement to participate in child protection/mandatory reporting (yearly), safe food handling and Safe Infant Sleeping online course (free) every two years.

Enrolment Form

To ensure that the health, safety and well being of all enrolled children, parent/s and guardian/s are required to complete a family enrolment form and proceed through an orientation with the scheme and at the registered residence or venue.

You can register by clicking nurturingfdcs.fullybookedccms.com.au/family/login and sending an email to nurturingfdcs@gmail.com to ensure that the process has been successful.

Covers 

• Sleep and Rest Procedure 

Intention
Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme acknowledges the importance of rest and sleep in the daily routine, and that this is a very individual experience for each child. By working together with families, educators can support each child to explore, play and exceed every day they are at the registered residence or approved venue by incorporating a safe rest and/or sleep into their day.   

Overview 

This policy, and all policies and procedures that are associated with the Sleep and Rest Policy, are implemented at all registered residences and venues by educators, staff and families whom are allied with the scheme. 

This comprises of – 

• Ensuring the safe and well-being of the child at all times. 
• Working under the guidelines set by Rednose. 
• That children under the age of 2 and their requirements are adhered to. 

• That cots are safe places to sleep. 

The approved provider of the service will ensure – 

• That the is space available at each registered residence or approved venue for children to rest or sleep appropriately and safely depending on their individual needs. 
• That the layout of the registered residence or venue will ensure that sleeping children are in sight and/or hearing distance in order to respond immediately to distress. 
• That sleep records are completed every 15 minutes that a child under 2 years of age is asleep to ensure that they have been checked by educators.  

• That the Rednose guidelines are adhered to at all times. 
• That educators and families are continually educated on current research based information is shared. 
• That training such as the Safe Infant Sleeping (SIS) is completed by all educators. 

Sleep and Rest Procedure 

The approved provider under the guidelines set by Rednose, in partnership with all educators and families throughout their time with Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme, will ensure that each child will be safe while having a rest and sleep. All personnel associated with the scheme will be educated and work with current research to ensure that rest and sleep time is incorporated into the daily routine. 

To facilitate the continued safe and well-being of all children, the below will be implemented – 

• An area is provided for each child to have a safe rest or sleep time depending on their individual needs, and that this is within the educator’s hearing range at all times. 
• That this area will not be over crowed, will have adequate air flow and ventilation, and be cooled/heated appropriately.   

• That a sleep record is documented on every child that is under 2 years of age, indicating at what date and time the check was performed and by who. This is to be done every 15 minutes. 
• That a child’s pallor and breathing is easily identified by the family day care educator (room is not dark with loud music playing to mask indicators of an issue). 
• A discussion about each child’s individual need for rest or sleep will occur regularly with the parent/s or guardian/s of every child, ensuring that the families wishes are respected. 
• Daily communication about the child’s day, including their rest or sleep, will occur for all children, with the specific times recorded for children under 2 years of age. 
• Rednose Safe Sleeping brochure will be sent to parent/s or guardian/s upon enrolment to assist with the education of all personnel. 

• Information about SIDS will be routinely sent to all educators and families to ensure continued professional development and education of all personnel. 
• Smoking is never permitted in a registered residence or approved venue during education and care hours. 
• Bean bags are not permitted in registered areas during education and care hours.  
• That the rights of a child will be paramount and adhered to at all times and will be at the forefront of all decisions and actions completed by an educator.  
• A child’s voice will be heard and their wishes and behaviours acknowledged in regard to their rest and sleep routine.  

• Children who are no longer requiring a sleep will be given the opportunity to rest, with this time including quiet and engaging activities. 
• All bedding used will be dealt with according to the Health and Hygiene Policy. 
• Who is to supply individual bedding will be negotiated with between educators of a registered residence or venue and the parent/s or guardian/s. 
• Children will wear clothing that is appropriate for the temperature in the room they are resting and sleeping in to prevent overheating. 
• Children will wear clothing that is free from cords and hoods, a child regardless of age should have their face and head clear during rest and sleep (religious exceptions will be discussed on a individually basis to ensure all personnel are heard and understood). 

In accordance with SIDS Rednose, children under the age of 2 will – 

• Be placed on their back to sleep, unless a medical condition with a health directive from a doctor is provided and on file. 
• Be allowed to turn independently in their sleep, but never assisted. 
• Be placed with their feet at the end of the mattress. 

• Have linen tucked at the bottom of the mattress; never covering a child’s face or above them. 
• Linen will be breathable material, never quilts, donnas, thick blankets, etc. 
• Have education material provided in regard to why certain linen from home may not be able to be used at a registered residence, why this is for the safety of the enrolled child, and alternatives that can be used instead, such as a sleep bag with fitted neck and armholes and no hoods. 
• Not be placed with additional resources on the mattress, such as pillows, teddies, bumpers, etc. 
• Dummies can be used to assist a child to fall asleep but will not be have a cord attached to the child to prevent strangulation. 

• Sleep aids can be used, such as clutch blankets, rag dolls, etc. but will be removed from the mattress once the child has fallen asleep if they can cover a child’s face. 
• Techniques used at home to assist sleep will be performed by educators if it is safe to do so for all children and is reasonably practicable given the education and care setting (children cannot be driven to sleep, etc.). 
• Have a sleep record completed, indicating at what date and time (every 15 minutes) the check was performed and by who, as well as the length of time the child slept to be documented and communicated with the parent/s or guardian/s. 
• Sleep checks that are performed every 15 minutes by an educator will occur, regardless of where a child is sleeping, and this will involve them physically observing the sleeping child to assess their breathing and that the environment meets all of the listed requirements as per this procedure.  

Cots (including porta cots) at a registered residence or approved venue will – 

• Meet Australian Standards AS/NZS 2172:2010 or AS/NZS 2195:2010. 
• Have at least 2 sides open to allow adequate air flow and will not have any bumpers or material placed around the cot to prevent this. 
• Have a mattress that is in good condition (without rips or holes), be firm, flat and be able to be clean (protective covers can be used to allow cleaning). The gap around the sides of a mattress will be less than 25mm.  
• Only the appropriate mattress will be used; additional mattresses will not be placed in a cot or porta cot. 

• Age and weight recommendations of individual porta cots will be adhered to at all times. 
• A child will be immediately moved out of a cot when they start attempting to climb out. 
• Will not be placed near potential hazards. 

Children who are required to sleep at a registered residence or approved venue overnight will – 

• Have a discussion with their parent/s or guardian/s and family day care educator on how a safe and secure place will be provided for that child, including ways to encourage a sense of belonging. 
• Have a private place to dress and sleep overnight. 
• Have provisions made to ensure their belongings are stored appropriately and with respect to being in care for extended periods of time. 
• Have the family day care educator notify the approved providers of the situation prior to this occurring (and that the registered residence or approved venue may be visited while the premise remains open). 
• Have the family day care educator check to ensure that they are safe and secure before retiring for the night and again upon waking in the morning. 

• Not be in at a registered residence or approved venue for 24 hours continuously without prior authorisation from the approved providers. 

Sources
Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations 2011 (Updated October 2017) 

• Section 165, Offence to inadequately supervise children 
• Reg 168, Education and care services must have policies and procedures. 

• Reg 81, Sleep and rest 

National Quality Standard (Updated February 2018) 

• 2.1, Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted  
• 2.1.1, Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation.   

• 2.2, Each child is protected.  
• 2.2.1, At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard. 
• 6.1, Respectful relationships with families are developed and maintained and families are supported in their parenting role.  
• 6.2, Collaborative partnerships enhance children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing.  

Early Years Learning Framework 

Caring for Children – Birth to 5 years (Food, Nutrition and Learning Experiences) 5th Edition, 2014
Health Direct – Australian Government Department of Health 

National Childcare Accreditation Council 

SIDS and Kids, https://rednose.com.au/  

Staying Healthy in Child Care – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care (5th Edition) 2013   

QLD Health
 

Review
The policy will be reviewed annually.
The review will be conducted by:   

• Approved Provider   
• Employees   
• Educators   

• Families    
• Interested Parties   

Created: May 2017    

Reviewed: October 2017 

June 2018 

Next review: June 2019  

Blue Card Requirements

Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme understand and ensure to the highest of standards that each child is protected.   The safety of children is taken very seriously and their freedom from all abuse is at the forefront of every decision and action made by an associate of Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme.

Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme requires that all potential educators and any adults that are residing at the residence hold a current blue card before education and care can commence.

Blue cards can take some time to be approved and Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme recommends that you and any persons 18 years and older residing on the premise, apply for a card as soon as practical. Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme will only register educators where all required individuals hold a current blue card.

Playgroups

Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme understands that one of the greatest challengers many face as an educator is the isolation of the job.

Playgroups will give educators a platform to build relationships with like-minded individuals, while having an opportunity to engage in reflective practice, build on program ideas and problem solve any questions you may have about running your business.

A Coordinator will be available to ensure supervision is adequate, while also taking on board ideas for improvement.

Families

We support you so that you are at your best professionally to support the families in your care.
At times there can be questions from families that may be directed to the office, Nurturing Family Day care will have transparent conversations with families and yourself to address any questions that may arise.

Behaviour Management

At times you may find you have a child that requires some creative thinking to be a happy and productive member of your community. At Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme, we understand that and are just a phone call away.

We can support you with suggestions and liaison with professionals if required.

Environments

We believe that children learn best when they enjoy what they are doing. We believe that childhood is a time when the world seems full of wonder.

Therefore, we partner with educators that provide environments that will provide a sense of belonging and opportunities to provide connections and placed to explore.

Their environments will be places of inspiration, where curiosity is encouraged and where minds grow and expand through play. We believe that with these solid foundations children will exceed. Childhood is a time of wonder and magic, where dreams and imagination get fuelled.

– Deb Curtis and Margie Carter 2003 Designs for living and learning, transforming early childhood environments.

Technology

At Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme, we value the management of time, sustainability and flexibility that technology allows. Technology isn’t something that comes easily to everyone, therefore we will offer training and support to ensure that you are getting the most out of your device and meeting the required expectations.

Documentation

Documentation makes children’s learning visible and helps ensure children’s wellbeing and need for rest, leisure and engagement are being met through the program.

There are many electronic, visual and paper-based ways to document evaluations of children’s learning, while each format must demonstrate analysis of children’s learning to meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework, the rest is up to you.

Educators are to focus on the quality of the documentation and how is it used to enhance wellbeing, development and learning outcomes for children rather than the quantity of documentation collected for individual children. Quality documentation focuses on an aspect of learning, not just ‘what we did’.

An authorised office may sight information including enrolment information, details on children’s strengths, ideas, abilities and interests along with ongoing evidence of children’s engagement and participation in the program.

Other examples may include:

• Learning stories or narratives of key events that demonstrate:
  – Educators understand the children
  – Own practice, have identified outcomes, and suggested ways to build on children’s learning and development
  – Children have described the experience and why it was important to them.
• Photographs with captions, photographic sequences or video clips that demonstrate:
  – Children showing themselves as active participants and decision-makers
  – The experiences children are engaged in
  – Their skills, development and progress.
• Observations or reviews that demonstrate:
  – Educators evaluating events and activities for extension
  – Children’s feedback has contributed to a decision to continue or extend on an aspect of the program.
• Journals that demonstrate:
  – Educators reflecting on their own practice and interpreting the feelings, thoughts and ideas of children, families, and colleagues.

An authorised officer may observe:

• Mind maps and surveys:
  – Children sharing their ideas with peers and educators using this information to incorporate into the program
  – Children conducting surveys to influence changes in the program
• Children’s meetings:
  – Children conducting meetings with their peers to influence the program
  – Children recording their own program ideas and these ideas being reflected in planned experiences
  – Children reflecting on what aspects of the program
  – Work and what areas can be improved

In preparing documentation, consider:

• The period of time children are being educated and cared for by the service
• How the documentation will be used by educators at the service
• Whether the documentation is readily understandable by educators and families.
• The educational leader has an influential role in inspiring, motivating, affirming and also challenging or extending the practice and pedagogy of educators. It is a joint endeavour involving inquiry and reflection, which can significantly impact on the important work educators do with child.
  www.acecqa.gov.au– accessed on the 6th of November 2017

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are required for excursions, emergency evacuations and potentially hazardous activities.
As a scheme we will source risk assessments from local businesses that you may visit, as well as completing risk assessments on various parks across the sunshine coast.

These are to be used as templates for you as an individual to build on, as control measures for hazards may not be the same for everyone.

A risk assessment is only effective if you act upon the information gathered!

Co-ordination Team

Visits to the home (registered residence) or venue occur each month to provide opportunities for discussion, guidance and advice in an open and honest manner.

Routine phone calls, emails and other forms of conversation occur each week, creating a platform of support, prompting critical reflection and checking in to guard against developing issues.

Support

Calendar of reminders – The Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme office has a list of reminders to ensure that you no longer need to remember when all your requirements are due.

Reminders are emailed to you ahead of time to allow preparation, as well as prompts sent to you ensuring the required documents are uploaded to your OneDrive account.

Electronic Storage System

OneDrive – An online storage system that securely holds all documents (on the tablet provided by the scheme).
Educators are no longer required to send paperwork through the post, instead a photo can be taken using the tablet and stored on OneDrive where the Nurturing Family Day Care Scheme can see updated information in real time.

All information is backed up regularly and secured separately three times to ensure that your documents will remain safe, protected and private.

Access to policies and procedures, National Quality Framework information and professional development training is easily accessed through folders there whenever you require.

Each family is given an online folder upon enrolment, where all relevant forms and information are stored, allowing educators to review when required.