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Policies

Governance and Quality

The terms used in these policies are defined in this document.

View and download the General definitions

This policy provides guidelines to enable Meli to:
a) Establish a standard of behaviour to be followed by Meli as the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisors, educators, staff, volunteers, students on placement, parents/guardians and visitors.
b) Create and maintain a child safe environment that reflects the philosophy, beliefs, objectives and values of Meli
c) Promote desirable and appropriate behaviour
d) Promote interactions at the service, which are respectful, honest, courteous, sensitive, tactful and considerate.

Meli:
a) Respects the rights of the child and values diversity
b) Acknowledges the vulnerability of Aboriginal children, children from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and children with a disability and has zero tolerance of discrimination
c) Maintains a duty of care (refer to Definitions) towards all children at the service
d) Is committed to the safety and wellbeing of each child at the service
e) Is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all staff at the service
f) Provides a safe and secure environment for all at the service
g) Provides an open, welcoming environment in which everyone’s contribution is valued and respected
h) Is committed to communicating openly and honestly
i) Is committed to continually learning how to be inclusive and respectful of cultural needs
j) Encourages volunteers, students, parents/guardians and visitors to support and participate in the program and activities of the service.

View and download the Code of Conduct

 

This policy outlines the duties, roles and responsibilities of the Board of Meli.

View and download the Governance and management of the service policy

This policy will provide guidelines for:
a) receiving and dealing with complaints and grievances at a Meli service
b) procedures to be followed in investigating complaints and grievances.

Meli is committed to:
a) providing an environment of mutual respect and open communication, where the expression of opinions is encouraged
b) complying with all legislative and statutory requirements
c) dealing with disputes, complaints and complainants with fairness and equity
d) establishing mechanisms to promote prompt, efficient and satisfactory resolution of complaints and grievances
e) maintaining confidentiality at all times

This policy does not address complaints relating to staff grievances or employment matters.

View and download the Complaints and grievances policy.

This policy will provide guidelines:
a) for the collection, storage, use, disclosure, and disposal of personal information, including photos, videos, and health information at all Meli Kindergarten locations
b) to ensure compliance with privacy legislation
c) on responding to requests for information to promote child wellbeing or safety, and assess and manage risk of family violence
d) on sharing and requesting information to promote child wellbeing or safety, and manage risk of family violence.

Meli is committed to:
a) the responsible and secure collection and handling of personal information
b) protecting the privacy of everyone’s personal information
c) ensuring individuals are fully informed regarding the collection, storage, use, disclosure, access and disposal of their personal information
d) proactively sharing information to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child(ren), consistent with their best interests.

View and download the Privacy and confidentiality policy.

This policy provides a guide to ensure that all users of information and communication technology at Meli Kindergartens or on behalf of Meli understand that:

  1. Meli is a Child Safe organisation and will not defend or support any individual who uses an ICT device for an unlawful purpose.
  2. Adults within the kindergarten environment must not use any personal device to record or take photos of children.
  3. ICT procedures must be followed to ensure safe and appropriate use of ICT resources, including maintaining secure storage of information.
  4. Privacy must be protected and maintained in accordance with the Meli’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
  5. only persons authorised by the approved provider are permitted to access ICT at the service
  6. what constitutes illegal and inappropriate use of ICT facilities and avoid such activities.
  7. Only professional use of interactive ICT platforms, such as social media and other information sharing platforms, is accepted by the organisation.

View and download the Information and Communication Technology Policy

Staff and Curriculum

This policy will provide guidelines for engaging staff at Meli, including:
a) Employing sufficient numbers of educators to meet legislative, policy and service standards.
b) Employing educators with qualifications and experience that meet legislative, policy and service standards.
c) Providing appropriate supervision and support to staff and other adults at the service.
d) Complying with legislation relating to Working with Children (WWC) Checks, Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration and meeting Child Safe Standards.

View and download the Staffing policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for engagement and participation of volunteers and students at a Meli Service while ensuring children’s health, safety and wellbeing is protected at all times.

View and download the Participation of volunteers and students policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to:
a) Ensure all adults and children attending a program with Meli are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, level of ability, additional needs, family structure or lifestyle.
b) Promote inclusive practices and ensure the successful participation of all children at a Meli.
c) Create a positive mental health and wellbeing environment for children, educators, staff and families at a Meli service.

Meli is committed to:
a) Acknowledging and respecting the rights of all children to be provided with and participate in a quality early childhood education and care program.
b) Creating an environment that supports, reflects and promotes equitable and inclusive behaviours and practices.
c) Creating a sense of belonging for all children, families and staff, where diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, skills and interests are respected, valued and given opportunities to be expressed/developed.
d) Ensuring that programs are reflective of, and responsive to, the values and cultural beliefs of families using the service, and of those within the local community and broader society.
Working to ensure children are not discriminated against on the basis of background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, health status, level of ability or additional needs, family structure or lifestyle.
e) Considering the mental health and wellbeing needs of all children, families and staff.

View and download the Inclusion, equity and anti-bias curriculum policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to ensure that the educational program (curriculum) and practice at Meli is:
a) Based on an approved learning framework.
b) Underpinned by critical reflection and careful planning.
c) Stimulating, engaging and enhances children’s learning and development.

Meli is committed to:
a) Providing an educational program that is based on reflective practice, critical analysis and planning.
b) Supporting each child to achieve learning outcomes consistent with the National Early Years Learning Framework and/or the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
c) Providing an educational program where children can learn through play and are supported to make decisions, problem-solve and build relationships with others.
d) Creating an environment that supports, reflects and promotes equitable and inclusive behaviours and practices. through implementation of an anti-bias curriculum
e) Involving families in the development and review of educational program and practice.

View and download the Curriculum development policy.

Duty of care

This policy will provide guidelines to ensure:
a) The development of positive and respectful relationships with each child at a Meli service; and
b) Each child at a Meli service is supported to learn and develop in a secure and empowering environment.

Meli is committed to:
a) Maintaining the dignity and rights of each child at the service.
b) Promoting fairness, respect and equity.
c) Providing a positive, strengths based approach to behaviour support and guidance
d) Encouraging children to express themselves and their opinions, and to undertake experiences that develop self-reliance and self-esteem.
e) Considering the health, safety and wellbeing of each child, and providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment in which they can develop and learn.
f) Maintaining a duty of care (refer to Definitions) towards all children at the service.
g) Considering the diversity of individual children at the service, including family and cultural values, age, and the physical and intellectual development and abilities of each child.
h) Building collaborative relationships with families to improve learning and development outcomes for children.
i) Encouraging positive, respectful and warm relationships between children and Meli Staff.

View and download the Interactions with Children Policy 

 

This policy outlines procedures to be followed when:
a) obtaining written authorisation from a parent/guardian or person authorised and named in the enrolment record
b) refusing written authorisation from a parent/guardian or person authorised and named in the enrolment record.

Meli is committed to:
a) ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children attending the service
b) meeting its duty of care obligations under the law.

View and download Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisations Policy 

This policy will provide guidelines for Meli to plan and conduct safe and appropriate excursions and service events.

Meli is committed to:
a) Providing opportunities through the educational program for children to explore and experience the wider environment and broader society.
b) Ensuring that all excursions and service events are accessible, affordable and contribute to children’s learning and development.
c) Ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of children at all times, including during excursions and service events.
d) Providing adequate supervision of all children during excursions and service events.
e) Promoting road safety education and safe active travel for children.

View and download the Excursions and service events policy.

This policy provides a clear set of guidelines and procedures for Bethany Kindergarten Services to:
a) Provide a safe environment for all children which ensures their safety, health and wellbeing;
b) Promote the cultural safety of all children;
c) Identify, reduce and remove risks of child abuse;
d) Intervene when a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect;
e) Involve children in child safety including listening to children and incorporating their views about how to provide a safe environment; and
f) Make staff aware of their legal and duty of care obligations to report child abuse and neglect.

Meli:
a) Is committed to the rights of all children to feel safe, and be safe at all times, including:
i. Promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children;
ii. Promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
iii. promoting the safety of children with a disability
b) Values, respects and cares for children
c) Fosters opportunities for each child to participate, express their views and to learn and develop
d) Always acts in the best interests of each child and has zero tolerance of child abuse
e) Takes all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children at all times, whilst also promoting their learning and development
f) Actively manages the risks of abuse or harm to each child, including fulfilling our duty of care (refer to Definitions) and legal obligations to protect children and prevent any reasonable, foreseeable risk of injury or harm
g) Continuously improves the way our service identifies risks of and responds to child abuse, and encourages reporting and improved responses to allegations of abuse.

View and download Child Safe Environment and Wellbeing Policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to ensure:
a) The provision of a safe and secure environment for all children at a Meli service
b) The adequate supervision of all enrolled children is maintained at all times.

View and download the Supervision of children policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to ensure the safe delivery and collection of children attending a Meli service.

View and download the Delivery and collection of children policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to assist in determining the Responsible Person at a Meli service.

Meli is committed to:
a) Meeting its duty of care (refer to Definitions) obligations under the law
b) Ensuring staffing arrangements contribute to the health, safety, wellbeing, learning and development of all children at the service
c) Meeting legislative requirements for a Responsible Person to be on the service premises at all times.

View and download the Determining responsible person policy.

Enrolments

View and download the Enrolment and Orientation Policy

This policy will provide clear guidelines for:

Ensuring the viability of Meli, by setting appropriate Fees and charges including a registration fee for all kindergarten enrolments and acceptance fees payable on enrolments.

View and download the Free Kindergarten Fees Policy

Health and safety

This policy will provide a framework for:
a) the development of specific emergency and evacuation procedures, practices and guidelines at a Meli service.
b) raising the awareness of everyone attending Meli about potential emergency situations and appropriate responses.

View and download the Emergency and evacuation policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for the administration of first aid at a Meli service.

1.2 Meli is committed to:
a) Providing a safe and healthy environment for all children, educators, staff and others attending the service.
b) Providing a clear set of guidelines in relation to the administration of first aid at the service.
c) Ensuring that the service has the capacity to deliver current approved first aid, as required.

View and download the Administration of first aid policy.

This policy will clearly define the:
a) Procedures to be followed when a child requires medication while attending a Meli service.
b) Responsibilities of educators, parents/guardians and Meli as the Approved Provider to ensure the safe administration of medication at a Meli service.

View and download the Administration of medication policy.

This policy will provide clear guidelines and procedures to follow when:
a) a child attending a Meli service shows symptoms of an infectious disease
b) a child at a Meli service has been diagnosed with an infectious disease
c) managing and minimising the spread of infectious diseases, illnesses and infestations
d) managing and minimising infections relating to blood-borne viruses.
e) managing and minimising infections relating to epidemics (refer to Definitions) and pandemics (refer to Definitions) (e.g. coronavirus (COVID-19))

View and download the Dealing with infectious diseases policy.

ELAA has written this policy in consultation with Asthma Australia. Asthma Australia’s Asthma & the Child in Care Model Policy has been incorporated. For more detailed information, visit Asthma Australia’s website: www.asthma.org.au

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy.

Purpose
1.1 This policy will outline the procedures to:
a) Ensure educators, staff and parents/guardians are aware of their obligations and the best practice management of asthma at a Meli service.
b) Ensure that all necessary information for the effective management of children with asthma enrolled at a Meli service is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when required.
c) Respond to the needs of children who have not been diagnosed with asthma and who experience breathing difficulties (suspected asthma attack) at the service.

View and download the Asthma policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for procedures to be implemented at Meli to ensure:
a) effective and up-to-date control of the spread of infection
b) the provision of an environment that is safe, clean and hygienic.

View and download the Hygiene policy.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy.

This policy will outline the procedures to:
a) Ensure that educators, staff and parents/guardians are aware of their obligations and required strategies in supporting children with epilepsy to safely and fully participate in the program and activities of a Meli service.
b) Ensure that all necessary information for the effective management of children with epilepsy enrolled at a Meli service is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when required.

View and download the Epilepsy policy.

1.1 This policy provides guidelines to enable Meli to:
a) Provide a safe environment for all children which ensures their safety, health and wellbeing.
b) Promote a cultural of health and wellbeing of all staff, children and families.
c) Improve educational health and wellbeing outcomes for all children and families.
d) Provide access to information on quitting smoking, alcohol and other drug use and promote the health benefits of avoiding these behaviours.

View and download the Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs policy.

This policy will define the:
a) procedures to be followed if a person is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at the service that results in injury or trauma
b) responsibilities of staff, parents/guardians and Meli as the Approved Provider, when a person is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at the service that results in injury or trauma
c) practices to be followed to reduce the risk of an incident occurring at the service.

View and download the Incident, injury, trauma and illness policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for a Meli service to ensure that:
a) Clear procedures exist to support the health, wellbeing and inclusion of all children enrolled at the service.
b) Service practices support the enrolment of children and families with specific health care requirements.

A Meli service is committed to recognising the importance of providing a safe environment for children with specific medical and health care requirements through implementing and maintaining effective hygiene practices. This will be achieved through:
a) Fulfilling the service’s duty of care requirement under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 to ensure that those involved in the programs and activities of a Meli service are protected from harm
b) Informing educators, staff, volunteers, children and families on the importance of adhering to the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy to maintain a safe environment for all users, and communicating the shared responsibility between all involved in the operation of the service
c) Ensuring that educators have the skills and expertise necessary to support the inclusion of children with additional health needs.

View and download the Dealing with medical conditions policy.

To ensure that enrolled children with type 1 diabetes and their families are supported, while children are being educated and cared for by the service.

This Diabetes Policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy of Meli.

View and download the Diabetes policy.

Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) acknowledges the contribution of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia Inc. and Department of Education and Training (DET) in the development of this policy.

Purpose
This policy will provide guidelines to:
a) Minimise the risk of allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis occurring while children are in the care of a Meli service.
b) Ensure that service staff respond appropriately to an anaphylactic reaction by following the child’s ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis.
c) Raise awareness of anaphylaxis and its management amongst all at the service through education and policy implementation.
d) This policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions policy.

View and download the Anaphylaxis policy.

This policy will provide clear guidelines for the implementation of safe relaxation and sleep practices that meet the individual needs of children attending a Meli service.

Meli is committed to:
a) Providing a positive and nurturing environment for all children attending the service.
b) Recognising that children have different requirements for relaxation and sleep, and being responsive to those needs to ensure that children feel safe and secure at the service.
c) Consulting with parents/guardians about their child’s individual relaxation and sleep requirements/practices, and ensuring practices at the service are responsive to the values and cultural beliefs of each family.
d) Meeting Ensuring that adequate supervision (refer to Definitions) is maintained while children are sleeping, resting or relaxing.
e) Complying with all legislative requirements, standards and current best practice, including recommendations by Red Nose.

View and download the Relaxation and sleep policy.

This policy was written in consultation with Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart Program. For more detailed information visit the SunSmart website: www.sunsmart.com.au

This policy will provide:
a) Guidelines to ensure children, educators, volunteers and others participating in Meli programs and activities are well protected from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
b) Information for parents/guardians, educators, volunteers and children attending a Meli service regarding a sun protection.

This policy will apply whenever the sun’s UV levels reach three or more. Whenever this occurs a combination of sun protection measures are to be used for all outdoor activities.

In Victoria UV levels are usually three or higher from mid-August to the end of April. Please check the daily local sun protection times (refer to Definitions) to be sure you are using sun protection when it is required. Active outdoor play is encouraged throughout the day all year, provided appropriate sun protection measures are used when necessary.

View and download the Sun protection policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for:
a) Effective food safety practices at Meli that comply with legislative requirements and meet best practice standards.
b) Minimising the risk to children of scalds and burns from hot drinks.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Nutrition, Oral Health and Active Play Policy.

Meli is committed to:
a) Ensuring the safety of all children and adults attending the service
b) Taking all reasonable precautions to reduce potential hazards and harm to children attending the service.
c) Ensuring adequate health and hygiene procedures are implemented at the service, including safe practices for handling, preparing, storing and serving food.
d) Promoting safe practices in relation to the handling of hot drinks at the service.
e) Educating all service users in the prevention of scalds and burns that can result from handling hot drinks.
f) Complying with all relevant legislation and standards, including the Food Act 1984 and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

View and download the Food safety policy.

This policy will provide guidelines and procedures to ensure that all:
a) People who attend the premises of a Meli service including employees, children, parents/guardians, students, volunteers, contractors and visitors, are provided with a safe and healthy environment.
b) Reasonable steps are taken by the Meli as the Approved Provider, and as the employer of staff, to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees at the service.

Meli is committed to ensuring that:
a) The management group, staff and volunteers are aware of their health and safety responsibilities as employers, employees and volunteers.
b) Systematic identification, assessment and control of hazards is undertaken at the service.
c) Effective communication and consultation form a fundamental part of the management process to encourage innovative ways of reducing risk in the service environment
d) Training is provided to assist staff to identify health and safety hazards which, when addressed, will lead to safer work practices at the service.
e) It fulfils its obligations under current and future laws (in particular, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004), and that all relevant codes of practice are adopted and accepted as a minimum standard.

View and download the Occupational health and safety policy.

This policy was developed by Early Learning Association Australia in consultation with the Department of Transport and the early childhood sector as part of the Department of Transport Starting Out Safely program.

This policy defines the responsibilities of Meli to ensure that all children are:
a) kept safe while travelling as pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in a vehicle
b) able to participate in road safety education to assist them in being and becoming safe and responsible road users.

Meli is committed to:
a) the rights of children to be active citizens in the community
b) the rights of children to travel safely as passengers, pedestrians and cyclists
c) an evidence-based approach in the provision of road safety education and practice
d) the role of parents/guardians and families as children’s first and most influential educators.

Under duty of care obligations, services must develop appropriate procedures to guide staff to address situations where a child is observed to be at risk while being transported to or from the early childhood service. This may include instances where a child is observed to be:
a) travelling unrestrained
b) travelling in an inappropriate restraint

c) riding a bicycle or wheeled toy without a helmet
d) instances where a parent/guardian is in an unfit state to drive due to intoxication or impairment.

View and download the Road safety education and safe transport policy.

This policy will outline the procedures that apply to managing water safety, including safety during any water-based activities at Meli.

Water safety relates to access to water in the building, the playground or on excursions, and also to the availability of drinking water for children.

Meli is committed to:
a) Providing opportunities for children to explore their natural environment including through water play.
b) Ensuring that children are protected from the risks associated with drowning or non-fatal drowning experiences.
c) Ensuring that curriculum planning incorporates water safety awareness.
d) Providing information to educators, staff, parents/guardians, volunteers and others at the service about water safety.

View and download the Water safety policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to assist Meli to take an active role in caring for the environment, and promoting and contributing to a sustainable future.

Meli is committed to:
a) Promoting respect for, and an appreciation of, the natural environment among all at the service.
b) Fostering children’s capacity to understand and respect the natural environment, and the interdependence between people, plants, animals and the land.
c) Supporting the development of positive attitudes and values in line with sustainable practices.
d) Ensuring that educators and other staff engage in sustainable practices during the operation of the service.

View and download the Environmental sustainability policy.

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