THE HOUSE

General Information
The telephone number for Out of School Hours Care is 8362 6585
Our web page is located at www.eas.sa.edu.au - follow the links to Out of School Hours Care

The Staff
Director - Francine Nicholson
Assistant Director- Louis McGowan

The Programme
The Out of School Hours Care Programme operates from "The House" which is in the School grounds facing Third Avenue, St. Peters.
It offers regular Before School Care, After School Care, Occasional Care and Vacation Care for the children of East Adelaide School and the local community.

Hours of Operation

• Before School Care 7.30 am. - 8.50 am.
• After School Care 2.30 pm. - 6.00 pm
• School Holiday Programme - care is provided between 8.00 am. - 6.00 pm. each day that the Programme is conducted.

After school activities are less structured than those offered during the vacation periods, to allow the children to 'wind down' after the school day.
The programme's activities are designed to meet the interests of children aged 5-12 years. Children are offered the opportunity to participate in leisure and recreation activities (eg. art, craft, games, gardening, cooking, drama) in a 'homelike' atmosphere.
Excursions are made locally and further afield, during the vacation periods.
Nutritious snacks (sandwiches, fruit, etc.) are provided daily.

For After School Care, the children are collected from a central location at the School each day by an After School Care staff member and are taken or directed to "The House".

The Management Committee
The School Council is responsible for the organisation and management of the Program and this is done through its Out of School Hours Care Programme Committee.
The Management Committee is composed of parent, School Council and School Staff representatives and OSHC Director.
The Management Committee meets monthly and reports regularly to the School Council. Any parents who wish to do so are welcome to join or to assist the Management Committee.
Social gatherings are held from time to time for both children and parents.

Staff
The School Council employs the staff of the Programme. The staff are all experienced in the provision of care and recreation activities for children.
The Programme Coordinator is responsible for overall conduct of the Programme and is the person with whom parents should communicate regarding the Programme and matters affecting their children.

Enrolment
Parents who wish to enrol their children must sign an Enrolment and Consent Form. These are available at "The House". Children need only enrol once each year for After School Care but must enrol separately for Vacation Care periods. The programme does not always operate for entire vacation periods, particularly at Christmas time, and parents should check the days on which care will be available.
It is the responsibility of parents to provide the Programme Coordinator with 24 hours notice of both enrolment and non-attendance of their children. Where notice is not given of non-attendance, a fee will be charged.
Enrolments have risen steadily since the Programme began and space in "The House" is limited. It cannot be assumed that immediate enrolment, particularly for occasional care, will always be available.

Finances
The fees are increased by the Management Committee from time to time as required to properly fund the Programme.
Policies relating to outstanding debts and late fees are available.

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE HANDBOOK

The East Adelaide Out of School Hours Care Programme provides care for school aged children, with priority given to students from our School, especially during the school term.

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE

General information

• Bookings are essential - a booking must be made prior to attendance
• Children must be signed in on arrival
• Breakfast is available
• Children stay in the care of the OSHC staff until 8.50 am. The older children are able to make their way over to school at 8.30am, upon receiving a written permission by the parent/guardian. The younger children are then walked over to school by the OSHC staff who ensure the children arrive at their classroom and settle in ready for their day at school.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

General information

• Bookings are essential - a booking must be made prior to attendance
• A nutritionally balanced afternoon tea is provided
• Children must be signed out before leaving the Centre
• Children are not permitted to leave the Centre's boundaries until they are collected by an authorised person or written permission by a parent or guardian is given to staff

Children attending ASC go to the pergola at 'The House' and have their name marked off the attendance sheet.A staff member collects the younger children under the pergola in Yard A. If a child is booked into ASC and has not had their name marked off by the second bell,then the

Centre Staff will:-

• Search theJunior Primary and Primary areas
• If the child has still not been located a call is made to the school office to check if the child is waiting there
• If the child is not located a phone call is made to the parent /guardian to enquire whether the child is expected to be attending ASC
• The Centre staff will then work with the parent/guardian in locating the child if necessary

VACATION CARE AND PUPIL FREE DAYS

General information

• Bookings are essential
• Children must be signed in on arrival and out on departure
• Morning and afternoon tea is provided
• Except on specified occasions all children are required to bring their own lunch. Children should be dressed appropriately in accordance with the day's planned activities
• Children should be dressed appropriately in accordance with the day’s planned activities
• As with After School Care children are not permitted to leave the Centre without parental/guardian permission

ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTRE

The Centre's Vision statement and Aim underpin the programme.
A program is written on a weekly basis for Before and After School Care. A special Vacation Care programme is written approximately two weeks before the end of the term which is based on the Centre's belief that it is important to create an environment which allows for challenging, fun, child initiated activities. We also access the Gym, Homework room and Drama room during both the term and vacation care periods. A staff member is always present in these areas and children do not leave without a staff member; a mobile phone is accessible.

FEES

Before School Care $4.50 per session
After School Care $10.00 per session
Centre Based Day $30.00 per session
Excursion Day $35.00 per session
Pupil Free Day $30.00 per day

AN ENROLMENT FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS BEFORE A CHILD CAN ATTEND THE OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CENTRE

ACCOUNTS

• Accounts are issued for Vacation Care and Pupil Free Days on a fortnightly basis.
• Occasional bookings require payment on or before the day of the booking.

Accounts are calculated fortnightly in arrears and are distributed via the pigeonholes in the foyer of the OSHC Centre. A pigeonhole is reserved for each family utilising the Out of School Hours Care on a regular basis. Occasional bookings/utilisation requires payment on or before the day of the booking. Accounts are usually available on the Monday immediately after the end of the accounting period. However, due to unforeseen circumstances accounts may sometimes be available later than this. Receipts and other correspondence are also distributed via the pigeonholes (refer Fee Payment Policy - policy section).

Payments must be made at the Out of School Hours Care Office. Payments can be made either by cash, cheque or credit card during the normal operating times of the Centre. Cash payments cannot be made after 9.00 am on Fridays.

CHILD CARE BENEFIT
The Commonwealth Government offers assistance to reduce the cost of care for families. All families are entitled to the minimum 16.8%. Please contact the Family Assistance Office in Centrelink or Medicare Offices on 136 150 so that your eligibility to receive Child Care Benefit can be assessed.
We require a letter stating your percentage before we can give you a reduction in fees. Please see the Director if you require further information or assistance with applications.

BOOKINGS - PHONE 83626585

ENROLLING YOUR CHILD AND BOOKINGS
An enrolment form MUST be completed by parents/guardians before a child can attend the Out of School Hours Centre.
It is essential to make a booking with the OSHC Programme for your child to attend. Please book at least one day in advance to enable us to make arrangements for the appropriate number of staff. Phone 08 8362 6585 and leave a message if the Centre is unattended.
Advance bookings for Vacation Care and Pupil Free days are essential, as numbers for these programs are strictly limited and it may not be possible to accept children at the last minute.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations for Before and After School Care must be received by 6.00pm the day before the booking, or the session fee will apply.

Cancellations of bookings for Vacation Care or Pupil Free Days must be received one week prior to the booking or the session fee will apply.

COLLECTION OF CHILDREN

For safety and security, children will only be released to authorised adults as named on the enrolment forms. Children must be signed out by their parent,or other authorised person, before they leave the Out of School Hours Care.
Children must be collected by 6.00pm. If, because of an emergency situation, you are late, then please notify the Centre as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Late fees apply after 6.00pm. (refer to late fee policy)

Written permission is required to allow a child to leave the OSHC without an authorised adult. Written permission is also required for a child to leave from Before School Care before the regular time.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The East Adelaide Out of School Hours Care Programme is managed by a School Council Committee which comprises parents of children attending the Centre, a representative from the School Council, a representative of the School Staff, and the OSHC Director.

It encourages the parents of children attending the Centre to be active participants in the consultative process, which enables them to be a part of the decision making process which impacts on the level of service to which they and their children have access.
Every attempt is made to ensure that adequate information regarding all activities and any other information relevant is passed on to parents via the parent notice board, the pigeonholes or verbally.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

On behalf of the East Adelaide School Out of Hours Care Programme, I would like to wish you a very friendly welcome.

Our aim is to provide your children with a high quality recreational programme to meet the individual needs of all the children in a safe, warm, caring environment.

If you have any questions regarding the OSHC programme, please do not hesitate to contact me or feel free to speak to any of the other staff.

I hope to meet you personally soon.

Francine Nicholson

VISION STATEMENT

THE CENTRE'S VISION STATEMENT
Our vision for East Adelaide Out of School Hours Care, is to provide a dynamic and financially sound childcare service. An environment where children with differing social styles and levels of skill can feel comfortable and develop confidence in their social interactions. An environment that supports children in developing the confidence in their social interactions. An environment that supports children in developing the confidence to seek new challenges and to meet individual needs of children.

AIM
Our aim is to provide high quality recreational care for primary aged children (5-12 years), in a warm, comfortable and safe environment that will foster the child's sense of self worth, nurture positive group relationships and foster cooperative and collaborative behaviour. A convenient and cost effective service to support families during Out of School Hours and School Holiday periods.

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE PROGRAMME POLICIES

A folder of Policies is located in the parent sign out area of the Centre. The Out of School Hours Care Programme is part of the East Adelaide School and supports all general School Policies. It is necessary however to adapt some policies because of the role of the Out of School Hours Programme.

MEDICAL

Information about regular medication, health conditions, disabilities or medication provided for allergies such as bee stings must be recorded on the enrolment form so that the staff are able to provide appropriate care for your child.

Staff will administer medication as required provided parental permission has been granted via the medication folder.

Medication must not be left in the child's bag. It must be handed to the Director or

other staff person. Any medication administered by staff will be checked by two staff members to ensure correct dosage and time to be taken.. This will be recorded in the medication folder and a parent/guardian will be asked to sign to indicate they acknowledge that the medication has been given to their child.

FIRST AID

Staff will administer first aid to children as required. It is policy that when an accident involves blood, a staff member will instruct and guide the child to clean his/her own wound. Staff will not directly handle bloodied wounds or first aid materials without the use of gloves.

Any assistance children receive will be noted in the first aid folder. Parents/Guardians will be informed and asked to sign the First Aid sheet to indicate acknowledgment of the treatment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

This policy has been developed to promote the health of all families and staff utilising the Programme. . To encourage safe and hygienic practices by all children and staff.

• to maintain a high level of personal hygiene
• to wash and dry their hands before engaging in any activity involving food
• to maintain a clean environment
• to wear a hat and sunblock during outdoor play in terms 1 and 4 in accordance with the School Sun Care policy.

Staff will be expected to:

• take preventative measures with regard to personal health and hygiene
• protect their own and others’ health and safety in the way they utilise their working environment
• maintain the premises to a standard which will help protect against the occurrence and transmission of disease
• obey reasonable instructions and comply with Out of School Hours Care Programme policy by monitoring their work systems
• absent themselves from the Centre during periods of illness with communicable symptoms
• manage and use equipment provided in a healthy and safe manner
• take appropriate sun safety measures when supervising outdoors
• maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene during food preparation
• wear gloves when administering first aid.

• advise the OSHC staff when their child is suffering from an infectious disease seek alternative care when their child is suffering from an infectious disease
• be contacted by staff if their child becomes unwell during their time at the OSH Centre
• be asked to collect their child if it is considered by the staff that the child is unable to cope with normal activities
• advise the staff of any condition which requires ongoing treatment eg. Diabetes
• grant the staff permission to seek emergency medical care.

Below are some common illnesses which may cause your child to be excluded from the Centre

• Conjunctivitis
• Head lice
• Worms
• Chicken pox
• Measles
• Mumps
• Scabies
• Impetigo or School sores
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Sun Care

Hats
Out of School Hours Care supports the School's "No hat No play" policy throughout the year including all vacation care periods. Children must be provided with a school approved hat for outdoor play. Children without hats will be directed indoors or under the verandah. Vacation Care and Pupil Free Days children are encouraged to wear a suitable hat for sun protection. Visors and caps do not appropriately provide adequate sun protection.

Sun Block

Out of School Hours Care will supply sunblock as required. For Vacation Care and Pupil Free days children should apply sunblock before they arrive. Staff will supervise the application of sunblock, as required, throughout the day.

PAYMENT POLICY

The Out of School Hours Care Programme requires prompt payment of accounts to ensure that the delivery of a quality service can be maintained.

This Policy has been framed around the following:

• The accounting system used is Kids Biz "Spike". Accounts are calculated fortnightly in arrears.
• Parents are required to collect their account from the pigeon hole labelled with their family name. The pigeon holes are located in the foyer of the Out of Hours Centre.
• Payment in full is required by the due date shown on the account (14 days from the end of the billing period).
• If full payment is not made by the due date, an overdue fee of $10.00 will apply.
• Fees outstanding 28 days after the due date become a debt to the Out of School Hours Care Programme, and therefore to the East Adelaide School, and the following will apply:

LATE PICKUP POLICY

Children to be collected by 6:00pm

6:00- 6:10pm : Director discretion $10.00, decision based on regularity of lateness and whether contact has been made by parent/guardian.
6:10pm onwards $1.00 per minute

Action to be taken by staff:

6.00 - 6.15 pm
Supervise and reassure the child, if feeling anxious. Staff will attempt to contact parent/guardian.

6.15- 6.30 pm
Continue to supervise and reassure the child.
Staff will attempt to contact all listed on the Emergency contact file.
Attempts will be made for listed emergency contact persons to collect the child/ren.

6.30pm
If no resolution by 6.30pm, Staff will take the following action:
Report the situation to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS)
Contact Norwood Police Station; inform them of the situation, and the intention to bring the child into the police station.
Phone a taxi to transport the child and staff member to the Norwood Police Station, take the child's enrolment form containing relevant details. It is up to the staff member involved whether they remain with the child or, once the child is settled, leave the child with the police.
Contact the JP Principal to inform them of the action taken.

Revised February 2005

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY
We believe children have the right to feel safe physically and psychologically and it is, rules/guidelines and routines that give a sense of belonging. Our behaviour management policy is based on guidance, positive reinforcement and redirection. Guiding discipline is built on respect for children as people. We aim to guide rather than control the behaviour of the children in our care. We believe learning to behave is a developmental task like any other, although it is far more complex, than any other skill a child will learn. Mistakes are just an opportunity to teach a child more skilful behaviour. In our Programme we strive to

• reinforce positive behaviour
• be consistent
• have clearly established expectations
• ensure that rules/behaviour guidelines are clearly known and understood by children, parents and staff by ongoing discussion and review

• respect each other
• respect other people's property and that of the Centre and School
• accept and respect individual needs and differences
• clean up after activities
• promote a friendly and harmonious environment

• Physical fighting (play or real) is not acceptable
• Use of inappropriate language - swear words, teasing, verbal harassment is not acceptable

To discourage negative behaviour we follow the steps below:

• Remind children of the rules/guidelines and request they be followed

• Give a second and final reminder of the rules/guidelines and outline the consequences if the unacceptable behaviour is not modified

• Redirect the child to another activity or group of friends, or time out to encourage them to think about the behaviour and why it was not acceptable

• Place the child in Time Out (a quiet place away from the other children)
• A staff member discusses the behaviour with the child and what steps can be taken to overcome the problem and assist the child to take responsibility for the control of their behaviour. If necessary a contract is made about future behaviour.

• Continue time out, or set an appropriate task. A discussion is held with the child’s parent/guardian when the child is collected