Policies & FAQs
Blinkies Early Education Centres have devised a Policy and Information booklet to share with families. It contains relevant policies that Blinkies and Bright Buttons are legally required to adhere to, as well as a multitude of information pertaining to the care of your child whilst enrolled at our service. See our Frequently Asked Questions below for common information, or access our Policy and Information booklet for further detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Environment
- Food & Nutrition
- Information Sharing
- Learning
- Personal Property
- Pre-enrolment
- Sleep & Hygiene
- Social & Cultural
Our service has a waitlist which is for families who do not need care straight away, but would like care at the service in the future. Families are required to fill out a waitlist form which is available through our website. The waitlist application fee is $20. There is a waitlist priority for siblings of the children already enrolled in the service.
Our waitlist is managed in accordance with the priority of access – the Federal Government has determined priority of access guidelines for allocating places in a government funded childcare service. Though this is not a requirement, many services choose to use this guideline as part of their enrolment process.
We don’t place a wait time on our waitlist as there are so many variables that can and do affect our waitlist.
We welcome and encourage families to book a tour of our service at a mutually convenient time to meet educators and gather information to support their transition to care.
All families will be required to apply for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) prior to commencing care. This application will determine the percentage of fee reduction the government will pay towards your fees weekly. Once the service has this information we will be able to calculate your weekly fees payable.
See the Services Australia page for more information https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy
From the 1st of January 2018 all children attending a centre-based service must be up to date with their vaccinations. An Immunisation History Statement must be provided to Blinkies upon enrolment and again when immunisations have been updated. Your child’s Immunisation History Statement can be accessed from Medicare online via your MyGov account. Should a child not be up to date with vaccinations then the family will not receive benefits from the government. Enrolling children who are not immunised could result in a financial penalty to the Approved Provider.
There are exceptions to the rule however. Children who are medically unable to receive immunisations due to allergy/reaction are exempt from having to be immunised, but will still be considered up to date with their vaccinations. The exemptions will be listed on their AIR Immunisation History Statement.
To find out more information visit the NSW Health website where a toolkit is available with relevant information regarding the requirements for immunisation.
Each family is required to provide the service with a completed enrolment form and accompanying documents:
– Immunisation History Statement
– Birth Certificate
Where enrolling families are not fluent in English the enrolment meeting will, wherever possible be conducted in the families primary language with documentation translated to their home language.
At enrolment parents are encouraged to provide any further information about their child that will support continuity of care between home and the service, including health management information, food deletions and care routines.
The enrolment record will include details outlined in (National Regulation 160).
A Privacy Statement attached to the enrolment form is to be completed by families.
You will need to pack a bag with:
– changes of clothes clearly labelled
– any bottles required throughout the day with formula mixed ready to serve
– a sleeping bag once your child transitions to a bed for rest.
Our fee structure includes the provision of:
– nappies
– nappy hygiene products
– meals
– hats
– sunscreen and insect repellent
– linen for children sleeping in cots
– sipper cups and bibs
We encourage all children to fully engage in our play based learning environment, therefore we encourage children to be dressed in comfortable clothing with secure footwear. It is recommended that children are dressed in appropriate, sun safe and comfortable play clothes in accordance with the current weather conditions. Educators will be mindful of the appropriateness of the weight of children’s clothing during rest time and change accordingly.
We recommend that children do not wear shoes with smooth, hard soles, as they can be dangerous on the climbing equipment and extremely slippery on some surfaces. Similarly, we encourage children to wear shoes with enclosed heels or supporting straps around the heels. For health and safety reasons: thongs, clogs and masseurs are not appropriate for the care setting.
In order to promote each child’s independence in toileting please ensure that children are dressed appropriately to support their autonomy. Although the service maintains adequately supplied spare clothing box it is recommended that at least one set of the child’s own clearly labeled clothing is packed into their bag to be used in the event of an accident or the occurrence of significant weather changes. Educators plan and implement programs and discussions which identify appropriate clothing for various climatic conditions and convey respect to cultural differences with regards to clothing and attitudes to dress.
We appreciate all clothing and belongings being clearly labelled with your child’s name to support educators ensuring all belongings are returned to the rightful owners.
Educators will launder all wet and soiled clothing and return it home clean and dry for families.
We have developed an online programming tool that we use to communicate with families regrading:
– news items
– work samples
– formal documentation of learning
– useful community links and resources
– policies and procedures
– regulatory links and documents
– parenting and family support
Each child has a profile created in MyChild on enrolment, each time there is a new item posted for your child you will receive an email notification.
Yes. Blinkies and Bright Buttons both have Facebook pages, and a combined Instagram page. We regularly update our social media pages with activities explored throughout the day, news and other information we’d like to share with you.
You can find Blinkies Facebook page here
You can find Bright Buttons Facebook page here
You can find ourInstagram page here
When you first enrol at Blinkies you have the option to approve or disapprove of photographs we take of your child to be used in any promotional material for Blinkies Early Education Centres including on our website and social media pages. You may change your decision at any time throughout your child’s enrolment at the centre.
Throughout the day each child will participate in a wide variety of learning experiences. Our model of programming involves identifying children’s interests and providing opportunities for them to further research, investigate and explore, often in collaborative play. This type of learning environment allows children to be involved in their own self-directed learning scaffolded by educators. Educators provide structure and routine to our play-based education program using a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to help build both fine and gross motor skills. You can see the types of activities undertaken at our centres on our Facebook and Instagram pages, or in the galleries on the Our Centres page.
Each care environment in our service has an outdoor play environment that is open for children to access. Our outdoor areas are adequately shaded where possible using shade sails.
Blinkies recognises the importance of physical activity for all children in care and promotes appropriate physical activity practices to support children’s health and physical development as well as assisting in establishing positive lifestyle habits for the future.
This service is committed to a balance of play and technology used as part of intentional teaching practice to prepare children to be lifelong, competent and involved learners. Educators will promote the use of relevant, appropriate and monitored digital screen technology.
Educators at this service acknowledge the importance of a smooth transition to school and that they play a key role in ensuring children are well equipped to embark on the next stage of their learning. Evidence suggests that children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage well and to achieve academic and social success. Our educational program and school preparation experiences promote opportunities for encouraging the skills and attributes needed for starting school and to assist children in becoming confident learners.
We believe preparation for school commences from a child’s first day of attendance at this service and continues through to the year prior to attending school where children will be grouped in an environment which fosters learning and development.
School readiness is a collaborative approach that focuses on the strengths and interests of individual children. We support our young learners to develop skills such as critical thinking and the ability to communicate effectively, innovate and solve problems through negotiation and collaboration.
Each child will have a ‘transition to school statement’ developed in collaboration with families prior to commencing formal school orientations.
Educators take an individual approach to school readiness and work collaboratively with families and local schools to support each child’s transition from the early education setting to the school setting.
We provide all meals for children throughout the day, including:
– morning tea
– two course lunch
– afternoon tea
– breakfast is provided for children whom are attending prior to 7.30am and requiring it.
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are required by legislation to ensure the provision of healthy foods and drinks that meet the requirements for children according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines (National Regulation 78-79). It is essential that ECEC services partner with families to provide education about nutrition, and promote healthy eating habits for young children to positively influence their health and wellbeing. Dietary and healthy eating habits formed in the early years are shown to continue into adulthood and can reduce the risk factors associated with adult chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
We work off a four week rotating menu that is on display for families in the service and on our online platform MyChild as a digital document.
Blinkies Early Education Centres recognises the importance of healthy eating for the growth, development and wellbeing of young children, with a commitment to promoting and supporting healthy food and drink choices for children in our care. Our policy affirms our position on the provision of healthy food and drink while children are in our care and the promotion and education of healthy choices for optimum nutrition, we have a full-time cook on staff whom prepares all meals for children fresh daily, catering for all dietary requirements.
Our service is committed to implementing and embedding the healthy eating key messages outlined in the NSW Health’s Munch & Move program into our curriculum, and to support the National Healthy Eating Guidelines for Early Childhood Settings outlined in the Get Up & Grow resources.
Furthermore we recognise the importance of supporting families in providing healthy food and drink to their children. It is acknowledged that the ECEC service has an important role in encouraging, supporting and educating families in healthy eating.
Yes. Clear procedures are in place to support the health, wellbeing and inclusion of all children enrolled at the service. Our service practices to support the enrolment of children and families with specific health care requirements. Medical conditions include, but are not limited to asthma, diabetes or a diagnosis that a child is at risk of anaphylaxis.
Early childhood education & care services have an important role in supporting mothers to continue to breastfeed, as returning to work is a common reason given for stopping breastfeeding. Blinkies Early Education Centres have developed a breastfeeding support plan for families in collaboration with ‘Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding in childcare resource kit’ along with service policy. An individual breastfeeding support plan will be developed for all breastfed children attending care, these are developed in collaboration with the individual family.
Educators engage with children to ensure that they feel safe, supported and respected. It is the responsibility of every staff member to make certain that the dignity and rights of every child are to be maintained at all times at the service.
Emotional development and social relationships are enhanced through thoughtful and sophisticated approaches to conversation, discussion and the promotion of children’s language and communication. Children who experience relationships that are built on respect, fairness, cooperation and empathy are given the opportunity to develop these qualities themselves. When children have positive experiences of interactions they develop an understanding of themselves as significant and respected, and feel a sense of belonging.
All children have the right to belong. Blinkies Early Education Centres have a strong commitment to the inclusion of all children. Interactions within the setting are greatly enhanced when children’s rights and family and cultural values are given due consideration and respect. Administrative procedures, initial conversations, documentation and ongoing communication with children and families are a reference point for interactions and a foundation for authentic and respectful communication.
We continually reflect on our care environment to ensure it is inclusive with equal access to learning environments for all. In collaboration with Inclusion Support Agency we have developed a Strategic Inclusion Plan (SIP) to outline strategies we implement to ensure all children and families are supported and included in our service and program at all times. Professional development training with health professionals and other agencies will be provided for educators to ensure they have the skills and training to ensure effective inclusion is implemented.
Yes. We welcome families to bring birthday cakes to share birthday celebrations with peers at Blinkies. Educators will accommodate the dietary requirements of any child that has specific food requirements.
Blinkies Early Education Centres is currently owned, administered and staffed by people who observe Christian principles and traditions. Our centres display an awareness, acceptance and respect for other cultures and religions. We ask therefore that any family enrolled at this service that practices another religion afford us the same courtesies and understanding in the practices of our faith. We celebrate Christmas through craft/art activities, music, stories and our annual Christmas Concert.
Blinkies Early Education Centres ensures that all children have appropriate opportunities to sleep, rest and relax in accordance with their individual needs, age and developmental stages. We provide beds and cots that comply with Australian Standards. We follow practices and guidelines set out by health authorities including Red Nose to minimise the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).
All children sleeping in cots will have linen provided and laundered by the service after each use. Once your child transitions to a mattress you will be required to provide a bed roll/sleeping bag for your child.
If your child has a specific sleep/comfort aid from home please ensure this is packed to provide comfort for your child (no soft toys as per Red Nose recommendations).
Blinkies Early Education Centres acknowledge that nappy changes and toileting procedures are individualised and culturally appropriate according to the child and family needs. The procedures are conducted in a sensitive, consistent and positive manner which recognises children’s efforts and fosters independence, while understanding physical and emotional needs.
Prior to the toilet training process educators will consult with parents and make observations in an effort to determine a child’s readiness to commence toilet training. Throughout the process educators and parents will share information on the progress whilst at the same time working co-operatively to emphasis the importance of good hygiene practices.
Educators and management reserve the right to postpone toilet training procedure of an individual child should that child’s inability or unwillingness to participate in the process is causing distress or a health risk at the service. The toilet training process will recommence at a time to be determined by educators and in consultation with the child’s parents.
While the daily routine allows for regular toileting times, children will be able to independently, or with assistance, access the toilet and hand washing areas at any time of the day. Toileting is a learning time for each child and educators will positively interact with the child throughout the procedure whilst encouraging each child’s effort to develop independence in toileting, self-help skills and applying simple hygiene practices.
Blinkies Early Education Centres provides SunSmart approved hats for each child – a bucket style hat with a brim size of at least 5cm with a deep crown that protects the face, neck, ears and crown of the head. Staff will ensure hats are worn during outdoor play and we encourage a “no hat play in the shade” strategy. We also provide SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen lotion with parents being required to apply the lotion on arrival. Staff will assume responsibility for subsequent applications of sunscreen either two hourly or twenty minutes prior to recommencing outdoor play.
Parents are encouraged to provide clothing for outdoor play such as loose fitting shirts and dresses with sleeves and collars or covered neckline, longer style skirts, shorts and long pants. If inappropriate clothing is worn children will be encouraged to play in the more shaded areas or provided with service spare clothing. Please note: Midriff, crop or singlet tops do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended.
Please see our full Sun Protection Policy in our Policy and Information booklet.
Blinkies management is committed towards the implementation of:
– Water saving strategies
– Long term goals and budgeting on infrastructure for further water conservation
– Solar Energy Systems
– Use of green cleaning products and green paper products
– Utilisation of low energy globes (where possible)
– Turning power points off at the end of the day
– Minimising the use of cooling and heating systems
– Printing on both sides of the paper
Management, staff and families are encouraged to continue a holistic approach to promoting sustainable values and practices within the Environmental Strategic Plan.
Children, educators and families will participate in developing a respect for the natural environment, flora and fauna and an appreciation of beauty in all manifestations. Educators will help children connect with nature, through the process of embedding educational programs which will enable the centre to become more environmentally sustainable.
Educators will utilise the latest research and teachings to enhance environmental education and practices with play -based learning experiences incorporating the Environmental Strategic Plan which includes:
– Constructing a worm farm and composting
– Growing vegetable, herbs and flowers
– Incorporating natural and/or recycled materials into children’s learning and experiences
– Responsible recycling
– Educating children on the importance of conserving water
– Using resource kits and teaching aids on the topics of water, wildlife, and biodiversity to communicate environmental messages to children
– Provide families with environmental sustainability articles and fact sheets
– Celebrate aspects of environmental awareness events
For a full and detailed estimate of your Child Care Subsidy eligibility go to Services Australia: How much you can get
Educators at this service are focused, active and reflective in the ongoing cycle of learning through planning, documenting and reflecting a balance of planned and spontaneous experiences with intentional teaching to scaffold and extend each child’s learning and development. Educators promote learning and development in a play based learning environment, capturing the interests, strengths and ideas of the individual children in our care setting. Play based learning allows children to explore, discover, take risks, create meaning, negotiate and problem solve, developing the foundations for literacy, numeracy and social skills. Play based learning is central to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), play is an activity where children show their remarkable ability for exploration, imagination and decision making. While play is often described as ‘children’s work’, it is intensely enjoyable for them. The type of play children engage in and its purposes change over the course of childhood from infancy to adolescence. Further information about the importance and value of play in an early childhood setting can be found at Starting Blocks.
Settling into an early childhood education and care service is a major transition and can be an emotional experience for you and your child. Children may experience some challenges settling into a new environment, particularly if they find it hard to separate from family or familiar caregivers. Starting blocks has developed a valuable resource for families to review as they plan their transition to Blinkies, these suggestions may help you support your child during the settling in period. Click here for more information.
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