Enrolment
An enrolment form will need to be completed regarding your child's health, immunisation, custody arrangements, emergency contacts and background. A copy of your child's birth certificate and immunisation will be required. You will also need to name all persons who may deliver or collect your child from the centre, they must be at least 18 years of age. A signature is required/sign in and out by the guardian daily at drop off and collection.
Enrolment must be completed on commencement of care and re-enrolment must be completed again at the end of the year. Please note an orientation will be offered prior to commencement, depending on each child's needs and in collaboration with families, stay and play sessions will be offered. These sessions help children form bonds and help educators learn more about your child, enabling the transition to care more seamless.
Casual bookings are accepted if child/ratio's are maintained. Advanced notice is appreciated, with availability displayed for the week at reception. If any details change on the enrolment form please notify the office immediately.
Absences
Absences due to illness or public holidays are charged at the normal daily rate. Holiday rates are offered at 20% discount when two (2) weeks advanced notice is provided. This rate is offered at a maximum of 10 days per calendar year. As per government regulations every child is entitled to 42 allowable absences a financial year. It is a requirement that when children are absent parents are responsible for confirming the absence upon their child's return to the centre.
What to bring
CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE:
• Formula (an unopened can labelled to be left at the service) or breast milk and empty bottles. Cows milk is provided.
• spare weather appropriate clothes
• broad brim hat
• comforters and/or dummies
CHILDREN OVER THE AGE OF 2 YEARS:
• spare weather appropriate clothes and underwear
• water bottle
• broad rim hat
Please ensure all belongings are clearly named. Nappies and sunscreen supplied by service. Please note is your child is over 12 months and has transitioned to cows milk, this will be provided by the service. Milk alternatives are also provided, please let the director know if your child requires an alternative. Spirals Early Learning is a 'nut free' therefore almond milk cannot be provided.
Rest and Sleep
Rest is an important part of a child's development and rest time is encouraged. Babies routines will be as they determine and follow their home sleep schedule. Toddler and kindy children will have time set aside after the lunch time meal for rest and/or sleep time. For babies our staff follows the safe sleeping guidelines found on SIDS Australia. If a child does not wish to sleep quiet activities will be provided.
Nutrition and Meal Times
Healthy nutritional meals are provided and included in your fee. These are prepared daily by our cook, except breakfast. All meals are balanced, providing 50% of a child's recommended dietary intake. Our menu changes on a regular basis and is displayed near the kitchen and welcome any suggestions or feedback.
If your child has any allergies or special dietary requirements please advise staff of your child's needs. To ensure strict compliance with all nutritional guidelines and children's allergies, we ask all families to not bring any food or drinks into our service.
We are a nut free service
All foods served to children are done so based on their developmental stage, for example puree for infants to self serving platters for kindy age children. Please note birthdays are celebrated at the service in our 'special Spiral's way however due to children's allergies we kindly ask families to not supply birthday cakes or other birthday foods.
Illnesses
For the protection of other children and staff please keep your child at home. We regret that we are unable to care for sick children. It is important to protect children from infection as much as possible and we may request you keep your child at home.
At Spirals Early Learning we follow the recommendations outlined in 'Staying Healthy in Childcare' for all illness and communicable diseases. If your child begins to show any signs or symptoms that might appear to be any of those in the guidelines you will be asked to collect your child and possibly keep them at home. For your convenience we have a table (condensed version) of the guidelines displayed below and at reception.
A medical clearance will be required on your return to our centre if your child has recently suffered from a contagious or contractible illness, and must state there is no further risk of spreading infection and are fit and well. If your child has a temperature (38 degrees and above) you will be informed and asked to collect your child. Paracetamol will not be given without written consent/authority from a parent or guardian.
All injury/illness occurrences that happen at the centre will be recorded on an incident form which is to be signed by a parent/carer. In the event a minor incident occurs first aid will be administered a parent called if deemed necessary. If a more serious situation arises and the nominated supervisors believes it is an emergency an ambulance will be called immediately. The parent will incur the cost of any medical services.
Medications
Medications will only be administered once a medication form has been filled out and signed by a parent/ carer. Medication should always be given to a qualified staff member, and never left in a child's bag. Medication cannot be given in a child's bottle or juice cup. Medication must be provided in the original bottle, with the pharmacy label.
Immunisation
The Western Australian Government has amended the Public Health Act 2016 (WA) and the School Education Act 1999 (WA) to introduce immunisation requirements for enrolment into childcare services in order to receive Child Care Subsidy.
To receive the CCS, as the parent/carer you must provide the immunisation status of your child to us in one of the following ways:
1) An AIR Immunisation History Statement no more than 2 months old with an 'up to date' status
2) An AIR Immunisation History Form no more than 6 months old with an 'up to date' status
3) A valid immunisation certificate issued or declared by the Chief Health Officer.
Please note we cannot accept the purple book/baby books.
Waitlists And Cessation Of Care
From time to time enrolments will need to be carefully monitored to ensure correct staff/child ratio's. This will be adhered to by placing families on a waitlist. At all times Spiral's Early Learning will endeavour to service the local community.
Two weeks advanced written notice must be given if you wish to cease care.
In the event a family leaves the centre without notifying the service and absent days were applied to the child it then becomes a 'cessation of care.' As it is not possible under Family Assistance Law for sessions to attract CCS in these circumstances, therefore the family will be charged the full fee.
Raising Concerns
Please see the appropriate member of staff, such as the qualified room leader. If you believe the concern is not resolved please do not hesitate to speak or email the centre director immediately. It is important any concerns you may have are resolved as quickly as possible.
At Spirals Early Learning we strive to deliver exceptional education and care at all times.
Our centre is always open, although are mindful of the rest/sleep periods for our children. We are here to listen, and value your feedback, input and any concerns. Please feel free to speak with us at any time.
If you believe these issues are not dealt with appropriately the below contact details are for the Child Care Licensing Governing Body:
Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU) Boorloo Campus
Level 7, 130 Stirling Street, Perth
Postal Address
Locked Bag 5000 Fremantle WA 6959
Phone Number
08 6277 3889
