North Brighton Kindergarten - 2021 Family Information Handbook
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North Brighton
Kindergarten
2021 Family Information Handbook
North Brighton Kindergarten
145A Cochrane Street, Brighton, 3186
Telephone: 0466 810 198
northbrightonkindergarten@gmail.com
www.northbrightonkindergarten.org.au
Instagram- North Brighton Kindergarten
Table of contents
Contents
Contact Information ............................................................................................................................... 4
Welcome ............................................................................................................................................ 5
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 5
CHILD SAFE ORGANISATION .................................................................................................................. 5
OUR VISION ....................................................................................................................................... 5
MISSION STATEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 5
OUR PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................................................... 5
OUTCOMES........................................................................................................................................ 6
OUR PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................. 6
ONGOING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ........................................................................................................ 8
Staffing teams / profiles ..................................................................................................................... 8
Session times and term dates ............................................................................................................ 9
SESSIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 9
2021 NBK TERM DATES...................................................................................................................... 9
2021 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ...................................................................................................................... 9
In the children’s words ..................................................................................................................... 10
Your kindergarten experience .............................................................................................................. 11
Your child’s day at kindergarten ...................................................................................................... 11
ARRIVAL AND PICK-UP ....................................................................................................................... 11
WHAT TO WEAR ............................................................................................................................... 11
SUN PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................. 12
WHAT TO BRING ............................................................................................................................... 12
HEALTHY AND SAFE EATING ................................................................................................................ 12
NUDE FOOD ..................................................................................................................................... 12
BIRTHDAYS ...................................................................................................................................... 12
The NBK transition program............................................................................................................. 12
Health and Safety at kindergarten ................................................................................................... 13
INFECTIOUS DISEASES ........................................................................................................................ 13
MEDICATION ................................................................................................................................... 13
ALLERGIES/HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 13
ANAPHYLAXIS ................................................................................................................................... 13
MEDICAL CONDITIONS POLICY ............................................................................................................. 13
NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS .............................................................................................................. 14
NOTICE OF PRIOR INJURY .................................................................................................................... 14
2
HEAD LICE ....................................................................................................................................... 14
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY. .................................................................................................. 14
Emergency Management ................................................................................................................. 14
Immunisation policy ......................................................................................................................... 14
Communication ................................................................................................................................ 15
PROCESSES FOR ALLEVIATING PARENT CONCERNS ................................................................................... 15
PARENT COMPLAINTS ........................................................................................................................ 15
Family involvement .......................................................................................................................... 15
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS ...................................................................................................... 16
BEING ON DUTY ................................................................................................................................ 16
JOINING THE MEMBER COMMITTEES..................................................................................................... 16
FUNDRAISING................................................................................................................................... 16
WORKING BEES ................................................................................................................................ 16
OTHER ............................................................................................................................................ 17
What do parents think? ................................................................................................................... 18
Enrolment and fees .............................................................................................................................. 19
Kindergarten readiness .................................................................................................................... 19
AGE/BIRTHDAY ................................................................................................................................. 19
GROUP PARTICIPATION ...................................................................................................................... 19
GOVERNMENT FUNDING .................................................................................................................... 19
DEFERMENT..................................................................................................................................... 20
Enrolment process ........................................................................................................................... 20
ELIGIBILITY FOR 3-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN ....................................................................................... 20
ELIGIBILITY FOR 4-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN ....................................................................................... 20
CENTRAL REGISTRATION ..................................................................................................................... 20
ENROLMENTS PRIORITY OF ACCESS CRITERIA .......................................................................................... 21
ENROLMENTS FORMS AND TIMELINES ................................................................................................... 21
Fees .................................................................................................................................................. 21
GENERAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING ....................................................................................................... 21
FREE OR LOW COST FUNDING .............................................................................................................. 21
2021 KINDERGARTEN FEES ................................................................................................................ 21
2021 BRIGHTON PLAYROOM FEES ....................................................................................................... 21
Kindergarten policies ........................................................................................................................... 22
Privacy statement ................................................................................................................................ 23
Parent Occupation Index .................................................................................................................. 25
3Contact Information
Phone
Position Name Email
number
North Brighton
Kindergarten northbrightonkindergarten@gmail.com 0466 810 198
Kindergarten
Nominated Kylie Lawson nbk.kylie@gmail.com 0466 810 198
Supervisor Kylie Stanley northbrightonkindergarten@gmail.com
Administration 0466 810 198
Kylie Stanley northbrightonkindergarten@gmail.com
Manager
President
Anne Sidebottom nbkpresident@gmail.com 0407 057 866
(Approved
Natalie Esler 0404 850 957
Provider)
Enrolments Deb Pollock nbkenrolments@gmail.com 0411 740 920
Book Keeper Robina Sheerer nbk.bookkeeper145@gmail.com
Licensee: North Brighton Kindergarten Inc. 10471
ABN 668 4392 3127
Hours and days of operation
The kindergarten is open from 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Monday to Friday during term times
This Service’s Regulatory Authority: Department of Education and Training, 165-169 Thomas Street,
Dandenong, 3175. Ph 8765 5787. Email smr.qar@edumail.vic.gov.au
Policies, procedures and copies of the Education and Care Services National Law and National
Regulations 2011 are available for inspection at the kindergarten and on our website.
The NBK Quality Improvement Plan is available for inspection at the kindergarten.
We at North Brighton Kindergarten would like to say thank you to the Boon Wurrung
people of the Kulin Nations for letting us share your land.
We promise to care for the land, the animals, the plants and each other too.
4Welcome CHILD SAFE ORGANISATION
INTRODUCTION In 2016, the Child Safe Standards were
introduced and North Brighton Kindergarten
Welcome to North Brighton Kindergarten, has worked to meet the 7 Child Safe Standards
(NBK). We hope that your time at the NBK will and become a Child Safe organisation. For more
be a valuable and enjoyable experience for information regarding the standards, please
both you and your children. see; https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safety/being-
NBK is a not-for-profit, member run, a-child-safe-organisation/the-child-safe-
incorporated association offering three and standards/
four-year-old kindergarten programs. We are a
licenced pre-school service, regulated by the OUR VISION
Department of Education and Training (DET).
A nurturing kindergarten environment where
Since our inception as St Stephens children, families and educators collaborate to
Kindergarten in 1974, our fundamental aim create a program and environment where
remains to provide a high quality pre-school
children are safe, challenged and respected.
education at a reasonable cost.
Where children can work with others to become
We operate out of the North Brighton Children’s resilient, respectful and connected to the
Centre provided by the Bayside City Council. natural world, the local community and the
This hub is shared with the North Brighton wider world. At NBK, we work toward being a
Maternal and Child Health Centre and Brighton part of a wider, healthy community.
Playroom; an occasional care facility that offers
after kindergarten care for certain sessions, in MISSION STATEMENT
addition to sessional programs for toddlers and
those not yet ready for kindergarten. This co- The children, families, committee and staff
location offers many opportunities for work together to communicate openly and work
continuous care for your children through their to develop relationships based on respect to
early years. develop well-rounded quality three and four-
NBK children generally go on to attend primary year-old kinder programs where children
school at Elsternwick Primary, or St James develop a love of learning in a safe, respectful,
Catholic Primary School. challenging and connected environment, and
where families feel a sense of community and
NBK is managed by a member run Committee
of Management (CoM), elected at the Annual connection.
General Meeting. The CoM work closely with,
OUR PHILOSOPHY
and to support, the team of teachers leading
our quality, outstanding early learning We work towards North Brighton Kindergarten
program. (NBK) being safe, respectful, caring and
NBK’s programs and processes are guided by welcoming. Children are active and playful
the National Quality Framework (NQF) for early participants in learning, active explorers of their
childhood education. The NQF raises quality community and environment and have the
and drives continuous improvement and opportunity to take part in a broad range of fun,
consistency in Australian education and care playful and enjoyable experiences. Children are
services. In 2018, NBK was assessed overall as viewed as capable and competent and are
Exceeding the National Quality Standards. supported and encouraged to experience risk
NBK recognises that the needs of families taking, to initiate and lead learning and to be
attending the kindergarten have changed since actively involved in their learning.
the kindergarten first opened. Our Quality
Improvement Plan (QIP) guides the We believe that the wellbeing of children is
kindergarten’s focus for continuous positively influenced by being connected with a
improvement in providing a quality education healthy and active community, with families
program and experience. who are active and engaged in their child’s
educational experience, and families who
engage with information and resources to
support their parenting. A belief in fostering
5inclusive partnerships with children and families health and self-regulations skills. Developing
whilst meeting children at their unique social and emotional skills are embedded in our
developmental level achieves positive outcomes everyday practice. We intentionally support the
for children. development of lifelong learning dispositions
such as resilience, persistence, confidence and
Our teaching team believe that being collaboration.
collaborative, consultative, knowledgeable,
reflective and well informed are important Our high-quality educational programs reflect
aspects of our role. Our teaching team believe the children’s emerging interests and promote
it is important for us to be curious and to enjoy learning and growth across all areas of their
learning along with the children, families and development. The children will have
our colleagues. opportunities to take part in a broad range of
carefully planned experiences that will help
We plan for the children to have the opportunity
them develop their skills and knowledge. This
to be exposed to new ideas, experiences and
will help them not only in the transition to the
knowledge with the intention of children
next level of education, but also nurture an
developing skills, dispositions and knowledge
interest in learning that will benefit the children
that are beneficial now, in the next stage of
throughout their lives. We aim for children to
their education and beyond. We support each
have a love of learning and to be learners for
child to develop a connection with the natural
life.
environment and to develop a commitment
toward sustainability. Our educators work with a play-centred
approach that has an emphasis on children’s
NBK is a place for children and their families to
self-involvement and self-responsibility. We are
make friends and to practice listening,
intentional in creating a learning environment
communicating, negotiating with others and to
that is rich in experiences and interactions with
develop sharing, caring and respectful working
opportunities for children to use thinking skills,
relationships with others. Children are
to choose, negotiate, problem solve, to be
encouraged and supported to develop
responsible for their environment and to take
independence, respect, creativity, curiosity,
risks.
persistence and confidence. Every child is
supported to participate in the program, to play Excursions and incursions are planned with the
and to develop a love of learning. intention of complimenting and maximizing the
learning opportunities in our programs. We love
OUTCOMES to get out and about in our local environment.
§ A kindergarten community connected We are so lucky to have the support of our
to our natural, social and educational families who get out into our community with
environments us. We really value family involvement and
§ A safe learning environment collaboration as this allows children the very
§ A respectful environment for learning in best opportunity to reach their full potential.
relation to nature, self and others
§ A challenging environment to promote
learning through risk taking
§ Healthy minds and healthy lifestyles We have been increasingly focused on
OUR PROGRAM gardening and creating an environment
where the children can contribute
Our educational programs privilege the
importance of relationships. We attach great
actively to the changes in our
importance to supporting each child’s wellbeing kindergarten yard. Giving children the
as this will have lifelong implications for a opportunity to contribute and have an
person’s relationships, educational success and
impact on our environment speaks to our
community participation. We work hard to
create a sense of community and belonging. We philosophy of children being active
plan and implement learning around participants and making decisions.
mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, mental
6Guiding frameworks Elsternwick. Children are best able to develop a
NBK programs are guided by the following positive attitude to starting school when they
frameworks that outline practices supporting have opportunities to talk about what it will be
and promoting children’s learning: the Victorian like and are given realistic information about
Early Years Learning and Development school experiences and expectations. Providing
Framework (VEYLDF) and Belonging, Being and children with opportunities to visit a school
Becoming: The Early Years Learning setting with trusted educators, peers and
Framework for Australia (EYLF). parent helpers is one way we support children’s
Our programs take into account the five positive transition to school.
learning outcomes: identity, community,
wellbeing, communication, and learning. These Research shows the importance of community
are broad outcomes that identify the skills, connections for the health and wellbeing of its
knowledge and dispositions children will need citizens. Children who are connected and feel
to be successful learners now and in the future. that they belong in their communities are more
For more information, please speak to the
likely to develop a strong identity and positive
teachers or you can access the framework and
sense of self.
explanatory documents online at
https://www.education.gov.au/early-years-
learning-framework-0. At the beginning of the year, you will be asked
to fill out a permission form for your child to
Community connections participate in excursions to support community
We are proud of the strong community connection, with details on the locations your
connections that we have developed and child will be attending throughout the year. If
nurtured. you have any questions or concerns about this
program, please speak to your child’s teacher,
Since 2015 we have been visiting the residents or our Educational Leader, Kylie Lawson.
at local aged care facility Arcare. There is a Program structure
multitude of current literature which supports NBK has small class sizes of 22 children, which
the immense benefits of intergenerational reflects our understanding of the importance of
programs for all involved. Our connection with quality interactions between educators and
Arcare supports the children to develop children. Smaller class sizes mean we have the
empathy for the elderly and to learn firsthand time to really prioritise those interactions.
that you can feel good about yourself by doing Each program is run by a team of educators
something for others. Other great outcomes for including:
the children include developing a love and
respect of our environment, reading road signs § a teacher, with a university
qualification specialising in early
and house numbers together, time for shared,
childhood;
sustained conversation, and learning about and
§ an experienced assistant (educator);
practicing road safety. and
§ an appropriately qualified educator to
The children’s sense of belonging to their cover the teacher and educators for
community is enhanced during our visits to St. their lunch on the long days.
Stephens gardens. The learning that happens
The educators are also supported by a
in the garden enhances dispositions such as parent/guardian who assists with the session,
curiosity and problem-solving. Other learning known as ‘being on duty’.
includes working as a team, having greater
respect for the environment, understanding the Teachers maintain individual records of each
origins of food and respecting shared spaces. child’s progress, learning and overall
development. The records remain confidential
The children are exposed to maths and science
and parents can discuss them with the teacher
concepts. They can connect with their outdoor at any time.
environment through all of their senses.
We also have fantastic community connections
with local primary schools; St. James and
7ONGOING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT seek to support a sense of wellbeing in children.
I do this by encouraging independence and
NBK uses the NQF and National Quality developing a sense of agency. Agency is the
Standard (NQS) in order to develop the Quality knowledge that we have influence over our own
Improvement Plan (QIP) which guides our lives and has been shown to be a positive
direction. The QIP is an ever evolving influence in the development of resilient
document, and is continually informed by new wellbeing in adulthood.’
learning. Our teaching team keep abreast of
current research and look at how our programs Marg Mason, 3-year-old Blue Group and 4-
can be responsive to research to ensure our year-old Green Group Educator
programs are relevant and enriching.
‘I have worked at this beautiful kindergarten for
The QIP is available for you to view at the over 10 years now. I have a passion for
kindergarten. Family input is important to us, gardening and have been working with the
and we offer a number of formal opportunities children to create an interactive space outdoors
and ways for you to contribute throughout the where our children can be involved and be
active participants in creating a beautiful
year. Along with the formal opportunities, our
space.’
teachers, educators and CoM also take on
board what families say in everyday interactions
and think about how we can improve the
Kate Martin, 4-year-old Red Group Educator
experience for children and families.
‘I have worked at this lovely kindergarten for
Staffing teams / profiles many years in a number of positions. I have a
particular interest in children’s art and love to
Kylie Lawson, Educational Leader and 4-year-
create aesthetically pleasing spaces and
old Green Group Teacher resources for the children to explore and enjoy.’
‘I have been working at NBK for a number of
years and feel privileged to work with an
outstanding team of educators. I am passionate Kylie Stanley, Nominated Supervisor and
about developing links with the wider Administration Manager
community and have enjoyed leading our
intergenerational connectivity program, which Following 3 years as the President of NBK, Kylie
is a part of the ‘The Little Red Wagon project’. joined the team in an administrative role to
It has been wonderful to see firsthand the support the CoM and staff. Her role is to assist
immense benefit for both the elders and the the CoM and staff to ensure NBK runs smoothly
children. I have a particular interest in the and ensure; we are fully compliant across all
importance of teaching kindness and caring and the legislation and that NBK is a great place for
I love sharing and promoting this interest with our staff to work at.
the NBK teaching and parenting community. I
enjoy ongoing professional learning and the use
of reflective practice and see these as valuable
tools for improving teaching practice and for
providing the best possible outcomes for
children and their families.
Kim Burgess, 4-year-old Red Group and 3-year-
old Red Group Teacher
‘I have a particular interest in children’s health
and wellbeing. I am personally and
professionally invested in health and wellbeing.
If my own is at its best, it will flow into all areas
of my life. I am then a better teacher and able
to nourish my relationships with children.
My relationships with children and their families
provide a solid foundation for supporting
children’s holistic education. This is also why I
8Session times and term dates
SESSIONS
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8.30 – 12.15
8.30 – 11.30
Green 4 yo
BLUE 3 yo
8.30 – 4.00 8.30 – 4.00 RED 8.30 – 4.00 RED
GREEN 4 yo 4 yo 4 yo
12.15 – 4.00 1.00 – 4.00
GREEN 4 yo BLUE 3 yo
8:40-12:00 12.30 – 4.00
Before care at After care at
Brighton Brighton
Playroom Playroom
For Green Group families there is a wraparound service provided on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• After-kindergarten care is available on Friday (until 4.00 pm) at Brighton Playroom.
• Before-kindergarten care is available on Wednesday (8:40am– 12:00pm) at Brighton
Playroom.
Enrol directly through Brighton Playroom www.brightonplayroom.com.au
2021 NBK TERM DATES
Term 1 28th January –1st April
Term 2 19th April – 25th June
Term 3 12th July – 17th September
Term 4 4th October – 17th December
Please refer to the letter (sent at the end of the year by your teacher) for staggered start times at the
beginning of the year, to allow for our important transition to the kindergarten program.
2021 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Labour Day Monday 9 March
Good Friday Friday 2 April
Anzac Day Sunday 25 April
Queen’s Birthday Monday 14 June
Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 2 November
9In the children’s words
“Today on the mat, I spoke to the children and told them that we needed their help to make a book
about kinder. I explained that they had such good ideas and knew so many things that I wanted to ask
them about what we should put in the book. Talking to children like this shows them that we see them
as knowledgeable and capable and builds their self-esteem.” Kylie, 4yo teacher
If someone new is starting kinder,
what do they need to know?
§ Not to waste water – Pia, ‘cos
it’s precious – Asia
§ Don’t waste paper – Asia, So What do you like most about
you don’t have to chop down kindergarten?
trees – Pia
§ No snatching because it’s not
§ Playdough ‘cos it’s soft – Violet
nice – Ava
§ Cooking, sometimes for
§ No hurting someone. So no one
someone’s birthday – Camille
gets hurt – Henry
§ Clay, ‘cos you can make
§ You have to put your snack in
whatever you like – Sophie
your locker, put your drink bottle
§ Eating snack – Oliver
on the trolley, wash your hands
§ Helping the people who are new
and sit on the mat. – Pia
– Lucinda
§ You have to use kind words –
§ I like poison ball – Giselle
Alejandra
§ I like playing games outside –
§ You have water to keep being
William
hydrated - Will
§ Archie and me doing teamwork
with blocks - Hughie
What will the new children need to
bring to kindergarten?
§ Their snack – Sophie
§ Bring your water bottle – Henry
§ A hat, a jacket, a lunchbox,
hairclips, an umbrella in case it’s
rainy and a drink bottle. –
Dakota
§ Hat – Ava
§ No bringing toys ‘cos if you play
with them at kinder you might
lose them – Jack
10Please note that staff can only release children
NBK shares the premises with Brighton into the care of people who are authorised by
the parent/guardians to collect their children.
Playroom and the Maternal and Child Parents/guardians give authorisation on the
Health Services. Therefore, we ask that enrolment form. For this reason, please put
all parents respect the rights of other down contact names of at least two or more
persons who are authorised to collect your child
users and supervise their children in the on the enrolment form. We also request that
shared areas. Please ensure that the you nominate a parent in your child’s group.
front gate is kept closed at all times, and (Refer to our delivery and Collection of Children
Policy)
note that smoking is not allowed in any
part of the building or outside areas. Parents can update this information at any time
as circumstances change. Additional people can
be added to this list in person, or via writing
(email/or letter). If you wish to update via a
Your kindergarten experience phone call, you will need to follow that request
up in writing. If staff have not met the person
Your child’s day at kindergarten picking up previously, please ensure they bring
photo ID in order to confirm their identity.
The following information gives you an outline
For further details, please see our Delivery and
of what to expect when preparing to send your
Collection of Children policy, available in the
child to kindergarten. If you have any other
kindergarten foyer and on our website.
questions, please do not hesitate to speak to
the teacher. WHAT TO WEAR
ARRIVAL AND PICK-UP We get messy at kinder! We have smocks, but
it is better if children can participate without
Each day you arrive with your child, you are
worrying about their clothing. Please dress your
required to come inside and register the child’s
child in clothes that are easily washed. We like
name, actual time of arrival and the name of
to get outside in all the weather, including rain.
person collecting the child. On collecting your
There are wonderful sensory and learning
child, you must write the actual time of pick-up
opportunities in the rain, so please pack a
and sign your name. This is a Victorian
waterproof jacket for those rainy days. Your
Department of Education and Training (DET)
child will feel more confident if dressed in
requirement so the teachers know exactly how
clothes that he/she can easily manage. Skirts
many children are in the kindergarten at any
and dresses make climbing difficult and will stop
time. It is a legal document and must be filled
girls from participating fully.
out correctly.
Please always pack a spare set of clothing.
It is helpful if parents leave the room promptly
Toileting accidents can happen unexpectedly,
after saying goodbye. Children find it easier to
but also sometimes children get wet or too
concentrate once their parents have left the
messy and like to have their own clothes to
building and it also assists those children who
change into. We do have a limited supply of
are having difficulty settling in. Please speak to
spares for emergencies. Please name all articles
your teacher if you have any concerns.
of clothing and footwear.
It is important to collect your child on time at
Appropriate footwear minimises the chances of
the end of the session. It is very distressing to
accidents. Thongs, clogs and crocs are not
be left behind when all the other children have
allowed at any time. Shoes with leather soles
gone. If you realise you are going to be late,
can also be slippery and hazardous and are not
please call and notify staff members. The
recommended.
delivery and collection policy outlines the
circumstances in which a late collection fee can You are now able to purchase NBK Logo
be charged. These are applied if a parent is clothing (t-shirt, long sleeved t-shirt, jumper
consistently late and has reminded by a staff and hats) from Eduthreads. Items are available
member or a committee member to collect their in an assortment of colours.
child on time.
https://eduthreads.com.au/collections/north-
brighton-kindergarten
11You can order all through the year. It would be § dry biscuits
great for children to have a t-shirt for § cheese
excursions. The kindergarten receives 10% of § yogurt.
all sales.
We encourage families not to provide unhealthy
SUN PROTECTION options, such as chips, chocolates or drinks
other than water. Please note, a special treat
NBK has adopted a Sun Protection Policy. This every so often for your child is OK.
means your child must wear a legionnaires,
bucket or broad brimmed hat and sunscreen for Please don’t pack nuts!
outdoor play once the UV rating is 3 or over. As part of our risk minimisation plan, we ask
This starts to happen in August, through to the that children do not bring any nuts or products
end of April. We use the SunSmart App to check containing nuts to NBK. This includes peanut
the rating each day. Children must also have butter, Nutella, and any muesli bars containing
shoulders covered, so strappy dresses or nuts. If children have these foods in their lunch
singlets do not meet the sun protection policy. boxes, they will not be allowed to consume
(A t-shirt under strappy tops can be a suitable them while on the kindergarten premises.
compromise.)
We have other strategies in place to deal with
Please apply sunscreen before the child comes allergies to other foods. You will be advised if a
to kindergarten. We re-apply sunscreen in the child in your group has other anaphylactic
afternoon on the long days for four year olds. allergies to other foods. We thank you in
If your child requires sunscreen for sensitive advance for your co-operation and
skin, please ensure a named bottle is in your understanding. Please see the Anaphylaxis
child’s bag. policy in the orange policy folder by the
WHAT TO BRING entrance for further information or on our
website.
Children in all programs should have:
NUDE FOOD
§ water bottle (no juice or cordial)
§ lunch box with healthy snacks NBK encourages families to support a
§ large backpack to carry everything sustainable future by packing rubbish free
(including completed artwork) ‘nude’ snacks and lunches. There are many
§ coat in winter lunch boxes and containers available for
§ hat in summer purchase that have compartments for you to
§ spare change of clothes. supply food without wrappers.
Children in the four-year-old sessions should Please ensure that your children are able to
also bring the following for long day sessions: open/close and manage their lunch boxes and
containers. It is a good idea to have some
§ a healthy lunch, along with the snack in practice runs with the containers you will use at
a lunchbox kindergarten before the start of the year.
All items sent to kinder should be clearly
labelled. Please include snacks that children can
BIRTHDAYS
open themselves. This promotes independence Children love to celebrate their birthdays.
and self-esteem. Please send individual cakes or treats, either on
HEALTHY AND SAFE EATING the day or the nearest day. Cream cakes are
not suitable and cakes must not contain nuts.
NBK supports healthy eating, teaching children Talk to the staff if you have any questions.
that eating healthy food will make them strong
and ready to learn. Throughout the year, The NBK transition program
children will be provided with opportunities to At the beginning of the year, NBK runs a
learn about food, nutrition and healthy transition program for each group, whereby
lifestyles. initial sessions are shorter and contain fewer
Nutritious ideas for snacks and lunches include: children. Our experience shows that this is an
invaluable program for numerous reasons.
§ sandwiches/wraps/rolls
§ fruit § It gives the teaching staff the time to
§ vegetables get to know your child. With less
12children, we can focus on individual that ensures confidentiality for the child who is
interactions and relationships rather unwell. Exclusion Table
than group management. Relationships
Good Hygiene is important to staying healthy.
are fundamental to a successful year
We encourage children to wash their hands
and we want to ensure those key
upon entering the service, and before and after
learning relationships get off to a good
eating. Encourage your child to blow their nose
start.
using a tissue. Then dispose of the tissue in the
§ It gives the children the opportunity to
bin and wash their hands afterwards. We
familiarise themselves with their new
reinforce this in the kindergarten program too.
environment – location of work areas,
Please refer to our Hygiene Policy.
equipment, bathroom and playground.
§ It is easier for children to meet and
establish relationships with other
children when they are in smaller MEDICATION
groups. If your child requires medication, please notify
§ Smaller groups result in less noise and the staff. This must be written in the medication
general busyness in the room. This book and signed by both parent and teacher.
allows the children to feel safer and
secure in the kindergarten ALLERGIES/HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
environment.
§ While some children in the four-year- Any allergies or other health requirements
old groups will have attended three- should be noted in the child’s enrolment form.
year-old kindergarten at NBK, others in Remember children will bring birthday cakes
the group will have had no prior and other food into the kindergarten, so it is
experience at this kindergarten. The important to ensure the teachers are aware of
transition program helps us cater for any allergies or sensitivities.
the needs of all children in the group. ANAPHYLAXIS
§ We are able to plan for each individual
child’s needs more accurately. Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergy reaction
§ We have more opportunity to observe and it can be fatal. While the incidence of death
and find out about each child’s from anaphylaxis is rare, children can die
individual interests. This helps us to without appropriate intervention.
develop a connection with each child
and develop program planning based In accordance with the Education and Care
on the children’s interests. Services National Regulations, 2011, NBK has
§ Experience and current studies have developed an Anaphylaxis Management policy.
taught us that young children benefit If you would like to view the details of this
from this style of introduction. policy, it is located in the orange policy file in
the entrance to the kinder and on our website.
Please speak to your child’s teacher if you have
any questions or concerns. NBK has children currently being cared for with
anaphylaxis, so it is important to pay attention
Health and Safety at kindergarten to the signs in the kindergarten and notes from
teachers. In line with this policy, children will be
INFECTIOUS DISEASES required to wash their hands when they arrive
at kinder and after consuming food.
Regular attendance at kindergarten is
important, but please keep your child away if MEDICAL CONDITIONS POLICY
they are sick or could be infectious. Please call
or email your teacher to let them know if your NBK has in place a policy that provides
child will be absent, or if they have had an guidelines to ensure that clear procedures
infectious disease. It is important that you are exist to support the health, wellbeing and
aware of your responsibilities as per our Dealing inclusion of all children enrolled at the service,
with Infections Diseases Policy. including those with specific health care
requirements.
A poster setting out the symptoms and
contagious period of infectious diseases in This policy considers the management of
children is on display at NBK. All parents will be medical conditions, when a Risk Management
notified if any infectious illness occurs, in a way
Plan is required, the development of a medical
13management plan and the ways in which We have developed a number of strategies to
communication between the kindergarten and ensure we are meeting the Child Safe Standards
the child’s family will occur. and to ensure the safety of the children in the
NBK community. These include a Code of
Conduct for Families, a commitment to ongoing
NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS staff training and continued awareness raising
within our community. We have risk
In the event that a child has a minor accident, minimisation plans and policies to guide our
the parent/guardian will be notified at pick-up practice, which are all available for you to see.
time. If there is a major accident and
We are committed to empowering the children
emergency care is required, the parents or
through teaching and ensuring their
emergency contact will be notified and medical,
hospital or ambulance services may be participation. We acknowledge that particular
arranged if appropriate. All accidents are knowledge and strategies are required to
recorded on an accident notification form. ensure the (cultural and otherwise) safety of
Parents will be informed of all incidents and Aboriginal children, children from culturally and
must sign the documentation. Our staff team linguistically diverse backgrounds and children
are all trained in first aid. A well-stocked first with a disability. Please speak to Kylie or your
aid kit is accessible in the kinder room. child’s teacher if you would like to see any of
these documents, or would like further
NOTICE OF PRIOR INJURY
information. You will be sent a copy of our code
If your child has injured themselves outside of of conduct at the start of the year and asked to
kinder, please let the staff know when you bring sign a form saying you agree to abide by it. This
your child in to their session. You will be code outlines appropriate interactions with the
required to fill in the Documentation of Prior members of our community including children,
Injury form. These practices ensure that we can and a copy is on display at the kinder.
best care for your child and fulfil legislative
requirements.
HEAD LICE Emergency Management
The occurrence of an outbreak of head lice is NBK has an Emergency Management Plan that
difficult to avoid. Please inform the teacher if considers potential risks to the kindergarten
you find head lice in your child’s hair. Children and specifies actions to be taken in the event of
will be excluded from kindergarten until an emergency, including an evacuation and a
appropriate treatment is given. As per our lockdown.
policy, children can return to kindergarten after
The emergency procedures are displayed in the
their hair has been treated. We ask that parents
notify us early so we can help to minimise the kinder room near the door to the playground.
spread. Please rest assured that we maintain Please see the orange policy and procedures
confidentiality at all times. folder for more detailed information. The
children will be participating in practices
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY. throughout the year.
As part of meeting the Child Safe Standards, Immunisation policy
Kylie Lawson has been assigned the Child
Safety Officer. If you have any concerns From 1 January 2016, all parents/guardians
regarding a child’s safety, particularly in regards seeking to enrol their child at an early childhood
to children at risk of abuse, please speak to service in Victoria must provide evidence that
Kylie, or the Approved Provider (as named on their child is:
the front door.) If you believe a child is at
immediate risk of abuse, please call 000. The § fully immunised for their age OR
phone number for Child protection through The § unable to be fully immunised for
Orange Door service is 1800 319 353. Any adult medical reasons.
in the state of Victoria, that holds a reasonable The ‘No Jab No Play’ law applies to all early
belief that a sexual offence has been committed childhood education and care services in
against a child, is legally obliged to disclose it Victoria, including kindergarten.
to the police.
14You must provide evidence of your child’s § an annual survey
immunisation status to enrol at North Brighton § regular informal communication with
Kindergarten. You can obtain a copy of your your child’s teacher and co-educator
child’s most recent Immunisation History § the planned educational curriculum,
Statement via: displayed in the foyer and emails
regarding the curriculum and events for
• your Medicare online account through
the group.
MyGov
§ parent-teacher interviews around the
• express Plus Medicare mobile app
middle of the year.
• call the Australian Immunisation
§ phone calls and emails.
Register enquiries line 1800 653 80 (it
will take 14 days to receive a copy) If you have any concerns about your child at
kinder please arrange a time to speak with your
You can send a pdf copy to child’s teacher.
nbk.enrolments@gmail.com or bring a copy in
to the Kindergarten. PROCESSES FOR ALLEVIATING PARENT CONCERNS
If your child has a medical reason that he It is possible that issues will arise that are of
or she cannot be vaccinated, you will need concern to parents. NBK is committed to
that recorded with the Australian keeping parents included and informed about
Immunisation Register, and your child’s activities at the kinder and we encourage
Immunisation History Statement will have families to reciprocate by keeping us informed
that indicated. on matters on which they seek clarification.
Open and respectful communication between
If your child was vaccinated overseas, you must home and NBK is encouraged so that areas of
obtain an immunisation status certificate from potential misunderstanding can be clarified
a general practitioner or immunisation nurse, before a problem occurs.
who will assess your international immunisation
If there is a problem or concern, or if you have
records, update the Australian Immunisation
a suggestion, there are various people who are
Register, and then you will be able to get the
available to respond. The class teacher is the
Immunisation History Statement to provide to
first point of contact. If that presents
kinder.
difficulties, an appointment can be made with
If your child receives new immunisations please the President.
provide an updated statement.
PARENT COMPLAINTS
Communication
NBK is committed to the resolution, where
NBK is committed to promoting a friendly, possible, of complaints to the mutual
comfortable and cooperative relationship satisfaction of those involved. A Complaints
between parents and teaching staff. NBK has a policy is in the policy manual outlining the
Communication Policy that provides guidelines procedures for the Grievance Sub-Committee
for communication between parents, staff and who will follow up and aim to resolve
the Committee of Management. complaints.
There are many ways that communication Parents are encouraged, in the first instance
occurs at the kinder including: and if comfortable to do so, to raise concerns
directly with the person/persons involved in
§ this handbook order to resolve the concerns without recourse
§ notice boards to the complaints procedure. Complaints can be
§ EdSmart for Permission slips, raised with the Executive; contact details are
information from the Committee, located in the main entrance.
Management and teaching staff
regarding things such as social events
and fundraising, health alerts, and
much more.
Family involvement
§ class parent representatives who liaise NBK has a strong community and many lifelong
between parents, staff and the friendships have formed at kindergarten.
Committee of Management Getting involved in NBK activities not only
§ notices in your child’s kinder pocket directly benefits your child, but also enables
15you to meet other parents and socialise. We § to manage the kindergarten by
believe that family involvement and community maintaining its financial viability,
participation adds to the strength of our ensuring compliance with all applicable
community and works to create a safer regulations, and monitoring all aspects
community for our children. of the running of the Kindergarten; and
§ as an employer, to be responsible for
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS employing suitably qualified and
New legislation came into effect on the 1st of experienced staff and supporting those
August, 2017. While parents are not required to staff wherever possible in offering a
have a Working with Children Check when creative and stimulating program.
helping out at the kindergarten, we do The Parent Committee is the principle meeting
encourage families to get one. Many of the local point for the kindergarten community. Its roles
schools require families to have one in order to vary, with the main focus of guiding and
help out at the school, and they are quite easy informing fundraising, social events, and
to get. The legislation does require that other working bees. The committee is an important
family members such as grandparents and forum for discussing significant issues facing
Kinship carers have one before helping out at the kindergarten.
the kinder. Also, anyone employed to work with
the children (e.g. Nannies and babysitters.) are Participation on the CoM and/or Parent
also required to have a check. You can apply Committee offers an excellent opportunity to
online by filling out a form at the following become involved in the operation of NBK, get
website. It is free for volunteers. to know the teachers better, and to meet other
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/ parents. It is also essential to maintaining the
current NBK ‘community feel’ and for keeping
As part of our risk minimisation plan, we do the costs of running the kindergarten to a
require that all volunteers on excursions have minimum. If a CoM can’t be elected, the
a current Working with Children Check. kindergarten would need to move to a different
management model, whereby the management
BEING ON DUTY
of the kindergarten would be outsourced to a
NBK is a community-style kindergarten that centralised organisation, potentially resulting in
relies upon the voluntary help of parents to increased costs and loss of autonomy.
keep fees reasonable. Position descriptions for both committees are in
Children enjoy having a parent or guardian the Governance policy in the orange Policy, on
assist at kindergarten. Parent duty rosters are our website and are mailed out before the AGM.
placed in the foyer each term, and it is essential If you have any suggestions or concerns
that a parent or guardian do these duties once regarding NBK’s management, please feel free
or twice a term. If you cannot attend yourself, to contact the President.
please swap the day with another parent or
have a nanny/grandparent etc. fill in for you. FUNDRAISING
Being on duty gives you a great opportunity to
get to know the children in the group, and to Our aim with fundraising is to be mindful of how
see a kinder session in action. much we are asking of families, and to ensure
that there are other benefits from the
JOINING THE MEMBER COMMITTEES fundraising in addition to raising much needed
additional funds. Our large event is a fun night
NBK is run and supported by two committees: out, and smaller events can often require
the Committee of Management (CoM) and the parent participation e.g. Bunnings sausage
Parent Committee. Members of these sizzles and cake stalls.
committees are voted in at the Annual General
Meeting (AGM, generally held in November) If you have any fundraising suggestions or time
from the association’s membership. Members to commit to this important part of NBK, please
can include parents/guardians or any individual speak with a member of the committee.
who has applied to be a member. WORKING BEES
As an incorporated association the CoM
manages the business and affairs of the Working bees are held a few times a year on a
association. The main functions are: weekend to maintain the kindergarten. Work
concentrates on safety factors and ensuring all
16the equipment is maintained in a good
condition. More hands make light work.
OTHER
Other ways you can help with the smooth
running of the kindergarten include:
§ Helping to take the children on
excursions
§ Mending/sewing toys or smocks
§ Washing smocks and dress-ups
§ Reading stories, sharing events, and I was a member of the CoM for 3 years.
celebrations
Moving from general member, to HR to
§ Sharing skills such as playing a musical
instrument, cooking, singing, reading President. I loved being a part of the
stories in another language etc. team. At first it was overwhelming; being
§ Donating items, such as materials for responsible for the running of the kinder
collage and pasting – please do not
throw out any interesting boxes, especially the skilled and professional
ribbons, wrapping paper or old clothes teaching staff, but over time you learn a
for dress ups. huge amount, begin to contribute and
finally become confident to make
decisions that impact the whole kinder
community.
Supporting our professional and
dedicated teaching staff was a privilege.
Being part of the Committee of
My boys also loved that I “was the boss”
Management since 2019 has solidified
at their kinder (haha).
my decision about choosing NBK as the
I highly recommend joining the team.
kindergarten for our family.
You will make friends who you will know
Communication with the Educational
for years to come, you will make
Leader and NBK Presidents and other
contributions to enhance your child’s
committee members on a monthly basis
early learning and you will be a part of
has shown me how valued and respected
decisions that influence the greater
each and every child and family at NBK
community, your community.
is. Being on the Committee has felt like
Kylie, 2016 - 2018
being a part of another family and
knowing about what goes on ‘behind the
scenes’ really has helped me understand
how hard working our kinder teachers
are, not to mention out amazing
volunteer committee.
Leanne, current
17What do parents think?
The North Brighton experience is often as rewarding for the parents as it is for the children.
One of the lovely things about being part
of the North Brighton Kinder community
is the familiarity for the children. They NBK is a great way to meet other
walk past their friends’ houses on the families and be part of an enthusiastic
way to kinder, know each other’s siblings and dynamic group of people who care
and foster relationships, which in my about the beginning of their children's
experience, extends beyond the pre- education. I loved being on the
school years. – Melanie committee of management and being
involved in the decision making for the
direction of the kinder, as well as the
social activities organised by the
committee. It was also great to be able
to provide support to the fantastic
NBK offers our family a strong teaching staff at the kinder. – Joanne
connection to the community. It gives
our son the opportunity to explore, learn
the value of play and build resilience. –
Belinda
The thing I love most about NBK is
meeting the wonderful families in our
community. I have had three children at
this kinder and my children and I have
made such amazing friends. – Melinda
We have had a wonderful experience at NBK. The staff are just amazing
and so much more than just ‘educators’. Friendly, nurturing and
extremely approachable, they provide a supportive and fun environment
for my children. They share a thorough understanding of my child’s
capabilities and disposition and the attention to detail and the
observations they make are always so spot-on. We are so fortunate to be
part of a place that promotes such a positive level of community spirit.
NBK has provided a great opportunity for us to meet other parents in the
area and to also develop many long-term friendships. I really cannot
recommend NBK highly enough! – Susan
When we first started, we'd been told it
was good but didn't know what to
expect. Once we started, we saw how
awesome the staff are, cool activities,
great facilities. Bottom line, the kids are
happy there! – Andrew
18You can also read
