Brentwood Kindergarten operates in accordance with numerous policies and procedures which adhere to legislative, regulatory and funding requirements, and meet the needs of educators, children, parents/guardians and committee members.
Our policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they reflect Brentwood Kindergarten’s individual service philosophy, needs, practices, beliefs and values.
If you have any queries regarding our policies and procedures, please do not hesitate to speak with a staff member or the Kindergarten’s Compliance Officer who forms part of the Committee of Management.
You can access all of Brentwood Kindergarten’s polices below. While Brentwood Kindergarten regularly updates its policies on the website, the most up to date copy of our policies are available at the kindergarten.
For a list of commonly referred to terms used throughout the policies and their associated definition, please click here.
This policy outlines procedures to be followed when:
- obtaining written authorisation from a parent/guardian or person authorised and named in the enrolment record
- refusing written authorisation from a parent/guardian or person authorised and named in the enrolment record.
Click here to read the Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisations Policy.
This policy provides guidelines for the administration of first aid at Brentwood Kindergarten.
This policy clearly defines the:
- procedures to be followed when a child requires medication while attending Brentwood Kindergarten
- storage of medication
- responsibilities of nominated supervisor, early childhood teacher, educators, staff parents/guardians and the approved provider to ensure the safe administration of medication at Brentwood Kindergarten.
This policy provides guidelines to Brentwood Kindergarten to:
- minimise the risk of an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis occurring while children are in the care of Brentwood Kindergarten
- ensure that service staff respond appropriately to allergic reactions including anaphylaxis by following the child’s ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions
- raise awareness of allergies and anaphylaxis and appropriate management amongst all at the service through education and policy implementation
- working with parents/guardians of children with either an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis or ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions in understanding risks and identifying and implementing appropriate risk minimisation strategies and communication plan to support the child and help keep them safe.
Click here to read the Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions Policy.
This policy will outline the procedures to:
- ensure ECT’s/educators, staff and families are aware of their obligations and the best practice management of asthma at Brentwood Kindergarten
- ensure that all necessary information for the effective management of children with asthma enrolled at Brentwood Kindergarten is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when required
- requirements for medical management plans are provided by parents/guardians for the child
- ensuring Asthma Action Plans are provided by parents/guardians for the child prior to commencement
- develop risk-minimisation and communication plans with parents/guardians
- respond to the needs of children who have not been diagnosed with asthma and who experience breathing difficulties (suspected asthma attack) at the service
- ensure ECT’s/educators, staff and families follow the advice from Emergency Management Victoria associated with thunderstorm asthma event.
This policy provides a clear set of guidelines and procedures for Brentwood Kindergarten to:
- provide a safe environment for all children which ensures their safety, health and wellbeing
- promote the cultural safety of all children
- identify, reduce and remove risks of child abuse
- intervene when a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect
- involve children in child safety including listening to children and incorporating their views about how to provide a safe environment
- make staff aware of their legal and duty of care obligations to report child abuse and neglect.
Click here to read the Child Safe Environment and Wellbeing Policy.
This policy provides a clear set of guidelines and procedures for Brentwood Kindergarten to:
- establish the expected standards of behaviour for the approved provider, nominated supervisor, early childhood teachers, educators, other staff, contractors, volunteers, students on placement, parents/guardians and visitors
- create and maintain a child safe environment that reflects the philosophy, beliefs, objectives, and values of Brentwood Kindergarten
- articulate desirable and appropriate behaviour
- promote interactions at the service and online which are respectful, honest, courteous, sensitive, tactful, and considerate.
This policy provides guidelines for:
- receiving and dealing with compliments and complaints at Brentwood Kindergarten
- procedures to be followed in investigating complaints.
This policy will provide clear guidelines and procedures to follow when:
- a child attending Brentwood Kindergarten shows symptoms of an infectious disease
- a child at Brentwood Kindergarten has been diagnosed with an infectious disease
- managing and minimising the spread of infectious diseases, illnesses and infestations (including head lice)
- managing and minimising infections relating to blood-borne viruses
- managing and minimising infections relating to epidemics (refer to Definitions) and pandemics (refer to Definitions) (e.g. coronavirus (COVID-19).
Click here to read the Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy.
This policy provides guidelines for Brentwood Kindergarten to ensure that:
- clear procedures exist to support the safety, health, wellbeing and inclusion of all children enrolled at the service
- service practices support the enrolment of children and families with specific health care requirements
- information is provided to staff and volunteers about managing individual children’s’ medical conditions
- requirements for medical management plans are provided by families for the child
- risk-minimisation and communication plan are developed in conjunction with Brentwood Kindergarten and families.
Click here to read the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy.
This policy will provide clear guidelines to ensure the safe delivery and collection of children attending Brentwood Kindergarten by ensuring:
- children are given into the care of a parent/guardian or authorised nominee named in the child’s enrolment record, or a person authorised by the parent/guardian or authorised nominee
- children leave in accordance with the written authorisation of the child’s parent or authorised nominee
- children are taken on an excursion or on transportation provided or arranged by the service, with written authorisation from the parent or authorised nominee
- children are given into the care of a person, or taken outside the premises, because the child requires medical, hospital or ambulance care or treatment, or because of another emergency.
Click here to read the Delivery and Collection of Children Policy.
This policy provides guidelines to assist in determining the Responsible Person at Brentwood Kindergarten.
Click here to read the Determining the Responsible Person Policy.
To ensure that enrolled children living with type 1 diabetes and their families are supported, while children are being educated and cared for by the service.
This Diabetes Policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy of Brentwood Kindergarten.
This policy provides guidelines for Brentwood Kindergarten to:
- provide a safe online environment for all children which ensures their safety, health and wellbeing
- support young children to develop an understanding of digital networks and to using digital networks in safe and appropriate ways.
- incorporate technology into early learning environment in an age appropriate and safe way
- support and communicate with families about safe online practices at home and in the community.
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that the educational program at Brentwood Kindergarten is:
- based on an approved learning framework (EYLF, MTOP, VEYLDF)
- centred on child’s learning, development, wellbeing and safety
- designed to take into account the individual differences of each child; and
- based on the developmental needs, interests and experiences of each child.
This policy provides a framework for:
- the development of specific emergency and evacuation procedures, practices and guidelines at Brentwood Kindergarten
- being informed by a risk assessment that identifies potential emergencies at Brentwood Kindergarten
- raising the awareness of everyone attending Brentwood Kindergarten about potential emergency situations and appropriate responses.
This policy provides a clear set of guidelines and procedures for:
- enrolling a child at Brentwood Kindergarten
- the orientation of new families and children into Brentwood Kindergarten
- ensuring compliance with Victorian and national legislation, including disability discrimination, anti-discrimination, human rights laws, No Jab No Play and Department of Education [DE] Kindergarten Funding Guide.
- ensuring access to participation, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged children
- ensuring early entry applicants (this includes children younger than three years and children younger than four years old on 30 April in the year they will attend kindergarten) are given equitable access to enrolment
- adhering to DE’s priority of access requirements for both three and four-year-old children.
Click here to read the Enrolment and Orientation – Free Kinder Policy.
This policy provides a clear set of guidelines and procedures for:
- enrolling a child at Brentwood Kindergarten
- the orientation of new families and children into Brentwood Kindergarten
- ensuring compliance with Victorian and national legislation, including disability discrimination, anti-discrimination, human rights laws, No Jab No Play and Department of Education [DE] Kindergarten Funding Guide.
- ensuring access to participation, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged children ensuring early entry applicants (this includes children younger than three years and children younger than four years old on 30 April in the year they will attend kindergarten) are given
equitable access to enrolment. - adhering to DE’s priority of access requirements for both three and four-year-old children.
Click here to read the Enrolment and Orientation – Pre-Prep Policy.
This policy provides guidelines to assist Brentwood Kindergarten to take an active role in caring for the environment, and promoting and contributing to a sustainable future.
This policy outlines the procedures to:
- ensure that educators, staff, volunteers and families are aware of their obligations and required strategies in supporting children with epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures to safely and fully participate in the program and activities of Brentwood Kindergarten
- ensure that all necessary information for the effective management of children with epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures enrolled at Brentwood Kindergarten is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when required.
This policy provides guidelines for Brentwood Kindergarten to plan and conduct safe and appropriate excursions, regular outings, and service events.
Click here to read the Excursions, Regular Outings and Service Events Policy.
This policy is to support staff at Brentwood Kindergarten to
- identify and respond to family violence
- understand and fulfill their service’s responsibilities under the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM), and
- explain the supports available for children, parents, and staff experiencing family violence.
This policy provides guidelines for:
- effective food safety practices at Brentwood Kindergarten that comply with legislative requirements and meet best practice standards
- minimising the risk to children of scalds and burns from hot drinks.
This policy provides clear guidelines for:
- free kindergarten funding for funded sessional kindergarten programs
- reduced fees for children enrolled in a funded kindergarten program in a long day care centre
- the application of surplus funding within Brentwood Kindergarten ensuring it is only used to ensure the quality of program delivery and development of children enrolled in the service
- the setting, payment and collection of (additional hours fees, or long day-care parent fees minus the Free Kindergarten Funding).
This policy outlines the duties, roles and responsibilities of the Committee of Management/approved provider/Board of Brentwood Kindergarten.
Click here to read the Governance and Management of the Service Policy.
This policy provides guidelines for procedures to be implemented at Brentwood Kindergarten to ensure:
- effective and up-to-date control of the spread of infection
- the provision of an environment that is safe, clean and hygienic.
This policy defines the:
- procedures to be followed if a person is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at the Kindergarten that results in injury or trauma
- responsibilities of staff, parents/guardians and the Approved Provider when a person is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at the Kindergarten that results in injury or trauma
- practices to be followed to reduce the risk of an incident occurring at the Kindergarten.
Click here to read the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy.
This policy provides guidelines to:
- ensure all adults and children at Brentwood Kindergarten are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, level of ability, additional needs, family structure or lifestyle
- promote inclusive practices and ensure the successful participation of all children at Brentwood Kindergarten
- create a positive mental health and wellbeing environment for children, educators, staff and families at Brentwood Kindergarten.
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that all users of information and communication technology (ICT) at Brentwood Kindergarten or on behalf of Brentwood Kindergarten:
- understand and follow procedures to ensure the safe and appropriate use of ICT at the Kindergarten, including maintaining secure storage of information
- take responsibility to protect and maintain privacy in accordance with the Kindergarten’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
- are aware that only those persons authorised by the Approved Provider are permitted to access ICT at the Kindergarten
- understand what constitutes illegal and inappropriate use of ICT facilities and avoid such activities.
Click here to read the Information and Communication Technology Policy.
This policy provides a clear set of guidelines to ensure:
- the development of responsive, warm, trusting and respectful relationships with children that promote their wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of security and belonging at Brentwood Kindergarten
- each child at Brentwood Kindergarten is supported to learn and develop in a secure and empowering environment.
This policy provides guidelines for Brentwood Kindergarten to:
- ensure the service environment is safe, inclusive and empowering for children, families, early childhood teachers, educators, staff, volunteers and visitors
- embed social and emotional learning in the educational program
- ensure families, children, early childhood teachers, educators and staff are key partners in mental health initiatives
- engage in partnerships with community networks.
Brentwood Kindergarten acknowledges the importance of healthy eating, oral health and physical activity and its contribution to good health and overall wellbeing.
This policy provides guidelines to:
- promote a healthy lifestyle and support children, staff, educators and families at the Kindergarten to eat nutritious food, maintain oral health and participate in physical activity and active play
- ensure national and state guidelines and recommendations about nutrition, oral health and physical activity are met
- ensure that the dietary and cultural needs of children and families are taken into consideration when planning menus and implementing nutrition, oral health and active play activities.
- ensure the safe storage and preparation of food.
Click here to read the Nutrition, Oral Health and Active Play Policy.
This policy provides guidelines and procedures to ensure that:
- all people who attend the premises of Brentwood Kindergarten, including employees, children, parents/guardians, students, volunteers, contractors and visitors, are provided with a safe and healthy environment
- all reasonable steps are taken by the Approved Provider, as the employer of staff, to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees at the service.
Click here to read the Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
This policy provides guidelines for the engagement and participation of volunteers and students at Brentwood Kindergarten, while ensuring that children’s health, safety and wellbeing is protected at all times.
Click here to read the Participation of Volunteers and Students Policy.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children, families, staff, and volunteers within Brentwood Kindergarten. Brentwood Kindergarten does not tolerate any form of workplace harassment or bullying, this policy sets out the process which is to be followed should any instances of workplace bullying be reported.
Click here to read the Prevention of Harassment and Bullying Policy.
This policy provides guidelines:
- for the collection, storage, use, disclosure, and disposal of personal information, including photos, videos, and health information at Brentwood Kindergarten
- to ensure compliance with privacy legislation
- on responding to requests for information to promote child wellbeing or safety and/or assess and manage risk of family violence (mandatory)
- on sharing and requesting information to promote child wellbeing or safety and/or manage risk of family violence.
The purpose of this policy is to define the responsibilities of Brentwood Kindergarten to ensure that all children are:
- are adequately supervised at all times
- kept safe while travelling as pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in a vehicle
- able to participate in road safety education to assist them in being and becoming safe and responsible road users.
Click here to read the Road Safety Education and Safe Transport Policy.
This policy will provide clear guidelines to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children attending Brentwood Kindergarten and appropriate opportunities are provided to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation.
The purpose of this document is to provide an avenue through which staff, students and volunteers, and their managers can resolve work-related grievances and complaints as they arise.
Click here to read the Staff Grievances and Dispute Resolution Policy.
This policy provides guidelines for engaging staff at Brentwood Kindergarten, including:
- employing sufficient numbers of educators to meet legislative, policy and service standards
- employing educators with qualifications and experience that meet legislative, policy and service standards
- providing appropriate supervision and support to staff and other adults at the Kindergarten
- complying with legislation relating to Working with Children (WWC) Checks and criminal history record checks and meeting Child Safe Standards.
This policy will provide:
- guidelines to ensure children, staff, volunteers and others participating in Brentwood Kindergarten programs and activities are well protected from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
- information for parents/guardians, staff, volunteers and children attending Brentwood Kindergarten regarding sun protection
- guidance to the use of outdoor spaces including adequate shading.
This policy provides guidelines to ensure:
- the adequate supervision of all enrolled children is maintained at all times.
- the provision of a safe and secure environment for all children at Brentwood Kindergarten
This policy outlines the procedures that apply to managing water safety, including safety during any water-based activities at Brentwood Kindergarten.
Child Safe Standards
Brentwood Kindergarten Commitment Statement to Child Safety
At Brentwood Kindergarten we are committed to taking deliberate steps to safeguard children from physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse and neglect.
We want every child to belong, feel respected and listened to. We want every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child to celebrate and share their cultures.
We are committed to complying with the following standards:
1. Establishing a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identifies and experience of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
2. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
4. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for young children and young people.
For more information, see the Commission for Children and Young People www.ccyp.vic.gov.au
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