“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is: Informing families of policy changes
Element 6.1.3: Families are supported.
Current information is available to families about the service and relevant community services and resources to support parenting and family wellbeing.
To support respectful and reciprocal relationships between the Service and families, it’s crucial that the Service actively seeks parent input and keeps them informed of Service operations and practices. This includes involving families in policy review routines and informing them of changes to Service policies.
Parents of children enrolled at the Service must be notified at least 14 days before any change is made to an existing policy or procedure that may have a significant impact on the service’s provision of education and care to any child enrolled in the service or the family’s ability to utilise the service or affects the fees charged or the way they are collected. (r172)
If a policy change is required urgently to maintain the health and safety of children enrolled in the service, the Approved Provider must ensure parents and families are notified as soon as possible after making the change.
There are several ways that Services can share policy updates and changes with families. These include:
- Email policy updates
- Attach reviewed policies and distribute along with the Service newsletter
- Displays in the Service foyer or parent area/notice board
- Online, social media platforms or via your secure information sharing application
- Provide copies to families at the sign in desk/area
- Inform families through informal discussions and encourage families to provide written feedback or request permission to document their verbal feedback
Resources:
Childcare Centre Desktop – policy review routine
Policy Tip Sheet- Including Family Input
Within System7 go to Quality Area 6/Module 13 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links:
National Quality Standard – Element 6.1.3: Families are supported
National Regulations – 171, 172
System7 Module – Quality Area 6/Module 13
If you have any questions send us a note via the Contact page here!
