For the benefit of members of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW, the following are answers to members' frequently asked questions.
Members will need to use their username and password in order to gain access.

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HH-01

Can I use Bleach in my service?

  Use of Bleach

Bleach may be recommended for certain times such as an outbreak of gastro.

  • Always prepare diluted bleach solutions according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Because bleach loses strength over time, always make up new dilutions of bleach when needed.
  • Discard any diluted bleach that is not used within 24 hours of preparation.
  • Read and follow the safety and handling instructions on the label.
  • Wear gloves when handling and preparing bleach.
  • Check the use-by date.

Never:

  • Use bleach in a spray bottle or dilute with hot water.
  • Mix bleach with any other chemicals.
  • Use bleach on metals other than stainless steel—bleach is corrosive.

For further information regarding the use of Bleach in your service, you can access the Members Area / Regulation 168 Policies / Health and Hygiene Policy. 
HH-02 Does the 1 October 2023 - Safe Arrival of Children travelling between locations apply to me? 
 

From the 1st October 2023, all services who transport the children between an education and care service to any other education or early childhood service must have a safe arrival of children policy and procedure in place. and conduct a risk assessment for the purpose of preparing the policies and procedures every 12 months. 

Examples include travelling between 

  • an outside Schools Hours Care (OSHC) service and school
  • a family day care (FDC) residenc eor venue and preschool/kindergarten
  • a long day care centre offering school age care and school
  • an OSHC and preschool/kindergarten or long day care centre
  • an OSHC and FDC residence or venue. 

To read more about the new legislative requirements, you can access the Arrival and Departure of Children Policy and Procedure found under our Regulation 168 policies. 

 

wage rates banner

Please note that these new rates take effect from the first full pay period
on or after 1 July 2023.

The pay and allowances summaries (wage rates) for 2023/2024 have been finalised by our industrial relations experts and are now available for the Children’s Services Award 2010. The wage summaries for the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 and the NSW National Training Wage (trainees) will be published as soon as possible. This follows the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review decision on 2 June 2023.

You will need to review the pay summaries in conjunction with the Awards, which explain which levels your staff should be paid under, as well as the Award conditions.  Please refer to the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120) (Schedule B - Classification Structure, page 40) and Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2010 (MA000077) (Clause 13. Classifications, page 17) to clarify the relevant Award level classifications.  We have also provided these links below.

Children's Services Award 2010

  • Please click here or here to access the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120) (please refer to Schedule B - Classification Structure) 
  • Please click here to access the 2023/2024 pay summaries (wage rates) under the Children's Services Award.

Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2010

  • Please click here or here to access the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077) (please refer to Clause 13. Classifications)
  • Please click here to access the 2023/2024 pay summaries (wage rates) under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award.

National Training Wage - Traineeships

  • Please click here to access the 2023/2024 pay summaries (wage rates) under the National Training Wage.

Part-time accrual for level progression calculation (ECT)

  • Please click here to download the advice on how to calculate accrual of service as a part-time employee on a pro-rata basis.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I reduce an existing employee's rate of pay when the 2021/2022 pay summaries apply?

A1. No, you cannot reduce an existing employee's rate of pay. They will need to remain on higher rates until the modern award rates "catch up". If you do this, you will risk an underpayment claim, an order for back pay from the Fair Work Commission or the Local Court and potential the payment of penalties for breaches of the Fair Work Act.

Q2. What about new employees?

A2. All new employees should be paid according to the current pay summaries as a minimum.

Q3. Where can I get more information or help about this?

A3. Please contact the Australian Childcare Alliance NSW office on 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au for further information.

 

Disclaimer: This information is based upon the Annual Wage Review decision of the Fair Work Commission published in June 2023. The calculations are considered to be consistent with those methods and the relevant legislation. While all due care has been taken in the preparation of this information, it is believed to be accurate but no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no liability is accepted for errors or omissions or loss or damage suffered as a result of a person acting in reliance thereon. This information is not legal advice. If a legal opinion is sought please contact your legal advisor. 

PUBLISHED: 19 JUNE 2023

RHD

 

What is Restart a Heart Day?

Restart a Heart Day us to raise awareness and encourages annual training relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator use or first aid surrounding heart attacks.

This will encourage workplaces, schools, childcares and many more to revist, review and update their first aid policies and to check their employee's first aid validations and schedule refresher coursed.
 

When is Restart a Heart Day?

Monday, 16 October


Activities: 

  • Services to revisit their First Aid, CPR and other relevant policies to review and update if required. 
  • Check educators expiry dates for their first aid, CPR and anaphylaxsis 
  • Schedule refersher course for educators 
  • Discussion with the childrenon how to keep your heart healthy

WBD

What is World Bicycle Day?

World Bicycle Day is to raise awareness and attention the importance of this history of bicycle, benefits of cycling and how it was one of the first type of transportationa across the world. It was enjoyable by all people as well as affordable and enviromentally sustainable for our environment. 

The theme of World Bicycle Day 2022 is to appreciate the uniqueness, longevity and diversity of the bicycle, which has been used for over 200 years now. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, people used to gather for rallies, races and feasts to celebrate.

When is World Bicycle Day?

Saturday, 3 June

Actvities: 

  • Encourage families to ride their bikes to school and work. 
  • Learning history of how bicycle were invented and how bicycles were used the a main transport many years ago.
  • Invite the families to meet a local park where the children can ride their bikes together around the park track. 

 

 

IDOE

 

What is International Day of Education?

International Day of Education is an international recognistion event that focusies on rasing awareness and appreciation for education. International Day of Education is to dedicated and focused on the values and appreciation education available around the world. 

International Day of Education Theme 2023
“To invest in people, prioritize education.”
The purpose is to maintaining a strong political mobilization around education and chart the way to translate commitments and global initiatives into action..

When is International Day of Education?

Tuesday, 24 January

Activities:

  • Intentional teaching regarding how education is accessible around the world. 
  • Learning Phonics and recognising numbers, colours, alphabet
  • Plan and set up a science, experiment are for children to engage, investigate, explore and experience the conclusion and results. 
  1. Arabic Language Day
  2. World Children’s Day
  3. International Day of Charity
  4. National Pyjama Day
  5. International Asteroid Day