In today’s current climate, it is becoming increasingly important to have a procedure in place for an emergency lockdown situation? In particular the childcare industry has unique issues surrounding the safety of the children in your care.

A lockdown is an emergency procedure intended to secure and protect occupants of a building or surrounding community who are in the proximity of an immediate threat.  No one is allowed to enter or exit the building.  Parents may not attend your premises during a lockdown.

There are different types of lockdowns, as a result of the threat situation:

• Shelter-in-Place – Usually an external health hazard where building evacuations are not recommended.
• Internal Threat – This threat exists when the danger is inside of the building or premises. The main focus of this procedure should be to keep everyone safe until the threat is completely removed.
• External Threat – This type of threat occurs outside of the building or premises. The aim of this lockdown is to prevent the threat from entering the building or premises.
• Full Lockdown – This scenario involves a serious threat that requires immediate action.

Depending on the scenario of the immediate threat, lockdown procedures may include:

• Announcement of the lockdown ensuring that all staff can hear the announcement, including those who may be outside the building in playground areas;
• Nominating a specific lockdown location;
• Locking of all exterior doors and windows;
• Turn off all lights;
• Securing and covering windows;
• Moving all people away from windows and doors;
• Clear hallways and bathrooms;
• Taking attendances of all students and staff.

Businesses often have evacuation plans and practice emergency fire evacuations, but are you and your staff educated and informed on what to do when a lockdown is the safer option than evacuation? Well trained staff are confident staff.

For further information and any assistance Contact Matthew at AFS Group on (02) 9531 7839.

The whole team recognises how much Debbie has grown professionally, seeking inspiration from her for her creativity, relationships and interactions with the children. This year, Debbie has shown a lot of growth professionally, taking on increased responsibility as she studies her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. This is Debbie's first year working in the Preschool Class and every day she shares her enthusiasm and humour with the children. She engages in meaningful interactions with the children and shows her understanding of each child's current interests through her contribution to the program. Families value Debbie's insights into their child's learning and development, evidenced through positive partnerships. Debbie is an amazing educator and always ensures the children are at the centre of what she does.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a not for profit, volunteer run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.

Established in 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia was founded at a time when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. In 1946 the CBCA established annual book awards to promote books of high literary and artistic quality. These awards are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.

Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.

Australian children’s literature enriches our nation and reaches children across the world through international editions.

The theme and dates for CBCA Book Week 2019!

Theme: Reading is My Secret Power
Dates: 17 to 23 August 2019

CBCA Book Week 2023
Theme: Read, Grow, Inspire
Dates: Term 3: August 19-25*
#CBCA2023

*From 2021, the CBCA expects that the annual Book of the Year Awards and CBCA Book Week will revert to their normal schedule of the Awards announced on the third Friday in August, with CBCA Book Week commencing the following day.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a not for profit, volunteer run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.

Established in 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia was founded at a time when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. In 1946 the CBCA established annual book awards to promote books of high literary and artistic quality. These awards are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.

Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.

Australian children’s literature enriches our nation and reaches children across the world through international editions.

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and thousands of individuals – from students, to scientists to chefs and musicians – get involved, taking part in more than 1000 science events across the nation.

Science Week is designed for everyone – it’s definitely not restricted to schools and universities – with events and activities and talks and shows for every age group.

It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists’ to the world of knowledge. It also aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits among the general public, and to encourage younger people to become fascinated by the world we live in.

A National Science Week event should:

• be fun for the participants
• be focused on quality science outcomes
• be supportive of your science curriculum
• encourage the participants to want to try more science
• raise the general profile of science within the community

Activities

• Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment for Kids https://funlearningforkids.com/super-cool-lava-lamp-experiment/
• Rain Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment https://funlearningforkids.com/rain-cloud-jar-science-experiment/
• Oil and Water Science Exploration https://funlearningforkids.com/oil-water-science-exploration/

For further ideas for events and activities, please click on the following link: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/wp-content/uploads/ScienceWeekFiles/National_Science_Week_in_schools.pdf