The video of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW Network meeting held on 10 August 2020 is as follows:

The corresponding slides for the above Network Meeting are here.

The topics discussed presented/discussed were:

1. Update: Back to CCS+Transition Payments, but what if there's a second wave/cluster
2. Update: The NSW's star rating vs alternate ratings statement beginning 1 July 2020
3. Update: Future of Universal Access Funding/NSW’s Start Strong Funding
4. Update: New Building Code rules for childcare in high-rise buildings
5. Potential improvements to NSW's Assessment & Ratings process (LDCs & OSHCs)
6. Proposed changes to the NQAITS to record & track breaches/non-compliances
7. ACA NSW's Sector Watch
8. Quick Refreshers: New Guide to Child Safe Standards, Annual Wage Increases, Grants Watch ($10k, $30k, uncapped), Review of the National Quality Framework.

Should ACA NSW members require any further information, please do not hesitate to call the office on 1300 556 330 or e-mail nsw@childcarealliance.org.au. 

PUBLISHED: 10 AUGUST 2020

The video of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW Network meeting held on 3 August 2020 is as follows:

The corresponding slides for the above Network Meeting are here.

The topics discussed presented/discussed were:

1. Update: Back to CCS+Transition Payments, but what if there's a second wave/cluster
2. Update: The NSW's star rating vs alternate ratings statement beginning 1 July 2020
3. Update: Future of Universal Access Funding/NSW’s Start Strong Funding
4. Update: New Building Code rules for childcare in high-rise buildings
5. Potential improvements to NSW's Assessment & Ratings process (LDCs & OSHCs)
6. Proposed changes to the NQAITS to record & track breaches/non-compliances
7. ACA NSW's Sector Watch
8. Quick Refreshers: New Guide to Child Safe Standards, Annual Wage Increases, Grants Watch ($10k, $30k, uncapped), Review of the National Quality Framework.

Should ACA NSW members require any further information, please do not hesitate to call the office on 1300 556 330 or e-mail nsw@childcarealliance.org.au. 

PUBLISHED: 3 AUGUST 2020

The video of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW Network meeting held on 27 July 2020 is as follows:

The corresponding slides for the above Network Meeting are here.

PUBLISHED: 28 JULY 2020

From 1 July 2020, NSW-based early childhood education and care services will only be given a star rating upon conclusion of their respective assessments and ratings by the NSW Department of Education.

Members of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW will be aware of the legal advice confirming that the NSW Department of Education's proposed star ratings cannot be legally imposed on early childhood education and care service providers.

You can download ACA NSW's alternate template here. This template already complies with Regulation 173.

ACA NSW also offers a certified version at no cost to members. This will include a printed version with a unique certified sticker that are then mailed to members upon receiving a copy of the issued ratings from the NSW Department of Education.

Services who are not members of ACA NSW can also receive via mail their printed version and a certified sticker upon receiving a copy of the issued ratings from the NSW Department of Education at a cost of $50 inc GST.

PLEASE NOTE - SERVICES DO NOT HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR EXISTING RATINGS STATEMENT
UNTIL AFTER AN ASSESSMENT & RATING CONDUCTED FROM 1 JULY 2020 ONWARDS
(WHICH THE NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL THEN PROVIDE
A RATINGS STATEMENT IN THEIR STAR FORMAT.)

For any further information/clarification, please contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 30 JUNE 2020

Many employees are injured in the workplace resulting from slips, trips or falls.  These injuries can be serious.  Employees in Early Childhood are exposed to these types of injuries due to the nature of the working environment and potential hazards such as playground areas and equipment.  Employers and employees need to work collaboratively to reduce risk in the workplace by:

1. Assessing the risks associated with slips, trips and falls under two metres;
2. Implementing solutions to control or mitigate the risks; and
3. Conducting regular workplace inspections.

Common hazards identified as risks for slip, trip and fall injuries include:

• Flooring – uneven floor surfaces; wet or slippery floor surfaces and spillages can all be potentially hazardous. How do you effectively prevent injuries in these spaces?
• Footwear – High heeled shoes are not considered appropriate footwear for the playground. Do you and your staff all wear appropriate footwear?
• Ramps – does your centre have access ramps? Are trolleys used on ramps? Are ramp surfaces covered appropriately to prevent slips?
• Cluttered workspaces – are floors, walkways, entrances and exits free from obstruction, low obstacles and cables?
• Equipment storage - do you have adequate storage areas for equipment and cleaning products?
• Personal storage – is there appropriate storage for handbags and personal items for staff?
• Stairs – does your centre have stairs? Are stairs appropriately covered to prevent trips or falls?  Do stairs have appropriate handrails?
• Steps or stools – do you use appropriate equipment for standing if required to hang artwork on the walls?

A safety risk assessment can identify potential risks and appropriate solutions to minimise risk to staff, visitors and the children in your care.  Having safety checklists in place and conducting regular checks can help identify potential hazards and help keep your workplace safe.

AFS Group can conduct safety risk assessments and assist with policies and procedures or safety checklists.  Contact AFS Group today via email contact@afsgroup.net.au or call 1300 660 164 for a free over the phone consultation to discuss your requirements.

 Stay safe and well from all the team at AFS Group www.afsgroup.net.au