OSHC
Changes to Child Safety Policies in Victoria
There have been important changes to the rules around child safety in OSHC, especially regarding the use of digital technology and personal devices.
Your child's safety and wellbeing both in-person and in digital spaces is our foremost priority. To reinforce this our Service has developed a Safe Use of Digital Technologies and Online Environments Policy in compliance with the Child Safe Standards, the Education and Care Services National Law and the Victorian requirements under the National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children.
Please take a moment to review the policy that was sent out on Compass on Tuesday September 9, below are the key points:
What’s Changing:
No personal devices: Children and educators are not to have personal devices (phones, tablets, smart watches) that can take photos or videos while at OSHC.
Service devices only: Photos of children’s activities will only be taken on OSHC-issued devices, with parental consent and stored securely. Families are asked not to use personal devices to take photos while on the premises.
Safer storage of images: Stricter rules now apply to how children’s photos are saved and deleted.
Policy and procedure updates: Our policies for digital technology, code of conduct for staff, participation of volunteer students, staff recruitment, child protection and safe environments have been updated to reflect the latest requirements.
Mandatory reporting: Timeframes for reporting physical or sexual abuse have been shortened from 7 days to 24 hours.
Other important changes: The use of vaping devices is banned at OSHC and refinements have been made to National Quality Standard (NQS) areas 2 and 7, strengthening child safety and service management.
For further details, see the Guidelines for the National Model Code for Taking Images of Children and the Safe Use of Digital Technologies: Providing a child safe environment
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create a digitally safe and child-centred environment.
Last Day of Term
Just a reminder that next Friday, September 19, we will open at 2:30 p.m. to align with the early school dismissal. OSHC will close at our regular time of 6:00 p.m. If Friday is your child’s usual day with us, they will be automatically booked for after-school care. If you do not need care on this day, please email Kelly by Friday, September 12, to avoid being charged for the session. Failure to cancel by this date will result in the session fee being charged.
Term 4 Kelly Sports
Kelly Sports have confirmed they will be partnering with us again in Term 4 offering a multisport program (cricket, basketball and soccer) on Thursday afternoons.
The sessions will run from 3:50PM – 4:50PM and are open to students from Prep to Year 4. The multisport program will run for 10 weeks at a cost of $190.
Please note that this fee is in addition to the OSHC fee and students must be booked into after-school care to participate in the Kelly Sports sessions.
For further details on how to register and make payment contact Paul or Natasha at Kelly Sports: natasha@kellysports.com.au 0413 080 025.
Account Reminder
There are a few accounts that remain overdue; please ensure these are paid as a matter of urgency to ensure your place at OSHC. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please email Kelly at oshc@beaumarisnorthps.vic.edu.au so that we can organise a payment plan to suits you.
Hats
Just a reminder that wide brimmed hats are required to be worn at OSHC when playing outside from September to April. Please ensure you remind your child/children to have their school hat with them or alternatively pack another wide brimmed hat to use when at OSHC. Students who don’t have hats will be restricted to play in designated shaded areas.
Feedback
As always, families are welcome to give us feedback about any aspect of the program. We welcome your input! Please feel free to come in and have a chat with Kelly or Amanda or email oshc@beaumarisnorthps.vic.edu.au