4.15 TRANSPORT

DATED:             January 2006

SOURCED: Child Care Act 2002, Child Care Regulation 2003

SOURCED: Queensland Office of Fair Trading

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POLICY

This scheme will strive to ensure that all transport of all Family Day Care children is properly and safely undertaken and complies with the requirements of the Child Care Act 2002 and Child Care regulation 2003.

PROCEDURES

a) All carers must ensure that the vehicle used to transport Family Day Care children is registered, undergoes an annual safety check and is maintained to a Road Worthy standard. A written report of this check must be provided to the co-ordination unit.

b) A carer’s motor vehicle used for the transport of children must be fitted with appropriate and approved child restraints, with each restraint properly secured according to the instructions. The carer must ensure a qualified person on an annual basis checks the vehicle child safety restraints. A written report of this check must be provided to the co-ordination unit.

c) All Family Day Care Children must be restrained by an appropriate vehicle safety restraint whilst travelling in a car. Information regarding restraints fitted to the vehicle must be provided to parents/guardians.

d) Children must never be left unattended in a car or motor vehicle of any kind.

e) It is expected that motor vehicles will be driven and parked with caution around a carer's home, and when travelling to and from the home.

f) Where a carer does not own a motor vehicle and is reliant on public transport, including buses and taxis, this must be made clear to the prospective parent prior to starting care in the full knowledge that permission for outings and excursions will be based on the use of public transport.

g) Whenever possible carers should avoid travelling on public transport with Family Day Care children during peak hours.

h) The driver of any vehicle used in the transportation of children in care must be licensed and use such vehicle in accordance with the Traffic Acts and Regulations, and be in possession of a current positive suitability card.

i) Before transporting children in a vehicle on an excursion, the parent/guardian must be informed of the day of the activity, estimated time of departure and return, method of transportation, and restraints, destination and number and name of accompanying adults.

j) The driver of a vehicle must carry emergency contact telephone numbers for all children being transported. It is recommended that the driver carry a mobile telephone in the event that an emergency occurs.