5.6 EXCURSIONS/OUTINGS

DATED: October 2002

SOURCED: Child Care Act 2002, Department of Communities,

Queensland Government

POLICY

Excursions and outings away from the Family Day Care home can be a valuable and interesting part of the lives of children in Family Day Care settings. Excursions and outings must adhere to all safety regulations in the use of transport and when attending a swimming venue (see 'Transport' and 'Swimming' in the section entitled 'Safety, Emergency and Evacuation Procedures'). Excursions and outings in the company of other carers must adhere to limits outlined in the Child Care Regulation 2003, Division 2 and Bayside Family Day Care Policy– Carers Coming Together. Prior written permission will be obtained from parents before children are taken on any excursions.

PROCEDURES

a) Outings - written permission for anticipated regular outings will be obtained fortnightly via the Regular Outing Form Form. Any departure from the Family Day Care home not specified on the Regular Outing Form will require separate specific written permission. Any outing undertaken at a time or a day different to that specified on the Regular Outing Form, will require the completion of the Changes section of the Regular Outing Form

b) Excursions - the prior written notice of any planned excursions (outside the local area as defined on the Regular Outing Form) will contain details of: the date; the proposed destination and activities; duration of excursion including time of departure and anticipated time of return; method of transport and type of safety restraints; the number and name of adults to accompany and supervise the children. This prior written notice must be given on the forms supplied or approved by the scheme and signed with appropriate signatures of authority by parents.

c) Excursions and outings are to be child-centred i.e. the enjoyment and benefit to the child must be considered. Suggested outings include playgroup, libraries, local shop and local parks. Excursions will not interfere with the child's normal sleep or meal patterns.

d) Excursion Forms and Regular Outing Forms must be completed and forwarded to the scheme office on a fortnightly basis together with the timesheets.

e) While on excursions or outings away from the Family Day Care home, a First Aid kit must be carried at all times in the vehicle.

f) Particulars of all children will be carried at all times. This includes emergency contacts and any medical conditions.

g) In the case of an emergency occurring during an excursion or outing, Carers must ensure they have ample food, drinks and clothing for each child.

h) It is recommended that a mobile telephone be carried at all times when away from the Family Day Care home with children in care.