All children have the right to experience quality education and care in a safe and healthy environment.
At Academe Time, we have the following policies to provide this through respectful relationships, engaging experiences and a safe and healthy environment.
This policy is in place as Academe Time is a trusted provider of educational programs for childcare, kindergarten and primary aged children.
Health and Safety
All children attending our programs are provided with a safe environment within our partner kindergartens, childcare centres and primary schools.
Assessments are made by Academe Time to ensure our programs can operate safely within the provided space and any issues are addressed promptly should this not be the case.
Academe Time staff are informed of the emergency procedures and safety protocols that exist within the educational setting and fully comply with these at all times.
At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.
Program equipment is regularly inspected, cleaned and replaced to ensure it poses no risk to child health and safety.
Children’s wellbeing is paramount and children will be actively involved in decision-making to provide an environment that encourages them to reach their potential.
Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect.
No food is to be consumed during Academe Time programs. Academe Time will not be held responsible for allergy management for students participating in programs.
Child Safety
All Academe Time staff members who work with children are advised of the existence and application of the current child protection law (or child safe standards, where applicable) and any obligations that they may have under that law.
All teachers are either VIT registered or have their “Work with Children Check” card with at least one year teaching experience and are fully vaccinated.
All classes are fully supervised by the Academe Time teacher for the duration of the program.
Parents and guardians agree that it is their responsibility to inform Academe Time of any health issues, illnesses or injuries that may affect their participation.
Academe Time will take all reasonable steps to ensure the best of care, however will not be held responsible or liable for injury incurred by students, parents or visitors to premises where programs are operational.
Conduct and Communication
Academe Time is a positive and inclusive workplace and program provider for children. We do not tolerate indecent, defamatory, discriminatory or disrespectful language or conduct from students, parents/guardians, staff or in our interactions with our partners.
This policy encompasses communications and interactions that occur at program locations, via email, or online via the internet or social media. Where any child, parent or person feels they have been subject to conduct that is not in line with this policy, please contact us to discuss directly.
Class behaviour
Students are expected to follow instruction at all times and cooperate within the class. Whilst we understand challenging behaviour, our policy for misbehaviour where disruption is impacting the class is a 3 warning system. Should disruption continue, a 3-5 minute sit out (within the class premises and remaining under supervision) will take place, upon which the student may rejoin the class fully.
Physical interactions
Through the teaching of sport, dance, yoga and circus skills or other Academe Time programs, physical contact between a teacher and student and/or student and student may be required. All safety precautions will be taken to reduce risk. In the event of an injury, first aid may be administered and require physical contact.
Photography and Videography
During the course of program delivery, photographs and/or video may be taken by an Academe Time member of staff for the purposes of instruction, rehearsal or promotion. These will only be utilised for promoting Academe Time programs on our own platforms or with promotional media.
If you do not consent to your child’s images appearing within promotional shots for Academe Time, please email us or supply in writing to ensure we respect your privacy request.
Academe Time performances, showcases and presentations may be photographed or recorded by staff and/or by parents. Whilst we allow this, we request that parents take every necessary step to ensure that sharing is not made public without consent of all children present in the image or video. Parents with concerns should contact us directly to indicate their permission or non permission for sharing of showcases, performances and presentations.
Cancellation Policy
Where circumstances that impact program delivery mean we have to cancel a class, communication will be made with each parent or guardian via email where contact details are known or via our location partners and fees paid will be credited.
Where a parent cancels attendance, no refunds will be given. However, where non attendance is known in advance by at least 14 days, please contact us to discuss possible credit arrangements.
Payment Policy
Fees are charged for a minimum of a school term. All term fees are payable in advance for participation in programs. Refunds and credits are not provided, except at the discretion of Academe Time when applied for in writing 14 days in advance of program commencement or extended absence.
Privacy
Academe Time requests personal information only for the purposes of program delivery and does not share any personal information with any other parties.
Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Academe Time is committed to safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making.
Academe Time has zero tolerance for child abuse.
Academe Time is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.
Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.
Every person involved in Academe Time has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
All Academe Time staff as a condition of their employment, must adhere to a Child Safety Code of Conduct. Any breaches must be reported to management, with appropriate and proportionate disciplinary action taken which may include dismissal.
In its planning, decision-making and operations Academe Time will:
- Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;
- Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;
- Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
- Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;
- Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;
- Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;
- Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues;
- Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;
- Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and
- Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.
This policy was updated December 2021. For any enquiries about our policies please contact us here.
