Serendipity Early Learning Centre Outdoor environment policy review 2015 (Ella childcare, n.d.)

Agenda The importance of regularly reviewing policies Issues with the current policy Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) requirements Suggested solutions for the current policy issues The steps required to change a current policy

Importance of regularly reviewing policies Policies help in protecting children, families, staff and management and they support effective communication that occurs amongst stakeholders. They help to guarantee that each person has the same understanding and anticipations about what happens in the service as well as providing a record of accountability for choices that are made by the service. Therefore, because of this policies need to be regularly reviewed and if needed, changed to meet the ever-changing standards and regulations that are required to be an effective service. (Project Management, 2014)

By reviewing policies in a regular fashion, staff and management can assist in making sure that the service’s daily practices reflect the most current research and legislation requirements. Research has found that “a system of ongoing policy review can facilitate genuine collaboration with stakeholders and can allow everyone to have the opportunity to be involved in the consultation process” (Rowell, 2008, p.12).

Issues with the current policy The policy doesn’t mention the exploration of the natural world as much as the philosophy does, there is not enough of a link between the two. There are no measurements mentioned of the legal requirements of the fencing required for a long day care service. The legal height of any outdoor play equipment isn’t stated in the policy. There is not enough detail of how the policy links to the philosophy, it fails to state the strategies on how the service will work towards achieving the centre’s philosophy statement.

Suggested solutions for the issues Add extra details to the new policy about natural play spaces that provide a greater link between the policy and philosophy Edit in the legal measurements of the fencing that is required in a long day care centre: The Building Code of Australia [BCA] states that the minimum fencing height is 1200mm and the gaps between the bars are required to be a maximum of 100mm apart (Kidsafe NSW, 2013). The height requirement of outdoor play equipment is as follows, “the maximum free height of fall for any play equipment should be 1800mm for early childhood” (Kidsafe QLD, 2014). The revised policy should aim to provide more details on how the service will strategise to achieve the goals the philosophy states.

Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) requirements The Quality Improvement and Accreditation System [QIAS] unequivocally states need for policy and also the linking with philosophy and goals within a long day care centre. “Long day care centres must provide documented policy and evidence of its integration within the service as well as parental involvement and awareness” (Gibbs, 2008, p. 29). Quality area 7: Managing to support quality Principle 7.1: Written information about the centre’s management is readily available to families Principle 7.2: Written information about the centre’s management is available to staff. (ACECQA, n.d.)

The steps required to change a current policy 1.Begin with vision and mission philosophy The vision and philosophy of the service reinforce the life of the centre whilst also ensuring that the fundamentals stated in the policy are implemented in the service. 2.Consider the centre’s goals and specific influences Goals deliver the matter for the policy, by keeping these in mind the policy will be thoroughly put together and have the best chance of implementation. “The influences upon the service requiring consideration are the service type, general legislation and regulation, management structure, service-specific regulation and the service framework” (Gibbs, 2008, p. 38) 3.Review the policy needs There are numerous methods to evaluate the requirements of the policy, it all depends on the individual service when they opt to look at the needs of the policy. Some services will choose to do it at the beginning of the year whilst others choose to reflect on them at the end of the year to see how the policy has supported the service and see any gaps that may stand out and need to be reviewed.

4. Gather resources and research Research is a crucial part of the policy development and review, a rigorous policy will only happen if the policy writers thoroughly research and consult with resource agencies and literature. By referring to outside sources the policy will no doubt be up to date and current. 5. Form a policy work group/sub committee Review and development of policies is a collaborative process and when it is done in partnership with the service’s community the policy will be in-depth and detailed. These partnerships are made up of the children and families that attend the service, staff, management, resource services and the wider community. 6. Draft policy “The art of drafting and writing is a defining aspect of policy. Well written policies will be easily understood and therefore more effectively implemented and the extent of the research will be realised in the finished product” (Gibbs, 2008, p. 38). The policy subcommittee choose whether or not to draft a new policy from scratch or to adapt and review a current policy. This committee are the ones who are best able to understand what the individual needs of the service are.

7. Consultation and review of the draft This step is the most crucial step in the policy writing process, this is when the policy gets modified for the service community. Ensuring that the revised policy will meet the needs of the children, families and staff of the service happens here. 8. Publish and implement the policy Implementing the policy is the true trial on the worth of the revised policy, the policy is more likely to be correctly implemented and achieve the service’s goals if it has a planned introduction that creates awareness in the service’s community. There is insignificant risk in the environment and the quality of care that is provided is enriched. 9. Evaluate the policy in action The process is not finished yet! It is now the time to reflect and assess the process that the service has just undertaken and see if the policy is fixing the issues it was revised to. This reflection stage provides a basis for any further changes or updates that will need to occur to the policy.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask them! Thank you all for your time and for attending.

Reference List Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority [ACECQA]. (n.d.). ACECQA Logo [Image]. Retrieved from Ella childcare. (n.d.). Outdoor learning environment [image]. Retrieved from Gibbs, L. (2008). Policy development in early childhood settings: From idea to evaluation. Pademelon Press, NSW. Kidsafe QLD. (2014). Playground safety hazards. Retrieved from Oriental Review. (2014). Policy change [Image]. Retrieved from content/uploads/2014/12/Policy-Change.jpg Project Management. (2014). Collaboration puzzle [Image]. Retrieved from management.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/collaboration-puzzle.jpg Rowell, P. (2006). Why have policies? Retrieved from resources/pcf-articles/Special_Feature_Developing_Policies_Dec06.pdf