Preschool procedures
Quality Improvement Plan
All early childhood education and care services are required to have a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
At Rydalmere East Public School Preschool, our QIP is used to reflect on current practices through ongoing self-assessment. It helps us identify our strengths, set meaningful goals, and plan strategies to continually enhance the quality of our program. This process ensures that all educators remain focused on achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
We value and welcome family input into our Quality Improvement Plan. Your feedback helps us recognise what is working well and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
Our QIP is reviewed regularly as part of our reflective practice and commitment to continuous improvement. Families are invited to contact our Preschool Team at any time to view the latest version of our Quality Improvement Plan.
Preschool Policies and Procedures
All early childhood education and care services are required to have a range of policies and procedures in place, as outlined in Regulation 168 (Hyperlink: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2011-0653#ch.4-pt.4.7-div.2).
At Rydalmere East Public School Preschool, our policies and procedures are aligned with the Department of Education’s guidelines and support consistency across both the school and preschool settings. They are designed to:
support educators in understanding their roles and responsibilities
ensure a consistent and embedded approach to high-quality practice
enhance effective management, collaboration and teamwork
promote partnerships with families
guide safe, inclusive and responsive environments for all children.
Our preschool maintains comprehensive policies to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of every child. These include, but are not limited to, procedures for arrival and departure, food and nutrition, education and curriculum, and sun protection.
We value and encourage family input into our procedures through both formal and informal feedback. If you have any questions or suggestions, please speak with one of our friendly Preschool Team members. Copies of all current procedures are available in the preschool and can be viewed at any time upon request.
Further information: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/Staying-Healthy/Staying-healthy-guidelines.pdf
Our Local Procedures
At Rydalmere East Public School Preschool, we follow the policies of the NSW Department of Education and have developed localised procedures that relate specifically to our preschool context. These procedures ensure that our practices meet regulatory requirements while reflecting the unique needs of our children, families and community.
Our local procedures include:
- nutrition, food and beverages, dietary requirements
- sun protection
- water safety, including safety during any water-based activities
- the administration of first aid
- sleep and rest for children
- incident, injury, trauma and illness
- dealing with infectious diseases, including immunisation
- dealing with medical conditions in children
- emergency and evacuation
- delivery of children to, and collection of children from, education and care service premises
- excursions
- safe arrival of children who travel between an education and care service and any other education or early childhood service
- providing a child safe environment, including child protection and supervision
- staffing, including
- code of conduct for staff members
- determining the responsible person present at the service
- participation of volunteers and students on practicum placements
- interactions with children
- enrolment and orientation
- governance and management of the service, including confidentiality of records
- the acceptance and refusal of authorisations
- payment of fees and provision of a statement of fees
- dealing with complaints
- Safe use of digital technologies and safe online learning environments
These procedures are available in the preschool and can be viewed at any time. They are reviewed regularly and updated as required to ensure alignment with current Department of Education policies and best practice.
Quality and Regulations
Rydalmere East Public School Preschool operates under the National Quality Framework (NQF), which aims to raise the quality of early childhood education and care services, drive continuous improvement, and ensure better educational and developmental outcomes for all children.
The key components of the National Quality Framework include:
Education and Care Services National Law
Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standard (NQS)
An assessment and quality rating process
The Early Childhood Education Directorate, responsible for the approval, monitoring and quality assessment of Rydalmere East Public School Preschool
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), a national body that guides the implementation of the NQF and supports regulatory authorities across Australia
Together, these elements ensure that our preschool operates to the highest standards of quality, safety and educational excellence.