1. Response to Serendipity Early Learning Centre Policy EDU30008 Introduction to Educational Leadership and Management Hayley Durante 7581068

2.  Policies are essential in ensuring consistency of care and practices within a children’s service. They help to guide the actions of everyone involved in the service, and also provide a record of accountability. This helps to protect families, children, staff and management as well as allowing for clear communication about what is expected. Why Policies?

3.  The philosophy provided by Serendipity, does not provide any detail that adheres to the Early Years Learning Framework.  The policy does not state who was involved in the making and production of the document, meaning that one person could have done it.  The policy does not entail enough detail.  It can be concluded, that from the above critique Serendipity Early Learning Centre has grasped the basic concept of writing a philosophy and outdoor environment policy. With further research, collaboration and links to legislative, regulatory and ethical requirements, it could make a very informative document. Serendipity’s Early Learning Centre – Current Outdoor Policy

4.  Identify and define the problem or issue that necessitates the development of a policy. In this case the Serendipity Early Learning Centre’s outdoor environment policy is out dated and does not align with the centre’s philosophy. There are aspects of the policy that do not meet legislative and regulatory requirements, and the policy is also written with little detail. This means that the policy must be amended. Step 1: Identify and define the problem

5.  Establish the policy development process, where management, directors, staff and other parties are allocated tasks.  This will include getting families involved, for as the philosophy states ‘our pedagogical decisions and practices are constructed through rich discussions and collaboration with children’s families and the wider community’.  For a policy will be constrained by policies, laws and regulations of parent organisations, umbrella organisations, regulatory bodies, community expectations, government policy and legislation. That is why wide consultation is a key to successful policy formulation. Step 2: Develop a policy process, including all parties

6.  Conduct research: Extensive research needs to underpin all policies. Recognition and knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements must be evident throughout the policy.  Reading policy documents created by other organisations on the same topic, can be very beneficial to begin to grasp an understanding on what the policy should look like, and ideas that they have included within their documents. Step 3: Research

7.  Begin research on legislation on the internet. Legislation is a significantly important part of the development of a policy  Legal obligations are set out in Australian Government child care legislation, rules and funding agreements. Adherence to these conditions ensures that the Australian Government achieves its objectives in the childcare area, and also ensures the service is operating in accordance with legislation and in a financially responsible manner. Research: NSW Legislation Education and Care Services National Regulations

8.  There are thousands of injuries Australia wide that occur from children playing on equipment.  AUSTRALIAN PLAY GROUND EQUIPTMENT STANDARDS - They underpin consumer expectations that products purchased will be safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose. Indeed, Standards have become such integral components of our economic, social and legal systems that they are often taken for granted and their crucial role in a modern society is often not recognised. Examples of why legislation and regulations are important.

9.  Children and staff must feel as thought they are not only accepted but respected and their background is respected. Writing a policy needs to take into account ethical requirements, taking into account all aspects of families and children’s needs. The Early Years learning Framework states that, educators must honor the histories, cultures, languages, traditions, child rearing practices and lifestyle choices of families. This means that educators must make curriculum decisions that uphold all children’s rights to have their cultures, identities, abilities and strengths acknowledged and valued. When a team of leaders and staff are preparing a new policy, they must take into account ethical requirements, making sure that all children’s needs and requirements are taken care of. Research: Ethical Requirements

10.  The National quality framework is another significant part of early childhood centres for they provide families, children and staff with a framework for all areas within a centre. The NQF must be evident within all policies.  EXAMPLE: The National Quality Standard, Area 3 the physical environment states that the physical environment is safe, suitable and provides a rich and diverse range of experienced which promote children’s learning and development.  EXAMPLE: Quality standard physical environment, 3.3 - The service takes an active role in caring for its environment and contributes to a sustainable future. This aligns with Serendipity’s philosophy, as they state that learning about the environment will underpin children’s future interactions with each other and their world and encourage more sustainable living practices. Research: National Quality Framework

11.  DECS Vision and Values statement for Early Childhood outdoor learning Environments (2010) state - Every child has the right to leisure, play and the opportunity to participate in cultural and artistic activities, and an education that fosters respect for the natural environment. This aligns with the philosophy of Serendipity as they state they believe the children are strong in culture and are committed to cultural recognition and reconciliation. Research: DECS Vision and Values

12.  It is important to research into your state governments requirements, as each and every state has various requirements and standards for centre’s.  State and Territory government’s role is the approval, monitoring and quality assessment of services in their jurisdiction in accordance with the national legislative framework and in relation to the National Quality Standard for services under the scope of the National Quality Framework Research: State and Territory Governments

13.  Policies that are clearly sourced by recognised authorities assist services in controlling risks, and making decisions, which are supported by current research and advice. Recognised authorities are organisations that provide specialist information and advice on current research. Some recognised authorities include: Early Childhood Australia, The Cancer Council, Kidsafe Australia, Sids and Kids, Raising Children Network. Research: Recognised Authorities

14.  Serendipity's centre philosophy has a strong value on building relationships with nature to guide learning, they ensure that the child is surrounded and made available to natural materials.  The center is a community based long day care, and relies on director, staff, families and the wider community. This adheres to the one of the steps in creating a policy, by ensuring that the families and community is involved in the process and finalisation of a new policy.  The centre values culture, and ethical requirements, stating they value our diverse community and believe children are strong in culture. This adheres to the research part of the new policy, where ethical requirements are researched. Making connections to the centre’s Philosophy

15.  Once all research is complete, a meeting or collaboration session is held to discuss all areas that have been researched and the information gathered by families. All parties are able to have their input and ideas for the new policy are written down. A daft of the policy is then created, and it is then addressed to all parties involved, including the community, families and staff. At this stage it is necessary to seek help from stakeholders to fine-tune the wording, clarify meaning and make adjustments to the policy before it is finalised. The document is then open to suggestions on how or why the policy can be adjusted for the better. Collaboration of Ideas Draft a policy

16.  When the coordinator and all parties involved in the policy development process is reasonably satisfied that all issues and concerns about the policy have been aired and dealt with, it is time to finalise the policy. The final policy document needs to be formally adopted by the management of the organization. Following formal adoption of the policy it should be communicated far and wide throughout the organisation and stakeholders. Training sessions may need to be conducted to ensure that organisation personnel are fully informed and able to implement the policy. If the policy is not well communicated it may fail. Finalise Policy

17.  To ensure that the new policy is working smoothly, on going re-evaluation and collaboration is needed. All parties, including families and the wider community must provide feedback to management or at Annual General Meetings in regards to how well and effective they think the policy is going. On Going Evaluation