Commitment to Child Safety
Child Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
At Epping Early Learning, your child’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating a secure, nurturing environment where children feel protected, supported, and inspired to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our commitment goes beyond standard safety practices. We take a proactive, comprehensive approach to care—so you can feel confident and reassured every time you place your child in our hands.
Key Focus Areas in Child Safety:
- Child protection and mandatory reporting – Every staff member is trained in child protection and understands their responsibilities regarding mandatory reporting. Any concerns are acted upon immediately, with clear procedures in place for escalation to the appropriate authorities.
- Safe and secure environments – Our learning environments are regularly reviewed and audited to identify potential hazards and implement effective solutions. We focus on creating spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow safely.
- Vigilant supervision – Active supervision is a core practice at our Centre. Our educators are trained to maintain constant awareness of the children in their care, and we encourage open communication among staff to address any concerns. Our philosophy is simple: See Something, Say Something.
Secure Entry and Controlled Access
We take security seriously. Entry to our centres is restricted to authorised individuals, with access controlled through a secure gate and main door code system. Families ring the bell upon arrival and sign their children in and out using an iPad, ensuring accurate records and reinforcing our commitment to security. Volunteers, Students and Visitors sign in and out as a visitor on an iPad. This is strictly monitored by our Nominated Supervisor/ Responsible Person.
Meeting Child-Educator Ratios
Our centre meets the minimum educator-to-child ratios required by law, ensuring that staff are always present for attentive care and close supervision. Our educators are strategically positioned both indoors and outdoors to maintain full visibility of children at all times.
Sun Safety Measures
Outdoor play is an essential part of a child’s development, and we take proactive steps to protect children from harmful UV exposure. Our sun safety measures include scheduling outdoor activities at appropriate times, requiring all children to wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and hats, and reapplying sunscreen regularly throughout the day. We are a SunSmart Centre.
Emergency Preparedness
Our emergency response training includes regular drills, helping both children and educators prepare for unexpected situations. We use books and group discussions to engage children in a positive, age-appropriate way, ensuring they understand emergency procedures while feeling safe and supported.
Safe Sleep Practices
Safe sleep is a top priority for all children in our care. We provide a calm, secure rest environment in our book corner for children who require rest. Our educators conduct checks every five minutes to ensure comfort and safety at all times. These checks are recorded on each child’s sleep chart and shared with their parent or guardian.
Managing Medical Conditions
For children with medical conditions, we work closely with families to develop individual care plans. These include Medical Management, Risk Minimisation, and Communication Plans, ensuring each child receives the support they need throughout their time in our centre.
Food Safety and Allergy
Nutrition is essential for a child’s development, and we take every precaution to ensure that meals are both nutritious and safe. Our centre partners with Kids Gourmet Food (KGF) to cater to all dietary needs, using coloured name tags to identify allergies and food preferences, along with colour-coded plates and bowls for children with specific dietary requirements. We adhere to strict food safety guidelines, ensuring every meal is prepared with care.
Commitment to Cleanliness and Hygiene
Maintaining a clean environment is essential for the health of every child. Our rigorous hygiene protocols include frequent handwashing, regular sanitisation of toys and surfaces, and proactive illness prevention measures. By prioritising cleanliness, we create a healthier environment for children to learn and grow.
Regular Safety Audits and Quality Assurance
Our dedicated team of educators conducts monthly audits to ensure quality assurance and uphold the highest safety standards, keeping our protocols effective and up to date.
For more information about our safety measures, please speak to our Centre Director.