Dear Families,

There is a lot of talk in the media and our community around COVID-19 and closures of schools and Before and After School Care services. At this stage and until further notice, OOSH is as normal. In Australia the majority of COVID-19 cases are returning travellers or close contacts of cases, but there is evidence of limited community transmission in some states including NSW.

Efforts are now focused on considered actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community and protect those who are likely to experience more severe disease such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. These steps are also essential to reduce the demands on the health system so that it can function effectively. Our Centre is receiving regular updates from all governing bodies and we are taking this information very seriously.

Our main focus is to keep our families informed as to any change of practices and to be active in preventing the spread of COVID-19 within Australia. We thank you for your patients in this time and we appreciate your ongoing support. If you have any feedback in relation to the current COVID-19 situation our community is facing, please do not hesitate to contact your services Nominated Supervisor.

Important Information

Our main focus surrounding COVID-19 is:

• Our duty of care to our children, family members, caregivers and employees
• Providing a safe environment
• Minimising the risk of the spread of infection

Updates

• Enhanced cleaning regimes have been implemented within all services as per our Infectious Diseases Policy and Procedure.
• All personnel entering the service are required to wash hands immediately upon arrival, or follow ‘rub hand’ process using hand sanitizer.
• All excursions/incursions and Centre events have been postponed until further notice. For Vacation Care, this means all incursions and excursions have been cancelled, our program will be a in Centre day- everyday.
• If a person has a fever, cough, flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath they are not permitted to enter the service until all symptoms have passed and a medical clearance has been provided. This includes children, parents, caregivers and employees.
• Implementation of new Sign In & Out process.
• Our plans and processes are being reviewed regularly to incorporate the latest available information by NSW Health/Government.

Practical Actions

• Talk with your children about good hygiene practices and model these at home.
• Support age appropriate discussions about COVID-19. Encourage discussions that prevent anxiety and make the information relatable to your child.