Aussie Childcare Network Forum

It is late on a Wednesday afternoon and you are with two senior educators, supervising 15 children in the 3-5 year old room. The two educators with you are both assisting children and are distracted from the situation that is about to unfold.
You are aware that Sally and Jacob’s dad has full custody of them and according to the custody order on file at the service their mother can only collect them from the service on a Friday afternoon. During the last monthly staff meeting you attended, the service Director reinforced to all educators the importance of following custody orders and that Sally and Jacob’s mum can only collect them on Friday afternoons. She also showed everyone a copy of the services “Arrivals and Collections Policy” that states that only authorised people can drop off and collect children.
You are sitting in book corner with Sally when her mum walks through the door and says “Hello darling, are you ready to come home?” Sally jumps up, yelling to Jacob and they both run into their mum’s arms”.
?Name the Legislation and Policy and procedures you would need to comply with in this situation?

So the policy would probably be the same as from the scenario "Arrivals and Collection" policy. As for the legislation I found this:

99 Children leaving the education and care service premises

(1) The approved provider of an education and care service must ensure that a child who is being educated and cared for by the education and care service does not leave the education and care service premises except in accordance with subregulation (4).
Penalty: $2000.

(2) The nominated supervisor of an education and care service must ensure that a child who is being educated and cared for by the education and care service does not leave the education and care service premises except in accordance with subregulation (4).
Penalty: $2000.

(4) The child may only leave the relevant premises if the child—
(a) is given into the care of—
(i) a parent of the child; or
(ii) an authorised nominee named in the child’s enrolment record; or
(iii) a person authorised by a parent or authorised nominee named in the child’s enrolment record to collect the child from the premises; or
(b) leaves the premises in accordance with the written authorisation of the child’s parent or authorised nominee named in the child’s enrolment record; or
(c) is taken on an excursion in accordance with this Division; or
(d) is given into the care of a person or taken outside the premises—
(i) because the child requires medical, hospital or ambulance care or treatment; or
(ii) because of another emergency.
(5) In this regulation parent does not include a parent who is prohibited by a court order from having contact with the child.

Ref: National Regulations

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina

Thank you