Nappy Change Facility In OOSH

[Nimue1981]

Hi everyone,
Just a quick question was wandering if any of you were able to help me. I run an OOSH centre and we already have a wonderful boy with special needs at our centre, whom we have ISS funding for. I have just received an inquiry about a new enrollment for an 8 year old child who wears a nappy and requires changing.

I am more than happy to accept this child at our centre, however we are based in a school that does not have nappy changing facilities on premises. Nor will be be eligible to receive extra funding for another ISS worker. I am wandering what the legalities are around this. I do not wish to not accept this child as I believe that all children should be able to have fun at vac care.

I have spoken to the school and was told that they have had a child who was wearing nappies and the child's grandfather came and changed them as they are not legally allowed to do so.

Where do we stand in OOSH? Are we legally allowed to change them? what if we do not have a proper hygienic facilities to change the child? What about ratios if a staff member has to go and change the child?

Thank you all in advance
Rae

[Lorina]

Hi Rae,

It's really refreshing to hear that you would like to take on a second child with additional needs. You really support "inclusion" within your centre and you should be proud of yourself and your team. I know it's just a small gesture but unfortunately I've known centres that will pass on this since they already have one additional needs and dealing with two would be even more difficult for staff (un"freaking"believable!).

Since this child is in nappies you need to provide a nappy change facility for them. You mentioned that the school doesn't have the facility but is there any chance of maybe providing a portable one? Maybe if you have access to a disabled toilet it's big enough to put a nappy change table in there (portable) that can be removed after service so you can change this child's nappy? I'm not too sure how this can be done but I'll try and find more info on it...

When changing a child's nappy 2 staff members will be required during this time.

This is all the info I have so far,

I'll see what else I can find!

,
L.A

[Lorina]

Hi Rae,

I just wanted you to know that I have sent an email to Disability Support regarding your questions and are waiting a response. I will let you know the outcome once I receive any further information from them... I also told them it was urgent so hopefully in the next couple of days...

,
L.A

[Nimue1981]

Hi Lorena,
thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I will keep am eye out for your replies
Thanks
Rachel

[Lorina]

Hi Rachel,

I finally got the following response:

Dear Lorina,

Thankyou for your email regarding OOSH support of a child with additional support needs.

OOSH centres are part of Early childhood Education and Care Directorate. I have spoken to them about your questions. They have suggested you contact them directly on 1800 619 113. The phone lines answer very quickly and they will put you through to the best person to answer your questions.

I am confident they will be able to verify the guidelines for you with regard to change facilities and staff support.

Kind Regards

I was hoping to get more information in which I can pass onto you...

I guess you need to ring them for more information,

Sorry I couldn't be of further help,

,
L.A