Equipment

Policy Statement

At Cybertots Child Care Centre all equipment and toys purchased for the centre will meet Australian safety standards and be appropriate to the developmental stages, interests and culture of the children in care. Toys of war are considered inappropriate to the centre's aim of providing a safe and caring environment.

All staff members will be diligent to ensure that all equipment and toys are kept in a thoroughly safe, clean and hygienic condition and in good repair at all times, and stored in a safe manner. Children will be taught to use equipment appropriately.

In consultation with staff, the Director will determine which equipment is most appropriate taking into account; durability, easy maintenance, cost, benefit to the children's program. If large/expensive items of equipment are requested the committee will determine the centre's budget limitations.

Adequate furniture will be provided to meet the physical and developmental needs of the children in care.

Considerations:

• Philosophy - Safe caring environment (safety standards, war toys).
• Legislation - Australian Standards; Fair Trading Act Product Safety; Trade Practices Act, Project Safety; Community Services (Child Care) Regulations.
• Children's needs - Safety, enjoyment, developmental value, learning, interactions.
• Parents Needs - Children are safe, enjoying themselves, learning new things, equipment culturally inclusive and appropriate, suitable for different ages and levels of development. Children taught to care for things.
• Staff Needs - Equipment easy to maintain in a safe condition, appropriate to program of activities, easy to store and access.
• Management Needs - Price of equipment is within budget. Inventory of equipment for insurance and budget requirements. Available locally, durability/maintenance and storage space available.

How Policy will be implemented (Specific Policies and Procedures):

• An up to date inventory of equipment will be kept by the Director.
• The Director will be responsible for the purchase of all new items of equipment.
• Staff input on compiling a prioritised list of items of equipment will be sought at least twice a year.
• Parents/guardians will be invited to provide information about the toys their children enjoy at the time of enrolment and at intervals thereafter.
• All new equipment will be checked to ensure they comply with Australian Safety Standards.
• Children will be carefully introduced to new toys and pieces of equipment and taught how to use and care for them appropriately.
• Equipment that should only be used under supervision will be stored in a safe place.
• Wading or paddling pools will only be used under the direct supervision of an adult staff member as stated in Child Care Services (Child Care) Regulations 2006 Div.5 92. When not in use this equipment will be emptied and stored in such a manner that it cannot collect water.
• Children will only use a trampoline whilst under the direct supervision of an adult staff member. Regs Div.6 102.
• Equipment will be checked regularly by the staff to ensure it is in a clean and safe condition.
• The Director will advise the committee about the purchase of new equipment and gain their approval for purchases over $50.