Orientation of Families Policy (QA6) ✅

Woodlands - Orientation of Families Policy 

Enrolment and orientation is an exciting and emotional time for both children and families. It is important to manage this time with sensitivity and support, building partnerships between families and Woodlands. Such partnerships enable Woodlands and families to work toward the common goal of promoting consistent quality outcomes for individual children at Woodlands.

National Quality Standard (NQS)

Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships
6.1	Supportive relationships with families	Respectful relationships with families are developed and maintained and families are supported in their parenting role
6.1.1	Engagement with the service	Families are supported from enrolment to be involved in their service and contribute to service decisions
6.1.2	Parent views are respected	The expertise, culture, values and beliefs of families are respected and families share in decision-making about their child’s learning and wellbeing.
6.1.3	Families are supported	Current information is available to families about the service and relevant community services and resources to support parenting and family wellbeing.
6.2	Collaborative partnerships	Collaborative partnerships enhance children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing.
6.2.3	Community and engagement	The service builds relationships and engages with its community

Education and Care Services National Regulations

Children (Education and Care Services) National Law
160	Child enrolment records to be kept by approved provider and family day care educator
161	Authorisations to be kept in enrolment record
162	Health information to be kept in enrolment record
177	Prescribed enrolment and other documents to be kept by approved provider
181	Confidentiality of records kept by approved provider
183	Storage of records and other documents

Related Policies

• Enrolment Policy
• Relationships with Children
• Interactions with Children, Families & Staff Policy
• Family Communication Policy

Purpose

We aim to ensure children and families are provided with an orientation procedure that allows the family to transition into the Woodlands positively and informatively, meeting the children and families’ individual needs.  We strive to establish respectful and supportive relationships between families and Woodlands to promote positive outcomes for children whilst adhering to legislative requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to children, families, staff, management and visitors of Woodlands.

Implementation 

Orientation is an important process for children, families and educators to gain vital information about the individual child’s needs and interests. To enable children to feel safe and secure, and to set the foundations for a trusting partnership, we feel that it is necessary for the family to attend an 1-2 orientation visits. Orientations helps to support the child and their family to adjust to a new setting and helps to make the transition from home to Woodlands a positive experience. 

In collaboration with families during orientation at Woodlands we will:

- Review the online enrolment form information.
- Complete our 'parent partnership form' which outlines your child's individual educational and developmental goals.
- Set up each parent/guardian on our parent app (Xplor Home) on your mobile device which includes an explanation of each feature of the app.
- Set up direct debit details on the Xplor Home app.
- Share door pin access.
- Show parent/guardian how to sign in/out.
- Discuss any specific questions you may have.

Management will ensure:

• The orientation process is well organised, flexible and informative. 
• Our 'parent partnership form' is completed for each child orientating.
• The child and family visit Woodlands and familiarise themselves with the environment. The child may participate in the activities and experiences if they feel comfortable. 
• The family and child/children are introduced to the educators in the room.
• To create a welcoming environment and interact positively with the child and family.    
• The child and family are respected at all times, acknowledging the individuality of each parenting style.
• Families are reassured if the child is distressed over a long period of time, the educators will contact them. 
• Support agencies are contacted for children with additional needs. 
• Families know how to provide feedback. 

Educators will:

• Provide a warm welcome to children and families upon arrival.
• Discuss with families the best transition process for the child. 
• Encourage families to say good-bye to the child when dropping off. 
• Phone families if the child remains distressed .
• Encourage families to stay as long as they need to in order to reassure their child.
• Ensure to check each child's playground profile to read the child's routine and relevant information.
• Create a welcoming and inviting environment. 

During the orientation of the Service, families will be: 

In collaboration with families during orientation at Woodlands we will:

- Review the online enrolment form information.
- Complete our 'parent partnership form' which outlines your child's individual educational and developmental goals.
- Set up each parent/guardian on our parent app (Xplor Home) on your mobile device which includes an explanation of each feature of the app.
- Set up direct debit details on the Xplor Home app.
- Share door pin access.
- Show parent/guardian how to sign in/out.
- Discuss any specific questions you may have.

Room Transition

• Children will only be transitioned when they are ready in all aspects of their development and in accordance with their age.
• Room transitions will occur once there is a vacant position for the child. 
• Management will consult with families when a child is transitioning to the next room, discussing their expectations and requirement to ensure the child settles into their new environment. 
• Management and educators aim to ensure the transition between rooms is positive and smooth, communicating with families about how the transition is progressing.

 Source

• The Business of Childcare, Karen Kearns 2004
• Education and Care Services National Regulation 2015
• National Quality Standard (NQS)
• Managing Emergency Situations in Education and Care Services 
• Revised National Quality Standards 

Review

Date Reviewed	Modifications	Next Policy Review Date
October 2017	Updated references to comply with the revised National Quality Standard	November 2018
January 2020	Branding and formatting updated Policy links added Service-specific information amended not affecting the delivery of policy	November 2020
June 2024	Updated orientation processes and procedures.	As Required