​Behavioural practices, for EVERYONE to follow at St Kevin’s OHSC.
In relation to children:

• Be a positive role model at all times.
• Always speak in an encouraging and positive manner.
• Listen actively to children and offer empathy, support and guidance where needed.
• Regard all children equally and with respect and dignity.
• Physical contact with children other than your own should be avoided unless directed by staff or if the safety of a child is compromised (this should be reported immediately to staff).
• Inform children if physical contact is required for an activity and ask them if they are happy to proceed.
• All interactions with children should be undertaken in full view of other adults. Never do things of a personal nature for a child that they can do themselves; for example, helping them go to the toilet or changing their clothes.
• Respect the confidential nature of information gained, or behaviour observed, while participating in the program, in relation to other children and adults.

In relation to other adults (including staff):

• Use courteous, respectful, encouraging and accepting verbal and non-verbal language.
• Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, aggressive or otherwise
  offensive language.
• Respect the rights of others as individuals.
• Give encouraging and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
• Accept staff decisions and follow their directions at all times. Speak with the
  staff member if you have a problem complying with any directions.
• Be aware of routines and guidelines for children’s play within the centre, abide by them and seek advice when unsure.
• Be aware of emergency evacuation procedures.
• Accept that discipline of children is the responsibility of staff and therefore any matters or concerns related to managing children’s behaviour should be referred to staff immediately.
• Avoid approaching staff to discuss a child during a session. Seek an alternative time when staff are free from contact duties with children.
• Refrain from public criticism of children and adults at the centre.
• Raise any issues or grievances as outlined in the Complaints and grievances policy.
• Under NO circumstance should a child, parents/guardians or member of staff be approached directly in a confrontational manner.
• Smoking is prohibited on the centre property at all times.

In general:

• The centre and staff are responsible for the children who are enrolled
  and signed in; that is, those children attending the children’s program.
• Adults are responsible for all children who accompany them—for example
  at pick-up times—ensuring they do not inhibit or disrupt the program in any way.
• Parents/guardians must clean up after their children or following meetings and activities that are not part of the program, such as a working bee, and leave all areas as they were found.
• Staff may ask parents/guardians to remove children not enrolled and signed into the program if they are disturbing the program.
• Parents/guardians will also be responsible for children’s behaviour when attending other activities and the child is not signed into the program, such as working bees and family nights.