Policies

This policy provides guidelines to enable Meli to:
a) Establish a standard of behaviour to be followed by Meli as the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisors, educators, staff, volunteers, students on placement, parents/guardians and visitors.
b) Create and maintain a child safe environment that reflects the philosophy, beliefs, objectives and values of Meli
c) Promote desirable and appropriate behaviour
d) Promote interactions at the service, which are respectful, honest, courteous, sensitive, tactful and considerate.

Meli:
a) Respects the rights of the child and values diversity
b) Acknowledges the vulnerability of Aboriginal children, children from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and children with a disability and has zero tolerance of discrimination
c) Maintains a duty of care (refer to Definitions) towards all children at the service
d) Is committed to the safety and wellbeing of each child at the service
e) Is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all staff at the service
f) Provides a safe and secure environment for all at the service
g) Provides an open, welcoming environment in which everyone’s contribution is valued and respected
h) Is committed to communicating openly and honestly
i) Is committed to continually learning how to be inclusive and respectful of cultural needs
j) Encourages volunteers, students, parents/guardians and visitors to support and participate in the program and activities of the service.

View and download the Code of Conduct

This policy outlines the duties, roles and responsibilities of the Board of Meli.

View and download the Governance and management of the service policy

This policy will provide guidelines for receiving and dealing with compliments and complaints at Meli Kindergarten Services (MKS).

View and download the Feedback and Complaints Policy.

This policy will provide guidelines:
a) for the collection, storage, use, disclosure, and disposal of personal information, including photos, videos, and health information at all Meli Kindergarten locations
b) to ensure compliance with privacy legislation
c) on responding to requests for information to promote child wellbeing or safety, and assess and manage risk of family violence
d) on sharing and requesting information to promote child wellbeing or safety, and manage risk of family violence.

Meli is committed to:
a) the responsible and secure collection and handling of personal information
b) protecting the privacy of everyone’s personal information
c) ensuring individuals are fully informed regarding the collection, storage, use, disclosure, access and disposal of their personal information
d) proactively sharing information to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child(ren), consistent with their best interests.

View and download the Privacy and confidentiality policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to ensure that all users of information and communication technology
(ICT) at Meli Kindergartens (Meli) or on behalf of Meli:

• understand and follow procedures to ensure the safe and appropriate use of ICT, including secure
storage of information
• take responsibility to protect and maintain privacy in accordance with the service’s Privacy and
Confidentiality Policy
• promote a child safe culture when it comes to taking, sharing and storing images or videos of
children
• are aware that only those persons authorised by the approved provider are permitted to access ICT
at the service
• understand what constitutes illegal and inappropriate use of ICT facilities and avoid such activities
• understand and follow professional use of interactive ICT platforms, such as social media (refer to
Definitions) and other information sharing platforms (refer to Definitions).

View and download the Information Communication Technology Policy

This policy provides guidelines for engaging staff at Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli), including:
• employing enough educators to meet legislative, policy and service standards
• employing educators with qualifications and experience that meet legislative, policy and
service standards
• providing appropriate supervision and support to staff and other adults at the service
• complying with legislation relating to Working with Children (WWC) Check, Victorian
Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration and meeting Child Safe Standards

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following service policies:
• Child Safe Environment & Wellbeing
• Code of Conduct
• Determining Responsible Person
• Participation of Volunteers and Students

View and download the Staffing policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for engagement and participation of volunteers and students at a Meli Service while ensuring children’s health, safety and wellbeing is protected at all times.

View and download the Participation of volunteers and students policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to:

• ensure all adults and children at Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, level of ability, additional needs, family structure or lifestyle
• promote inclusive practices and ensure the successful participation of all children at Meli
• create a positive mental health and wellbeing environment for children, educators, staff and families at Meli.

View and download the Inclusion and equity policy.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the educational program delivered at Meli Kindergartens are:

• Fully compliant with the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, Child Safe Standards, and all other relevant national and state standards.
• Aligned with approved learning frameworks, including the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (Belonging, Being & Becoming) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
• Designed to support each child’s learning, development, wellbeing, and safety through intentional, play-based, and inquiry-led experiences.
• Reflective of the principles, practices, and outcomes outlined in approved frameworks, and responsive to each child’s strengths, interests, culture, abilities, and developmental stage.
• Guided by critical reflection, collaborative planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement in educational practice.
• Delivered in partnership with families, educators, and the community to promote equitable, inclusive, and culturally safe learning environments, including meaningful recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
• Supported by robust documentation and assessment practices that ensure ongoing monitoring of each child’s learning and progress, in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

View and download the Education and Program policy here

This policy provides a clear set of guidelines to ensure:

• the development of responsive, warm, trusting and respectful relationships with children that
promote their wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of security and belonging at MKS
• each child at MKS is supported to learn and develop in a secure and empowering environment

Meli Kindergarten Services (MKS) is committed to:

• maintaining the dignity, agency and rights of each child at the service
• promoting fairness, respect and equity
• encouraging children to express themselves and their opinions, and to undertake experiences that
develop self-reliance and self-esteem
• considering the health, safety and wellbeing of each child, and providing a safe, secure and
welcoming environment in which they can develop and learn
• maintaining a duty of care (refer to Definitions) towards all children at MKS
• considering the diversity of individual children at the service, including family and cultural values,
age, gender, and the physical and intellectual development and abilities of each child
• building collaborative relationships with families to improve learning and development outcomes for
children
• encouraging positive, respectful and warm relationships between children, families and
educators/staff at the service.

View and download the Interactions with Children Policy 

This policy outlines procedures to be followed when:

• obtaining written authorisation from a parent/guardian or person authorised and named in
the enrolment record
• refusing written authorisation from a parent/guardian or person authorised and named in
the enrolment record

Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) is committed to:

• ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children attending the service
• meeting its duty of care obligations under the law.

View and download Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisations Policy 

This policy will provide guidelines for Meli Kindergartens to plan and conduct safe and appropriate
excursions, regular outings, and service events.

View and download the Excursions and service events policy.

This policy provides a clear set of guidelines and procedures for Meli to:

• provide a safe environment for all children which ensures their safety, health and wellbeing
• promote the cultural safety of all children
• identify, reduce and remove risks of child abuse
• intervene when a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect
• involve children in child safety including listening to children and incorporating their views about how
to provide a safe environment
• make staff aware of their legal and duty of care obligations to report child abuse and neglect
• responding to requests, sharing and requesting information to promote child wellbeing or safety
and/or manage risk of family violence.

View and download Child Safe Environment and Wellbeing Policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to ensure:

• the adequate supervision of all enrolled children is always maintained.
• the provision of a safe and secure environment for all children at Meli Kindergarten
Services (Meli).

View and download the Supervision of children policy.

This policy will provide clear guidelines to ensure the safe delivery and collection of children attending
Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) by ensuring:

• children are given into the care of a parent/guardian or authorised nominee named in the child’s
enrolment record, or a person authorised by the parent/guardian or authorised nominee
• children leave in accordance with the written authorisation of the child’s parent or authorised nominee
• children are taken on an excursion or on transportation provided or arranged by the service, with
written authorisation from the parent or authorised nominee
• children are given into the care of a person, or taken outside the premises, because the child requires
medical, hospital or ambulance care or treatment, or because of another emergency.

View and download the Delivery and collection of children policy.

This policy will provide guidelines to assist in determining the responsible person at Meli Kindergarten
Services (Meli).

View and download the Determining responsible person policy.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe arrival of children travelling between Meli Kindergarten Services and other education or early childhood services. It establishes procedures that uphold children’s health, safety, and wellbeing during transitions, in alignment with Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard, which requires that each child is protected through adequate supervision and risk minimisation.

This policy supports:
• Active supervision and clear assignment of duty of care during all travel periods.
• Risk assessments that identify and mitigate hazards associated with children’s travel.
• Compliance with authorisation requirements under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.
• Road safety education and safe travel practices embedded in the curriculum.
• Collaborative communication between services and families to ensure children’s safe arrival and departure.

View and download the Safe Arrival of Children Policy here

This policy will provide clear guidelines for:

Ensuring the viability of Meli, by setting appropriate Fees and charges including a registration fee for all kindergarten enrolments and acceptance fees payable on enrolments.

View and download the Free Kindergarten Fees Policy

This policy establishes clear, equitable, and inclusive guidelines for the application, enrolment, and orientation processes at Meli Kindergarten Services (MKS). It is designed to:

• Ensure all children and families experience a welcoming and supportive transition into kindergarten, regardless of background or circumstance.
• Provide transparent procedures for applying, accepting, and enrolling in kindergarten, with a focus on accessibility and simplicity for families.
• Proactively support the participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, ensuring barriers to access are identified and addressed.
• Guarantee equitable access for early entry applicants and prioritise enrolment in accordance with Department of Education criteria and locally agreed priorities.
• Promote Meli’s commitment to inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement in early childhood education.

View and download the Application, Enrolment and Orientation Policy here

This policy will provide a framework for:

• The development of specific emergency and evacuation procedures, practices, and guidelines at
Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli).
• being informed by a risk assessment that identifies potential emergencies at Meli
• raising the awareness of everyone attending Meli about potential emergency situations and
appropriate responses.

View and download the Emergency and evacuation policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for the administration of first aid at any Meli Kindergarten Services (MKS)

View and download the Administration of first aid policy.

This policy will clearly define the:

• procedures to be followed when a child requires medication while attending a Meli Kindergarten Service (MKS)
• storage of medication
• responsibilities of nominated supervisor, educators, staff parents/guardians and the approved provider to ensure the safe administration of medication at MKS.

View and download the Administration of medication policy.

This policy will provide clear guidelines and procedures to follow when:

• a child attending Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) shows symptoms of an infectious disease
• a child at Meli has been diagnosed with an infectious disease
• managing and minimising the spread of infectious diseases, illnesses, and infestations
• managing and minimising infections relating to blood-borne viruses
• managing and minimising infections relating to epidemics and pandemics

View and download the Dealing with infectious diseases policy.

This policy will outline the procedures to:

• Ensure educators, staff and parents/guardians are aware of their obligations and the best practice
management of asthma at a Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli)
• Ensure that all necessary information for the effective management of children with asthma enrolled
at a Meli service is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when
required.
• Respond to the needs of children who have not been diagnosed with asthma and who experience
breathing difficulties (suspected asthma attack) at the service.
• Ensure educators, staff and parents/guardians follow the advice from Emergency Management
Victoria associated with thunderstorm asthma event.

View and download the Asthma policy.

This policy will provide guidelines for procedures to be implemented at Meli to ensure:

• effective and up-to-date control of the spread of infection
• the provision of an environment that is safe, clean, and hygienic.

View and download the Hygiene policy.

This policy affirms Meli Kindergarten Services’ commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive
environment for children diagnosed with epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures.

It outlines the principles that guide the organisation’s approach to ensuring equitable participation, promoting awareness, and fostering collaborative partnerships with families and health professionals.

The policy supports the rights of children to access education and care in a manner that respects their individual health needs and aligns with the National Quality Framework, particularly Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety and relevant legislation.

View and download the Epilepsy and Seizures policy.

This policy outlines Meli Kindergarten’s commitment to fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all children, families, staff, and visitors. It aims to:

• Protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children by ensuring environments are free from tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs.
• Promote a culture of health and wellbeing across the service community, including staff, children, and families.
• Support positive educational and developmental outcomes by reducing exposure to harmful substances and modelling healthy behaviours.
• Provide access to information and support for quitting smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other drug use, and promote the benefits of abstaining or engaging in low-risk behaviours.
• Uphold legal and ethical responsibilities under relevant legislation.

View and download the Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy here

This policy will define the:

• procedures to be followed if a child is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at any
Meli kindergarten that results in injury or trauma
• responsibilities of staff, parents/guardians, and Meli Kindergarten Services (MKS) as the approved
provider when a child is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at the service that
results in injury or trauma
• practices to be followed to reduce the risk of an incident occurring at MKS

View and download the Incident, injury, trauma and illness policy.

This policy provides guidelines for Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) to ensure that:

• clear procedures support the health, safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children at the service
• service practices support the enrolment of children with specific health care requirements
• information is provided to staff about managing individual children’s’ medical conditions
• requirements for medical management plans are provided by parents/guardians for the child
• a risk-minimisation and communication plan are developed in with Meli and parents/guardians.

View and download the Dealing with medical conditions policy.

To ensure that enrolled children with type 1 diabetes and their families are supported, while children are being educated and cared for by the service.

This Diabetes Policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy of Meli.

View and download the Diabetes policy.

This policy provides guidelines Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) to:

• minimise the risk of an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis occurring while children are in the care
of Meli
• ensure that service staff respond appropriately to allergic reactions including anaphylaxis by following
the child’s ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions
• raise awareness of allergies and anaphylaxis and appropriate management amongst all at the service
through education and policy implementation.
• working with parents/guardians of children with either an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis or
ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions in understanding risks and identifying and implementing
appropriate risk minimisation strategies and communication plan to support the child and help keep
them safe.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy and Incident, Injury,
Trauma and Illness Policy.

View and download the Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions policy.

This policy will provide:

• guidelines to ensure children, staff, volunteers and others participating in Meli programs and activities
are well protected from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
• information for parents/guardians, staff, volunteers and children attending Meli regarding sun
protection
• guidance to the use of outdoor spaces including adequate shading.

View and download the Sun protection policy.

This policy provides clear guidelines for:

• Implementing effective food safety practices at Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) that comply with legislative requirements and reflect best practice standards.
• Minimising the risk of scalds and burns to children from hot drinks and other hot substances.
• Promoting a safe, inclusive, and hygienic food environment that supports children’s health, wellbeing, and cultural needs.

Meli Kindergarten Services are committed to ensuring that all food provided, prepared, or consumed within the service is safe, hygienic, and appropriate for children, staff, and visitors. We aim to prevent foodborne illness, allergic reactions, and injuries related to food and drink, while fostering a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect for diverse dietary needs.

View and download the Food Safety Policy.

This policy will provide guidelines and procedures to ensure that:

• all people who attend the premises of Meli, including employees, children, parents/guardians,
students, volunteers, contractors and visitors, are provided with a safe and healthy environment
• all reasonable steps are taken by the approved provider, as the employer of staff, to ensure the
health, safety and wellbeing of employees at the service

View and download the Occupational health and safety policy.

This policy defines the responsibilities of Meli to ensure that all children are:

• kept safe while travelling as pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers in a vehicle
• able to participate in road safety education to assist them in being and becoming safe and
responsible road users.

View and download the Road safety education and safe transport policy.

This policy will outline the procedures that apply to managing water safety, including safety during any
water-based activities at Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli).

View and download the Water safety policy.

This policy outlines Meli Kindergarten Services’ commitment to environmental sustainability and supports our role in nurturing children’s understanding of and respect for the natural world.

It provides practical guidance for embedding sustainable practices into everyday operations and learning experiences, in line with the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, and the National Quality Standard.

Through this policy, we aim to foster a culture of environmental responsibility across our kindergartens, empowering children, educators, families, and the wider community to contribute to a sustainable future.

View and download the Environmental Sustainability policy here

This policy provides guidelines for Meli to:

• ensure the service environment is safe, inclusive and empowering for children, families, early
childhood teachers, educators, staff, volunteers and visitors
• embed social and emotional learning in the educational program
• ensure families, children, early childhood teachers, educators and staff are key partners in mental
health initiatives
• engage in partnerships with community networks.

View and Download the Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy.

This policy provides guidelines for Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) to:

• encourage children to achieve success
• develop positive self-esteem
• reduce challenging behaviours and
• provide a safe and healthy work environment.

View and download the Behaviour Support Policy.

Meli acknowledges the importance of healthy eating, oral health and physical activity and its contribution
to good health and overall wellbeing.

This policy provides guidelines to:
• promote a healthy lifestyle and support children, staff, educators and families at the service to eat
nutritious food, maintain oral health and participate in physical activity and active play
• ensure national and state guidelines and recommendations about nutrition, oral health and
physical activity are met
• ensure that the dietary, developmental and cultural needs of children and families are taken into
consideration when planning menus and implementing nutrition, oral health and active play
activities
• ensure the safe storage and preparation of food.

View and download the Nutrition, Oral Health and Active Play Policy.

This policy provides guidelines for Meli Kindergarten Services (Meli) to:

• provide a safe online environment for all children which ensures their safety, health and wellbeing
• support young children to develop an understanding of digital networks and to using digital networks
in safe and appropriate ways
• incorporate technology into early learning environment in an age appropriate and safe way
• support and communicate with families about safe online practices at home and in the community.

View and download the eSafety for Children Policy here.

This policy establishes Meli Kindergarten Services’ commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate in-nature programs that support children’s learning, wellbeing, and connection to the natural environment.

It ensures alignment with the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, and the National Quality Standard, particularly Quality Areas 1 and 2.

View and download the In Nature Policy here

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear, evidence-based guidelines that promote the safety, health, and wellbeing of all children attending Meli Kindergarten Services during sleep, rest, and relaxation periods.

This policy ensures that practices are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and consistent with the National Quality Framework (Quality Area 2), relevant legislation, and the latest recommendations from Red Nose Australia.

It supports educators in creating nurturing environments where children feel secure and are able to rest and relax according to their individual needs, while maintaining high standards of supervision and safety.

View and download the Sleep and Rest Policy here