Out Of School Care Assistant

Newlands Primary School's motto is 'Through relationships we build success'. The school provides a caring and challenging learning environment for all students. The school values of Care, Curiosity, Creativity & Responsibility are central to our whole school learning culture. Our students are drawn from a wide catchment within the Preston and Moreland areas. The Student Family Occupation (SFO) index for 2021 was classified as High. This index reflects the general parent educational level and their occupational status.

Newlands Primary School is in the residential area of Preston West in the City of Darebin and is directly opposite the new housing development 'Coburg Hill'. The school is located on a large allotment comprising two open grassed areas and landscaped garden areas for passive student activities, reading or games. The school has recently received a total of $20 million grant for major re-build and infrastructure upgrade. This grant will provide the school with new classrooms, a gymnasium, new administration complex and significant upgrades to the grounds.

Newlands Primary School has seen its enrolments steadily increase over the past five years. We believe this reflects the current regeneration in the area and the positive feel the community has for their local neighbourhood primary school. The projected student enrolment for 2024 is expected to be 410 students. The school has been moving towards being recognised as Spanish bilingual school since 2015 and in 2021 we were officially recognised by DET as a Spanish bilingual school.

The school enjoys the support of its community; parents regularly assist in the classrooms as helpers supporting the learning of all children. As well as assisting in the classroom our parent community share their talents and skills to support the creative aspects of learning, music, visual arts, gardening and cooking. Parents are encouraged to participate on School Council, Parents and Friends Association (PFA) or join any of our sub-committees of School council.

The Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Service

At Newlands Outside School Hours Care, we provide high quality care for children before and after school, and on pupil free days. Our service is currently licensed to care for up to 105 children each session. We are proudly community-based, and meet each child¿s need for care in a creative, stimulating and safe environment. The best interests of children and families are of paramount importance to our service.

At the forefront of our practices are the 5 outcomes for children as outlined in the ¿My Time, Our Place¿ Framework for School Age Care. Our program is planned by qualified educators, and takes into account each child¿s interests, family and cultural background and stage of development. We ensure that activities and routines assist in the social, emotional, creative and physical development of these children. The OSHC program makes use of a large outdoor area, as well as indoor multi-purposes spaces. Planned arts and crafts, cooking, games and sports activities run each day, with children invited to choose what they participate in. We also have a range of materials for free play, exploration and relaxation.

SC1  Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks relating to the care, learning, wellbeing and safety of children.

SC2  Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.

SC3  Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level verbal and written communication skills.

SC4  Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position, including knowledge of the developmental needs of children aged 5-12, and of the National Quality Framework for outside school hours care services.

The team of OSHC Educators provide assistance to the Coordinator in the development and implementation of a fun, safe and stimulating program for children before and after school. Under guidance from the Coordinator, Educators help to ensure the service runs smoothly and in accordance with National Law, Regulations and the National Quality Framework for School Age Care. OSHC Educators report to the OSHC Coordinator, who in turn reports to the school Principal and/or Business Manager. 

Key duties and responsibilities of an OSHC Educator at Newlands Primary School include:

Educational Programming

• Actively participating in planned and impromptu experiences with the children, encouraging their involvement and scaffolding their learning.
• Assisting the Coordinator in the learning documentation, planning and reflection cycle.
• Establishing appropriate guidelines with children and encouraging positive behaviour through role modelling, discussion and the use of common strategies employed by the OSHC team.
• Helping children to develop autonomy, responsibility and other important life skills.

Health and Safety

• Ensuring that children are safe and actively supervised at all times.
• Assisting to prepare daily meals for the children under supervision from the Food Safety Supervisor.
• Promptly completing accident/injury reports when required, and communicating knowledge of such events to the Coordinator.
• Following all relevant health and safety policies and procedures.

Physical Environment

• Monitoring the physical environment and ensuring it is kept clean, safe and in good condition.
• Ensuring the effective use of materials and equipment to avoid wastage and damage.

Relationships with Children and Families

• Developing and maintaining a warm, friendly and professional manner with children, keeping in mind the example that is set for children.
• Greeting parents/guardians at pick up/drop off time with the same warm, friendly and professional approach.
• Following inclusive practices and supporting all children to be involved, including those with additional physical or emotional needs.
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality and sensitivity in relation to the needs and backgrounds of all children and their families.

Other

• Maintaining a collaborative, team approach with all staff.
• Actively participating in the implementation and continuous improvement of quality practices as outlined in the National Quality Standard 2023.
• Adhering to all service guidelines, policies and to the Children¿s Services National Quality Framework. A comprehensive staff handbook will be provided upon commencement of your employment.

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

This position requires the successful applicant to work 19.5 hours per week working split shifts. 

Morning 7:00 - 9:30 Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 

Afternoon 3:00 - 6:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Essential

• All applicants must hold or be working towards a relevant qualification in accordance with the National Quality Framework for Out of School Hours Care. Studies in Education, Children or Community Services, Youth Studies or Affairs, Physical Education or Sport Science are acceptable. Other approved qualifications can be found at: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications
• Knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children aged 5-12 years, including those with additional needs.
• Valid Working with Children Check Card (Employee status).
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Well-developed organisational skills and ability to use initiative.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner. 

Desirable

• Experience working with children
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Anaphylaxis Management Certificate
• Asthma Management Certificate
• Safe Food Handling Certificate
• Skills in using computers and other forms of digital technologies

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx