The Family Conduct Guidelines works in conjunction with our Play.Full Connections Enrolment Policy, Dealing with Complaints Policy, Privacy and Confidentiality Policy,. The Family Conduct Guidelines are in place to emphasise the commitment and ethical responsibilities each family adopts when enrolling their child/ren at Play.Full Connections.

AIM

The aim of the Family Conduct Guidelines is to provide information to support families, and the Service develop clear and effective methods of communication to support the building of genuine partnerships and adopt appropriate and expected behaviour for families and staff. This includes acting as an advocate for individual children and discussing more complex and challenging issues that call for careful consideration and mutual respect.

It is anticipated that all stakeholders within the Service will adopt the following qualities during their interactions:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Inclusivity
• Democracy
• Respect
• Confidentiality

Play.Full Connections believes that children’s safety, rights, and best interests are the paramount consideration for our Service operations, decisions and functions.

COMMUNICATION

It is expected that families will collaborate with staff, working together to support their child’s learning and development. Our staff understand that families are often eager to find ways to strengthen the connection between home and our Service within their busy lifestyle. We have a range of methods to promote effective communication with families and encourage families’ interaction. Effective communication builds mutual respect, understanding and trust. For educators working with families, building a positive partnership includes sharing knowledge and experiences to understand your child.

We appreciate when families share information with our staff about their child. This may include informing the staff when your child has a restless night, sharing something your child has disclosed, or even talking about an activity or experience your child would like to do or share with others.

This continued information helps our staff support your child throughout the therapeutic sessions. Communication is vital within our Service, ensuring children’s needs are being met. We ask that families nominate their preferred method of communication which will be amended as required, so we can do our best to be open and responsive.

MEETING WITH STAFF OR MANAGEMENT

It is not always possible or effective to discuss issues ‘on the spot’. Usually, most communication between families and staff occurs at your child’s arrival and departure times. This transition time typically is not conducive to meaningful exchanges; families can be rushed; staff are understandably focused on the next child’s arrival. We do allow for a five-minute chat at the end of the session and that is why we ask for families to stay close.

We encourage families to arrange a time away from the learning environment, where the staff member can give families their full attention and make decisions that have been given careful consideration.

RESPECTING OUR STAFF

We request that all stakeholders involved Play.Full Connections are respected. This includes respect for our staff, respect for the children and respect for the families. If we work to share information, contribute ideas and together, reflect on practices we will have a network for your child that not only supports their time here at Play.Full Connections, but will also see them thrive.

We all have a common goal: What’s best for your child. With that in mind, this journey will be rewarding for all. Parents and family members are expected to model appropriate behaviour and suitable conduct when interacting with children and staff at our Service, including various communication methods such as written, spoken or through social media.

We will not accept derogatory, disrespectful or abusive language or behaviour. If the behaviour of a family member or visitor within the Service is deemed threatening or violent, the Police may be contacted and the family member or visitor asked to leave the premises.

COMPLAINTS OR GRIEVANCES

If there is an incident that has occurred that families are concerned with, we always want to hear and discuss the issue. We ask families to be mindful about discussing or talking about sensitive issues in front of others, including children. Where possible, ask your child’s facilitator for a suitable time to discuss your complaint.

Families are encouraged to document their concerns by completing a ‘Complaints/Grievance Form’ outlining the incident or concern and submit this to Management. Management will acknowledge your complaint and endeavour to achieve an outcome that supports the best interests and wellbeing of the child where possible. We encourage all parents, carers and family members to work co-operatively with the person managing the complaint. Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated, and a meeting may be arranged.

Management will adhere to privacy and confidentiality laws however if the complaint is a notifiable incident (related to child protection or fraud), we are required to notify relevant authorities immediately.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is something we will not compromise on and expect the same from everyone involved, educators and families alike. We request that management is kept up to date with any parenting court orders or parenting agreements under Family Law if applicable.

Information, including personal information (addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses) will not be disclosed to any individual without obtaining prior written permission of the respective person, including educators, staff, family members and parents. Families must ensure they do not share data or personal information of other family members, children or staff members from the Service with anyone, including other families of the same Service. (See Privacy and Confidentiality Policy).

All families are not to use or share images obtained from the Service, via the social media pages or other formats. Families are not to share photographs taken during special events for publishing on any social media or for sharing in any format.
Families are asked to respect that staff are prohibited to share information about other children, families or staff members without expressed written consent to whom the information relates to. Additionally, families are not to connect with staff on social media platforms except through the regulated Service’s private Facebook page.

If you do have concerns regarding your child, please see your child’s facilitator to arrange a time to meet. The meeting will be in a private area within the Service. If issues are still unresolved, then contact Management and reschedule a second meeting.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Our policies and procedures are reviewed annually or in the event of legislation changes, or upon critical reflection when modifications are required. We ask families to contribute and provide feedback to our policies and procedures to ensure child safety and wellbeing remains our priority.

We aim to provide an environment that promotes and enables children’s participation and is welcoming and culturally safe and inclusive for all children and families. We request that your constructive feedback and contribution to policy review is through relevant communication channels.

BREACH OF FAMILY CONDUCT GUIDELINES (CODE OF CONDUCT)

If parents or family members are consistently in breach of these guidelines and following an evaluation by Management, any related enrolment/s may be at risk of being terminated.

This document reflects what is currently regarded as safe practice. However, as in any situation, there may be factors which cannot be covered by a single set of guidelines.

This document does not replace the need for the application of personal judgement to each individual presentation.

Approved by: Tracey Bowman Date Effective: 10/10/2026
Review Period: 1 year to be reviewed by: Tracey Bowman

Family Conduct Guideline (Code of Conduct) V001/2026