Frequently Asked Questions
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Starting at Three Vines
Where to begin, when you’re wanting to enrol your child in childcare
Our management team will invite you to take a tour of our service first so you can see where your child will be cared for and to ensure you are comfortable with your decision. We will then provide you with an enrolment pack that contains everything you need to know about the service, information we need from you about your child for example their routine, as well as a quote for your daily fees. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you like, as we are here to support both you and your child.
Please email our service on info@threevineselc.com.au and we can provide more information and book your tour.
Yes, of course! Once you have begun the enrolment process, the management team will organise with you multiple orientation sessions (these will be dependent on yours and your child’s needs) before your child’s first day at Three Vines.
- A sun safe hat which covers your child’s face, neck and ears
- Change of clothes (when involved with hands-on play-based learning, your child may get a little messy!)
- A bib or two (if required)
- Comfort item (if required), such as a toy or blanket
- Dummy in a sealed, named container (if required)
- Milk bottles (if required)
- Expressed milk and/or measured formula (if required)
- Nappy cream (if required)
- Sunscreen (if your child has sensitive skin)
- Water bottle with a lid or a sippy cup
If you leave after drop off and your child seems upset we will reassure them that you will be back and encourage them to explore the environment and engage in experiences. A specific educator will stay close by to settle your child as well as build a relationship to help them feel safe and confident in the space. We also utilise our app to communicate with you about what your child is doing and to show them any replies you might send. This is a nice way for children to share experiences with their families and feel reassured that everyone is there to care for them until you return.
Health, Safety & Development
How we create and maintain safe and secure environments
All educators hold qualifications in Early Years Education and Care and have accredited training in behaviour management, which is visited on a regular basis. Educators will work alongside families and management to achieve desired outcomes, and ensure the best for your child.
We follow the Sun Smart program and have an all year round sun policy. Families are asked to provide a sun hat that can be labelled and kept at the centre for their child. Clothing covering shoulders is required as is a water bottle. Sunscreen is applied before going outdoors and staff monitor the UV levels daily.
At Three Vines, we encourage all families to approach their child’s educators and communicate regularly about any concerns or goals for your child. If you feel you need further support, please contact and speak with management for additional assistance.
If you leave after drop off and your child seems upset we will reassure them that you will be back and encourage them to explore the environment and engage in experiences. A specific educator will stay close by to settle your child as well as build a relationship to help them feel safe and confident in the space. We also utilise our app to communicate with you about what your child is doing and to show them any replies you might send. This is a nice way for children to share experiences with their families and feel reassured that everyone is there to care for them until you return.
Food & Allergies
Determining what exactly your child will be eating while attending our service
We believe that children learn best when in groups of peers, we use this strategy with vegetables and other foods as well. Our service celebrates the importance of food and sharing meals together. We encourage the children to have a taste of new and different foods, and in extreme circumstances a meeting is held with the families to discuss your child’s nutritional needs.
No, at Three Vines Sanctuary we supply all food. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack are all prepared by our amazing on site cook. Due to Food Safety Regulations and our comprehensive food safety program in place families are not permitted to bring any food into our service. This helps to maintain our high standards and ensures our service is an allergy aware service.
Families are asked to bring measured formula and water in bottles each morning. When required, the educators will prepare the bottles.
If your child has a diagnosed allergy, Three Vines Sanctuary have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of each child. As a parent you are required to provide an allergy and/or anaphylaxis plan from your doctor and your child’s medication. Medication is to stay on site at all times
Pricing & Payment
Making sense of our fees and it's inclusions
- All essentials from nappies, wipes, cot linen and sunscreen
- Every snack and meal, starting from breakfast, is prepared daily by our in-house cook – cow and soy milks available
- School Readiness Program
- Stimulating outdoor spaces (with a focus on play-based learning & sustainability)
- Daily photos & information updates via the Storypark app
- Excursions, incursions & community activities
- Qualified and passionate Educators
Families are billed for public holidays as we have every day costs, regardless of whether children are attending or not. Some early learning centres absorb these costs into their fees making their daily rate higher. This could mean that you are paying for public holidays even if your child is not enrolled on that day.
Yes, fees still apply for sick days. The Child Care Subsidy will cover up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you’re able to provide a medical certificate or similar.
Understanding what your child is learning, and more importantly, who is caring for your child
Yes, at Three Vines Sanctuary we have a funded four year old kindergarten program and employ a kindergarten teacher who holds a Bachelor of Education. Our Kindergarten programs are the same as a council run kindergartens and private schools. The difference is we operate from 7.00am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and are open 52 weeks a year (except for Public Holidays) to cater for all family and work situations.
Children under 3 years of age will be in environments where the educator ratio is 1:4. Children over the age of 3 will be in environments where the educator ratio is 1:11. We follow government regulations to ensure ratios for children are being met at all times.
Each room offers information about your child’s care and learning for the day in various formats. The Daily Reflection/journal/diary posted on StoryPark/Xplor delves into the rooms planning cycle and documents the activities of the room for that day. Most importantly, educators take the time to have that vital chat in person with you at collection and drop off times each day.
Childcare Subsidy
Yes, we are a registered childcare provider which means you are able to claim the Government benefits you are eligible for. For more information, please CLICK HERE
contact us for more information
Browse our frequently asked questions above. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to fill out our contact form and we will endeavor to respond as soon as possible.