Welcome to The Akidamy – Pronounced A-kid-a-me.

Definition: The meaning of the Akidamy is 'the child in myself'

Our Family is Like Yours

"We can relate to raising young children because we are parents of little ones ourselves. We know what you are going through! After years of experience working in this industry, we knew we could do things differently and we were sure we could do things better." 
The Akidamy Founders - 2014 

Our Just Cause

At The Akidamy, we dream of a world where an outstanding holistic early childhood education that supports, encourages, inspires and nurtures children is a universal right. 

Children are given a solid foundation, where they are empowered to reach their full potential by acquiring lifelong skills to contribute meaningfully to society – leading lives of joy; accomplishment; connection and contribution. 

Why we do what we do… 

• We believe that each and every child should experience 'a space for love and learning' that inspires their young hearts and minds to grow and develop within a loving, educational and nurturing environment. 

• We believe that each and every parent should be supported with the growth and development of their child within a thriving, positive and inspired environment. 

• We believe in the importance of being actively involved within our community as a source of connection, awareness and purpose. 

• We have a responsibility as industry leaders to demonstrate a higher standard in early childhood education. 

• We believe ‘it takes a village to raise a child.'

What we do…  

• We are a school for early learning that provides high quality care for families with children from six weeks to five years of age 

• Deliver an outstanding early learning holistic interrelated curriculum and pedagogy including art, mindfulness, language, music and exercise 

• In our educational philosophy we are guided by the Reggio Emilia approach and is inspired by the RIE and Pikler philosophy in planning and practice.  

• Create lifelong learners and provide children with a solid early foundation in life. 

• Instill a high service culture 

• Use the latest cutting-edge technology to efficiently communicate and implement processes and systems 

• Give back to others and our community

How do we maintain, sustain, and grow our village?

Our role as teachers and educators is to gently move children towards areas that interest them.  

We want our School to be a home away from home for children, families and educators.  

This is reflected in our carefully constructed, bespoke learning environments, which are ideally suited to optimise children's learning and development.

Our environments are open and free-flowing and act as our 'third teacher'. They enable uninterrupted exploration, play and learning with ease of access to both the indoor and natural outdoor settings, which we recognise as being of equal value in their play experiences. 

At The Akidamy, we understand and value the relationships we have forged with our families. Through the sharing of ideas, expectations and what matters to our families, we are better placed to care for our children as we have a deeper understanding of them, built on a firm foundation of open and honest communication.  

We want to build a community of like-minded people who always put children first. We are a community of learners and professionals.  

The Akidamy Philosophy

We support children’s learning through the passion of a loving, nurturing environment, where we promote a holistic approach giving the children support to explore, use their initiative, problem solve and learn to assess risks independently. Positive praise and encouragement from our educators allow our children to develop high levels of wellbeing, this allows them to become confident participants in their own learning. This is reflected in our carefully constructed, bespoke learning environments which are ideally suited to optimise children’ learning and development. Our environments are our ‘third teacher’, they are open and free flowing. They enable uninterrupted exploration, play and learning with ease of access to both the indoor and natural outdoor setting which we recognise as being of equal value in their play experiences. 

At the Akidamy we understand and value the relationships we have forged with our families. Through the sharing of ideas, expectations, and what matters to our families we are better placed to care for our children as we have a deeper understanding of them built on a firm foundation of open and honest communication. We build a community of like-minded people who always put children first including the professionals such as Occupational therapist, Italian teacher and sign language teachers as part of our inclusive practices. 

Our educational programs are based on meaningful observations of each child both as an individual and in group situations. Using the Developmental Milestones as prescribed by the Early Years Learning Framework our educators set authentic, realistic goals which the children are then encouraged to achieve through the implementation of immersive experiences.  

Our curriculum incorporates an array of thoughtful learning opportunities which allow children to discover, create, improvise, and imagine. 

At the Akidamy our educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach with the values of RIE and Pikler. Through the Reggio Emilia approach, we place a strong emphasis on the child being viewed as strong, capable, resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge. Through the ‘100 languages of children’ we recognise that children have multiple ways of thinking, playing, exploring, speaking, and doing therefore, we encourage children to embrace the environment around them.  

We encourage children to pursue their own interests and revisit and build upon ideas at their own pace. Through the ‘100 languages of children', we recognise that children have multiple ways of thinking, playing, exploring, speaking and doing. We encourage children to use every tool they have to express themselves. We endeavour to give every child the best possible start in life and foster skills such as resilience and confidence, which will support their journey long into the future. 

Written by Ms Laura Johnson Educational Leader in collaboration with children, families and The Akidamy staff (Review Date July 2022) 

Early Childhood Education and Care  

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) describes the principles, practices, and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children's learning from birth to five years of age and their transition to school. EYLF is made up of learning outcomes, principles, and practices that educators use in their documentation of children's learning and reflection and planning. Fundamental to the EYLF is a view of children's lives as characterised by belonging, being and becoming.  

Approved learning frameworks

Education and care services covered by the National Quality Framework must provide a program based on an approved learning framework. The approved learning frameworks provide guidance to develop quality programs that support children's learning. They focus on outcomes for children and recognise that children learn from birth. They also consider each child's developmental needs, interests, and experiences and take into account their individual differences. 

What is an approved learning framework? 

Approved learning frameworks are the frameworks named in the National Regulations. In addition, there are two national approved learning frameworks, and four state or territory-specific approved learning frameworks. 

The NQS is designed to help children's services provide the best possible level of early childhood education and care by outlining the factors that best support a child's development. The NQS is divided into seven 'Quality Areas': 

Every childcare provider is subject to an Assessment and Rating process where the entire service will be Assessed. The ACECQA Guide to the National Quality Standards can found easily found on ACECQA website: acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-quality-standard.  

The Akidamy has the goal to achieve Exceeding NQS. As you become familiar with the NQS and our School, we will regularly perform audits and self-assessments to better understand how we might be performing in regard to ACECQA's expectations. Additionally, we will have in place a comprehensive and meaningful Quality Improvement Plan designed to constantly review what we do, how we do it and what we can do to make things better.   

 For the Akidamy, excellence should be evident in everything that we do every day. It is important for this to be appropriately acknowledged and recognised by the government department/s responsible for our oversight. In addition, families are encouraged to provide feedback and undertake their own reading and knowledge building. A multitude of resources can be found on the ACECQA website to allow for this to occur. 

How does that fit into The Akidamy? 

We are committed to continuous improvement at the Akidamy and this also is inherent in the National Quality Framework (NQF) and striving for best practice underpins this commitment. 

Your School Director or Educational Leader can also be provided more information or additional support, clarity and guidance in learning more about the NQS at any time. 

Our Children

Learning at the Akidamy takes place through collaboration with other children. These social interactions allow children to scaffold each other's learning by providing opportunities for children to communicate their ideas, problem solve and share their skills. 

Our educational philosophy is guided by the Reggio Emilia approach and is inspired by the RIE and Pikler philosophy. In a nutshell, for children to succeed, they require these four pillars of learning: 

-1- Autonomy - That they must have some autonomy over the direction of their learning. 

-2- Experience - That they must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing. 

-3- Relationship - That they have a relationship with other children and be encouraged to explore the world around them. 

-4- Expression - They have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves. 

 This philosophy is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community and through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment. The school programs are largely based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum.  

The Atelier is designed to capture and extend a child's curiosity. Having a studio with all the resources needed to create something wonderful. Our Atelierista works alongside the studios and provides open-ended provocations to explore daily.  

Outdoor Space

We view the outdoor environment as part of the learning space. We've created multiple opportunities for children to experience and interact. With a veggie patch, a turfed mound, a mud pit, a limestone riverbed, a sand kitchen, a water channel and a timber climbing wall, it's a truly exceptional space that you need to see to believe. 

Music & Meeting Room

This is a space designed to be shared across the School. We have designed the School so that we have always have resources and learning opportunities available to encourage and support children in developing their abilities demonstrated through music, movement (dancing) and language (singing).  

Holiday Rate: Two (2) week's written notice is required to receive this discounted rate 20%. This is capped at four weeks per the calendar year (reflective of the weekly booking) i.e.: 2 days a week will equate to 8 days per financial year. 

Public Holiday Rate: This fee is payable if this falls on a normal day that your child would attend. Normal fees are charged for public holidays, holidays, sick days and all other absences. 

Online Waitlist Fee: is a $150 non-refundable fee to be paid online to be placed on our waitlist. This fee is to cover administration costs. Without this fee, we are unable to process your application and follow up with you on our waitlist. 

 Acceptance of Enrolment Letter:  

Administration Fee: There is a compulsory $150 administration fee per child on enrolment required to confirm the school booking. This fee covers administration costs associated with the application process. The administration fee includes a children’s pack: a hessian bag, drink bottle, t-shirt and hat. The hat and drink bottle remain at the school. Please note this is a non-refundable deposit if the family decides after enrolling that they no longer require care. 

Late Fees: $1 per minute will be charged if your child is collected after 6 pm. This is payable directly to the School account.

Admin Fees For Failure to Sign Children In/Out on the SmartCentral Kiosk: Parents will be charged a $5 admin fee for failing to correctly sign their child in and out of the front kiosk for each session that their child attends. This is a government requirement of all families to ensure that they are correctly receiving their CCS entitlements. We are responsible for submitting this information to them each week. 

Fees are paid for 2 weeks in advance. Fees are payable for every day that your child is enrolled at the School regardless of absence due to illness, public holidays, family holidays, forced closures etc.

All payments must be made via childcare easy pay and all families must complete a childcare easy pay application form upon enrolment. Our School has a no cash or direct debit policy. 

If you are planning holidays, please send an email to the office with further details for approval. This must be sent to us two weeks prior to the holiday absence to receive 20% off your fees for up to four weeks each financial year.

Additional and Reduced Days: Booked sessions can be changed with two weeks’ notice if there is a space available. If an additional day is added i.e. From two sessions a week too three, this means that a session cannot be dropped within a 12 week period. Swapping of session depends on availability and the capacity of the studio. Please note we do not offer alternating days between weeks. 

Our Cancellation Policy: Two weeks written notice is required to be given to the School Director prior to cancellation of care and service for your child. If you wish to leave prior to this you will be required to pay for the full two weeks fees.

In two-parent families, both parents, unless exempt, must meet the activity test. In the case where both parents meet different steps of the activity test, the parent with the lowest entitlement will determine the hours of subsidised care for the child.  

For more details, please contact Centrelink and education.gov.au or speak to the School Director who is happy to help. 

Please be aware that if you have confirmed your child’s last day at The Akidamy, but your child does not attend their last session of care, no childcare subsidy will be paid for any days after the child’s last physical attendance. (Only in special circumstances can CCS be paid for an absence at the end of an enrolment after the last physical attendance as long as it falls within 6 calendar days of the last physical attendance and has a valid circumstance). 

CCS will not be paid before the first physical attendance at the start of an enrolment, and after their last physical attendance at the end of the enrolment.  

If your child does not attend the School within a period of 14 weeks, the enrolment will be ceased automatically by CCS, and any CCS entitlements paid in that period will be taken back by Centrelink, up until the child’s last physical attendance. The child's absence count isn't taken into consideration, there must be a physical attendance, no matter how many more absence days they are entitled to. 

This reclaim of CCS entitlements will be collected by the School from you and on paid to Centrelink. 

It is a condition of your child’s enrolment that you understand and agree to this repayment of previously applied CCS entitlements for which you are no longer entitled and that you must repay. 

Complying Written Agreement (CWA)

A Complying Written Agreement (CWA) is an agreement between our School and a parent or guardian to provide childcare in exchange for fees. The CWA includes information about your child's enrolment including your child's full name and date of birth, the date the arrangement is effective, session details and details of the fees to be charged. Before CCS can be paid, you must approve the enrolment information within the CWA via servicesaustralia.gov.au 

Orientation

Prior to your child starting at the School, we recommend that you and your child visit the School for two orientation sessions of approximately one hour each. The process will assist in making separation easier and allow for your child to become familiar with the environment, their educators and new friends. We understand that it is difficult to say goodbye, and accordingly, we require you to stay on-site (in the School) so that your child understands what is happening. We provide access to free internet and coffee/tea/filtered water at the reception area while you wait. Please ask any of our team at reception to take your order and provide you with the internet password and reading materials about the School. 

This time also allows parents to meet our team and to pass on any information relevant about their child. This is not only an important time for a child, it also assists parents to feel more confident leaving their children in our care. 

Our School

Operational Hours and Days

Hours of operation are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday excluding public holidays and school closure over the Christmas and New Year period. 

Arriving and Departing

It is required by law that each child is signed in and out of the School via our (SmartCentral) kiosk at School reception. If someone other than an authorised person is collecting your child you will need to notify the staff prior to pick up, and this person will be required to show identification. No child will be allowed to leave the School without parental consent. 

Failure to sign your child in or out may result in the School being fined, this fine will in turn be passed on to you as it is your responsibility that children are signed absent when this occurs holidays are signed for and as previously stated signed in and out each day. 

What to Bring to The Akidamy

Please provide your own breast milk (which must be labelled and dated) and baby formula.  

Please refer to the 'Nothing but the Child' section; you need to provide your child with a spare set of clothing labelled. Please ensure your child is wearing socks and shoes.  

During colder periods of the year warm weather clothing is required. If you require further information, please speak to one of our school team or reference our school policies.  

Communication, Learning and News at The Akidamy

We have Earlyworks app which we use to communicate your child's learning, daily images, critical information (dietary requirements, medical information, severe allergic and anaphylaxis reaction) policies, QIP, events, historical records, excursions and general news. The app provides details about your child's day which includes the food they consumed, their sleep times, attendance time stamp and nappy changes and much more. It is also a platform where you can send messages to our team about your children and also provide feedback about their day and learning. 

The app can be accessed from our website of the Apple and Google Store for free.  

Once a month we publish the PENSIERI (Italian: "thoughts"), which is the School online magazine of the school activities. 

Accidents and Incidents

Our educators take a proactive approach to safety and conduct thorough risk assessments of all play areas so that each child can feel safe and free to explore their environment.  

A Senior First Aid qualified staff member is present at all times as well as nominated asthma and anaphylaxis supervisors. Should an accident or sudden illness occur, educators will immediately commence first aid and you will be contacted to collect your child. In emergencies, you will be advised of the plan of action regarding further medical treatment. 

During an emergency, if you or your authorised nominee cannot be contacted, the Nominated Supervisor will provide the ambulance officers with information regarding your child and a team member known to the child will accompany them to the hospital and stay until you arrive. Full documentation of the incident will be made available. 

Health & Hygiene 

Children and educators are actively encouraged to practice good personal hygiene to minimise the instances of illness. We also believe that if your child is ill, the best place for them is to be at home where they can recover faster. 

If your child presents at the School with signs of illness, the nominated supervisor may advise that they are not well enough to participate in the day's activities. You will be asked to make alternative arrangements until they are well or the exclusion period has ended (you may be asked to provide a medical clearance letter before your child can return). Although this can be inconvenient for parents, it is in the interests of all children and families at the School to minimise the risk of infection. 

Should your child become ill during the day, documentation and first aid will commence and you may be contacted to collect your child from the School and seek further medical advice (please note that paracetamol is not regarded as a first response and can only be administered in emergency situations and with prior written parental consent). It is important that you read the School's medication policy carefully to know when educators can administer medications. 

A list of common infectious illnesses, their exclusion periods and policies and procedures related to illness and minimising the spread of infectious diseases are available in the foyer. 

Emergency Evacuation and Lockdown 

Emergency evacuations, as well as lockdown procedures, are regularly practiced, and the School has individual plans for local emergencies including cyclone, flood and bushfire. Fire extinguishers are strategically located throughout the School. As part of our fire safety measures, all children in attendance are noted from the electronic sign in the device in the event of a drill or evacuation. This is why it is important to ensure that you sign your child 'IN' and 'OUT' of the School each day.   

For futher details please refer to the following policy:  Emergency and Evacuation Policy 

Excursions 

We love for children to go on excursions within our community regularly. To assist us with this, we require all families to provide signed written permission prior to any adventures. We will always inform of an excursion that is not a daily activity / walk. 

Immunisation 

As part of your enrolment process, you will be asked to provide details of your child's immunisation status. In the event of an outbreak of infectious disease, it may be necessary to exclude any children who are not immunised for their health and wellbeing. State specific immunisation requirements are available on request. 

Medication 

If your child requires medication while in care, a medication record must be filled in and signed by a parent. The medication must be in original packaging and accompanied by a prescription label/doctor's letter which states who the medication is for and the dosage. Medication must be handed to a staff member and will be stored in a locked cupboard. Under no circumstances is any type of medication to be left in children's bags. Please refer to the Medication Policy for further information. Please note we operate under 24-hour medication dosage administration. Therefore, if the dosage states three times a day, School Staff are only able to administer one dosage in 8 hours after the first dose. If the prescription recommends administering medicine four times a day, we can administer it after 6 hours after the last dose. This is to ensure that children have not overdosed with medication whilst in our care and legal responsibility. Any changes to this must have a doctor's written letter outlining variations to this policy and procedure.  

Our Seasonal Menu 

Our menu is on display each day at La Cucina. Our Cucina – Italian for kitchen – will be visible to all. Children will be invited to engage with seeing their food being prepared and cooked. The delicious smells will permeate the environment – more of the 'just like home' experience for our families and children alike.  

All meals provided are strictly vegetarian. The menu includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack. All food is prepared freshly on the premises. We are continuously evaluating our menu (seasonally adjusted) and we value your suggestions and feedback. 

Dietary Requirements   

It is essential that you inform the School of any special dietary requirements for a child so we can put a plan into place. 

Medical, Severe Allergic and Anaphylaxis Reaction 

To ensure that the children in our School who are at risk of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction are provided with the best possible care and attention while at the School, on enrolment, it is the parent's responsibility to inform the School of their child's anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction condition. In doing so, the following form/equipment is to be completed and returned/provided:  

Anaphylaxis and/or severe allergies can affect the lives of the children in our care. It occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen to which they are sensitive. 

Sunscreen

Feedback and Customer Service 

If you have any feedback about our School or any issue with respect to your child, please feel free contact us any time. At the Akidamy we love feedback! 

Social Media and Photographs 

All families will be required to provide permission for the use of their child photos for education purpose. We will also request authority and permission from families for the usage of the photos on our social media accounts, website, and general media.  

Key Contact Details 

If there is anything unclear or needing further information, please contact our School Director or our Office and Experiences Coordinator. 

Phone Contact 08 9227 1409 

Email Address office.perth@theakidamy.com.au  

Address 105 Summer Street, Perth WA 6000  

Website theakidamy.com.au 

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