PRIVACY POLICY.

The following statement has been developed in accordance with the National Privacy Act. The policy aims to respect the privacy of all those in contact with the kindergarten, with regards to the collection, use, security and disclosure of personal and sensitive information. This policy is recognised by all staff, will be provided to new staff, relief staff and volunteers working in the kindergarten, and is freely available for anyone who wishes, upon request, to access it. A copy of the policy is also on display in the foyer area of the kindergarten.

INFORMATION COLLECTED.

The information collected by the Kindergarten may be classified as personal or sensitive information. Personal information includes: names, addresses, phone numbers, age, school reports, notes to parents and photographs etc. This information may be used within the kindergarten with the consent of the individual.

Sensitive information includes: racial or ethnic origin, marital issues and custody, donation history, religious beliefs and health. This information may only be collected by the kindergarten with the individuals consent or unless the information is required by law.

The types of sensitive and personal information collected by the kindergarten includes:

• Personal and sensitive information provided by individuals on enrolment forms and via interviews.
• Ongoing observations, checklists and developmental records collected by teachers.
• Additional needs information collected by teachers and provided by outside agencies.
• Accident reports, medication forms and medical history.
• Personal and sensitive information on staff, families, volunteers, contractors and others who may deal with the kindergarten.
• Information provided by the children which may be verbally given, captured photographically or pictorially.

The information collected by the kindergarten will be done in an unobtrusive manner and will be used:

• For the daily administrative purposes of the kindergarten.
• To ensure the optimum health and well – being of the children and their families, and
• To provide positive and meaningful development of each child.

USE AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.

The information provided to the kindergarten and collected by the kindergarten, will only be used for the before mentioned purposes unless:

• Verbal or written consent is provided by the individual to allow it’s use for another specified purpose.
• It affects public health and safety and/or individual health and safety.
• It is required by law.

The preschool may on occasion, disclose personal and/or sensitive information, after parental consent, to:

• Other preschools, childcare centres, schools.
• Government departments.
• Medical practioners.
• Any persons or agencies dealing with the child’s health, education and well – being.

INFORMATION ACCESS, CORRECTION AND QUALITY.

Personal and sensitive information regarding the individual’s child may be accessed by them, via verbal or written requests to the child’s teacher or to the Director. The individual has the right to ensure the information is correct and up to date and can request this be done if the information should also be provided by the individuals to the kindergarten to ensure records are maintained.

INFORMATION SECURITY.

Information held by the kindergarten, remains the property of the kindergarten, even after the individual has left the preschool. Department of Community Service regulations on how long particular information, on individuals and their families, should be held at the kindergarten, will be adhered to. All information, past and present, will be stored under locked conditions and under a security code if stored on the computer. Access to stored information, will be available directly to the Director and administrative assistant and by teaching staff and assistants where the need arises. As previously mentioned, stored information on an individual or individual child will be provided to that individual after requested verbally or in writing. Information no longer required by the centre will be destroyed via the use of a paper shredder. Disclosure of information, without the consent of the individual or individual’s family, by staff members, will be seen as a breach of the employees contract and could result in dismissal.

PARENTS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THEIR CHILD.

The kindergarten respects the rights of the parents in making decisions on behalf of their child. Consent to information access, disclosure, use and correction may be provided by the child’s parents, although there may be occasions when access to information can be denied. This would only occur where:

• The release of information would have an unreasonable impact on their privacy of others: or
• The release may breach the kindergarten’s duty of care to the child.

ENQUIRIES.

If you would like further information regarding the Privacy Act, please contact the Director.