Privacy Policy

Aim

At Seaside Explorers Early Learning Centre (the “Centre” or “Seaside Explorers”), our aim is to provide you with the highest standard of service. To do this, our Education and Care Service is required to collect personal information from you about your child and their parents/guardians, before and during the course of a child’s enrolment at our Centre.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and we follow the Australian Privacy Principles contained within the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Privacy of your personal information is important to us, and we conduct our business with respect and integrity.

Who is affected by this policy?

Children, Educators/Staff, Families, Management.

Implementation

Collection of Information

What is personal information?
Under the Privacy Act, personal information is defined as “information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable:
(a) whether the information or opinion is true or not; and
(b) whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not.”

What is sensitive information?
Sensitive information refers to details such as racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or health information. This requires a higher level of protection because of the sensitive matters it relates to.

For detailed information about the legislation, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au.

If you have concerns or questions about how your information is managed, please contact our Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor.

Types of Information We Collect

We may collect and hold personal and sensitive information about you and your child that is reasonably necessary for us to provide our services. This may include:

• Parent/guardian information: names, addresses, contact details, CRN, bank details (for payment processing), custody arrangements, cultural and family background, employment details.
• Child information: names, date of birth, immunisation status, Medicare number, health and medical details (allergies, dietary needs, additional needs), routines, and photographs/videos of their learning.
• Emergency contact information: names, addresses, and phone numbers of authorised contacts.

How We Collect Information

• Directly from you via enrolment forms, conversations, emails, or phone calls.
• Through updates during your child’s time at Seaside Explorers (to ensure details remain current).
• From photos and videos taken at the Centre (with your consent).
• On occasion, from other sources where it is unreasonable or impractical to collect from you directly.

Students undertaking training may also collect information (e.g. observations) with your written consent.

Why We Collect Information

We collect personal and sensitive information to:

• Provide individualised education and care.
• Meet our legal obligations under the Education and Care Services National Regulations [NSW].
• Manage your child’s enrolment and process payments.
• Access Centrelink entitlements such as the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
• Share centre updates, newsletters, and important notices with you.

Disclosure of Information

We only disclose information for the purpose it was collected or a directly related purpose. This may include disclosure to:

• NSW Department of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate).
• Department of Human Services (e.g. Centrelink, Families Assistance).
• Department of Health or Family Law Courts where required.
• Child protection or family support agencies if a child is at risk of harm.
• Other education and care professionals directly involved in supporting your child.

We will not disclose personal or sensitive information to third parties for any other purpose without your consent, unless authorised or required by law.

Keeping Information Up to Date

We take reasonable steps to ensure information is accurate and current. Please notify us promptly of any changes to your or your child’s details.

Access and Correction

You may request access to your personal or your child’s information at any time by writing to the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, or Centre Director. Access may be provided via inspection or copies of records. In limited cases (e.g. where access may impact the privacy of others), we may decline access and will explain our reasons.

Information Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access. Personal records (electronic and hardcopy) are stored securely and only accessed by authorised staff or service providers.

Amendments to this Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. The current version will always be available at our Centre or on request.

Complaints and Feedback

If you believe your privacy rights have been breached or you have concerns about how your information is handled, please contact us:

Approved Provider
Seaside Explorers Early Learning Centre
[Insert Address]
Yamba, NSW [Postcode]

Email: [Insert centre email address]
Phone: [Insert centre phone number]

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au.

Legislation and Sources

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
• Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW)
• Education and Care Services National Regulations [NSW]
• National Quality Standard
• ACECQA Guide to the National Quality Standard
• NSW Department of Education: education.nsw.gov.au
• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: oaic.gov.au

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by management.

Reviewed: September 2025
Next Review: September 2026

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