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MEASLES and IMMUNISATION HISTORY STATEMENTS
NSW is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak and I am seeking your assistance in preventing the spread of measles by checking that all children in your centre are fully vaccinated.
I would be grateful if you could undertake the following actions as soon as possible, consistent with the NSW Public Health Act 1991:
1. Ensure that your childcare centre has a system to rapidly identify children for whom an immunisation history statement has not been provided.
2. Request that parents who have not provided an immunisation history statement do so as soon as possible.
3. Inform parents about the current outbreak and advise that if they have not provided an immunisation history statement, their child may be excluded from the centre if a case of measles is detected.
Parents can obtain an immunisation history statement by contacting Medicare Australia on 1800 653 809 or by visiting their local Medicare office.
Please use the letter attached as the basis of information provided to parents.
In addition, the National Health and Medical Research Council recommends vaccination with MMR for childcare workers and preschool staff who are not immune to measles. Many adults who were born during or after 1966 will not be immune unless they have received two doses of vaccine. I recommend that you encourage your staff who may not be immune to see their GP for vaccination.
Your local public health unit contact details are available on the attached documents.
A measles fact sheet is available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/measles.html
Childcare Standards
Dear Families,
There have been many reports in the media this week about Childcare Centres across Australia not meeting basic standards when being audited by The National Childcare Accreditation Council. The Australian paper reported on Wednesday that
“Almost one-third of the 1102 childcare centres audited last year failed to implement proper food, safety and hygiene practices. The National Childcare Accreditation Council report for July to December last year found 29 per cent of childcare centres did not have effective food, safety and hygiene practices. Procedures to make nappy changing and going to the toilet positive experiences were at fault in 28 per cent of centres. One in four centres assessed did not properly support a child's need for rest, sleep and comfort. Learning was not documented in 22 per cent of centres and 20 per cent failed to control the spread of infectious diseases and maintain immunisation records. Fifteen per cent of centres did not treat all children equitably”
We understand that as parents these statistics must both shock and horrify you, and as Childcare providers it is disappointing that others in the industry are producing such a low standard of care. Fortunately you do not need to be concerned while enrolled with Universal Childcare, as we are proud to inform you that each and every one of our 20 Long Day Care Centres in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne have all been rated the highest level of standard known as “High Quality” under the National Accreditation Council’s review.
We take great pride in maintaining our Centres at the highest standard, and you can see how your Centre has performed across all 7 quality areas on our “Quality Profile” certificate located in each Centre foyer. If you would like further information regarding the National Childcare Accreditation Council’s quality areas or how your Centre has performed, feel free to speak to your Centre Director or Customer Relations Officer.
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