Child Safety and Our Policies

child safety policy

CERES STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

In line with the Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment (Child Safety Standards) Act 2015 and the new standards (11) introduced July 1, 2022, CERES is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards, CERES:

  • Upholds itself as an organisation committed to the right to survival, protection, development, participation and empowerment of all children and young people.
  • Is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, young people and children and young people from culturally diverse and/or linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and to providing a safe environment for children and young people with a disability.
  • Has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers.
  • Has policies, procedures and training in place to support its leadership team, staff and volunteers that interact with children, young people and families.
  • Is committed to involving families and communities in the organisation’s efforts to keep children and young people safe.
  • Is committed to regularly training and educating staff in roles that interact with children, young people and families.
  • Will identify risks to child safety as early as possible and remove and or/reduce these risks.
  • Will provide clear and strong governance, systems and processes to keep children and young people safe.
  • Will treat all safety concerns brought to CERES’ attention seriously and consistently with CERES’ policies and procedures.
  • Has zero tolerance of child abuse.

PRIVACY policy

PRIVACY POLICY

CERES Community Environment Park has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our commitment to privacy and protect the rights of our users. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for this website: school.ceres.org.au This statement is subject to change without notice and users of our service are expected to review this page on a regular basis.

IP ADDRESS

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier for a computer on a particular network; including the Internet. When you log on to the Internet, your computer is issued with an IP address. We use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server, for security purposes and to administer our Web site. Your IP address is used to gather broad demographic information.

COOKIES

A cookie is a small text file that is placed on your hard disk by a website. Often, you need to give permission to have it. For example, any time you tell a shopping site to “remember your address” or your log-in information, it’s being stored in a cookie on your hard disk. Websites also use cookies to “remember” your preferences as you navigate a site. The CERES Sustainability Hub uses cookies to help the web site function correctly. No cookie is used for malicious reasons or for collecting data.

LINKS TO OTHER SITES

This site contains links to other sites. CERES Community Environment Park is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such web sites.

PUBLIC FORUMS

This site makes forums available to its users. Please remember that any information that is disclosed in these areas becomes public information and you should exercise caution when deciding to disclose your personal information.

SECURITY

This site has security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control. Details of our users are kept in secure areas of our server.

LEGAL ISSUES

We may disclose personal information in response to a relevant legal process, for example, in response to a court order or in response to a law enforcement agency’s formal request.

CHILDREN’S USAGE

CERES Community Environment Park strongly urges teachers and parents to monitor children’s usage of the Web, including this web site.

MAILING LISTS

Any visitor signing up for any of our in-house mailing lists are assured that we do not, under any circumstances sell, rent or otherwise redistribute our mailing lists to any other company or organisation.

ABUSE/INAPPROPRIATE COMMUNICATIONS

We reserve the right to forward abusive and inappropriate communications to the service providers of the originating communication and to relevant local, state, federal and international authorities. We reserve the right to refuse to allow access to specific users or companies for any reason. We reserve the right not to respond to communications that we deem to be rude or unreasonable. DISCLAIMER. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARCHIVE IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INFORMATION IS ASSUMED BY THE USER, AND IN NO EVENT WILL CERES COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT PARK BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR DIRECT DAMAGES SUFFERED IN THE COURSE OF USING THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARCHIVE. USE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARCHIVE ARE GOVERNED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND MAY CONTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON USE.

– Created July 2010 by CERES Community Environment Park

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RTO policIES

RTO FEES and Refund Policy

Download here. (2pp. pdf file)

RTO POLICY MANUAL

Download here. (37pp .pdf file)

Adult Programs Policies

WORKSHOPS AND COURSES CANCELLATION POLICIES

In this page you’ll find the booking and refund policies, concession pricing information, FAQs, and any other general terms and conditions governing the CERES School of Nature and Climate’s workshop and course offerings.

BOOKING AND REFUND POLICIES

1. CERES BOOKING PROCESS

Bookings for CERES workshops and courses are made on the Humantix booking platform. To book a workshop or course please click the link on the workshop/course page and complete your registration and pay using Humantix.

Following your booking you will receive a confirmation email.

2. REFUND POLICY – IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS AND COURSES

2a. In the event that CERES needs to cancel the course or workshop –

You will be entitled to a 100% refund, or you may choose to transfer to another date or event, subject to availability. Any change or cancellation will be made in writing to all participants as soon as possible.

CERES reserves the right to cancel courses or workshops due to insufficient numbers.

2b. If you are unable to attend –

A refund can be requested in writing seven or more days prior to the course or workshop date. CERES will retain a 10% administration fee on any refunds given.

If you decide to withdraw less than seven days prior to the course or workshop date, CERES will retain 100% of your workshop or course fee.

A transfer can be requested up to 48 hours prior to the event commencement date. No changes are able to be made after this time. Please note we are only able to accommodate one change of date per original booking on any transfer requests.

You are welcome to send someone in your place, please ensure details of the new attendee are advised in writing at least 48 hours prior to the event date.

Failure to turn up to your booked course or workshop will result in the loss of any fees paid.

3. REFUND POLICY – ONLINE AND ON-DEMAND COURSES

If you decide to withdraw prior to any access to the online ‘seedling’ Thinkific course site CERES will retain a 10% administration fee.

If you decide to withdraw after any access to the online ‘seedling’ Thinkific course site CERES will retain 100% of your course fee.

4. CANCELLATION/POSTPONEMENTS DUE TO IMPACT OF COVID

Should CERES have to cancel the workshop or course due to Government requirements relating to the COVID-19 response, we will let you know as soon as possible.

CONCESSION PRICING INFORMATION

CERES is committed to providing educational programs as cost effectively as possible, and we use the revenue from our programs to support CERES’ work and aims.

While workshops and courses are priced according to a range of factors including the length of the program, course materials and trainer fees, a key part of our pricing policy includes a resolute commitment to our members and concession eligible learners.

The prices listed on each of the individual workshop or course pages are the full price of the program. To view concession pricing click the ‘book now’ button to visit the workshop or course’s Humantix booking page, where you’ll be able to see concession and CERES member pricing. If eligible for this pricing please click the appropriate button when booking.

FAQS

1. DO YOU OFFER CONCESSION PRICES FOR YOUR EVENTS?

Yes. We offer price reductions for members and eligible concession holders.

2. WHERE ARE THE WORKSHOPS AND COURSES HELD?

Unless otherwise stated, our programs are held at CERES Community Environment Park, located at the corner of Roberts and Stewart streets in Brunswick East. Click here to learn more about the site.

Online and/or on-demand courses are offered through either Zoom or the Thinkific learning platform.

School Programs Policies

SCHOOL PROGRAM EXCURSION POLICIES

The following information will help you plan your excursion at CERES.

Please contact the Student Programs Bookings team for any further questions by calling 9389 0144 or emailing studentprograms@ceres.org.au

Our excursion programs are designed as outdoor all-weather experiences; children will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.

All onsite excursion bookings are subject to COVID-19 restrictions. We will be in contact with all teachers prior to their booked date if we need to clarify any new requirements.

COSTS FOR STUDENTS

  • Our prices are GST free for schools.
  • Full day 10am – 2pm $590 per group (maximum group size of 25 students).
  • A booking fee of $10 applies per school or organisation.

COSTS FOR TEACHERS

Teachers and adult helpers are free of charge within the program’s recommended student to adult ratio.

RUNNING TIMES

Please note: Running times are approximate and subject to change should your school arrive late for any reason.

  • Full Day: 10am – 2pm (3 activities)
  • Welcome and Introductions – 20 mins
  • Session with CERES educator – 60 mins
  • Break – 20 mins
  • Session with CERES educator – 50 mins
  • Break – 30 mins
  • Session with CERES educator – 60 mins
  • Explore CERES – Make sure you leave some time to explore the many spaces of our beautiful park, including our new Terra Wonder PlaySpace.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

  • We will invoice you after your visit.
  • CERES Community Environment Park ABN is 60 133 437 610
  • Payment must be made in one transaction.

OUR CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULE POLICY

  1. Cancellation of an excursion made 30 days prior to your booked visit will incur no fee.
  2. Cancellation of an excursion made between 14 and 30 days prior to your booked excursion will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  3. Cancellation within 14 days of your booked excursion will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
  4. Reschedule your excursion without fee 30 days prior to your booked visit date.
  5. Rescheduling your excursion between 14 and 30 days prior to your booked visit date will incur a 30% rebooking fee.
  6. Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of your booked visit date.
  7. All fees will be waived if the cancellation or reschedule is due to extreme weather as per our Extreme Weather and Cancellation Policy.

WEATHER

Please ensure students dress appropriately for all outdoor weather conditions. If extreme weather is predicted, please reschedule.

See our Weather and Cancellation Policy here for a more comprehensive list of extreme weather conditions and potential changes to excursions.

GETTING HERE AND BUS PARKING

Getting to CERES Community Park by public transport is the eco-friendly way to go!

Location: Stewarts Street and Roberts Street, Brunswick East

Travelling by Public Transport – Visit PTV for up-to-date tram, train and bus times. (Tip: Use their Journey Planner for public transport directions from anywhere in Victoria. Enter your starting address in the “From” box and enter “CERES Community Environment Park” as a landmark in the “To” box).

Travelling by bus – Bus drop off and pick up location is the corner of Lee and Roberts Street. Click here for map

Bus parking – Mayer Park on Normanby Avenue. Click here for map

BEFORE YOU VISIT

Use our Teaching Guides to spark students’ curiosity before their visit, add value to your experience whilst at CERES and deepen students’ learning when back at school. These are found under each program area.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Should we still be busy getting your day ready, or if you arrive early, please head to the schools meeting point on Lee Street or call us on 9389 0144

Storage – Bags will be stored at your ‘homebase’, on arrival our educators will take you there. Ensure all food is secured in bags or lunch boxes (or our very friendly but cheeky magpies may decide to help themselves). Please keep your valuables with you.

Map – Check out our online map. You can also collect a printed map at reception. Staff and volunteers are also there to help you find your way around our Community Environment Park.

Supervision – Please consider the following guidelines:

  • Children and students remain the responsibility of the teacher at all times
  • Groups are asked to move through the park respectfully and consider animals and members of the public.
  • Due to the nature of CERES’ site we suggest the following ratios

Education Level Adult-student ratio

  • Early Childhood Centres and Kindergartens 1 for every 3 children
  • Foundation to Grade 2 1 for every 5 students
  • Grade 3 to Year 12 1 for every 10 students
  • Tertiary 1 for every 10 students
  • A student from Special Development School (SDS) Please contact us at studentprograms@ceres.org.au

SOCIAL SCRIPT

If you have students that may benefit from additional information about the happenings around CERES and what your day may look like, please email us at studentprograms@ceres.org.au and we can provide you with some extra information to assist in your planning and conversations with them.

COVID-SAFE

The following relates to changes in how CERES excursions will be delivered to keep CERES staff and visiting students, parents and teachers as safe as possible.

Excursion venues are responsible for checking-in visitors via the Victorian QR Code Service app and checking visitor vaccination status in line with current health directives.

The COVID Safe Plan that guides all CERES activities was developed in accordance with the latest guidance from the Federal and State governments, and other relevant authorities.

Our COVID Safe Plan is guided by six COVID Safe principles and is as follows:

  1. Physical Distancing
  2. Hygiene
  3. Face Masks
  4. Record Keeping
  5. Enclosed spaces and ventilation
  6. Workforce bubbles
  • Adhere to density quotients for indoor and outdoor areas.
  • Density quotient signage on display.
  • Limited number of staff required on site for program delivery.
  • Signage displayed with information about social distancing.
  • Physical distance will be based on people (staff and visitors) keeping 1.5 meters apart and a minimum spacing of 4m2 per person with no overcrowded areas. Where this is not possible, the duration of the close contact will be minimised.
  • Offices and staff kitchens rearranged to allow for social distancing.
  • Signage displayed with information about hand washing, sanitizer use.
  • Hand Sanitizer stations available at points of entry.
  • Public and high touch areas such as handrails, seats and tables, toilets and taps, including bubblers will be regularly disinfected.
  • Sanitising stations in each teaching area.
  • Recommended use of PPE and face masks with adequate supplies for staff.
  • Signage displayed with information about face mask usage
  • Any COVID related incidents to be reported via the CERES incident reporting system and to DHHS, if determined by RA test. Activities delivered outside, weather permitting.
  • Open windows and doors whenever possible to make sure the venue is well ventilated.
  • Program and administration staff to work from home where possible.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

  • CERES considers vaccination to be a key part of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • CERES encourages all visitors to have the full COVID-19 vaccination course unless medically contraindicated.
  • All staff working at our four locations including the CERES Park, Joe’s Garden, Fair Food and Fair Wood have met vaccination requirements.

DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR SCHOOL

Need some special documents for your school? You can download our:

  • COVID Safe Plan
  • COVID Safe Guidelines between CERES and Schools visiting us
  • Risk Management Policy
  • Weather and Cancellation Policy
  • Child Safe Standards of Commitment
  • Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct
  • Certificate of Currency

CONTACT US

Please contact the Student Programs Bookings team for any further questions by calling 9389 0144 or emailing studentprograms@ceres.org.au

SCHOOL PROGRAM INCURSION POLICIES

INCURSION INFORMATION

The following information will help you plan your CERES incursion.

Please contact the Student Programs Bookings team for any further questions by calling 93890144 or emailing studentprograms@ceres.org.au

Our incursion programs are designed as indoor/outdoor all-weather experiences; children will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.

All school incursion bookings are subject to COVID-19 restrictions. We will be in contact with all teachers prior to their booked date if we need to clarify any new requirements.

COSTS FOR STUDENTS

  • Our prices are GST free for schools.
  • CERES School Incursions start at $240 per 45 minute session, with a minimum of 3 sessions per day
  • CERES School incursions are available for schools within a 30km radius of CERES. Additional travel charges of $2 per km applies to schools located more than 30kms from CERES’ East Brunswick site.
  • Schools outside of our delivery zone are encouraged to book in for our extremely popular Virtual Excursion programs or get in touch to see if your school is eligible for a free Student Leadership Virtual Program

COSTS FOR TEACHERS

Teachers are free of charge and while we’d love to meet your parents, this is up to the discretion of the school.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

We will invoice you after we visit.

CERES Community Environment Park ABN is 60 133 437 610.

Payment must be made in one transaction and will be based on the number of sessions booked for delivery on the day.

OUR CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULE POLICY

  • Cancellation of an incursion made 30 days prior to your booked visit will incur no fee.
  • Cancellation of an incursion made between 14 and 30 days prior to your booked incursion will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Bookings cancelled within 14 days of your booked incursion will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
  • Reschedule your incursion without fee 30 days prior to your booked visit date.
  • Rescheduling your incursion between 14 and 30 days prior to your booked visit date will incur a 30% rebooking fee.
  • Incursion bookings can not be rescheduled within 21 days of your booked visit date.
  • All fees will be waived if the cancellation or reschedule is due to extreme weather as per our Extreme Weather and Cancellation Policy.

BEFORE OUR VISIT

Use our Teaching Guides to spark students’ curiosity before we visit, add value to your experience with our CERES Educator and deepen students’ learning at school. These are found under each program area. (Coming soon!)

ON THE DAY

Your CERES Educator will arrive approximately 30 minutes before the start time to get set up. We appreciate a parking spot close to your school to make this easier for our Educators and safer for your students. Sessions will be run in the same classroom, with 10-15 minutes in between each session to enable a reset of equipment. We will need the classroom teacher to be present for all sessions as CERES Educators do not have Duty of Care.

SOCIAL SCRIPT – COMING SOON!

COVID-SAFE

The COVID Safe Plan that guides all CERES activities was developed in accordance with the latest guidance from the Federal and State governments, and other relevant authorities

The following table relates to changes in how CERES incursions will be delivered to keep students, parents and teachers as safe as possible

  1. Physical Distancing
  2. Hygiene
  3. Face Masks
  4. Record Keeping
  5. Enclosed spaces and ventilation
  6. Workforce bubbles
  • Adhere to density quotients for indoor and outdoor areas.
  • Density quotient signage on display.
  • Limited number of staff required on site for program delivery.
  • Signage displayed with information about social distancing.
  • Outdoor activities adjusted for social distancing.
  • Reduce mixing between schools by:
    • adjust start and finish times, where feasible
    • use different entry points and toilets
    • deliver activities outdoors, where possible, weather permitting.
  • Physical distance will be based on people (staff and visitors) keeping 1.5 meters apart and a minimum spacing of 4m2 per person with no overcrowded areas. Where this is not possible, the duration of the close contact will be minimised.
  • Offices and staff kitchens rearranged to allow for social distancing.
  • Signage displayed with information about hand washing, sanitizer use.
  • Hand Sanitizer stations available at points of entry.
  • Public and high touch areas such as handrails, seats and tables, toilets and taps, including bubblers will be regularly disinfected.
  • Sanitising stations in each teaching area.
  • Recommended use of PPE and face masks with adequate supplies for staff.
  • Signage displayed with information about face mask usage
  • All adults sign in using the QR code on the day of their excursion as per government requirements.
  • Schools provide a record of names and contact numbers of all people attending an excursion.
  • Use the DET Excursion Attendance Form for contract tracing.
  • Any COVID related incidents to be reported via the CERES incident reporting system and to DHHS and Work Safe.
  • Activities delivered outside where possible, weather permitting.
  • Open windows and doors whenever possible to make sure the venue is well ventilated.
  • Program and administration staff to work from home where possible.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

CERES considers vaccination to be a key part of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CERES encourages all visitors to have the full COVID-19 vaccination course unless medically contraindicated. CERES is following government directions and recommendations for each of our services and will require evidence of vaccination to be provided where required.

All staff working at our four locations including the CERES Park, Joe’s Garden, Fair Food and Fair Wood have met vaccination requirements.

Under Victoria’s Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan, a venue open for fully vaccinated people is required to check customer vaccination status.

There are many ways to show your vaccination status, but the easiest way is by getting your COVID-19 Digital Certificate and linking it to your Service Victoria app.When you check in using the Service Victoria App, this will automatically verify your vaccination status if you have linked your COVID-19 Digital Certificate.

Visit how to get your COVID-19 Digital Certificate and link it to the Service Victoria App.

DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR SCHOOL

Need some special documents for your school? You can download our:

  • COVID Safe Plan
  • COVID Safe Guidelines between CERES and Schools visiting us
  • Risk Management Policy
  • Weather and Cancellation Policy
  • Child Safe Standards of Commitment
  • Certificate of Currency

CONTACT US

Please contact the Student Programs Bookings team for any further questions by calling 9389 0144 or emailing studentprograms@ceres.org.au

SCHOOL PROGRAM VIRTUAL EXCURSION POLICIES

ONLINE VIRTUAL EXCURSION INFORMATION

The following information will help you plan your CERES Virtual Excursion.

Please contact the Student Programs Bookings team for any further questions by calling 9389 0144 or emailing studentprograms@ceres.org.au

COSTS FOR STUDENTS

  • Our prices are GST free for schools.
  • CERES Virtual Excursions start at $215 per 1 hour session, for a maximum group of 30 students

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

  • We will invoice after the session.
  • CERES Community Environment Park ABN is 60 133 437 610.
  • Payment must be made in one transaction and will be based on the number of sessions booked for delivery on the day.

OUR CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULE POLICY

  • Cancellation of an Virtual Excursion made 30 days prior to your booked session date will incur no fee
  • Cancellation of an Virtual Excursion made between 14 and 30 days prior to your booked session date will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Bookings cancelled within 14 days of your booked Virtual Excursion will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
  • Reschedule your Virtual Excursion without fee 30 days prior to your booked session date.
  • Rescheduling your Virtual Excursion between 14 and 30 days prior to your booked session date will incur a 30% rebooking fee.
  • Virtual Excursion bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of your booked session date.

CONTACT US

Please contact the Student Programs Bookings team for any further questions by calling 9389 0144 or emailing studentprograms@ceres.org.au