COVID-19 FAQ’S

Will MOOSH remain open?

Yes. We need to support working Australian families and provide children with quality childcare. Childcare is an essential community service. Our before and after school care and vacation care programs are currently running.

In what circumstances would MOOSH close?

If we are directed by authorities to close for any reason, we will do so, and aim to reopen as soon as possible.

What happens if an educator, child, or parent at a centre is diagnosed COVID-19?

Our commitment is to have open and clear communication with our community. Along with notifying the relevant authorities, we will let our families, staff and Manly Village Public School know via email that a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in our community.

If MOOSH is required to close, will I have to pay fees?

If the government or local health authorities ask us to close, we will not charge families fees during the period of closure. If you choose to withdraw your child from care as a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, either temporarily or permanently, our standard notice periods and fees will apply.

Should I withdraw my child from MOOSH?

Please speak to the Directors about your decision. The Australian Government has reassured families that children are in a low risk category for COVID-19 coronavirus. Early education and care has many benefits for children, and we don’t want COVID-19 to put a stop to your child’s learning journey.

What do I do if my child is unwell?

Please keep your child at home if they are unwell, in line with national recommendations for all adults and children. Our educators and staff are following this same advice, to keep our community healthy and hygienic.

How will MOOSH support families who choose to isolate their child from MOOSH as a precautionary measure?

Our educators strive to remain completely connected to the children via the MOOSH Play channel that can be accessed on the MOOSH website’s ‘Program’ page. MOOSH Play provides a variety of activities to keep the children busy while parents work from home.

What other measures have MOOSH put in place in response to COVID-19 pandemic?

• We have increased our daily cleaning practices.
• We have reduced visitors coming into the centre.
• We have increased our handwashing and hygiene practices, and education surrounding this.
• We are encouraging families to also practice washing hands or using the hand sanitizer when entering and leaving our centre.
• We are enforcing our exclusion policies for educators and children who are unwell with flu-like symptoms.
• External providers and excursions have been postponed and our educators are focusing on centre-based enrichment activities and experiences for the children in our care.
• We are adjusting routines where possible, to increase the time children get to play outside in fresh air.

What is the policy regarding families returning from overseas, attending childcare?

On 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced new measures to protect the Australian community in its response to the COVID-19 virus. This includes the requirement that all individuals arriving in Australia from an international destination must self-isolate for 14 days.

https://www.dese.gov.au/news/coronavirus-covid-19

Who can families contact for more information and advice?

The Directors are the best point of contact via email: info@manlyoosh.com.au or via phone: 02 9976 2147 or via mobile: 0481 063 117

How do I find more information about COVID-19?

You can contact the national COVID-19 Hotline 1800 020 080, or visit their website at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert