The Hills Montessori Children's House places children at the centre of everything. We believe in providing an environment where every child has the opportunity to become who they are, to focus on their interests and discover the world at their own pace.

We build a strong community with a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment directed by the Montessori philosophy. We believe the outdoor environment is as important as indoor spaces and incorporate permaculture principles wherever possible.

Child Safe Organisation

Children's safety is paramount. All staff, students and volunteers carry out their responsibilities as mandatory reporters as required by law under the Child Protection Act 1999.

• All staff must complete mandatory National Child Safety Training before working directly with children
• All staff must maintain a valid Working with Children Check (Blue Card in QLD)
• You must report any concerns about a child, or allegations involving an employee/volunteer, in line with Mandatory Reporter Requirements

Our sector is governed by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), which facilitates the National Quality Framework (NQF). The NQF is underpinned by the National Quality Standard (NQS), National Law, National Regulations and the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (EYLF).

The 7 Quality Areas of the NQS

• Educational program and practice
• Children's health and safety
• Physical environment
• Staffing arrangements
• Relationships with children
• Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
• Governance and leadership

The Service strives to achieve an 'Exceeding' rating across all seven quality areas. You must be familiar with the NQF and NQS and adhere to all policies, procedures and requirements at all times.

EYLF V2.0 Curriculum

All programming, observations, planning and reflection is guided by Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (2022). Programming supports children to develop a strong sense of identity, wellbeing, confidence, effective communication and connections with their world.

A comprehensive induction will occur at commencement, covering our philosophy, policies, colleagues, families, programming and emergency procedures.

Probationary Period

All new staff are subject to a 6-month probationary period. Probationary meetings are scheduled within the first week and at the end of the period. Annual appraisals follow for permanent staff.

Professional Development

• The Hills Montessori will pay 100% of standard in-service fees for permanent educators (travel at own expense)
• Following training, you must complete a professional development review to share with the team
• It is a condition of employment that all educators keep First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training current
• Mandatory National Child Safety Training must be completed before working directly with children

The Hills Montessori has zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying and sexual harassment. Offensive or obscene language is not tolerated. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in termination.

Interactions with children

All educators must interact with children positively and respectfully at all times. A zero-tolerance approach applies to inappropriate discipline or inappropriate conduct towards children.

Confidentiality

All information about children, families and colleagues is strictly confidential. Records must be held securely and only released to authorised persons. This obligation extends to online interactions and social media.

Uniforms & personal care

• Shorts/skirts must be knee-length; no jeans, leggings or active wear on shift
• Enclosed flat shoes at all times — no heels or wedges
• No large earrings; minimal perfume; good oral hygiene
• No clothing with offensive logos or political statements

Personal mobile phones must be kept in a locked staff locker during working hours and may only be accessed during breaks in the staff room or outside the premises.

Staff are strictly prohibited from using personal electronic devices to photograph, record audio, or video children at the Service. This includes smart watches, META sunglasses and cloud storage devices.

Social media

• Do not post negative comments about the Service, children, colleagues or families on any platform
• Do not post photos of the Service, children or families on personal social media
• Refrain from accepting or initiating friend requests with Service families unless a prior friendship existed

AI use

Staff using AI tools must be aware of privacy risks. Do not enter details that may identify individual children (names, date of birth). Always verify and check AI-generated information for accuracy.

The Service is alcohol, drugs, tobacco and vaping-free. Staff must not consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while working.

• Smoking and vaping are not permitted on or around the Service at any time
• Do not smoke or vape in public while wearing the company uniform
• Possession of illegal drugs on the premises is grounds for termination and possible referral to Police
• Staff on prescribed medication that may affect their ability to perform duties must notify the nominated supervisor

You will be paid fortnightly into your nominated bank account within 48 hours of the end of the pay period.

Calling in sick

You must contact the nominated supervisor as soon as possible — preferably the day before or at least 4 hours before your shift. Call the centre mobile (0447 015 158) outside operating hours or the centre (3824 4244) during hours. Messages must not be left with a colleague.

Annual & personal leave

Annual leave requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance on an Annual Leave Request form. Full-time permanent staff receive 10 days sick/personal leave per year (pro-rata for part-time).

Parental leave

Eligible workers may access Government Parental Leave Pay for up to 120 days (24 weeks). Refer to the Staff Leave Entitlement Policy for details.

You must sign in on arrival and out on departure, complete timesheets by the cut-off, and report any hazards immediately to the nominated supervisor.

Accident reporting

An Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record must be completed on the day of any accident or near-miss. Any head trauma to a child requires an immediate phone call to the family. Incidents must be reported to the approved provider within 24 hours.

Manual handling

• Children should use the ladder to climb onto and off the change table — do not lift them
• Do not stand on tables or chairs
• Face the spot where the load will rest; use your feet to move your body, never twist

All grievances — whether minor or major — must be dealt with promptly. Unresolved conflict leads to tension, stress and low productivity. Staff members are expected to approach conflict constructively.

If you cannot resolve a grievance directly, contact your immediate supervisor (nominated supervisor or approved provider) who will act as mediator. If you are uncomfortable approaching your supervisor, or the conflict is with them, contact the next level of management.

You may nominate a support person (including a union representative) to attend any meetings with you.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, performance management or termination. Key breaches include:

• Reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inappropriate use of personal devices to photograph children
• Disclosure of confidential information
• Fraternising with families or having personal visitors during a shift
• Inability to maintain a current Working with Children Check
• Making false or malicious statements on social media about the Service, colleagues or families
• Failure to follow policies, procedures and the Code of Conduct

Notice period (Children's Services Award 2010)

• Less than 1 year: 1 week notice
• 1–3 years: 2 weeks notice
• 3–5 years: 3 weeks notice
• Over 5 years: 4 weeks notice