Family Handbook - Fremantle

 

Welcome To The Akidamy School Of Early Learning

On behalf of everyone here at the Akidamy, welcome to our School. Our team are committed to our values and to helping your child flourish. Our role is to make all children feel respected, supported, encouraged, inspired, listened to and cared for. We are committed to sharing your child's learning journey with you every step of the way. 

The following information will provide you with an insight into how the School operates. For detailed information, please refer to our policies online or ask at Reception. 
 
Please contact our School Director or our Educational Leader at any time with any questions regarding our operations, practices and policies. 
 

Key Information

Address:28 Cantonment St, Fremantle WA 6160
Contact: (08) 9227 1409 or office.freo@theakidamy.wa.edu.au 
Hours: 7.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday (Closed public holidays)
School Director Email: director.freo@theakidamy.wa.edu.au


 

School Education & Curriculum Programmes

At the Akidamy, we have a clear philosophy and approach to education that guides our practices (see link to our Education & Curriculum Programme Policy). We believe in creating a loving and supportive atmosphere for children's learning. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach and incorporating RIE and Pikler values, we view children as strong, competent, resilient, and naturally curious. 

We adopt a holistic approach that encourages exploration, initiative, problem-solving, and risk-taking. Recognising the diverse ways in which children think, play, explore, communicate, and engage with the world, we support the "100 languages of children", as outlined by Loris Malaguzzi. Learning through play is fundamental to our approach, as it is through play that children establish non-verbal agreements and reciprocal relationships. We empower children to enjoy autonomy within their environment, allowing them to pursue their own interests, express themselves, and build on concepts.

Our ultimate goal is to provide every child with the best possible start in life, nurturing important qualities like resilience and confidence that will benefit them in the future. To ensure the highest quality and adherence to standards, we are committed to implementing the National Quality Framework, National Regulations, and National Quality Standards.

We value the importance of tailored learning settings that nurture children's growth and development. Our environments are thoughtfully designed as the "third teacher," providing open and fluid spaces both indoor and outdoor, that offer uninterrupted opportunities for exploration, play, and learning. 

The Akidamy places strong emphasis on family connections. We actively engage with families, fostering open and honest communication about ideas, expectations, and their priorities. Building strong partnerships with families means we can better understand and care for our children. We also collaborate with a diverse range of professionals who prioritise the well-being of children, including occupational therapists, sign language instructors, studio educators, and teachers specialising in early childhood education, Italian language, mindfulness, and art. This collaborative effort ensures inclusive practices within our educational approach.

Our educational programmes are shaped by individual and group observations. We take into account each child's unique qualities and align our objectives with the developmental milestones outlined in the National Early Years Learning Framework. This approach allows children to engage in immersive learning experiences while setting realistic goals for their growth and development.

Akidamy Offerings

• Bring ‘Nothing But The Child’. We Aim to Make Life Easier by Providing Everything Your Child Needs
• Inspired Reggio Emilia Approach, and Elements Of The Rie And Pikler Philosophies 
• School Readiness Programme Delivered run by Qualified Early Childhood Teachers and Occupational Therapist
• We are Inspired by The O-soji - Principles Where Children are Developing Lifelong Habits. 
• Signing Hands Programme Provides Skills which allow Children, Educators and Families to communicate 
• Delivering Experiences with Italian Language, Yoga, Mindfulness, Sustainability, Arts and Music 
• Homemade Nutritious Vegetarian Meals from Local, Seasonal Produce

For further information, please speak to our school's Educational Leader or Studio Teacher. Educational and curriculum policy providers also provide further information to families.
 

Enrolment

The Akidamy enrolment is a fixed two-day permanent booking schedule. For a period of six months only under special circumstances, a one-day permanent booking schedule may be approved by the Director. 

Once you have formally accepted enrolment, please ensure all information about your child and family is kept up to date. Please notify us of any changes that may occur or impact your child’s enrolment. 
 
Families are required to provide The Akidamy with two weeks' written notice when cancelling enrolment. 
 If you wish to delay your child’s enrolment WITHIN two weeks of the agreed commencement date, and the amended commencement date is more than 6 weeks away, the Waitlist Fee of $150 is forfeited and will need to be paid again. If a new commencement date cannot be approved by The Akidamy, you will need to go back onto the waiting list until another available place becomes available. 
 

School Values and Vision

The Akidamy Value – Our story is built upon a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to foundational principles that shape every aspect of The Akidamy experience.

Our Core Purpose

To provide an inspiring environment that sparks a life of learning and allows every child to flourish.

Our Vision

We dream of a world where an outstanding holistic early childhood education that supports, encourages, inspires, and nurtures children is a universal right. Children are given a solid foundation, where they are empowered to reach their full potential by acquiring lifelong skills to contribute meaningfully to society—leading lives of joy, accomplishment, connection, and contribution.

Core Values

The values of The Akidamy were created in consultation with everyone who walks through our doors. We are committed to embodying these values every day – from the morning coffee shared between teams to the way we resolve conflicts on playground - you'll see evidence of them weaved into every action.  At The Akidamy, we are committed to embodying our five core values in every aspect of our day-to-day. These values steer every decision we make and every interaction we engage in. They are non-negotiables in our practice. 

Children & Families First

We always put the needs of children and their families first – their intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing is paramount.
We strive to make things easier for our families and reduce their load. They rely on our expertise for simplification and clarification.

Genuine Relationships

We foster genuine and respectful relationships between staff, families, children and the wider community. Our communication is respectful, open and kind. People are valued, listened to and have a voice within a safe and healthy environment.

True to Our Promise

We are authentic. We make big promises because we intend, and will deliver, on each and every one of them. We are true to our word and do what we say we will. 

Prioritise Learning
We seek out and use every opportunity to put the learning and education of children and our team at the forefront of all our decisions. 
We seek every opportunity to place learning at the forefront of all we do, for our children and our team alike. We nurture curiosity by listening to children’s voices, following their interests, and fostering a culture of critical reflection where everyone is both a learner and a teacher. Prioritising education in every decision, we lay the foundation for confident, capable, and inspired lifelong learners. 

Always Evolving & Innovating Practices

We never stop looking for new ways to improve ourselves and our school. As industry leaders, we embody an open growth mindset, embracing new technologies and systems to refine our communication and processes. Our evolution is always purposeful, rooted in who we are and our dedication to our community, families, and one another.

To understand and seek further information, please refer to the School Values and Philosophy policy.

School Fee Structure, Charges & Payment

You can calculate your own out-of-pocket estimate with this calculator: CCS Calculator - SmartCentral or Goverment Link

Daily Fee per child: This fee is applicable to each day a child is enrolled, regardless of public holidays or any absence due to illness or otherwise. Fees are paid in advance. All payments must be made via Childcare Easy Pay, and all families must complete a Childcare Easy Pay application form upon enrolment. Our School has a no cash or EFT policy. 
 
Holiday Rate (Fixed Rate): Two week's written notice is required to receive a discounted rate on the daily fee. This is capped at four weeks per the financial year (reflective of the weekly booking) i.e.: 2 days a week will equate to 8 days per financial year. 

Online Enrolment Joining Fee: This is a $150 non-refundable fee to be paid prior to completing your application, this covers administration costs associated with the application process. 
 
Waitlist Fee: This is a $150 non-refundable fee to be paid only if your intended start date is more than 6 weeks from the enrolment. This is charged prior to your child's first day via direct debit. If you are a current family with us and are enrolling an additional sibling the waitlist fee will be waived. The same applies if you are enrolling twins, only one waitlist fee will be charged prior to your children's first day via direct debit.  For any enrolment before July 31st 2026, this fee will be waived and only the Enrolment Fee will apply.

• Once you have formally accepted enrolment, please ensure all information about your child and family is kept up to date. Please notify us of any changes that may occur or impact your child’s enrolment.
• Families are required to provide The Akidamy with two weeks' written notice when cancelling enrolment. 
• If you wish to delay your child’s enrolment WITHIN two weeks of the agreed commencement date, and the amended commencement date is more than 6 weeks away, the Waitlist Fee of $150 is forfeited and will need to be paid again. If a new commencement date cannot be approved by The Akidamy, you will need to go back onto the waiting list until another available place becomes available. 
• If you choose to withdraw from The Akidamy WITHIN two weeks of the agreed commencement date, the written notice period applies. Full payment of the first two weeks of school fees is payable and is non-refundable. Full fees are payable as you are not entitled to claim any Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for this period. 

 
Refundable Holding Deposit: Once enrolment is confirmed, a $500 holding deposit will be deducted from your nominated account to ensure commitment and fulfilment of a space at the school. This payment will be refunded to families 3 weeks after the child leaves The Akidamy if all accounts are paid in full and no amount is outstanding when the child leaves the service. 
  
Late Fees: $1 per minute will be charged if your child is collected after 6 pm. This is payable directly to the School.

Admin Fees For Failure to Sign Children In/Out on the SmartCentral Kiosk: Parents will be charged a $5 admin fee for failing to correctly sign their child in and out of the front kiosk for each session that their child attends. This is a government requirement for all families to ensure that they are correctly receiving their CCS entitlements. We are responsible for submitting this information to them each week. 

Changes to Days (Additional or Reduced Days) & "No Swap" Policy: 

• Permanent Changes: Permanent booked sessions can be changed (increased or decreased) with two weeks' written notice, subject to availability. Please note we do not offer alternating days between weeks. 
• No Swaps or Make-up Days: The Akidamy does not offer make-up days or the swapping of days for any reason. This applies to all absences, including illness, public holidays, or family leave. If a child does not attend a booked session, the day is forfeited, and full fees apply.
• Alternating Weeks: We do not offer alternating days between weeks (e.g., Mondays one week, Tuesdays the next).

Casual Booking Terms & Cancellation - Casual days are extra bookings made outside of a family’s permanent enrolment.

• 72-Hour Cancellation Notice: You must provide 72 hours' written notice to cancel a casual booking without charge.
• Late Cancellation: If a casual booking is cancelled with less than 72 hours' notice, or if the child does not attend ("no-show"), full daily fees will be charged.
• No Swaps: Casual days cannot be swapped for other days. If the booked day is no longer required, it must be cancelled (subject to the 72-hour notice period).
• No Holiday Rate: The "Holiday Rate" discount cannot be applied to casual bookings. You cannot swap a casual booking for a Holiday Rate, even if notice is provided.

 

Childcare Subsidy (CCS) and Centrelink

To claim CCS, you must provide the CRN number of the CCS claimant and the CRN number of your child. You can apply for Childcare Subsidy through Centrelink. Once we submit your CRN numbers to CCS, you need to approve the enrolment in your MyGov account before your CCS becomes active.
 
Once you have approved your child’s enrolment in MyGov, your CCS payments can take up to 2 weeks to be paid. Your CCS will be backpaid from the start of your child’s enrolment and will automatically come through as a credit to your Akidamy account.
 
Childcare subsidy payments are calculated based on multiple factors, including your CCS percentage, allocated hours per fortnight, sessions per fortnight, our cost per session and session duration. Please keep Centrelink updated with any changes, such as your address or work circumstances.

 

Our Commitment to a Safe Environment

The Akidamy maintains a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding any form of bullying, harassment, or aggression directed at our children or staff. To ensure we meet our legal obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act, we reserve the right to terminate any enrolment immediately if conduct—by a child or a family member—poses a risk to others. Please refer to our Termination of Enrolment Policy and Family Conduct Guidelines for full details. 

Orientation & Preparing for Care

Prior to your child starting at the School, we ask that you and your child visit the School for two orientation sessions of approximately one hour each. The process will assist in making separation easier and allow for your child to become familiar with the environment, their educators, and new friends. 

During these orientation sessions, we require you to stay on-site (in the School) so that your child understands what is happening. We provide access to free internet and coffee/tea/filtered water at the reception area while you wait. Please ask any of our team members at reception to take your order and provide you with the wifi password.
 
This time also allows parents to meet our team and to pass on any information relevant about their child. This is not only an important time for a child, it also assists parents to feel more confident leaving their children in our care. 
 

Nothing But the Child

We provide all families with a hat, bag, bottle, nappies, sunscreen, and bedding. This is done to reduce waste and stress for families and to reduce the time spent looking for individual items each day.

This also ensures that the children have a sense of community with the Akidamy  
The clothing is optional for the children, however hats and water bottles are used for activities and must not leave the School. 
 
Our aim at The Akidamy is to reduce families stress by simplifying their entering and exiting of the School to allow time for educators and families to interact
 

What to bring to the Akidamy

• Own breast milk (must be labelled and dated) and baby formula
• Spare set of labelled clothing
• Ensure child is wearing socks and shoes
• Warm clothing during colder periods of the year. 
• Medication: Please refer to the Medication Policy for further information.

  

Procedures to be completed on Arrival & Departure

It is required by law that each child is signed in and out of the School via our (SmartCentral) kiosk at School reception.

If someone other than an authorised person is collecting your child, you will need to notify the staff prior to pick up, and this person will be required to show identification. No child will be allowed to leave the School without parental consent. 

Failure to sign your child in or out may result in the School being fined, this fine will in turn be passed on to you, as it is your responsibility that children are signed absent when this occurs holidays are signed for and, as previously stated, signed in and out each day. 
 

Booking Casual Days

Our Menu & Dietary Requirements

Communication, Learning and News at The Akidamy

Accidents and Incidents

Health & Hygiene

Children and educators are actively encouraged to practice good personal hygiene to minimise the instances of illness. We also believe that if your child is ill, the best place for them is to be at home where they can recover faster.
 
If your child presents at the School with signs of illness, the nominated supervisor may advise that they are not well enough to participate in the day's activities. You will be asked to make alternative arrangements until they are well or the exclusion period has ended (you may be asked to provide a medical clearance letter before your child can return). Although this can be inconvenient for parents, it is in the interests of all children and families at the School to minimise the risk of infection.
 
Should your child become ill during the day, documentation and first aid will commence, and you may be contacted to collect your child from the School and seek further medical advice (please note that paracetamol is not regarded as a first response and can only be administered in emergency situations and with prior written parental consent). It is important that you read the School's medication policy carefully to know when educators can administer medications.
 
 

Important Policies & Procedures

Below is a selection of important policies for families to consider:

• Anaphylaxis Management Policy
• Children's Clothing Policy
• Excursion / Incursion Policy
• Emergency and Evacuation Policy
• Immunisation Policy
• Sick Children Policy
• Sleep and Rest Policy
• Grievance Procedure and Family Conduct Guidelines
• Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment Policy 
• Grievance & Complaints Procedure
• Aggressive Behaviour (Adults) 
• Bullying or Hurting Others (Children) 
• Withdrawal of Care (Termination)

For a comprehensive list of all our policies, click here. 
 

Early Childhood Education and Care

The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) governs and has oversight of early years education in Australia. ACQECA works with all governments to provide guidance, resources, and services to support the sector to improve outcomes for children. ACEQA’s role is to support the administration of the National Quality Framework to ensure consistent implementation across all states and territories in Australia. For further information, click here.

 

National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework (NQF) ensures a quality standard to improve education and care across long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care services.

The principles of the frame best practice and help educators to ensure that they are working to achieve these expectations. For further information, click here.
 

Early Years Learning Framework

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) describes the principles, practices, and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children's learning from birth to five years of age and their transition to school. 
 
Education and care services covered by the National Quality Framework must provide a program based on an approved learning framework. They focus on outcomes for children and recognise that children learn from birth. 
Approved learning frameworks are the frameworks named in the National Regulations. In addition, there are two national approved learning frameworks and four state- or territory-specific approved learning frameworks:

• Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) 
• My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia (MTOP). 

The other approved learning frameworks under the National Quality Framework include: 

• Western Australia: Curriculum Framework for Kindergarten to Year 10.

Refer a Friend & Receive a Free Day! 

We love growing our community through word-of-mouth. If you refer a new family who enrols at The Akidamy, you will receive One Free Day of Fees. You can keep this credit or gift it to your friend (it is automatically gifted if you are an alumni family). Click here to read the full Policy and the Refer a Friend Form Link.

Regulatory Oversight & Compliance

The Akidamy is a high-quality, regulated service. We operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and are held accountable by two primary bodies to ensure the safety and education of your child:

ACECQA (National Level)

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authorityis the national body that oversees the NQF. They provide the national standards, learning frameworks (EYLF), and ensure consistent quality across all Australian childcare services.

• Role: Setting national standards and research.
• Website: acecqa.gov.au

ECRU (State Level - WA)

The Education and Care Regulatory Unitis our state-based regulator in Western Australia. They are responsible for licensing our School and monitoring our daily compliance with the National Law and Regulations.

• Role: On-site inspections, monitoring safety ratios, and investigating serious incidents.
• Contact: (08) 6551 8333 | ecru@communities.wa.gov.au

Why this matters to families

Our adherence to ACECQA standards and ECRU licensing requirements means:

• Safety: We maintain strict staff-to-child ratios and safety protocols.
• Quality: We are regularly assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Accountability: We are legally mandated to report serious incidents and maintain a workplace free from harm.

Glossary of Terms 

• ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority) - The national authority overseeing early childhood education and care in Australia, responsible for supporting the implementation of the National Quality Framework (NQF).
• Approved Learning Frameworks - Nationally recognised documents that guide educators in delivering high-quality learning programs (e.g. EYLF, MTOP).
• CCS (Child Care Subsidy) - A government payment provided to eligible families to help cover the cost of child care. It is based on factors such as family income, activity level, and hourly rates.
• CRN (Customer Reference Number) - A unique number provided by Centrelink used for accessing services like CCS.
• Daily Fee - The standard fee charged per day for child care at The Akidamy, regardless of absence or public holidays.
• Earlyworks - An app used by The Akidamy to share learning updates, daily routines, documents, and important messages with families.
• EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) - The national curriculum framework for children from birth to five years old. It outlines principles and outcomes to support children's learning and development.
• ECRU - In Western Australia, the childcare regulator is the Education and Care Regulator Unit (ECRU), which operated within the Department of Communicates.
• Illumina School Magazine - Italian for  illuminare, it means "to light up" or "to brighten." We chose Illumina because we believe every child has a unique "inner light." This magazine is the place where that light is turned outward, allowing their stories and talents to illuminate our entire school community
• QIP (Quality Improvement Plan) - A plan outlining how the School continuously improves its service quality based on feedback and self-assessment.
• Reggio Emilia - An educational philosophy focused on child-led learning, collaboration, creativity, and the environment as a "third teacher."
• Refundable Holding Deposit - A $500 deposit paid to confirm enrolment, refunded after a child leaves the service if all payments are up to date.
• SmartCentral - The software platform used by the School for enrolment management, casual day bookings, and sign-in/sign-out via the front kiosk.
• Studio - A dedicated learning space at The Akidamy for specific age groups (e.g., Nursery Studio, Toddler Studio, Kindergarten Studio).
• Waitlist Fee - A $150 non-refundable fee paid to maintain a position on the waiting list when the child’s start date is more than six weeks away. For any enrolment before 31 July 2026, this fee will be waived and only the Enrolment Fee will apply.
• Excursion - An educational trip outside of the School, often within the local community or to relevant child-friendly venues.
• Holding Deposit - A refundable $500 deposit paid upon enrolment to secure a place at The Akidamy. Returned three weeks after the child leaves if accounts are settled.
• Incursion - An event or activity brought into the School to enhance the children’s learning, such as a visit from a performer or educational specialist. 
• La Cucina - Italian for “The Kitchen,” this is the central kitchen at The Akidamy where all meals are prepared onsite.
• MyGov - An Australian Government platform that connects families with Centrelink and allows approval of CCS enrolments and updates to personal information.
• Nominated Supervisor - A qualified staff member responsible for the day-to-day management of the School and its compliance with regulations. 
• National Quality Framework (NQF) - A national system that sets high-quality standards for early childhood education and care providers in Australia.
  
• Orientation - Scheduled sessions before a child’s start date designed to help them and their family become familiar with the School environment, staff, and routines. 
• OSOJI - A Japanese-inspired practice promoting responsibility and cleanliness, often implemented as a group cleaning or tidying activity by children.