Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enrol my child? 

Contact The Gums on 8842 1249 or complete the online enquiry to arrange a walk through visit with our Centre Director.

Complete the online enrolment with your requested start date. When a position becomes available we will contact you to arrange transition visits.

 

Is there a minimum number of days required for enrolment?

Yes, we recommend a minimum of 2 days as we believe your child will benefit from building strong trusting relationships with their educators and peers and settle in more quickly the more frequently they attend.

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Am I able to claim the Government rebates if I enrol at The Gums?

Yes, to aid in the payment of childcare fees, the Department of Human Services provides access to Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families. Parents, please note it is your responsibility to apply for the CCS with the Family Assistance Office on 136 150. Once CCS is approved, you will need to provide the Centre with your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and date of birth (DOB) along with your child’s CRN and DOB so a formal enrolment can be made. Your subsidy will then be subtracted from the full fees owing, leaving a gap fee which is the amount families pay to the Centre, meaning less out of pocket expense.

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What happens if I want to change/increase days? 

Changing or increasing your child’s attendance days is dependent on the vacancies the centre has. Please speak to the office to arrange these changes. If the change can not happen immediately you will be offered the next available position. Two weeks notice is required to decrease attendance.

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Am I charged for days my child does not attend?

Parents are charged for all days their child is booked into care, regardless of holidays, illness, and Public Holidays. Parents are also charged for days that the Centre is required to close due to Local Emergencies, this includes Catastrophic Fire Weather Rating Days. 

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What happens if I am running late past 6pm?

You will be charged a late fee of $5 per minute.

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What does the Centre provide? 

The Centre provides morning fruit, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack. Breakfast is served until 7.30am. Our onsite cooks aim to meet the daily nutrition intake for our children. A variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meat, fish, chicken, milks, yoghurts and cheeses are provided to children including a range of textures and tastes, appropriate to the developmental stages of different age groups. Children are also offered water and milk throughout the day.

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The Centre also provides all bedding, nappies, wipes, nappy cream and sunscreen. 

 

My child has food allergies - how do you manage this?

Our Centre Cooks are very experienced in managing various dietary requirements. Parents of children with specific requirements meet with our Centre Director and Cook to discuss what foods are /are not appropriate for your child.

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What does my child need to bring each day?

• Named bag or small back pack

• Named water bottle

• A spare set of clothing and underwear (including singlet and socks)

• A broad brimmed or legionnaire style hat 

• Warm headwear, footwear, and clothing for winter days

• Gum boots

• Water- proof jacket

• Any long-term medication (with appropriate documentation)

• A comfort toy (if neccessary, can be brought in and stored in your child's bag)

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Additional items for Babies:

• Comfort items such as dummies, soft toys, sleeping bags etc.

• One nappy per day, for home time

• Prepared named bottles - to be placed in the Babies room fridge

• 3 spare sets of clothing