18 Educating and caring for your child Our educational programs and practices are designed to meet children’s individual learning and development needs. They are tailored for each child’s age, abilities and life stage. Children’s wellbeing, learning and development SDN believes that experiences in the first five years of life are critical for laying the foundations for lifelong learning. Children’s wellbeing, learning and development are supported and extended through high quality educational programs. These programs involve both intentionally planned and spontaneous interactions and experiences. A key component of a high quality educational program is using observations to help better understand and respond to your child’s needs and interests. SDN creates calm and safe indoor and outdoor environments which spark children’s curiosity. Your child’s safety and wellbeing SDN is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children. All of our staff working in NSW require a Working With Children Check and clearance from the Office of the Children’s Guardian. Our ACT staff require clearance for Working With Vulnerable People. If we receive allegations that a person working for SDN is causing harm to children we will investigate immediately and, if in NSW, will also report the allegations to the NSW Ombudsman. In NSW, SDN is required to report allegations of risk of significant harm to children to the NSW Department of Family and Community Services. In the ACT SDN is required to report to ACT Care and Protection Services any instances where we believe on reasonable grounds that a child has or is experiencing sexual abuse or non-accidental physical injury.