Terms and Conditions

Last updated: March 2026

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of Explorers School of Early Learning's services and website. By enrolling a child in our service or accessing our website, you agree to be bound by these terms.

1. About Us

Explorers School of Early Learning (“Explorers”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is a long day care service located at 45 Wilson Street, South Lismore NSW 2480. We are licensed and approved under the Education and Care Services National Law and operate in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.

2. Enrolment

Enrolment is subject to the availability of a place and completion of all required enrolment documentation, including:

• Completed enrolment form with accurate and current family information
• Immunisation history statement (unless a valid exemption applies)
• Up-to-date health information, including any medical conditions, allergies, and relevant action plans
• Signed authorisations for medical treatment, administration of medication, and participation in excursions

Families are responsible for notifying Explorers of any changes to enrolment information (including health, contact, and emergency contact details) in a timely manner.

3. Fees and Payment

Fee Schedule

Current daily rates are available upon request. Fees are reviewed periodically and families will be given a minimum of two weeks' written notice of any fee changes.

Payment Terms

• Fees are due weekly in advance and must be paid by the due date specified on your statement
• We accept direct debit, bank transfer, and EFTPOS. Direct debit is our preferred payment method
• Families receiving Child Care Subsidy (CCS) are responsible for their gap fee. It is the family's responsibility to ensure their CCS entitlement is current and correctly applied through Centrelink

Late Fees and Overdue Accounts

• Accounts more than 14 days overdue may incur a late payment fee
• Explorers reserves the right to suspend or cancel enrolment where fees remain unpaid for 28 days or more, after reasonable notice has been given
• Debt recovery costs (including legal costs) incurred in collecting overdue fees may be passed on to the family

4. Absences and Cancellations

Absences

Fees are charged for booked days regardless of attendance, including public holidays, illness, and family holidays. This is consistent with approved provider obligations and CCS regulations.

Changing or Cancelling Days

• Requests to permanently change booked days are subject to availability and must be made in writing with a minimum of two weeks' notice
• Casual bookings are subject to availability and must be requested at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellation of a casual booking requires 48 hours' notice; otherwise the full day fee applies

Withdrawing from the Service

Two weeks' written notice is required to withdraw a child from the service. Fees continue to apply during the notice period.

5. Closing Hours

Explorers operates Monday to Friday, 7:15 am to 5:30 pm. We are closed on NSW public holidays. Late collection after 5:30 pm may incur a late collection fee of $5 per minute (or part thereof). In the event of repeated late collections, enrolment may be reviewed.

6. Child Safety and Wellbeing

The safety, health, and wellbeing of all children is our highest priority. All Explorers staff hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and are trained in child protection, first aid, CPR, and anaphylaxis management.

We are a mandatory reporting service. Staff are required by law to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authority.

Children will only be released into the care of persons listed on the enrolment form as authorised to collect. We reserve the right to request photo identification.

7. Illness Policy

To protect all children and staff, a child should not attend Explorers if they are unwell. Children showing signs of illness at the centre will be separated from other children and parents will be contacted to arrange collection.

Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning following vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever. For certain illnesses, exclusion periods specified in the Public Health Act 2010 apply. A medical clearance may be required for return after serious illness.

8. Immunisation

In accordance with the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 and NSW childcare legislation, children must meet the immunisation requirements to be enrolled. Up-to-date immunisation records must be provided at enrolment and maintained throughout the child's attendance. Unimmunised children (without a valid medical exemption) may be excluded from care during disease outbreaks as directed by health authorities.

9. Medication

Medication will only be administered by authorised staff where a signed Medication Authorisation Form has been completed by a parent or guardian. Prescription medications must be in their original container labelled with the child's name, dosage, and instructions from the prescribing doctor.

10. Photography, Videos, and Media

We document children's learning experiences through photographs and video as part of our educational program. Consent for photography is obtained at enrolment. Images may be used in:

• Individual learning portfolios shared with families
• Internal staff training and educational documentation
• Centre promotional materials (website, social media, printed materials), where specific consent is given

Families who do not consent to promotional use of images will not have their child's images shared publicly. Consent can be updated at any time by contacting us at admin@explorers.school.

11. Website Use

By using the Explorers website (www.explorers.school), you agree to use it only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not infringe the rights of others. You must not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or modify any content from this website without our prior written consent
• Use any automated tools to scrape, crawl, or extract data from this website
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of our systems

We take reasonable steps to ensure the website is accurate and up to date, but make no warranty as to the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of information provided. Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only; we are not responsible for the content or practices of external sites.

12. Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, images, logos, and design — is owned by or licensed to Explorers School of Early Learning and is protected by Australian copyright law. Unauthorised reproduction or use is prohibited.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Explorers School of Early Learning is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage arising from your use of this website or our services.

Nothing in these terms limits any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law or any other non-excludable consumer protection legislation.

14. Complaints

We are committed to addressing complaints promptly and fairly. If you have a concern about our service:

• In the first instance, please speak with the Centre Director or submit a written complaint to admin@explorers.school
• If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the NSW Early Childhood Education Directorate (ECED) or ACECQA

15. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any dispute arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

16. Amendments

Explorers reserves the right to amend these terms at any time. We will provide reasonable notice of material changes. Your continued use of our services or website after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

17. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:

• Email: admin@explorers.school
• Phone: (02) 6621 5037
• Address: 45 Wilson Street, South Lismore NSW 2480