Bushfire Risk Policy
Burch Memorial Preschool is located in a high fire risk area and is listed on the Department of Education’s BARR (Bushfire At Risk Register). The Department of Education requires that schools and early learning services listed on the BARR close on days rated as Catastrophic fire danger.
Burch Memorial Preschool may also close on days where the local fire risk is considered to present immediate danger, as advised by the CFA. This decision has been made in consultation with Wonga Park Primary School, Wonga Park CFA and the Department of Education.
The safety of our children and educators is our highest priority. Fire Danger Ratings are determined by the CFA’s Fire Behaviour Index, and this is the information used to form policy regarding the closure of our preschool. We understand that closing our preschool may result in families needing to make alternative care arrangements, and we thank you for your understanding.
If a preschool session will not be operating due to the declaration of a Catastrophic rating (or immediate local danger), you will be notified as follows:
-If a ‘potential’ closure day is in sight, your preschool teacher will place a notice at the sign-in book earlier in the week.
-If the closure is confirmed, a Storypark notification will be sent to all families.
-An email will also be sent, and Group Representatives will be notified for the purpose of sharing via your child’s parent group message board.
-When possible, our staffing team will display posters advising of the closure at the Preschool entrance.
Updates on closures can be found on the Department of Education website at https://www.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-school-closures
For up-to-date information about this year’s fire season see:
- VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)
- https://emergency.vic.gov.au
- Facebook (facebook.com/cfavic)
- Twitter (twitter.com/CFA_Updates)
- ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters
