Table of Content

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Table of Content

Foreword

Chapter 1

Premises Design

1.1 Location. . . E 1 - 1 1.2 Maximum Height. . . E 1 - 1 1.3 Premises Design. . . E 1 - 2 1.4 Windows. . . E 1 - 5 1.5 Roof Playgrounds. . . E 1 - 5 1.6 Structural Alterations. . . E 1 - 5

Chapter 2

Furniture and Equipment

2.1 Basic Furniture. . . E 2 - 1 2.2 Teaching Equipment. . . E 2 - 2 2.3 Washrooms. . . E 2 - 3 2.4 Pantry. . . E 2 - 5 2.5 Kitchen. . . E 2 - 5 2.6 Milk Room. . . E 2 - 6 2.7 Medical Room / Sick Bay. . . E 2 - 6 2.8 Washing and Laundry Facilities . . . E 2 - 7

Chapter 3

Safety Measures

3.1 Building Safety. . . E 3 - 1 3.2 Fire Safety. . . E 3 - 2 3.3 Gas Safety. . . E 3 - 4 3.4 Electrical Installation. . . E 3 - 5 3.5 Floors and Walls. . . E 3 - 6 3.6 Furniture and Equipment. . . E 3 - 6 3.7 Physical Play. . . E 3 - 8

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3.8 Transportation Arrangements. . . E 3 - 1 0 3.9 Outdoor Activities. . . E 3 - 1 0 3.10 Supervision of Children and Security. . . E 3 - 1 1 3.11 Inclement Weather and Emergencies. . . E 3 - 1 2 3.12 Occupational Safety of Employees. . . E 3 - 1 2 3.13 Insurance. . . E 3 - 1 3

Chapter 4

^Health

4.1 Health Inspection. . . E 4 - 1 4.2 Health Records. . . E 4 - 3 4.3 Management of Sickness. . . E 4 - 4 4.4 Medical Examination of Staff. . . E 4 - 7 4.5 First Aid. . . E 4 - 7 4.6 Protecting Children from Maltreatment. . . E 4 - 8

Chapter 5

Sanitation

5.1 Environmental Hygiene. . . E 5 - 1 5.2 Personal Hygiene. . . E 5 - 3 5.3 Food Hygiene. . . E 5 - 5

Chapter 6

Nutrition and Diet

6.1 Choice of Food. . . E 6 - 1 6.2 Preparation of Food. . . E 6 - 3 6.3 Dietary Requirements. . . E 6 - 7 6.4 Provision of Meals. . . E 6 - 1 3

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7.4 Principles of Implementation of Activities. . . E 7 - 4

Chapter 8

^Staffing

8.1 Manpower and Appointment. . . E 8 - 1 8.2 Qualifications. . . E 8 - 3 8.3 Registration. . . E 8 - 5 8.4 Training for Staff. . . E 8 - 7 8.5 Personnel Management. . . E 8 - 7

Chapter 9

Fee and Charge

9.1 Fees. . . E 9 - 1 9.2 Collecting Deposit/Registration Fee and Application Fee… E 9 - 2 9.3 Selling School Items and Providing Paid Services. . . E 9 - 3

Chapter 10

Family and Pre-primary Institutions

10.1 Contact with Parents. . . E 1 0 - 1 10.2 Methods of Communication with Parents. . . E 1 0 - 1

Chapter 11

Registration and Regulation

11.1 Registration of Pre-primary Institutions. . . E 1 1 - 1 11.2 Regulation of Pre-primary Institutions. . . E 1 1 - 5 Appendices

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Foreword

The Government has all along attached great importance to pre-primary education. It has had great concerns on the unification of pre-primary services and has worked on the issue since the early 1980s. In the late 1990s, many aspects of day nurseries and kindergartens were harmonised, including a common curriculum for nurseries and kindergartens, harmonised qualifications / training requirements and pay scales for child care workers and kindergarten teachers. In the light of government policies, societal demands and children’s developmental and educational needs, in 2002 the Working Party on Harmonisation of Pre-primary Services formed by the Social Welfare Department and the then Education Department recommended harmonising the services of day nurseries and kindergartens, i.e. all pre-primary services for children aged 3 and above classified as kindergartens and subject to the same requirements, registered under the same ordinance and regulated by the same Government department.

For harmonisation of day nurseries and kindergartens, legislative amendments were completed in mid 2005 and the various harmonisation measures have been implemented since the 2005/2006 school year. Henceforth, the Social Welfare Department regulates child care centres which provide services for children under the age of 3 years, children under the age of 6 years with disability, and children under the age of 6 years in need of residential care under the Child Care Services Ordinance; and the Education Bureau (known as Education and Manpower Bureau before July 2007) regulates kindergartens which provide services for children aged 3 and above under the Education Ordinance. This sets a new milestone for achieving unification of pre-primary services.

Compiling this Operation Manual for Pre-primary Institutions for child care centres and kindergartens to replace the Code of Practice of Child Care Centres and the Manual of Kindergarten Practice is one of the major tasks of harmonisation of pre-primary services. The operation manual provides a comprehensive guide to help operators understand the statutory requirements as well as the respective regulatory requirements of the Social Welfare Department and the Education Bureau in regulating child care centres and kindergartens so that the operators can provide quality education and care for children.

This operation manual is for the use of child care centre and kindergarten operators, management and staff. The requirements of edu-care services are delineated and the relevant provisions of the ordinances are quoted in the operation manual to facilitate readers’ understanding of the main points of regulation of child care centres and kindergartens. Readers should refer to the relevant ordinances for all statutory requirements and should seek legal advice in case of doubt.

This operation manual is applicable to all institutions providing education and care services for children from new born to 6 years, including child care centres, kindergartens and kindergarten- cum-child care centres. Schools joining the kindergarten education scheme should also observe relevant Education Bureau circulars and the Kindergarten Administration Guide.

The first edition of this operation manual is compiled by the Focus Group on Operation Manual for Pre-primary Institutions which comprises representatives from the Social Welfare Department and the Education Bureau and experienced professionals from the pre-primary sector.

The Buildings Department, Fire Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services

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For enquiries on the operation manual, please contact the Joint Office for Kindergartens and Child Care Centres, Education Bureau (address: Room 602, 6/F, 14 Taikoo Wan Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong; telephone:3107 2197; fax: 3107 2180; email: jokc@edb.gov.hk).

An electronic version of the operation manual has been uploaded onto the Education Bureau homepage.

(Website: https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/preprimary-kindergarten/about-preprimary- kindergarten/index.html).

The different types of institutions mentioned in the operation manual are defined as follows:

Institutions Definitions

Pre-primary Institutions Institutions providing education and care services for children from new born to 6 years. There are 2 types of pre-primary institutions: child care centres and kindergartens.

Child Care Centres Institutions providing services for children under the age of 3 years, children under the age of 6 years with disability, and children under the age of 6 years in need of residential care according to the Child Care Services Ordinance (Hong Kong Law Chapter 243).

(Website of the ordinance: https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/?_lang=en) Kindergartens Schools providing a 3 years course of education for children aged 3 and above according to the Education Ordinance (Hong Kong Law Chapter 279).

(Website of the ordinance: https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/?_lang=en)

Despite the different focuses of services, all pre-primary institutions are embedded with the same vision and responsibilities of providing education and care for children.

Education Bureau

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Chapter 1 Premises Design

1.1 Location

For all pre-primary institutions

1.1.1 To ensure that children gain easy access, pre-primary institutions should, ideally, be located on the ground floor or the podium floor.

1.1.2 Pre-primary institutions must not be situated in any part of an industrial building, over any godown, store, shop, cinema, department store, or any premises carrying on trades or facilities which may constitute a danger or may be detrimental to the health or well-being of children.

(Refer to Regulation 6 of the Education Regulations)

1.1.3 Pre-primary institutions must not be located above ground floor level in a non-purpose built building, unless certain conditions are fulfilled.

Where the premise is located above ground floor level, paragraph 2 of the “General Guidelines on Building Safety Requirements for Pre- primary Institutions (Child Care Centres / Kindergartens)” in Appendix 1 should be adhered to.

1.2 Maximum Height For all pre-primary institutions

1.2.1 Except the parapet wall around a roof playground, no part of the premises shall be situated at a height of more than 12 m above ground

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notice in writing, authorize that certain parts of such premises be situated at a specific height.

(Refer to Regulation 19 of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 7 of the Education Regulations)

1.3 Premises Design

1.3.1 The standards and requirements stipulated in the Child Care Services Ordinance and Child Care Services Regulations / Education Ordinance and Education Regulations in relation to purpose-built premises and non- purpose built premises for child care centres / kindergartens should be complied with.

1.3.2 The ceiling of every activity room / classroom shall, in premises designed and constructed for the purposes of a child care centre / kindergarten, be not less than 3 m above ground level, whilst in premises not designed and constructed for the purposes of a child care centre / kindergarten, be not less than 2.75 m above ground level.

(Refer to Regulations 21(4) to 21(6) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 9(3) of the Education Regulations)

1.3.3 Apart from the activity rooms / classrooms, accommodation of child care centres / kindergartens should include rooms for general purpose use, such as office for the centre supervisor / principal, staff room, office, store, medical room / sick-bay, pantry / kitchen, toilet, etc. The provision of a kitchen for preparation of meals for children is at the option of operators.

1.3.4 Child care centre / kindergarten premises should be spacious, in particular, the area of the activity rooms / classrooms must be spacious enough for setting different activity corners for study and play.

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1.3.5 Indoor play area must be provided in child care centres for physical play.

Where possible, outdoor play area with easy access from indoors and protection against the risk of falling objects should be provided in kindergartens. If outdoor play facilities are not available in kindergartens, an indoor play area should be provided at the rate of not less than 50% of the total classroom space, which means that the indoor play area should be equivalent to the size of one classroom for every two classrooms in the premises.

1.3.6 The minimum floor space requirement for institutions attended by children aged 2 to 6 is 1.8 m² per child inclusive of all indoor activity area but exclusive of ancillary facilities (i.e. any passageway, store, kitchen, office, toilet facilities and staff room).

1.3.7 The minimum floor space requirement for child care centres attended by children aged 0 to 2 is 2.8 m² per child inclusive of all indoor activity area but exclusive of ancillary facilities; or 3.3 m² per child inclusive of ancillary facilities.

(Refer to Regulation 31 of the Child Care Services Regulations)

1.3.8 The minimum floor space requirement for residential centres attended by children aged 0 to 6 is 3.2 m² per child inclusive of all indoor activity area but exclusive of ancillary facilities; or 3.7 m² per child inclusive of ancillary facilities.

(Refer to Regulation 31 of the Child Care Services Regulations)

1.3.9 Each activity room / classroom should have adequate lighting. Natural lighting is preferred if physical surroundings permit. Good ventilation and proper temperature should be maintained in activity room / classroom. It should also be fitted with sufficient shuttered sockets for

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Kindergarten Education on the website of Education Bureau for indoor air-conditioning and lighting standards.

https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/tc/edu-system/preprimary- kindergarten/application-for-registration-of-child-care-centre-in- kindergarten/appendix%207&8_ventilation%20&%20fresh%20air%20 requirement%20&%20report.pdf)

1.3.10 Floor surfaces should be non-slippery and easy to clean; rubber tiling would be considered as suitable floor covering.

1.3.11 Provided that fire safety is not compromised, burglar bars should be fitted to windows for security reasons.

1.3.12 The “Recommended Schedule of Accommodation for a Standalone Child Care Centre” is at Appendix 2.

1.3.13 The Kindergarten Education Scheme (Scheme) has been implemented from the 2017/18 school year. With regard to the accommodation and facilities of kindergartens, the Government reviewed the Recommended Schedule of Accommodation for kindergarten (SoA) and proposed that the kindergarten indoor floor area for each student would be increased by 20%. When developing new public housing estates, the Government will in principle take into consideration the demand of kindergarten places for the reservation of kindergarten premises based on the new SoA. As an example, the “New Recommended Schedule of Accommodation for a 6-classroom Kindergarten” is at Appendix 3. New and existing kindergartens in other premises can also take the new SoA for reference and consider to improve their accommodation and facilities on their own having regard to their own circumstances.

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1.4 Windows

1.4.1 The height of all parapets and window openings shall, unless such parapets or window openings are satisfactorily guarded by bars, be at least 1.1 m above the level of the floor immediately adjoining and, where such bars are installed in openings giving access to areas to be occupied by any children or employees, the bars shall be so installed as to be readily removable by the Fire Services in emergency.

1.5 Roof Playgrounds

1.5.1 Where roofs, verandahs or balconies are used as play areas, provisions under the relevant Regulations should be observed.

(Refer to Regulation 24 to Regulation 26 of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 16 to Regulation 20 of the Education Regulations)

1.6 Structural Alterations

1.6.1 Once the plan of the child care centre / kindergarten premises is approved by the Director of Social Welfare / Permanent Secretary for Education for registration, there shall not be any structural alterations to the premises except with the written consent of the Director / Permanent

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Chapter 2

Furniture and Equipment

2.1 Basic Furniture

2.1.1 Pre-primary institutions should provide furniture designed for children.

The furniture should be safe, easily accessible to children and conducive to their physical and psychological development.

2.1.2 Pre-primary institutions should provide basic furniture, namely tables, chairs, beds, toy racks, books shelves, easels, storage cupboards, display boards, etc.

2.1.3 Tables and chairs should be of a suitable size for children. Chairs should have back support and be of the right height for children’s feet to rest comfortably on the floor. Tables should be high enough so that children’s knees do not bump the table but low enough for them to eat and work comfortably.

2.1.4 Children who are under the age of 2 / children who stay in the centre overnight / children who are aged 2 or above and attend the centre for more than 4 hours each day should be provided with individual beds and appropriate bedding. For non-residential children over the age of 2, stacking beds may be used in order to save space.

2.1.5 Toy racks and book shelves should be at a suitable height to enable children to access easily. Easels for painting should be adjusted to a suitable height for each child.

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2.1.6 Display boards should be available for exhibiting children’s art work or teaching materials. These boards should be hung on walls at an appropriate height at the children’s eye level. They can also be fixed firmly to the floor and used as partitions dividing areas for different activities.

2.1.7 Paint or coating on the furniture should comply with safety standard, e.g.

lead-free. All furniture, articles, toys, etc. must comply with the requirement of the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance and the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance. General enquiries regarding the safety standards may be directed to the Quality Services Division of the Innovation and Technology Commission (address: 36/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; telephone no.:

2829 4820; fax: 2824 1302; e-mail: qsdiv@itc.gov.hk; website:

https://www.qsdiv.gov.hk/).

2.1.8 Refer to Appendix 4 for size of children’s furniture.

2.2 Teaching Equipment

2.2.1 Children learn through play. Play equipment provided by pre-primary institutions help cultivate children’s interest in learning, stimulate their creativity and satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Thus, the play equipment should be safe, attractive, durable, easy to clean and maintained and allow high level of manipulation by children. Besides, they should be of a large variety for children to choose and of sufficient quantity for use by all children.

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2.2.3 Physical play equipment should be age appropriate. The environment and size of the play area as well as the need for adequate supervision for children during play should be taken into consideration when selecting a particular area to install various play equipment. The playground equipment suggested include balls, hoops, bean bags, coloured bands, ropes, slides, balance beams, climbing frames, tricycles, toy cars, collapsible tunnels, etc. Recommendations on the provision of physical play equipment can be found in “Reference Materials on Physical Activities in Kindergartens” compiled by the Education Bureau.

(Website: https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/major- level-of-edu/preprimary/curriculum-resources.html)

2.2.4 Suggested musical instruments include pianos, electronic keyboards, guitars, recorders, percussion instruments, etc. Different materials can be considered to make self-made musical instruments.

2.2.5 Additional equipment include various audio-visual teaching aids.

2.3 Washrooms

2.3.1 Pre-primary institutions must comply with the relevant legislation to provide washroom facilities suitable for children use and to maintain their cleanliness.

(Refer to Regulation 32 of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 43 of the Education Regulations).

2.3.2 Where possible, washrooms should be adjacent to activity rooms / classrooms or centrally located in the premises in order to facilitate children use. While the children are using the washroom facilities, they must be supervised by an adult and be guided to develop good personal hygiene.

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2.3.3 To ensure good ventilation, there must be one or more than one window leading to open air. The total window area should not be less than one tenth of the floor area of the washroom.

(Refer to Regulation 32 (2) (a) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 43 (2) (a) of the Education Regulations).

2.3.4 The wall of washroom should be tiled at least 1 m high, and the floor tiles should be non-slippery.

2.3.5 The suitable height of wash-hand basins is about 500 mm from floor to rim. Every wash-hand basin should be provided with an adequate and constant supply of water and connected to water drainage system.

2.3.6 Toilets should be installed with flushing system. Toilet bowls should be about 300 mm high from the floor. Urinals (individual urinal bowl or urinal trough not less than 450 mm in length) may be provided for boys.

The height of the partition between each toilet cubicle should not obstruct an adult’s view of the children in the toilet cubicle. No partition is required for toilets used by children under the age of 2 and potties should be provided for them for toilet training at appropriate time.

2.3.7 Sufficient wash basins, toilet bowls and urinals should be provided for the use of children. The requirements on the number of wash basins, toilet bowls and urinals provided in child care centres and kindergartens are set out in Appendix 6.

2.3.8 To ensure hygiene, liquid soap for washing hands and disposable paper towels for drying hands should be placed near the wash basins. Where mugs and toothbrushes are provided, each child should have one set for

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own towels on their individually marked hooks. There should be enough space between hooks so as to avoid the towels from overlapping.

A mirror should be fitted above each wash basin or at some other convenient place to encourage children to pay attention to their personal tidiness.

2.3.9 Children’s toilet should be separated from staff toilet.

For child care centres

2.3.10 Child care centres for new borns to children aged 2 should provide 1 baby bath sink (about 560 mm in length, 400 mm in width and 250 mm in height) with hot and cold water supply and adjoining diaper changing bench (about 850 mm in height) to every 15 children or fewer in children’s washroom or other area as appropriate.

2.4 Pantry

2.4.1 Pre-primary institutions should have a pantry providing essential facilities for serving refreshment under clean conditions. Electrical appliances should be used. Flame cooking is forbidden.

2.5 Kitchen

2.5.1 Institutions offering full-day services may choose to have their own kitchen or have meals provided by licensed food suppliers. Should the institutions prepare lunch and refreshment within their premises, a kitchen instead of a pantry should be provided together with a separate food store. The kitchen should comply with the requirements of the Buildings Department / Housing Department, Fire Services Department,

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Department of Health and other relevant departments. The recommended size of a kitchen catering for 100 children or above should not be less than 20 m². The minimum size of a kitchen should not be less than 10 m² to cater for 50 children or below. Refer to Appendix 7 for basic kitchen equipment.

2.5.2 Safety measures for the use of gas is set out in paragraph 3.3 of Chapter 3.

2.6 Milk Room

2.6.1 Centres caring for children under the age of 2 should have a separate milk room to ensure absolute cleanliness and hygiene in preparing milk.

The basic facilities of milk room are at Appendix 8.

2.7 Medical Room / Sick Bay

2.7.1 Pre-primary institutions should provide a room suitable for medical check-up, first aid and temporary isolation.

(Refer to Regulation 43 (4) and (5) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 55 (5) of the Education Regulations)

2.7.2 A medical room / sick bay should be equipped with comfortable beds and bedding. First aid box, apparatus for measuring body weight and height and a wash-hand basin with soap or 70-80% alcohol handrub should also be provided. First aid box should be maintained fully

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2.8 Washing and Laundry Facilities

2.8.1 The premises of every centre shall be equipped with adequate washing and laundry facilities for children and employees.

(Refer to Regulation 34(1) of the Child Care Services Regulations)

2.8.2 A laundry equipped with a washing machine and a drying machine should be provided in full-day and residential child care centres. Other necessary equipment include an iron, an ironing board, drying racks and a washing area for cleaning stacking beds.

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Chapter 3 Safety Measures

3.1 Building Safety

3.1.1 In addition to the requirements for the location of pre-primary institutions mentioned in paragraph 1.1.3 of Chapter One, the premises of pre-primary institutions should comply with the building safety requirements laid down in Appendix 1.

3.1.2 The operator of a child care centre shall, at intervals not exceeding 3 years, arrange an authorised person or such person as specified by the Director of Social Welfare to inspect the premises in order to determine whether the premises are in a sound structural condition.

For kindergartens

3.1.3 If in the opinion of the Director of Buildings the loading for which the kindergarten premises have been designed and constructed is unsuitable for the purposes of a school, the operator of a kindergarten should, at intervals not exceeding 3 years in the case of premises of reinforced concrete construction / at interval not exceeding 12 months in the case of premises with timber floors, cause the premises to be inspected by an

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3.2 Fire Safety

3.2.1 Pre-primary institutions must comply with the specific fire safety requirements stipulated by the Fire Services Department. General fire safety requirements can be found on the Fire Services Department’s homepage.

(Website: https://www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/fire_protection/licensing/pr emise_type.html)

3.2.2 All fire services installations and equipment must be maintained in good working order. All staff should be fully conversant with the operation of simple fire equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire hose reel. The institutions must meet the issued fire safety requirements at all times.

(Website: https://www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/fire_protection/licensing/pre mise_type.html)

3.2.3 The fire services installations and equipment shall be inspected by a registered fire services installation contractor at least once every 12 months. List of Fire Service Installation Contractors are available for inspection by any person free of charge at any offices of the Fire Services Department and at each fire station during office hours.

(Website: https://www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/fire_protection/cert/index.html)

3.2.4 Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and kept in good condition.

Discharged fire extinguishers must be immediately re-charged and maintained by a registered fire services installation contractor.

3.2.5 The mechanical ventilating system, where installed, shall be inspected by a registered specialist contractor in the ventilation works category at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Register of Specialist Contractors (Sub-register of Ventilation Works Category) is available at Buildings Department website www.bd.gov.hk.

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3.2.6 Pre-primary institutions must ensure that all fire precautions, as set out in Part IV of the Child Care Services Regulations / Part VI of the Education Regulations, are strictly observed.

3.2.7 Pre-primary institutions should draw up a practical evacuation plan detailing actions to be taken before evacuation, steps of the evacuation, fire escape routes and assembly point. Maps of escape routes should be displayed in conspicuous places to ensure timely evacuation in case of fire.

3.2.8 Maintaining order is crucial to fire drills so as to avoid chaos in case of fire. All staff and children should be arranged to use every exit to ensure an orderly evacuation in fire drills.

3.2.9 Any staff discovering or suspecting an outbreak of fire should raise the alarm immediately and report the fire to Fire Services Department by dialing 999. Every staff of pre-primary institutions should be familiar with the procedures of sounding an alarm so as to be able to raise the alarm on his / her own when necessary.

3.2.10 All staff members should acquaint themselves with the locations of all exits.

3.2.11 All exits (including staircase, corridor, passageway, etc.) within the area of the registered premises must be adequately illuminated during the hours of operation and be free from obstructions at all times.

3.2.12 Centre supervisors / principals shall ensure that fire drills, which involve the use of all exits from the premises are carried out by the

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3.3. Gas Safety

3.3.1 Institutions situated in buildings provided with gas supply should use either Towngas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as cooking fuel if they choose not to cook with electricity. Only when main gas supply is not available that cylinder LPG can be used, provided that the Code of Practice “LPG Installations for Catering Purposes in Commercial Premises” of the Gas Authority is observed. For safety reasons, under no circumstances should kerosene be used as cooking fuel.

3.3.2 The installation of gas water heaters must comply with the “Installation Requirements for Domestic Gas Water Heaters” of the Gas Authority.

3.3.3 All gas installation must be undertaken by a Registered Gas Contractor and a Certificate of Compliance should be provided by the contractor upon completion of such works.

3.3.4 All gas appliances installed must be properly maintained and inspected annually by a Registered Gas Contractor, who will issue a safety certificate after inspection.

3.3.5 The following steps should be taken on detection of gas leakage:

 Turn off the gas supply;

 Open all windows and doors fully to disperse the gas;

 Do not use matches or naked flames;

 Do not use telephone or operate any electrical switches;

 Do not touch the gas appliances to avoid operating the ignition switch accidentally;

 Immediately contact the gas supplier by phone outside the premises and do not turn on the main switch again;

 If gas leakage continues or the smell of gas still persists after the main switch has been turned off, arrangements should be made for

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all staff and children to evacuate from the premises to a safe place and to call the police and the gas supplier; and

 The gas installation shall not be used again until it has been checked for safety by the gas supply company.

3.4 Electrical Installation

3.4.1 A registered electrical contractor or worker should be employed to carry out the installation and modification of fixed electrical installation. Upon completion of the installation, it should be inspected, tested and certified by relevant contractor or worker to ensure its compliance with the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations before it is put in use. The fixed electrical installation system should be inspected, tested and certified safe by a registered electrical contractor or worker at least once every 5 years.

3.4.2 All electrical appliances should be regularly inspected and properly maintained to ensure safety.

3.4.3 Electrical socket outlets should be installed at a height out of children’s reach, preferably not less than 1.5 m from floor level. If there are physical constraints, the socket outlets should be installed in a conspicuous place easily seen by adults. Shuttered sockets should be installed to replace the unshuttered sockets to meet the requirements as stipulated in the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

(Website: https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/electricity_safety/new_edition_

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3.4.5 Heaters should be mounted on walls out of reach of children.

(Refer to Electricity Safety under the website of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for electrical products and installation safety tips:

https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/electricity_safety/publications/general/ind ex.html#eps)

3.5 Floors and Walls

3.5.1 Operators of pre-primary institutions should, as appropriate to the environment and facilities inside the premises, adopt reasonable and appropriate measures to provide a safe environment for children.

Operators should also inspect facilities in the premises which include but not limited to floors and walls from time to time, to avoid posing risk to children.

3.5.2 Floors and walls should be kept clean and in good sanitary condition at all times. Floor surfaces should be non-slippery and without any crack.

Sharp edges on treads of steps, staircases, ramps, etc. should be avoided.

Sharp edges or corners on stone pillars or walls should be rounded smooth and/or covered with padding to avoid posing risk to children.

3.6 Furniture and Equipment For all pre-primary institutions

3.6.1 Furniture, equipment, toys and materials to which children have access shall be maintained in a safe, clean and good sanitary condition. Hazards to the safety of children should be immediately discarded, repaired or made inaccessible to children.

3.6.2 Precautions should be taken to make sure that all furniture and equipment are safe with no sharp edges, points, splinters or protruding nails.

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3.6.3 Children from new born to 6 are unable to protect themselves, and therefore adults must take every precaution to prevent them from injury.

The drop-side of cots should be securely locked. Clothing should not be put on cots to avoid the danger of suffocating babies. Always put the baby to sleep on his back. Buckle the safety straps and keep the wheels locked when the baby in a high chair or baby stroller. Use of baby walkers is not recommended as the baby can move around easily to reach dangerous places and there may be a risk of tipping over when the child bumps into obstacles. Being prone to put things into mouths, toddlers should keep away from loose buttons, beads, sticks and other small objects. Staff should watch out for broken toys and things as sharp edges may hurt children. It is also necessary to remove trailing wires, ropes, ribbons, curtain strings, etc. from children. Hot drinks / food, drugs and sharp objects should be kept away from children too. Adequate supervision on the affairs of the institutions at all times is the best way to protect children.

(Refer to Information leaflet on:

(i) “Providing a safe environment for your baby”

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/tdjz4

(ii) “Protect Baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)”

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/086ly

(iii) “Child Development 5 - Eight to Twelve Months”

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/e9gco

(iv) Health information page in FHS website - Home Safety:

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/74rnt)

3.6.4 Special attention should be paid to the safety standard when procuring toys and children articles. Children toys and articles should comply with the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance and the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (paragraph 2.1.7 of Chapter 2 contains the website of Quality Services Division of the Innovation and Technology Commission and information for enquiries of safety standards.

Relevant ordinances are available at Hong Kong e-legislation website

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3.6.6 Children should never be allowed to climb up window frames or to play near windows.

3.6.7 Children should only be allowed to enter a lift or to use an escalator when accompanied by an adult.

3.6.8 Children should be taught to keep to the left when using a staircase.

3.6.9 Handrails at a suitable height for children should be provided on all staircases.

3.7 Physical Play

3.7.1 Sufficient staff should be arranged to supervise children at play.

3.7.2 Physical play for children should be carefully planned and organised.

Attention should be paid to the children’s health condition when engaging in activities and to the weather if the activities are conducted outdoors.

3.7.3 Clear instructions should be given to children prior to each activity and staff should make sure that they follow the instructions.

3.7.4 Adequate routine training should be provided for children to help them develop safety awareness so as to ensure their own safety as well as that of their playmates when engaging in physical play. Children should be taught to observe the following basic rules:

 Depending on the nature of a particular activity, children should keep an appropriate distance from one another during group activities.

 Children should follow the proper etiquette in using the play

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equipment. For example, when playing on the slide, a child should not slide until the one in front has reached the ground.

 Children should not run, jump or chase around while on an equipment.

 Notice should be given to the partner before getting off a seesaw.

 Boundaries of swing around swings, swinging boats, shooflies, etc.

should be designated. While there are children on the swing equipment, other children should not run into or stay in the designated boundaries.

 When riding bicycles / driving small cars, children should cycle / drive in the same direction.

3.7.5 Children should put on suitable clothing and footwear for sport and should not wear jewellery.

3.7.6 Children should never be told to run to pillars, walls, trees, etc. as target or boundary. Free play should be carried out in places free from obstructions.

3.7.7 Play equipment should be firmly installed, checked periodically and maintained. To ensure safety, the equipment should be checked every time before use.

3.7.8 Consideration should be given to whether there is enough space for installing various kinds of equipment, especially large size equipment like swinging boats, slides, seesaws, swings, etc.

3.7.9 Physical play such as climbing / apparatus / balancing activities should be conducted on a surface laid with impact absorbing surfacing to reduce

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3.8 Transportation Arrangements

For kindergartens

3.8.1 In making arrangements for the transportation of children, kindergartens should make reference to the relevant guidelines on ensuring safety of pupils on school transport vehicles issued by the Education Bureau.

(Website: http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/student-parents/safety/sch-bus-ser vices/index.html)

3.8.2 The aforesaid guidelines are also applicable to nanny van.

3.9 Outdoor Activities

3.9.1 The rules mentioned in paragraph 3.7.4 in relation to physical play are also applicable to outdoor activities.

3.9.2 “Safety first” activities should be organised frequently to teach children safe practices in public places such as roads, beaches, parks, picnic spots, etc.

3.9.3 Places selected for picnics, outings and visits should be safe and conveniently reached by public transport. Parents should be notified of the details of the outdoor activities and prior written consent should be obtained from each child’s parent for their children to participate in the activities. If parents are unwilling to allow their children to participate in the said activities, proper alternative arrangements should be made for children who stay in the institution.

3.9.4 Sufficient staff should be arranged to take care of children during activities and parents may be encouraged to participate in the activities or assist in conducting activities.

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3.9.5 When organising picnics, outings and visits, kindergartens may make reference to the guidelines on extra-curricular activities in schools and outdoor activities issued by the Education Bureau.

(Website: https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities /sch-activities-guidelines/index.html)

3.10 Supervision of Children and Security

3.10.1 During admission and dismissal time, there should be proper arrangements for handing over children between staff and parents / carers. Depending on the operational conditions of the institutions, operators should draw up guidelines to alert staff to the procedures to prevent children from slipping away or being collected by people not designated by their parents. During the operating hours, institutions should comply with the requirements on staff to children ratio as specified in paragraph 8.1.2 of Chapter 8 to arrange enough manpower on duty. Adequate routine training should be given to children to help them develop good habits, safe practices and safety awareness.

Under no circumstances should children be left unattended. In addition, operators should install adequate security facilities in the institutions and draw up appropriate security measures for staff, including the prevention of trespassing on the premises of the institutions by unauthorised persons so as to ensure the safety of the children and the staff.

(Website: https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-sch/sc h-safety.html)

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3.11 Inclement Weather and Emergencies For all pre-primary institutions

3.11.1 Guidelines should be formulated to advise staff of the measures to take during inclement weather and emergencies.

3.11.2 When school term commences or when new children are enrolled, pre- primary institutions should brief parents about their arrangements during tropical cyclones and heavy persistent rain (e.g. opening hours, collection of children, telephone hotline for enquiries, etc.) to enable parents to act accordingly. Social Welfare Department issues letter to alert pre-primary institutions of the proper arrangements during inclement weather in a timely manner. Pre-primary institutions should also refer to Education Bureau Circular No.4/2016 “Tropical Cyclones and Heavy Persistent Rain Arrangements for Kindergartens and Day Schools” (Website: https://applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/

EDBC/EDBC16004E.pdf) and act accordingly.

3.11.3 In case of emergencies, pre-primary institutions should assess the seriousness of the situation and call police for assistance. A record of the incident and the actions taken should be properly recorded after the event.

3.12 Occupational Safety of Employees For all pre-primary institutions

3.12.1 Apart from ensuring the safety of children, operators must, so far as reasonably practicable, provide a safe working environment for the staff pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance.

Employees at work are also responsible to take care of the safety of themselves and others and to co-operate with the operators in order to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.

(Website of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance:

https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap509!en-zh-Hant- HK?INDEX_CS=N)

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3.13 Insurance

3.13.1 In spite of all preventive measures taken, accidents may still occur.

Operators of pre-primary institutions are advised to seriously consider obtaining adequate insurance to cover public liabilities arising from fire, accidents, injuries to children / staff and employees’ compensation as required by the Employee’s Compensation Ordinance.

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Chapter 4 Health

4.1 Health Inspection For all pre-primary institutions

4.1.1 Pre-primary institutions are required to properly conduct health inspections of the children to prevent the spread of communicable diseases through close person-to-person contact in the premises. A child should be inspected immediately on arrival to ensure he /she is in sound physical condition before he is allowed to join other children. If a child exhibits symptom of illness, he should be isolated from other children immediately while waiting for his parents to take him home for rest and medical treatment.

4.1.2 Pre-primary institutions should pay close attention to the health condition, development and behaviour of children. If signs of speech difficulties, weak eyesight, squinting, partial hearing, learning problem, behavioral problem etc. are suspected, parents should be advised without delay to bring their child to the Maternal and Child Health Centre of the Department of Health (Website:

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/d5fqn) or Registered Medical Practitioner / Clinical or Educational Psychologist for consultation. The Government implements a territory-wide Comprehensive Child Development Service, of which a referral and feedback system has been developed through cooperation between pre-primary institutions in the districts and the Maternal and Child Health Centre. The system enables early referral of needy children by pre-primary educators to relevant organizations on receiving follow-up services. If teachers or child care workers suspect a child to have any health, developmental or behavioural problems, they can send the referral form directly to the Maternal and Child Health Centre, with consent of the parent. Maternal and Child Health Centre will contact the parent and arrange preliminary assessment for the child as soon as possible after receiving the referral. Maternal and Child Health Centre will refer the child to child assessment centre or specialist

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clinic for further follow-up if necessary. (To understand details on the referral system or download the resource kit and referral form, please refer to this link:

www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/preprimary-

kindergarten/comprehensive-child-development-service/index.html) Teachers or child care workers can also refer to website of Family Health Service, DH for more information about

 health information on child health: http://s.fhs.gov.hk/oe4mx

 audio-visual resources: http://s.fhs.gov.hk/nvzv6

4.1.3 Before admission to a child care centre / kindergarten, children should be given a physical examination. The examination can be carried out by any Registered Medical Practitioner. The physical examination form is at Appendix 10 for reference.

(Refer to Regulation 42(1) and (2) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 54(3) of the Education Regulations)

4.1.4 Under normal circumstances, there is no need to take body temperature for babies every day when they arrive at the centre. If necessary, digital thermometers (rectal and axillary methods)/tympanic thermometers/disposable thermometers covered with a plastic sheath can be used.

(Refer to:

(i) the DH’s leaflet “Parenting Series 4 – Managing Your Baby's Fever”

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/jzek0

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4.1.5 Apart from the physical examination mentioned in paragraph 4.1.3 of this chapter, children of residential child care centre must be medically examined by a Registered Medical Practitioner at least once every 6 months after admission. The physical examination form is at Appendix 10.

4.1.6 Medical Officers appointed under the Children Care Services Ordinance are required to handle all health related matters of children in a child care centre. The Director of Social Welfare should act on the advice of the appointed Medical Officer and take appropriate follow-up measures in the child care centre.

4.2 Health Records

4.2.1 Pre-primary institutions should maintain health records of each child and update the records regularly for inspection. The records should include:

 Weight and Height Record

(The Health Record Form is at Appendix 11.)

 Medical History

Including all information of past illnesses.

(The Health Record Form is at Appendix 11.)

 Report on Physical Examination

The physical examination form mentioned in paragraphs 4.1.3 and 4.1.5 of this chapter refers. For the general well-being of the children, it is desirable for child care centres / kindergartens to appoint a Registered Medical Practitioner to conduct regular check-up for the children. Records of such check-ups should be properly kept.

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 Immunization Record

Each child should be immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease and chicken pox at the appropriate age.

(Please refer to the latest HK Childhood Immunisation Programme at:

https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/updated_schedule_of_hkcip_re commended_by_scvpd_eng.pdf)

Immunization is available at any Maternal and Child Health Centre under the Department of Health

(Refer to website of the Maternal and Child Health Centres:

http://s.fhs.gov.hk/d5fqn)

Pre-primary institutions may help to remind parents to bring their children to any Maternal and Child Health Centre or Registered Medical Practitioner’s clinic for immunization.

(Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme is at Appendix 12.)

4.3 Management of Sickness

4.3.1 Apart from the health inspection conducted upon children’s arrival every morning as mentioned in paragraph 4.1.1, pre-primary institutions should pay close attention to the physical health of children at other times during the day. Any child who is sick or suspected of being sick should be isolated from other children immediately. His or her parents / guardians should also be notified to take the child home. Arrangements

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4.3.2 To avoid the spread of communicable disease in the institution, sick children should stay at home to rest and receive medical treatment as soon as possible. In case of doubt, the child should be certified by a Registered Medical Practitioner that he/she has fully recovered before resuming class. For more detailed guidance on the duration of isolation, please refer to Appendix 13 “Recommendation on sick leave duration for common childhood infections” of the “Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools / Kindergartens / Kindergartens- cum-Child Care Centres / Child Care Centres” published by the Department of Health.

(Website: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/recommendations/35/index.html) 4.3.3 Institutions should follow the guidelines issued by the Department of

Health when handling communicable diseases, e.g.:

 Keep proper records of the children’s personal particulars and consent from parents / guardians for releasing such information to the Department of Health where necessary for its early intervention and expeditious contact with the parents / guardians to trace the source of the disease and take measures to control it.

 If children or staff develop similar symptoms one after another and the incidence is higher than usual, occurrence of outbreak is suspected. Institutions shall be responsible for keeping a close watch on the occurrence and outbreak of communicable diseases, particularly the statutory notifiable diseases. They should report promptly to the Department of Health (see Appendix 13) as soon as possible so that timely preventive measures can be implemented. They should also make a prompt report to the Social Welfare Department / Education Bureau.

(Refer to “Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools / Kindergartens / Kindergartens-cum-Child Care Centres / Child

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Care Centres

(Website: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/recommendations/35/index.html and Regulation 41 of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 53 of the Education Regulations)

4.3.4 “Statutory notifiable communicable diseases” refer to the diseases listed in the First Schedule to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance.

Other communicable diseases of topical public health concern (including acute flaccid paralysis, brucellosis, cryptosporidiosis, severe paediatric influenza-associated complication/death, severe paediatric enterovirus infection, Vibrio vulnificus infection) should also be notified to the Department of Health. The Department of Health also encourages institutions to report any case of communicable diseases outbreaks other than the ones stated above, including acute conjunctivitis, acute gastroenteritis, hand, foot and mouth disease, head lice, influenza-like illness, scabies and upper respiratory tract infection.

(Website for the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance:

https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599!en-zh-Hant- HK?INDEX_CS=N)

4.3.5 For the well-being of children and staff, institutions should pay heed to the information and guidelines on the prevention of diseases issued by the Department of Health and take appropriate measures accordingly.

(Refer to website of Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health:

http://www.chp.gov.hk)

4.3.6 Pre-primary institutions should maintain a record of accidents and illnesses for each child, as these information may be required by the casualty ward in case of an emergency or epidemiological investigation by the Department of Health during an infectious disease outbreak.

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4.3.7 At the time of admission, child care centres should obtain prior consent from parents / guardians to bring the child to their specified doctor or casualty ward for medical treatment in the event of acute illness or emergency affecting the child and no parents / guardians can be reached for advice. For safety reasons, it is desirable for kindergartens to follow the above arrangements.

(Refer to Regulation 8(1)(f) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Medical Treatment Consent and Authorisation Form at Appendix 15)

4.4 Medical Examination of Staff

4.4.1 All staff are required to have a pre-employment physical examination, including a chest X-ray, by a Registered Medical Practitioner who should issue a medical certificate stating that he / she is medically fit to work in a pre-primary institution.

4.5 First Aid

4.5.1 The items to be included in the first aid box maintained pursuant to Regulation 43(1) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 55(1) of the Education Regulations at all times should normally include those items set out in Appendix 9.

(Refer to Regulation 43(1) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 55(1) of the Education Regulations)

4.5.2 First aid is only a way for giving temporary treatment and cannot replace medical treatment. Injuries which appear to be trivial may sometimes have serious consequences. It is necessary to advise parents to bring the injured child to seek medical attention after temporary treatment.

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4.5.3 Procedures to handle emergencies should be drawn up in advance to ensure that staff have full knowledge of the available facilities of the institutions and also know how to make use of the facilities when necessary. The location of the nearest casualty ward and information about the procedures and telephone number for calling an ambulance should be readily available.

4.5.4 Even when all precautions have been taken, injuries may still occur. First aid should be given to the injured child whenever necessary. At least one employee in child care centres must hold a valid first aid certificate. In kindergartens, 2 teachers must be trained in administering first aid. Staff should be encouraged to take first aid training courses and to attain a valid first aid certificate.

(Refer to Regulation 43(2) of the Child Care Services Regulations and Regulation 55(2) of the Education Regulations)

4.5.5 For details of first aid training course, please contact Hong Kong St. John Ambulance or Hong Kong Red Cross

(Website: http://www.stjohn.org.hk/en/index.shtml and https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/)

4.6 Protecting Children from Maltreatment

For kindergartens

4.6.1 Reporting Mechanism for Absentees: For students’ absence for 7 consecutive school days without reasons or under doubtful circumstances, kindergartens should complete the “Report Form of Student Absentee in Kindergarten” (i.e. Appendix 1 of Education

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Child Maltreatment” at Appendix 1 of Education Bureau Circular No.

1/2020), they should promptly take appropriate actions, irrespective of whether the student is attending school as usual, absent from school continuously or absent from school intermittently.

(Websites of Education Bureau Circular No. 4/2018 “Reporting Mechanism for Absentees in Kindergartens” and Education Bureau Circular No. 1/2020 “Handling Suspected Cases of Child Maltreatment and Domestic Violence”:

https://applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC18004E.p df) (Appendix 16)

https://applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC20001E.p df) (Appendix 17)

4.6.2 If children show signs of maltreatment, e.g. poor growth, feeling fatigued easily, unstable emotion, abnormal behaviour, etc., pre-primary institutions should refer to the Education Bureau Circular No. 1/2020

“Handling Suspected Cases of Child Maltreatment and Domestic

Violence” and Appendix 17 (Website:

https://applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC20001E.p df) to take immediate action in accordance with the “Protecting Children from Maltreatment – Procedural Guide for Multi-disciplinary Co-operation (Revised in 2020)” (“Guide”) (Website:

http://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_family/sub_fcwpro cedure/) issued by the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”) or to seek assistance from the Family and Child Protective Services Units of SWD.

(Website of the Family and Child Protective Services Units, Social Welfare Department:

http://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_family/sub_listofse rv/id_familyandc/)

In handling child sexual abuse cases involving school staff, pre-primary institutions may refer to the aforesaid Education Bureau Circular No.

1/2020 for details.

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4.6.3 All personnel in institutions are reminded to pay attention to Chapter 2 of the “Guide” on “Definition and Types of Child Maltreatment”, Chapter 4 on “Case Identification, Initial Handling and Reporting”

(especially on “Possible Indicators of Child Maltreatment”) , Chapter 6 on “Immediate Child Protection Actions” and Chapter 7 on “Risk Assessment and Decision Making on Protecting the Safety of Children” , etc. for identifying suspected child maltreatment cases and the content of Chapter 3 “Procedures of Multi-disciplinary Co-operation in Handling Suspected Child Maltreatment/Child Protection Cases” on handling procedures of child maltreatment cases.

For kindergartens

4.6.4 Handling Suspected Child Maltreatment Cases: School personnel have direct and frequent contacts with children during teaching or school activities. If they detect any indicators of child maltreatment through observations of the physical well-being, behaviour or emotions of students (please see “Possible Indicators of Child Maltreatment” at Appendix 1 of Education Bureau Circular No. 1/2020), they should promptly take appropriate actions as set out below, irrespective of whether the student is attending school as usual, absent from school continuously or absent from school intermittently.

a. If school personnel have reasons to believe that a student has been maltreated or is at risk of maltreatment, the first personnel in contact with the student should inform the principal and consult designated personnel and school social worker (if any). In handling suspected child maltreatment cases, school personnel must not conceal the incident or delay its report.

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up on the suspected child maltreatment cases according to the established principles and procedures (please see Appendix 2 of the aforesaid circular). During the handling process, care should be taken to avoid the child having repeated description of the maltreatment incident.

c. When a student is suspected to have been maltreated, designated personnel can make a preliminary enquiry of the conditions of the student. If the case of the student is not followed up by school social workers but designated personnel know that the student or his/her family is a “known case”¹ of SWD or a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the school should inform the responsible social worker of the unit concerned as soon as possible for an initial assessment. If the student or his/her family is not a “known case”

of school social workers, SWD or NGOs, report should be made to the Family and Child Protective Services Unit (FCPSU) of SWD during office hours (please refer to Appendix 3 of the aforesaid circular) as far as possible. Schools should provide information of the student for the social worker of FCPSU to conduct an initial assessment. For reports on suspected child maltreatment cases outside office hours, they could also be made through SWD hotline² (Tel. No. 2343 2255). The personnel on duty will contact the Outreaching Team of SWD for conducting an initial assessment.

d. If the registered social worker of KG/KG-cum-CCC is employed by an NGO, he/she may report his/her “known cases” to FCPSU for conducting initial assessment in accordance with procedures as stipulated in Chapter 4 of the “Guide”. He/she may also take up the role of conducting initial assessment and child protection investigation for his/her “known cases” as set out in Chapters 4 to

1 “Known cases” refer to the categories of cases that are being handled by service units, including SWD and units under NGOs that provide casework services. For details, please refer to Annex 5 to the

“Protecting Children from Maltreatment – Procedural Guide for Multi-disciplinary Co-operation” of SWD.

2 SWD hotline operates 24 hours a day. The hotline service is manned by the Departmental Hotline Service Unit from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays (excluding public holidays). Calls received outside the above operating hours are handled by the Hotline and Outreaching Service Team operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.

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8 of the “Guide”, subject to agreement of the school, NGO and SWD. Designated school personnel may also, as necessary, consult the social worker of FCPSU first (please refer to Appendix 4 and Appendix 5 of the aforesaid circular for the work flow on conducting initial assessment, immediate child protection actions and investigations).

e. When a student is suspected to have been maltreated, schools should handle the case as soon as possible and first report to the unit responsible for the “known case”/FCPSU by telephone. If a written report for record purpose is necessary, Report Form at Appendix 6 of the aforesaid circular could be completed and submitted to the unit responsible for the “known case”/FCPSU by fax afterwards. Acknowledgment of receipt should be obtained to ensure that the case has been followed up by the relevant unit. If the situation is urgent warranting immediate child protection actions, e.g. sending an injured child to the hospital for examination/requesting police intervention for protecting a child, actions may first be taken before reporting to the unit responsible for the “known case”/FCPSU. If schools are only seeking advice from social workers of FCPSU by telephone, they are not required to complete the Report Form.

f. While a report of a suspected child maltreatment case is made by the school to a unit responsible for the “known case”/FCPSU/Outreaching Team of SWD, the school should also discuss with the social worker of the unit/FCPSU/Outreaching Team of SWD on whether immediate actions are to be taken to protect the child. Designated personnel should also inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) about the report. However, if the parent(s)/guardian(s) is/are involved in the child maltreatment, the

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necessary for the school to contact the parent(s) /guardian(s) during the assessment, advice or assistance may first be sought from the social worker of the unit concerned/FCPSU regarding the handling approach.

g. If the school considers that the student is in need of medical service, arrangement should be made for the student to undergo medical examination/treatment in a public hospital. FCPSU may also assist in contacting Medical Co-ordinator on Child Abuse of the Hospital Authority so as to arrange for admission of the child into a hospital for medical examination. If necessary, police assistance may be sought.

h. In circumstances that suggest a criminal offence may have been committed, the case should be reported to the Police to protect the safety and interests of the student concerned. Under no circumstances should the student suspected to have been maltreated be required to make a report in person at a police station. In non- urgent cases, the school may complete the Report Form at Appendix 7 and Written Dated Notes at Appendix 8 of the aforesaid circular for reporting the case to the Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) and for the Police to arrange for investigation by a suitable unit. FCPSU may assist in forwarding the Report Form to CAIU.

i. If the case is serious, or if the personal safety/life of the student is under threat and instant action has to be taken (e.g. serious physical abuse), the school has to call the Police for reporting the case as soon as possible. Concealing the incident or delayed report may pose safety threat to the child concerned or other people. In addition, if the school personnel is suspected to be the alleged perpetrator, the school concerned should consult FCPSU and work out together proper ways of handling as early as possible. The school is required to remain impartial and avoid any conflict of interests/roles.

or prevention of crime or the prevention, preclusion or remedying (including punishment) of unlawful or seriously improper conduct, or dishonesty or malpractice, and the application of the provisions of Data Protection Principle 3 would be likely to prejudice the above-mentioned purposes.