1. Scope
This policy applies to staff and management of Early Learning Victoria centres.
2. Policy statement
The purpose of this policy is to ensure all Early Learning Victoria operated centres have an understanding of how existing Department of Education (department) insurance arrangements apply in the context of Early Learning Victoria centres.
2.1 Requirements
Under the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority Act 1996 the department must ensure all eligible entities, including Early Learning Victoria, place all possible insurance with the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) including:
- property:
- public and products liability
- directors and officers
- any other insurance as required.
As a corporate division of the department, there are no insurance policies in the name of, or unique to, Early Learning Victoria, with all insurable risk of Early Learning Victoria being captured by existing department insurance arrangements.
3. Actions and procedures
It is important that Early Learning Victoria, centre directors and Early Learning Victoria central management are able to identify how risks to Early Learning Victoria finances or operations are covered by the department's insurance. This guidance sets out the insurance policies managed by the department and how they apply to Early Learning Victoria centres.
The department arranges all insurance policies through the VMIA. All policies expire on 30 June each year.
The department elects to self-insure $5 million of the Public Liability Policy and $3 million of the Property Policy. Claims falling within these limits are handled by the department and are subject to internal policy and/or processes, these are also referred to as the department’s Self Retained Losses which is the amount that the department needs to incur before the VMIA will contribute any funds towards insurable events.
Department insurance policies do not cover:
- personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for children
- private property brought to centres by children, staff or visitors
- third parties, including third parties using Early Learning Victoria facilities.
3.1 Early Learning Victoria property damage
The Victorian School Building Authority’s (VSBA) Make-Safe Program assists Early Learning Victoria centres that have sustained damage through an incident or event. Centres in this situation must ensure the safety of everyone onsite and contact the department's Incident and Security Operations Centre (ISOC) on 1800 126 126 (see the Incident, injury, trauma and illness policy and the Buildings and grounds maintenance policy).
Follow the Make-Safe Procedure in the Buildings and grounds maintenance policy for actions to take following damage through an incident or event.
The VSBA also administer the School Equipment Coverage Scheme (SECS) which covers damage to centre equipment and portable items. All claims for SECS covered assets should be lodged with the VSBA via the Asset Information Management System (AIMS). Refer to the AIMS school equipment coverage scheme guidance in the AIMS Knowledge Centre (staff login required) for further information.
For further information, centre directors can contact the Early Learning Victoria central office or the VSBA at vsba@education.vic.gov.au or on 1800 896 950.
For more information on the Make-safe Program, see the Buildings and grounds maintenance policy.
3.2 Public liability claims (legal liability claims)
All claims against an Early Learning Victoria centre for:
- personal injury of people who are not employees or
- loss, damage or destruction of property not owned by Early Learning Victoria
must be referred to Legal Division at legal.services@education.vic.gov.au or on 03 9637 3146.
Refer to the Legal claims, subpoenas, summonses and other legal documents policy for further information.
3.3 Certificate of currency requests
Occasionally, centres will be asked to supply proof that the centre is adequately covered by the department through insurance. This is provided by way of a Certificate of Currency. It is a summary of the cover provided. A copy can be requested through Early Learning Victoria central office by contacting the Early Learning Victoria Area Manager.
3.4 General insurance queries
Queries of a general nature regarding department insurance arrangements should be directed to insurance.enquiries@education.vic.gov.au.
4. Resources
Legislation and standards
- Victorian Managed Insurance Authority Act 1996
Related policies
- Incident, injury, trauma and illness policy
- Handling complaints and feedback policy
- Workers compensation policy
- Claims for property damage and medical expenses policy
- Buildings and grounds maintenance policy
- Legal claims, subpoenas, summonses and other legal documents policy
Updated