Policies and statements

If you have specific accessibility needs, your child has additional support needs, or if you have any other concerns about attending our programs, please email us in advance. We'd be happy to discuss how we can support your needs and be prepared for your visit, ensuring all students have the best possible experience.

Mobility access

Our classrooms at Macquarie University are accessible for wheelchair and mobility aid users. Accessible parking can be found in the car park directly adjacent to our classrooms (the lower end of the West 4 carpark). An accessible toilet is located in the toilet block directly adjacent to our classrooms.

Sensory considerations

Our classrooms and the area around them can be busy and loud, particularly when many students are visiting. Our programs may include:

• videos with sound
• activities that may create noise, such as:
  • balloons popping
• a wide range of sensory experiences, such as:
  • touching and tasting different substances.

Special access needs

We seek to make our programs as accessible as possible. If you know of any specific access needs for students or staff, please let us know when booking and we will accommodate these to the best of our ability.

Some of the specific resources we have to assist with accessibility include:

• Holiday Program Social Narrative, which may be useful for preparing children who benefit from knowing what to expect in new situations
• Assisted listening devices / remote microphones, as requested
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, offering additional accessible material.

Assistance animals

Registered assistance animals are warmly welcomed to our programs. A water bowl is available if needed. The nearest green space is directly next to our classrooms. If your child or school group are attending any of our programs with an assistance animal, we ask that you let us know in advance so that we can ensure that we are best prepared for your visit.

Creative Kids vouchers are only available for eligible classes in our Holiday programs, as indicated on the current timetable. Book an eligible class and submit your voucher details.

Holiday programs

All refund and cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to juniorscience@mq.edu.au.

Our refund policy is as follows:

• For a full (100%) refund, requests must be submitted in writing at least 10 business days before the scheduled class.
• A 50% refund will be available if less than 10 business days written notice is provided.
• No refund will be payable if less than 24hrs notice is provided.

Refunds for special consideration circumstances outside the terms above may be provided at the discretion of Macquarie University Junior Science Academy. Eligibility is assessed on circumstances and supporting documents/evidence provided.

School incursions and excursions

We understand that cancellations and date changes are sometimes unavoidable. When possible, we will reschedule your booking with no additional cost, provided we are given at least three business days’ notice. However, our refund policy states:

• For cancellations with less than 7 days notice, a fee of 50% of your quoted price will be charged.
• For cancellations with less than 48 hours notice, a fee of 100% of your quoted price will be charged.

We are committed to the welfare of children and staff in our care. Children and staff who are unwell should not attend our events. Please see the above refund and cancelation policy or contact us if you have further questions or concerns.

Your child’s safety is of paramount importance. We undertake risk assessments and implement safe workplace practices to ensure a safe environment for all.

• All of our staff have valid Working With Children Checks.
• We have comprehensive child protection, prevention of bullying, and behaviour management policies.
• Children are supervised by First Aid and CPR certified staff at each location.
• All staff are trained in the management of asthma and anaphylaxis.
• We require a medically approved action plan for medical conditions, and require parents to provide written instructions on how to administer medication for their child.
• Photo identification must be shown when picking up your child. The name on the identification must match that on our records. Please understand that for the safety of your child we cannot let you pick up a child without evidence of identity.

Child Safe Commitment Statement

As part of Campus Life, the Macquarie University Junior Science Academy is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people engaging in our programs and to protect them from foreseeable harm.

Campus Life treats all allegations and complaints about the safety and wellbeing of children seriously and is committed to ensuring that its staff, volunteers and contractors understand the legal obligations to report child abuse and neglect to government authorities. Every Campus Life employee has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people are at the forefront of all they do.