Statement of Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing
South Mornington Preschool is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Children’s safety and wellbeing is the primary focus of our care, decision making and core principles. South Mornington Preschool has zero tolerance for child abuse.
We want all children to be safe, happy and empowered.
Therefore we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for all children and young people. A safe space in which their voices are heard, respected and valued, especially when making decisions that affect their lives. We respect all children, young people, staff, families and volunteers at our service.
We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.
Our vision is to support all children to feel empowered, safe, respected and valued.
South Mornington Preschool is committed to regularly training and educating our staff, community and volunteers on child abuse risks. Our staff have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when worried about a child’s safety, which will be followed rigorously. All allegations or concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing will be treated seriously, respectfully and consistently with our policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are in line with National Regulations and Law, as well as the 11 Child Safe Standards. The policies and procedures guide staff, families, the wider community and children to:
- Empower children to actively express their views and encourage staff to listen and act upon any concerns raised by children or young people
- Provide an environment that is committed to promoting the physical, emotional and cultural safety for all children
- Embed strategies which allow all members to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths of Aboriginal culture within our community and cultural safety of Aboriginal children
- Promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Ensure that children with a disability are safe and can participate equally
- Explain acceptable and unacceptable behaviour to staff, volunteers, families and children
- Ensure any forms of racism are identified, confronted and are not tolerated
Child protection is a shared responsibility between South Mornington Preschool employees, volunteers, families and members of the preschool community.
At South Mornington Preschool we support and respect all children, young people, staff, families and the wider community. We are committed to the continual development of inclusive practices.
Should you have any concerns, or wish to discuss our Child Protection Policy, please do not hesitate to contact:
President – Tyson Day President@southmorningtonpreschool.com.au
Nominated Supervisor/s – Alannah McLerie alannah@southmorningtonpreschool.com.au
PH: (03) 5975 3514
Child Safe Standards
Standard 1 – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.
Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
