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
Public Commitment to the Cultural Safety of Aboriginal Children
At South Mornington Preschool, we proudly acknowledge the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and play. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and celebrate the continuing culture and connection to Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We recognise that Aboriginal children have the right to feel proud of their cultural identity and heritage. We understand that a strong sense of cultural belonging is essential to children’s wellbeing, confidence, and learning.
South Mornington Preschool makes the following public commitment to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children:
- Respect and Inclusion: We are committed to creating an environment where Aboriginal culture is respected, valued, and celebrated. Aboriginal perspectives are embedded in our curriculum, programming, celebrations, and daily practices.
- Child Empowerment: We listen to and respect the voices of Aboriginal children and families, ensuring they have opportunities to express themselves and see their culture reflected in the preschool environment.
- Culturally Safe Spaces: We ensure that our preschool provides culturally safe spaces where Aboriginal children feel a strong sense of belonging, identity, and safety.
- Partnerships with Community: We build strong, respectful partnerships with Aboriginal families, Elders, and community organisations. We consult with Aboriginal community members to guide our practice and ensure cultural safety and authenticity.
- Professional Learning: Our educators undertake ongoing professional development to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal history, cultures, and ways of knowing and being. This learning supports our ability to create a genuinely inclusive and culturally responsive environment.
- Representation and Visibility: We ensure that Aboriginal cultures and histories are visible in our learning spaces through artwork, books, symbols, and storytelling that reflect and celebrate Aboriginal identity.
- Continuous Reflection: We commit to ongoing reflection and evaluation of our practices to ensure they are respectful, inclusive, and meet the needs of Aboriginal children and families.
- Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: We have zero tolerance for racism or discrimination of any kind. We actively promote equity and inclusion across all aspects of our service.
At South Mornington Preschool, we believe that every Aboriginal child should grow up strong in their identity, connected to culture, and supported in a community that celebrates who they are.
Together, we walk alongside Aboriginal children and families, honouring culture, history, and Country, every day.