Child Safe Standards- Watsonia North Primary

The Victorian Government is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. As part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust report, which found that more must be done to prevent and respond to child abuse in our community, there is a new regulatory landscape surrounding child safety, underpinned by the new PROTECT Child Safe Standards. The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian early childhood services and schools, to ensure they are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.

At Watsonia North Primary School we have existing policies and procedures that aim to keep children safe. We have now incorporated The Child Safe Standards to ensure that we provide a solid framework and focus to improve our policy and practices around child safety. Our Child Safe Standards will support the school to embed a culture of no tolerance for child abuse but, where necessary, to respond appropriately.

Please take the time to find out more about the standards at https://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/childsafe/Pages/parents.aspx and https://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/childsafe/Pages/standards.aspx .

 

The New and Updated – Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standards 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.

Child Safe Standard 2- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Child Safe Standards 3- Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Child Safe Standard 4- Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Child Safe Standard 5 –Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Child Safe Standard 7- Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

Child Safe 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.

Child Safe Standard 9- Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Child Safe Standard 10- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved. 

Child Safe Standard 11- Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.