Our Commitment to Child Safety

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 Child Safe Standards.

The eleven Child Safe Standards, which came into effect on 1st July 2022, 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.

 

Standard 1 – 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 – Ensure that child safety and wellbeing are embedded in school 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 are 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 – Ensure that 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 that document how schools are safe for children, young people and students.

Ministerial Order 1359 provides the framework for child safety in schools.

Wheelers Hill Primary School is committed to providing a child safe and child friendly environment, where students are safe and feel safe.

Our Child Safety and Wellbeing policies outline the measures and strategies we have in place to support, promote and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students.

 

Child Safety Policies

Child Safety Related Policies

 

As valuable partners in promoting and maintaining child safety and wellbeing at Wheelers Hill Primary School, we welcome and encourage your feedback.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions in relation to our child safe policies and practices please contact Katrina Spicer, the Assistant Principal for Wellbeing katrina.spicer@education.vic.gov.au