Child Safe Environment Policy

Rationale:

Merriang SDS’ Child Safe Environment Policy sets out the school’s approach to creating a safe organisation where children and young people are safe and feel safe; and provides the policy framework for the school’s approach to the Child Safe Standards.

Merriang Special Developmental School is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all its students, including LGBTI students.

Merriang SDS is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people, this is a primary focus of our care and decision making. Merriang SDS has a zero tolerance for child abuse.

The school has clear expectations regarding making a report about a child or young person who may be in need of protection.

Aims:

·         To ensure the safety of all children and young people

  • To adhere to all Child Safe Standards
  • To ensure all staff understand their role, responsibilities and behavior expected in protecting children and young people from abuse and neglect.

 

Implementation:

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, whether or not they work in direct contact with children or young people. It will apply across a range of school forums (e.g. camps, online) and outside of school hours.

·         Merriang SDS will continue to foster a culture within the school that encourages staff to raise, discuss and scrutinise concerns making it more difficult for abuse to occur and remain hidden.

·         Staff are supported by Leadership when making reports regarding child safety or concerns

·         All staff are informed of the school’s Code of Conduct as part of the induction process and at the beginning of each school year.

·         The Code of Conduct will be circulated electronically to all staff.

·         All staff are informed of their Duty of Care and Mandatory Reporting requirements.

·         Teachers are responsible for ensuring they undertake annual online Mandatory Reporting training and inform the PD co-ordinator of completion dates.

·         The school will maintain a record of online training undertaken within the OHS training register

·         When recruiting staff the school will apply best practice and adhere to the School Recruitment Procedure

·         Teachers must have VIT registration

·         The school will undertake risk assessment processes and minimise potential risks to children and young people through preventative measures. (see Child Safe Risk Assessment)

·         Merriang SDS promotes a safe, inclusive and supportive environment and ensures ongoing communication with paremnts through diaries and email.

·         Parent/carer involvement and engagement is encouraged through parent groups, special event days, parent workshops

·         When gathering information in relation to a complaint the school will gather all the information and keep parents informed

 

 

REFERENCES

 

  • Merriang SDS school philosophy
  • Merriang SDS Statement of Commitment to Child safety
  • Merriang SDS Child Safe Risk Assessment
  • Ministerial Order 870
  • DET Wellbeing and Safety Framework
  • School Privacy Policy
  • School Policy and Advisory guide
  • Child Protection Reporting Obligations

 

Policies and procedures outlining the school’s approach to the Child Safe Standards:

  • Child Protection Reporting Policy and Procedure
  • Duty of care procedure
  • School Recruitment Procedure
  • School induction and staff supervision Procedure
  • Student Engagement Policy
  • Working with Children Check protocol
  • Procedures to maintain registers
  • Working with children check register
  • Teacher registration
  • Staff Code of Conduct

 

 

 

Ratified School Council:      October19th , 2016

Review date:                         As part of the school review process