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.
Aboriginal culture is embedded in our everyday program. Children are reminded to respect the land of the Wurundjeri people and reminded to look after plants and animals. Indigenous activities are always part of the program. We say an Acknowledgement of Country at special events and discuss this with the children. We include natural resources in many areas of the program. We display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and have an Aboriginal “Welcome” sign at the door. We explore the Aboriginal seasons as an ongoing part of our program. We engage with books, songs and music written and performed by Aboriginal people. Indigenous perspectives are visible at all times within different areas of the program.
Standard 2
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Signs and notices include a reference to the CSS at the bottom so that families also gain knowledge around this. We reflect on the CSS at staff meetings. We embed policies and procedures into everyday practice. We complete risk assessments for outings, events, certain activities and medical issues. There is a Code of Conduct for staff, parents, committee members and volunteers. Child safety is an important part of the recruitment process for new staff. The position of the bathroom in the new build was carefully designed so that it is not visible during drop-off and pick-up times. The kinder has developed and displayed a Mission Statement. Room and yard checks are performed each day to look for hazards or broken equipment. First aid and evacuation kits are regularly checked and updated as needed.
Standard 3
Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
We talk about children and adults asking each other for hugs and listening if someone says no. Children make decisions around rules in the group and participate in discussions about staying safe. Children are encouraged to use their voice to express their feelings and to listen to others. Personal space is discussed regularly. We help the children to make choices about and express how they can stay safe. Children are asked if they want help rather than just helping without checking. Staff use guiding words rather than directing children in what to do.
Standard 4
Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Families are reminded to stay out of the bathroom and an explanation given. We have an informative display about the Child Safe Standards in the foyer. We communicate and seek feedback regularly through parent surveys, policy review, newsletters, displays and signage. Families are kept updated
when incidents occur between children, and the identity of other children involved are kept anonymous. We have a Works Officer who organises the upkeep of the physical environment to ensure it’s safe. Safety signs are displayed at the front of kinder such as “No Dogs” and “No Smoking/Vaping”. Guidelines for “Stay and Play” are available for parents who stay to help. Excursion volunteers are given information on their role throughout the excursion and are asked t sign that they agree. Families are asked to sign a “Code of Conduct” at the beginning of the year.
Standard 5
Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Different allowances are made for different children according to their unique needs. They do not all fit in the same box with the same set of rules. The physical environment caters for diverse needs. Cultural needs are catered for through access to interpreters, communication in different languages and support for asylum seekers. We offer varied support for vulnerable children and families. We have had an access ramp added to the playground for greater accessibility and we have had the doorbell moved so that it is accessible to wheelchair users.
Standard 6
People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Staff qualifications are checked, both permanent and relief staff. There is a staff induction process for permanent and relief staff. Staff hold either a Police Check through VIT or their Working With Children Check. All staff complete training on child protection and mandatory reporting every year. We have “Stay and Play” guidelines for families to understand their role and responsibilities whilst engaging in the program. Excursion helpers are required to have a Working With Children Check. We have developed a risk minimisation form for incursion providers for them to acknowledge how we expect them to uphold the Child Safe Standards. All visitors to the kinder are asked to sign in at the foyer.
Standard 7
Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.
We respect each child’s privacy and keep their identity confidential when discussing complaints or concerns from parents. Staff are supported by the Nominated Supervisor to make mandatory reports to child protection or accident reports to the Department of Education. We have a complaints handling policy which is adhered to. Families are supported to feel culturally safe when raising complaints or concerns. The child’s best interests are at the forefront of any discussions and strategies for positive outcomes.
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.
All staff complete mandatory reporting training each year. All staff have up-to-date first aid qualifications. Staff share information about child protection reports/cases so that everyone can support the child. All staff engage in regular professional development. Staff share knowledge or concerns at staff meetings and provide one another with information and support. Staff attend meetings by the Whitehorse Kindergarten Group to network with peers and keep abreast of current policies and procedures. The kinder pays for professional development so that staff can update their knowledge without a financial barrier.
Standard 9
Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
When we use online programming tools, we do not add photos, only the child’s first name is used and an approximate birthdate is given. Our Facebook pages do not show children’s faces. We maintain lists of children who do not have permission for photos to be shared with other families or in public spaces. We regularly check the number of children in each of the spaces to ensure adequate supervision. Staff engage in playground and furniture checks each day to ensure safety of the physical environment. The Works Officer is notified of any items needing repairs. We have risk management plans in place for various activities and structures. Medical plans and medicines are easily accessible by staff but not by children. First aid cabinets have a child-safe door on them. First aid kits are taken on excursions as well as regular medications.
Standard 10
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Staff are regularly reminded to be aware of the Child Safe Standards and how they are implementing them. We review our practices as a group at staff meetings and make decisions about what we do well and what we could improve on. We model appropriate behaviour and ensure all staff are knowledgeable on the Child Safe Standards. Staff are encouraged to personally reflect on their own practices in upholding the CSS. Goals are added to the Quality Improvement Plan to ensure we are continually improving.
Standard 11
Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
As policies come up for review, further information about child safety is being added to each one. Documents given to families, such as excursion forms, have a reference to the relevant Child Safe Standards to raise awareness that child safety is always at the forefront of everything we do. There is a Child Safe Standards display and information at the entry to the foyer so that it is very visible to families. A Mission Statement has been developed and added to our website. The kinder sign was updated to include “Helping your child grow in a safe and inclusive environment” as a reminder to all that this is what we value the most.