Child Safe Standards 

- We Care.

Child Safe Standards at St John's

At St John's, the safety and wellbeing of every child is at the centre of all we do. As part of our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment, we will be sharing one of the Victorian Child Safe Standards in each newsletter.

The Child Safe Standards are a set of eleven standards that help schools create a culture where children are safe, respected and empowered, and where their wellbeing is actively protected. At St John's, Child Safe Standards 8  should be visible in everyday practice, not just in policies.

Child Safe Standard 8

Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through ongoing education and training.

What this looks like at St John's:

Ongoing Professional Learning

• All staff complete annual Child Safe Standards training.
• Staff regularly participate in professional learning on child safety, Mandatory Reporting, information sharing and record keeping obligations.
• Child safety remains a standing agenda item at staff meetings and leadership meetings.
• New and updated legislation, policies and procedures are communicated promptly to all staff.

Building Staff Confidence

• Staff engage in discussions of child safety scenarios to strengthen their confidence in responding to concerns.
• Professional learning supports staff to recognise indicators of abuse, harm and neglect.
• Staff understand their legal and professional responsibilities to act on concerns.
• Staff reflect on their practice to ensure children's safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of decision-making.

Volunteer and Contractor Awareness

• Volunteers receive child safety information before commencing at the school.
• Contractors are informed of their responsibilities while working on school grounds.
• All adults working with children understand the school's Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• School leaders monitor staff compliance with child safety training requirements.
• Child safety practices are regularly reviewed through staff discussions, policy reviews and professional learning.
• Staff are encouraged to provide feedback to strengthen child safety practices across the school.
• Leadership ensures child safety remains embedded in everyday practice and school culture.

Evidence you would see

• Records of annual Child Safe Standards training.
• Professional learning agendas and attendance records.
• Staff meeting minutes demonstrating ongoing child safety discussions.
• Induction records for staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Current Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct.
• Staff acknowledgements of child safety policies and procedures.

In Practice at St John's

A visitor to St John's would notice:

• Staff confidently implementing child safety practices in their daily work.
• Child safety regularly discussed during staff meetings and professional learning.
• Leaders promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Staff who understand their responsibilities and respond appropriately to concerns.
• Volunteers and contractors who are aware of their role in maintaining a child-safe environment.
• A school community committed to ensuring every child feels safe, respected and supported.

These practices demonstrate that St John's invests in ongoing education and professional learning so that staff and volunteers have the knowledge, skills and confidence to create and maintain a safe environment where every child can thrive.