Glen Education Orrong Road

Creating a Safe Community for Every Child 

By Glen Orrong Road Educational Team

At our kindergarten, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to embedding the Victorian Child Safe Standards into our everyday practice so that every child feels safe, respected, heard and protected. We believe that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility between educators, families and the wider community, and together we create a strong protective network around every child. 

Working Together with Families and the Community 

Strong partnerships with families and our local community help us strengthen children’s safety and wellbeing. During orientation sessions, and kindergarten tours, families are introduced to our child safe policies and practices. These conversations support families to understand how we work together to create a safe and respectful learning environment for all children. 

Empowering Children 

Children are supported to develop an understanding of their rights, personal boundaries and ways to seek help. Through songs, stories, group discussions and everyday conversations, educators encourage children to express their feelings, build confidence and learn that their voice matters. 

Creating Safe and Responsible Environments 

All educators, staff members and volunteers are trained in the Child Safe Standards and understand their responsibility in protecting children. Relief educators also receive information about our child safe practices as part of their induction process. 

To maintain a safe environment: 

Visitors are required to sign in when entering the kindergarten. 

• Families and visitors are reminded not to use mobile phones in the learning areas to protect children’s privacy and safety. 

• Educators always remain vigilant and attentive, particularly during excursions, incursions, celebrations and community events. 

Safe, Inclusive and Respectful Spaces 

We are committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all children and families feel valued and respected. Our learning spaces, both physical and online, are carefully managed to support children’s safety and wellbeing. Educators continue to build their knowledge and skills to maintain strong child safe practices. 

A Shared Commitment 

By working together with families and the community, we continue to build a culture where every child feels safe, supported, confident and valued. Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children in our kindergarten community. 

Connecting with our local community 

At ORK, our children get to explore their neighborhood and enjoy connecting with the local community. 

For instance, going on an excursion - a local park, library, neighborhood school, post office, supermarket, etc.  Our children get to engage with real-world experiences by visiting different places in the community. Also, through interaction with the local people, our children learn and practice an appropriate way to approach and socialize with the local community. 

This helps the children foster their sense of belonging and safety in the local area as well as their confidence and independence as an active citizen in their community. 

 LINKS TO VEYLDF 

Outcome 2: Children relate to and contribute to their world  

• Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active civic participation  

   

Outcome3 - Children have strong sense of Wellbeing 

• Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing. 
• Children develop a sense of body autonomy and boundaries (eg my body belongs to me) 
• Learn how to tell or communicate with trusted adults about the things that upset them, make them uncomfortable and sad 
• Wellbeing incorporates both physical and psychological aspects and is central to belonging, being and becoming. A strong sense of wellbeing strengthens a sense of belonging and encourages children to trust others and feel confident in being. A strong sense of wellbeing provides all children with confidence, and which maximizes their learning potential. 

Educators are committed to fostering a learning environment where all children feel safe and supported. The children are empowered about their rights to be safe. A collaborative approach with the family members and the local community is established.