Glen Education Oakleigh South

Child Safety Focus at Glen Oakleigh South Kindergarten

By Glen Oakleigh South Educational Team

Welcome to Term 1,2026! We are delighted to begin this journey with you and your children.

Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment is our highest priority. This term, we are placing a strong focus on child safety, wellbeing, and risk awareness.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Our kindergarten is committed to upholding the Victorian Child Safe Standards, which guide everything we do to protect children from harm and abuse. These standards ensure that:

• Children’s safety and wellbeing are at the centre of our practices
• Children feel safe, respected, and empowered
• Families and communities are informed and involved
• Staff are trained and supported to uphold child safety
• We have clear processes for identifying and responding to concerns

We actively promote a culture where children’s voices are heard, and their rights are respected at all times.

How We Support Children

Throughout Term 1, educators :- 

• Teach children about personal safety (safe/unsafe situations, body autonomy)
• Encourage children to express feelings, needs, and boundaries
• Help children identify trusted adults
• Build understanding of respectful relationships
• Establish predictable routines to create a sense of security

🚸 Safety Practices: Drills and Procedures

We conduct:

• Fire drill practice – learning how to respond calmly and follow instructions

• Lockdown practice – understanding how we stay safe indoors when needed

These are introduced in a calm, age-appropriate way to build confidence without causing fear.

Developing Risk Management Skills (Our Classroom in Action)

We support children to learn how to assess and manage risks through everyday play and routines. Some examples from our program include:

• Cutting Fruit as Risky Play 

Risky play refers to activities that allow children to explore challenge, develop skills, and learn to manage risk in a controlled environment. Cutting fruit fits into the category of "play with tools", which supports fine‑motor development, confidence, and independence.

• Climbing and Outdoor Play 🧗During climbing and balancing activities, children are encouraged to test their abilities safely, take turns, and assess “Is this safe for my body?” We support children to build confidence while recognising limits.
• Bike Riding 
• Group Discussions and Reflection 💬During circle time, we talk about real situations (e.g., riding too fast, unsafe play) and guide children to problem-solve together:“What can we do to keep ourselves and our friends safe?”

Bike riding in kindergarten offers children a fun and engaging way to play, while      also helping them learn how to manage risks safely. During bike play, children practise balance, coordination, and decision‑making. However, actions such as bumping bikes together or riding bikes on the deck are not safe and can lead to accidents. Setting clear boundaries and teaching children safe riding rules helps ensure the environment remains enjoyable and secure for everyone.

Through these experiences, children are developing confidence, responsibility, and resilience.

Children’s Voice

We value children’s perspectives and encourage them to share their ideas and concerns. Educators listen and respond, helping children feel safe, respected, and included.