Child Safety
St Mary's Primary School is committed to the safety and welfare of all children, within a secure environment. All children have the right to be treated with respect and to be protected from abuse and harm.
As part of our commitment to Child Safety across our school, we will be including links to our safeguarding policies and the Child Safe Standards in our school newsletter each fortnight.
Victoria's Child Safe Standards were put into place in 2016 to protect children and young people from harm and abuse. On the 1st July 2022, eleven Standards replaced the previous seven and include requirements to:
- involve families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
- provide greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
- manage the risk of child abuse in online environments.
The new Standards provide greater clarity and practical steps for each Standard. They outline what action organisations need to take to keep children and young people safe.
National Child Protection Week: 7th-13th September
This year’s Child Protection Week theme is 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'.At St Mary's, we are committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people. This Child Protection Week, we’re reminded that every conversation has the power to protect, encourage and heal. The documentary Seen - The Film is a moving reminder of how being truly present with our children – even for just a few minutes – can change their sense of safety and belonging. We encourage all parents and carers to watch Seen - The Film and reflect on how the simple act of listening can shape a child’s future. Together, let’s turn our conversations into lasting action. https://seenthefilm.com/
Engagement of Volunteers at St Mary's School
At St Mary's Primary School, Inglewood the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. To uphold our commitment to child safety, ALL Volunteers are required to review and acknowledge our Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures.
Additionally, Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Registration form and successfully complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction before commencing their role as a Volunteer.
We deeply value the contributions of our Volunteers and appreciate your support in maintaining a culture of care and protection. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and nurturing space for every child to thrive.
For more information regarding volunteering contact us or click on the link to complete the Volunteer Registration form.
All Volunteers will be asked to:
Complete a Volunteer Registration form (including personal details, Working with Children Check (WWCC) and 2 personal referees). Please inform your referees they will be contacted by the school in relation to your volunteering.
Once you have completed the Volunteer Registration form and are approved to Volunteer at the school, you will be sent an email with a link to access the required training:
(Please note – Completing this induction replaces the previous onsite induction interview)
CESL School Volunteer Induction; and
Read and acknowledge the Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures.
All Volunteers will be required to update details at the start of each year and inform the school of any changes to your circumstances or updates to your WWCC. All Volunteers will need to complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction and read and acknowledge all relevant safeguarding policies at the start of each school year even if an existing Volunteer.
All information received regarding volunteering and providing referee details will be maintained in line with CESL Privacy Policy.