Child Safe Standards

This week we will look at:

Standard 4

Screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel

In complying with Child Safe Standard 4 our school ensures that:

4.1    Families participate in decisions affecting their child.

4.2    The school engages and openly communicates with families and the community about its child safe approach and relevant information is accessible.

4.3    Families and communities have a say in the development and review of the school’s policies and practices.

4.4    Families, carers and the community are informed about the school’s operations and governance.

So what does this actually look like in a school?

Actions

• The school supports families and communities to take an active role in promoting and maintaining child safety and wellbeing by communicating about their role in child safety and wellbeing within the school. (4.4 and overall outcome)
• The school is open and transparent with families and communities by:
  • providing accessible information about the school’s child safety and wellbeing policies and practices (4.2 and 4.4)
  • providing information about the school’s governance and operations, how complaints are handled and how the schoolmanages disciplinary actions and child safety risks. (4.4)
• Families have an opportunity to participate in decisions made by the school that impact the safety and wellbeing of their child. Communication with families supports the full diversity of families to participate. (4.1)
• Opportunities are created for families and community members to provide feedback on the school’s policies, procedures and practices including the school’s approach to child safety and wellbeing. (4.3)
• The school takes the feedback and involvement of families and communities seriously and takes their views into account. (4.3 and links to 7.3)