Policy update
By Michelle Smith
Policy committee met in August to review the following policies: Child Safe Standards including Code of Conduct, Child Safety and Wellbeing, Child Abuse (including Grooming) Identification and Response, Child Safe Standards Risk Register, Visitors, Volunteers, Asthma management, Advertising and Duty of Care. The Child Safety and Wellbeing policy is offered for community consultation.
The Child Safe Standards are a suite of interconnected policies that outline how Parkhill works to protect children and keep them safe from harm. The Code of Conduct, Child Safety and Wellbeing policy and Risk Register demonstrate behaviours and procedures we follow to proactively promote beneficial behaviours and attitudes. The Child Abuse (including Grooming) Identification and Response policy outlines clear procedure in the event of unsafe behaviours towards children. Visitors and Volunteers policies are included in this suite as they are centred around holders of WWCC, which is essential for adults working with children.
The Asthma management policy thoroughly sets out our preparation and response to asthma in school. The usual response is the 4x4x4 method, which is a strategy to introduce medication effectively to combat the symptoms of asthma.
The Advertising policy was reviewed to include new changes that we have incorporated into the newsletter this year of paid advertising.
The Duty of Care policy is a short policy outlining staff responsibility, and the school’s responsibility, regarding their duty of care to the students of the school. This non-delegable duty is a legal obligation which Parkhill takes seriously.
We also observed the Fundraising and Swimming policies, which are now whole-of-Department policies. Of note, the Fundraising policy sets out particular restrictions for raffles and bingo. The Swimming policy also contained helpful advice for supervising students in changerooms.
Don’t forget you can join us at any time - we always welcome new members. We meet about once or twice a term, in virtual meetings. Our next meeting will be in 2027! Send me a note via email on michelle.smith@education.vic.gov.au and I’ll add you to the list!