Principal Report

Child Safety at Baxter Primary

The 11 Child Safe Standards set by the Department of Education and Training (DET) are a framework designed to ensure that children are safe and protected while in the care of schools and educational institutions. These standards guide schools in creating environments that prioritize child safety and well-being. Here is a brief overview of each standard:

1. Child Safety Commitment: Schools must have a strong, visible commitment to child safety, with clear policies that promote a safe environment for all children.
2. Child Safety and Wellbeing Policies: Establish and implement policies that address child safety, outlining procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to child abuse or neglect.
3. Code of Conduct: A clear code of conduct for all staff, volunteers, and contractors must be in place to promote safe, respectful interactions and behaviour with children.
4. Recruitment, Training, and Screening: Schools must ensure that staff and volunteers are thoroughly screened, including background checks, and trained to understand child safety policies and procedures.
5. Child Safe Environment: Schools are required to maintain safe physical and online environments, ensuring children feel secure and supported in their learning and development.
6. Reporting and Responding to Child Safety Concerns: Clear and confidential procedures should be available for staff, students, and families to report any concerns about child safety.
7. Participation and Empowerment of Children: Schools must create opportunities for children to be heard and involved in decisions that affect their safety and well-being.
8. Risk Management: Schools are required to identify and mitigate potential risks to child safety, taking steps to address any hazards or dangers.
9. Cultural Safety for Aboriginal Children: The school must provide an environment that is culturally safe for Aboriginal children, respecting their heritage, identity, and needs.
10. Cultural Safety for Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds: Schools must ensure that children from diverse backgrounds feel culturally safe and supported, fostering an inclusive environment.
11. Continuous Improvement: Schools are encouraged to regularly review and improve their child safety practices, ensuring ongoing enhancement of child protection policies and programs.

These standards are designed to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and protected from harm while in the school setting. They guide schools to continuously develop practices that prioritise child safety and well-being.

Please refer to our school’s website for further information and polices relating to child safety. The school welcomes any feedback you may have in this area.

Behaviour Before and After School

Just a reminder that bikes, scooters and skateboards are not to be ridden in the school grounds before and after school. This also applies to playing with sticks.

Students are reminded to continue following our school rules, at all times. 

Car Park

Please remember not to leave your car unattended in the ‘Kiss and Go’ zone behind the school. We have also added some new signage to clearly indicate ‘No Parking’ areas in our staff/visitor car park that must always remain clear. We also ask parents/carers not to park in clearly marked STAFF/ADMIN carparks, especially before school.

We acknowledge the Bunurong people, the Traditional 

Owners of the land on which Baxter Primary School resides, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.