Child Safe Standards
- We Care.
Child Safe Standards at St John's
At St John's, the safety and wellbeing of every child is at the centre of all we do. As part of our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment, we will be sharing one of the Victorian Child Safe Standards in each newsletter.
The Child Safe Standards are a set of eleven standards that help schools create a culture where children are safe, respected and empowered, and where their wellbeing is actively protected. At St John's, Child Safe Standards 6 and 7 should be visible in everyday practice, not just in policies.
Child Safe Standard 6
People working with children are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
What this looks like at St John's:
Recruitment and Employment
- Child safety statement included in all job advertisements.
- Thorough referee checks with child safety questions.
- Verification of teacher registration and Working with Children Checks for staff and volunteers.
- Clear Code of Conduct signed by all staff and volunteers.
Induction
- All new staff, volunteers and contractors complete child safety induction.
- Staff understand Mandatory Reporting, information sharing and record keeping obligations.
- New staff receive the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Code of Conduct.
Professional Learning
- Annual Child Safe Standards training for all staff.
- Regular updates at staff meetings.
- Child safety scenarios discussed to strengthen staff confidence.
Supervision and Support
- Staff performance and supervision include child safety expectations.
- Leaders model safe behaviours and address concerns promptly.
- Volunteers are appropriately supervised.
Evidence you would see
- Current WWCC register.
- Staff induction records.
- Child safety training attendance.
- Signed Codes of Conduct.
- Recruitment and referee check documentation.
- Staff appraisal records that include child safety.
Child Safe Standard 7
Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
What this looks like at St John's:
Children Know They Can Speak Up
- Students are taught about their right to feel safe.
- Children know who their trusted adults are.
- Age-appropriate information about reporting concerns is displayed in classrooms.
Accessible Complaint Processes
- Parents know how to raise concerns.
- Students can report concerns to teachers, Learning Diversity staff, wellbeing staff or the Principal.
- Complaints can be made in a variety of ways.
Responding to Concerns
- Every concern is taken seriously.
- Staff listen calmly and respectfully.
- Concerns are documented and acted upon promptly.
- Appropriate reports are made to authorities when required.
Communication
- Families receive information about complaint processes through the school website, enrolment information and newsletters.
- Children are informed about what happens after they make a complaint, where appropriate.
Continuous Improvement
- Complaints are reviewed to identify trends.
- Policies and procedures are updated following incidents or feedback.
- Leadership monitors that concerns are resolved appropriately.
Evidence you would see
- Child-friendly complaint posters.
- Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy on the website.
- Student wellbeing lessons about speaking up.
- Complaint registers.
- Documentation of follow-up actions.
- Regular review of complaint procedures.
In Practice at St John's
A visitor to St John's would notice:
- A welcoming culture where students know they are valued and listened to.
- Staff confidently following child safety procedures.
- Clear child safety information displayed around the school.
- Leaders actively promoting child safety at meetings and assemblies.
- Students able to identify trusted adults and explain what to do if they feel unsafe.
Families who understand how to raise concerns and trust that they will be addressed respectfully and promptly.
These practices demonstrate that child safety is embedded in the daily life of the school rather than existing solely as a compliance requirement.