Deputy Principal

Child Safety

At Oakleigh Grammar, the safety and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority. As part of our duty of care, all staff, volunteers, and community members share the responsibility to do everything we can to keep children and young people safe from harm and abuse.

In Victoria, all organisations working with children, including independent schools, are legally required to implement the Child Safe Standards – a set of 11 mandatory minimum standards designed to strengthen child safety culture and prevent abuse.

The Child Safe Standards

The current Child Safe Standards came into effect on 1 July 2022 and remain the foundation of our school’s child safety framework in 2025. These standards promote proactive, preventative approaches that place children’s needs, voices, and rights at the centre of our policies and practices. Crucially, these Standards acknowledge that no school community is immune to risk. All schools must actively work to prevent harm, ensure timely and effective responses to any concerns or allegations, and embed a culture of safety and respect across all aspects of school life.

Each Standard sets out clear outcomes and minimum requirements, supported by specific compliance indicators. At Oakleigh Grammar, we have implemented a comprehensive Child Safety Action Plan, which is reviewed regularly to ensure that we are not only compliant, but also continuously improving our practices.

The Child Safe Standards

Culturally Safe Environments – Respect and value the diverse identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people.
Leadership and Culture – Embed child safety and wellbeing in governance and everyday practice.
Empowering Children and Young People – Support student voice and participation in decisions affecting them.
Family and Community Engagement – Involve families and communities in promoting child safety.
Equity and Inclusion – Respect and respond to diverse needs in both policy and practice.
Suitable Staff and Volunteers – Ensure all adults working with children are appropriately screened, trained, and supported.
Child-Centred Complaints Process – Provide clear, accessible, and age-appropriate processes for raising concerns.
Education and Training – Equip staff and volunteers with ongoing training in child safety.
Safe Environments – Design physical and online spaces to minimise the risk of harm.
Continuous Improvement – Regularly review and strengthen child safety practices.
Documentation – Maintain clear policies and procedures to support a child-safe environment.

Putting Child Safety into Action

Our commitment to child safety is reflected in everything we do – from classroom learning to co-curricular activities and interactions within our wider school community. We inform students, in age-appropriate ways, about their rights and the avenues available to them if they ever feel unsafe or uncertain about a situation. Key reminders are included on Page 12 of the school diary and a Child-Friendly Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy has been published and shared with students and families.

We also seek ongoing input from students through feedback, leadership discussions, and dedicated student surveys. When students feel heard and empowered, they are more likely to speak up and seek support when needed. In this month’s Pulse Wellbeing Survey, all students from Years 3 to 12, are specifically asked to indicate their sense of safety within the school and to name any times or places where they may feel unsafe. Student agency is important to us and we will be making sure we follow up with each student should they identify any safety concerns. Of course, we encourage their feedback at any time.

Staying Informed and Involved

We encourage all families to review our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and the other related polices on our website, including the Child-Friendly version. These documents are reviewed and updated annually to reflect best practice and evolving legal requirements. The 2025 reviewed versions are currently before the Board for endorsement.

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback related to child safety please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. Together, we can continue building a culture where every child feels respected, valued, and safe.

Peter Dickinson

Deputy Principal