Child Safety

Child Safety: Strengthening Best Practice

As part of Monday’s Professional Learning Day, staff participated in a session focused on child safety, professional judgement and best practice. This was not a response to concerns about our staff. Rather, it was an opportunity to reflect together on how we continue to provide a safe, respectful and supportive environment for every student.

Teachers explored two areas. The first considered the use of artificial intelligence and student information, including the need to minimise and de-identify data, use only College-approved tools, verify results and never upload sensitive information. The second examined hypothetical professional-boundary scenarios, designed to encourage discussion rather than produce a single “correct” answer.

Staff reflected on questions such as: What do we notice? Where is the professional boundary? What preventative action could be taken? When should advice be sought? These conversations help staff recognise situations that require judgement and ensure they are guided by college policies and procedures.

A key message was captured through the word PAUSE: 

• Protect the student

• Ask about the boundary

• Use College procedures

• Seek advice

• Escalate concerns appropriately.

Ongoing professional learning such as this reinforces our commitment to ensuring every student’s safety, dignity and wellbeing remain our first consideration each day.