School Policies
Child Safety Standards
The new Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order 1359 begin on 1 July 2022. In preparing to meet the new standards, we can build on existing child safety strategies, policies and practices to strengthen our culture of child safety and protect children from abuse. The new standards were tabled and discussed at our June school council meeting. Currently, policies are being updated to cover the new standards and will be posted on our school webpage once completed. Below is an explanation of the standards and links to further information.
What are the new Child Safe Standards?
There are now eleven Child Safe Standards:
Child Safe Standard 1 – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
Further Resources
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy