From the Vice Principal
Edmund Rice Education Australia Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
The Edmund Rice Education Australia Statement of Commitment to Child Safety is an important commitment expressing that all those in EREA, its schools and its staff, contractors and volunteers place the safety and wellbeing of children at the centre of our interests, where ‘we are committed to at all times acting in the best interests of children and young people’.
‘EREA is committed to nurturing the wellbeing of all children and young people, respecting their dignity, ensuring their safety and protecting them from abuse and other harm’.
The Edmund Rice Education Australia Statement of Commitment to Child Safety is available on the EREA website, the Trinity College website, and is also acknowledged by all visitors to the campus who are required to sign-in at Reception.
I strongly encourage you to read this powerful statement on our commitment to the safety of each of your sons.
Edmund Rice Education Australia Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
‘All children and young people have a right to feel safe and be safe’
EREA and its schools demonstrate commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by:
- taking into consideration the views of children and young people about decisions that affect their safety and wellbeing;
- empowering children and young people by taking their views seriously, and addressing any concerns they may have;
- acknowledging the cultural diversity of families, and being sensitive to how this may impact on child safety;
- taking proactive steps to prevent child abuse, and identifying risks early so that such risks may be removed or reduced;
- involving families, carers and relevant communities in decision making processes that support the development of a child safe culture;
- continuously reviewing and improving our systems and practices to protect children and young people from abuse;
- providing children and young people with the knowledge and skills to understand and maintain their own personal safety;
- ensuring that EREA and its schools have in place strategies to embed and enhance a culture of child safety and wellbeing through the leadership, governance and culture of the organisation;
- applying robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers;
- providing regular training and education on recognising the nature and indicators of child abuse and other harm, responding to safeguarding risks and how to build culturally safe environments for children and young people;
- implementing specific policies, procedures, training and a National Code of Conduct and a set of Child Safeguarding Standards to support the achievement of a child safe culture;
- listening to concerns about the safety of children, and suggestions to improve the child safety processes in place;
- responding swiftly to any child safety concerns and implementing clear procedures for managing and reporting child safety concerns; and
- ensuring that every person involved in EREA and its schools understands the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make
- recognising and acknowledging the unique needs of victims and survivors of child abuse, both historical and current, by providing them with genuine care and pastoral support.
Statement endorsed by the EREA Board 12 April 2021
Mrs Sabrina Hughes