A Note from Craig

In the last edition of Rose & Waratah (December 2021), I wrote that our school had embarked on updating its Safeguarding Children Policy, Standards and Expectations.  I am pleased to advise that we have advanced this important work.

On Saturday 26 February 2022, the Board of Governors approved and supported a School Statement on child safety at The Friends’ School: 

A deep and continuing commitment to child safety is at the very core of The Friends’ School. Respect and concern for each individual in the School’s care is driven by a foundational belief that there is that of God in everyone. This is fundamental to Quakerism and The Friends’ School. We strive to develop a culture which promotes child safety and the prevention of harm, where all members of the community feel comfortable speaking up. We commit to seeking and listening to the voices of children and cultivating an environment which is nurturing, open and aware. All forms of abuse and neglect are in opposition to the School’s Purpose and Concerns. The School has an enduring moral and legal obligation to report and act upon any concern counter to the wellbeing of children.

As a School, we are committed to promoting an environment which prevents harm and where students/children feel empowered to voice their concerns. As part of this responsibility, we are committed to upholding the ten National Child Safe Standards (Standards) as outlined in Volume 6, Making Institutions Child Safe.  It underpins a set of standards and expectations that correspond to the ten National Child Safe Standards that guide the School:

1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3. Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
5. People working with children are suitable and supported
6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through information, ongoing education and training.
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
9. Implementation of national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Every student/child has the human right to an education that will foster their academic, cultural, physical, social, emotional and spirituall development. Providing a student/child safe environment is the first step in allowing this development to occur.

While these sentiments have always been at the heart of the School’s ethos and culture, the Child Wise accreditation process has more formally embedded the policies, practices and governance that support the School's aim of becoming a certified Child Safe Organisation by the end of 2022.

To this end, the Safeguarding Children Policy and Expectations, Mandatory Reporting Policy Standards and Expectations and the Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Form all became effective as of 1 March 2022 and can be viewed below.

Child Safeguarding Policies, Guidelines, Expectations and Information

I would like to thank Deputy Principal Shaun O’Rourke, School staff, parents/guardians and students for leading and participating in this child safe accreditation process to date.  Collectively, we work together to ensure that our School is a welcoming, friendly and safe environment for all who learn and work at Friends’.

Warm regards,

Craig Stephens

Presiding Member of The Board of Governors | The Friends' School