Assistant Principal's Report

New Child Safe Standards

Welcome to my 6th AP Newsletter item and the beginning of a series of articles about the new Child Safe Standards and detailing how Glen Waverley Primary School is implementing them. In this article I will be summarising the renewed approach to the Child Safe Standards and what the 11 Child Safe Standards are. 

To ensure that everybody in the school is safe from discrimination, exploitation or abuse, all schools in Victoria are required to comply with 11 Child Safe Standards. These standards have been created as a result of a Ministerial Order (1359). This Order sets the minimum requirements for compliance with the Child Safe Standards for schools. Glen Waverley Primary School has ensured the implementation and consistent practise of the previous 7 Child Safe Standards since their introduction in 2016 and we are now ensuring consistent compliance with the new 11 Child Safe Standards. The new Child Safe Standards came into force in Victoria on 1st July 2022.  These Standards have been designed with a deeper focus on community, diversity, and online safety. 

The New 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

I look forward to discussing the above Child Safe Standards and how Glen Waverley Primary School is ensuring that these standards are met. 

Mr Welsh 

Assistant Principal Wellbeing