Auburn South Preschool is committed to creating an environment where the safety, wellbeing, and participation of all children and young people is paramount. Additional focus is given to vulnerable children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as children with a disability.

We have zero tolerance of child abuse and all allegations and safety concerns are treated very seriously and are consistent with our policies and procedures. Auburn South Preschool has a legal and moral obligation to contact authorities when we are concerned about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.

Auburn South Preschool demonstrates 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 lives;

• 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;

• continuously reviewing and improving our systems and practices to protect children and young people from abuse; and

• providing children and young people with the knowledge and skills to understand and maintain their own personal safety.

Auburn South Preschool demonstrates respect and support for all staff, contractors and volunteers by:

• applying robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers;

• ensuring regular training and education on child abuse risks;

• implementing specific policies, procedures, training and a Code of Conduct to support the achievement of child safety;

• listening to concerns about the safety of children, and suggestions to improve the child safety processes in place; and

• ensuring that every person involved in the Auburn South Preschool community understands the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.                                           

The Voice of the Children 

                                                                 “What Makes You Feel Safe?

 “When somebody cuddles me and when I play with my friends” – Bianca  “Small, cosy spaces” “When I’m in my home and in my bed” – Sammy   “Playing in the cubby house”  “Mum and Dad look after us"   “When I’m hiding under the covers” – Edward  “I feel safe in the car” – Virat  “Holding Hands”   “The teachers make us safe”          “When my mummy and me cuddle” – Jackson  “Under blankets in bed”  “Seatbelts in the car”  "Cuddling with mum and dad, teachers or friends”  “When we are with our friends”

Background

As part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry in 2012, a set of compulsory Child Safe Standards were developed to help protect children from all forms of abuse. These compulsory minimum Victorian Child Safe Standards aim to drive cultural change in organisations in order to strengthen their approaches to preventing and responding to abuse.

If you suspect abuse of any child or young person, you have a responsibility to report it, even if you are unsure. You only need form a reasonable belief that a child is at risk.

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse, phone 000.

Further information and resources
www.education.vic.gov.au/protect

For parents
1800 991 099 (Child Wise Helpline)
131 278 (Child Protection Crisis Line)
1300 138 180 (Child Safe)