Wellington Preschool is fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our children.
At Wellington Preschool we believe that every child is entitled to be safe and feel safe so they can thrive and develop to their full potential. This fundamental right underpins, and is at the forefront of our care and decision-making. We are a committed to the Child Safe Standards and contributing to the greater awareness of child safety in our community as a whole. In ensuring children’s safety our philosophy also recognises the child’s right to self-expression and making decisions and choices that influence their learning and wellbeing.
Our Child Safe Environment Policy provides clear guidance and a best practice framework for allowing us to take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety. We will keenly foster a culture of openness and trust that supports our kinder community to discuss worries and concerns, and safely disclose any risk or perceived risk of harm to children. We will pay particular attention to the safety of vulnerable children in our community, respect diversity of cultures, needs of children with disability, and child-rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount.
We take our moral and mandatory requirements seriously and will report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities. We will work with other organisations appropriately and lawfully where the safety and well being of children is at risk. We are committed to working closely with families in the case of court orders or inventions.
Our Code of Conduct clearly outlines our expectations around appropriate conduct and behaviour around the kindergarten and applies to all staff, committee members, volunteers and parents. Recruitment procedures are in place ensuring we employ suitably qualified candidates who are screened, reference checked and must hold a current working with children check. Our staff are trained and updated appropriately in relation to child protection matters maintaining informed and current legislative practice.
All members of the Wellington Preschool community have a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually, and collectively to ensure the well being and safety of all children. We want all those involved with the kindergarten to feel informed, equipped and empowered so our children and community can thrive.
For a comprehensive look at the areas outlined above please see our Child Safe Environment Policy, found on the Policies & Links page on this website.
The Victorian Child Safe Standards
On 26 November 2015, the Victorian Parliament passed the Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment (Child Safe Standards) Bill 2015 (Vic.) to introduce Victorian Child Safe Standards (the standards) into law. For organisations funded by the Victorian State Government, such as kindergartens, the standards will be phased in from 1 January 2016.