Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

State schools have a moral and legal responsibility to create nurturing environments where children and young people are respected, their voices are heard and they are safe and feel safe. This legislative requirement falls under the Victorian Child Safe Standards as set out in Ministerial Order No. 870.

Nelson Park School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be a primary focus of our care and decision making. The School is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe to have their voice heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with complex and multiple needs.

Every person involved in Nelson Park School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays 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.

Policy Commitments

In its planning, decision-making and operation Nelson Park School will:

Uphold the priority of safety and wellbeing in children and young people by:

  • implementing policies and practices that demonstrate compliance with legislative requirements and cooperation with governments, the police and human services agencies
  • committing to provide regular opportunities to clarify and confirm policy and procedures in relation to child safety and young people’s protection and wellbeing. This will include annual training in the principles and intent of the Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct, and staff responsibilities to report concerns
  • taking a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety
  • ensuring that all students have the right to a thorough and systematic education in all aspects of personal safety, in partnership with their parents/guardians/caregivers.

In its planning, decision-making and operation Nelson Park School will:

Empower families, children, young people and staff to have a voice and raise concerns by:

  • valuing and empowering children to participate in decisions which affect their lives
  • fostering a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
  • working in partnership with families and the community to ensure that they are engaged in decision-making processes, particularly those that have an impact on child safety and protection
  • ensuring that staff, parents/guardians/caregivers, volunteers, contractors, and students feel free to raise concerns about child safety, knowing these will be taken seriously by college leadership
  • respecting diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount.

In its planning, decision-making and operation Nelson Park School will:

Implement rigorous risk management and employment practices by:

  • providing written guidance on appropriate conduct and behavior towards children
  • engaging only the most suitable people to work with children and ensure high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development
  • ensuring children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues
  • ensuring that all persons involved in situations where harm is suspected or disclosed must be treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect.
  • committing to provide regular opportunities to clarify and confirm policy and procedures in relation to child safety and young people’s protection and wellbeing. This will include annual training in the principles and intent of the Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct, and staff responsibilities to report concerns
  • reporting suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities
  • sharing information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and
  • maintaining appropriate confidentiality, with information being provided to those who have a right or a need to be informed, either legally or pastorally
  • committing to continuously reviewing and improving our systems to protect children from abuse.