Whittlesea Primary School is a Child Safe School.

We have a firm commitment to uphold the Child Safe Standards and to embed a culture of child safety. Strategies that seek to prevent harm and neglect (including physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, racial and cultural or religious abuse) all contribute to a child-safe culture.

It is therefore critical that child safety is part of the everyday thinking and practice of all within the school community.

Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children enrolled at our school is our highest priority.  Whittlesea families put their trust in the school and our staff, volunteers, and external providers to keep their children safe as they learn and play.  We know students learn best when they feel they are in a safe and supportive environment.

Our child safety and wellbeing policies outline the measures and strategies we have in place to support, promote, and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students.

There are 11 Child Safe Standards. These are listed below for your reference:

• 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.

• Standard 2: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance, and culture.

• Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

• Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

• Standard 5: Equity is upheld, and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

• Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

• Standard 7: Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

• 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.

• Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

• Standard 10: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

• Standard 11: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Meeting the Standards is about considering the needs of all children, particularly those who may be vulnerable due to age, family circumstances, abilities, or indigenous, cultural, or linguistic backgrounds.

All members of our community share the responsibility for keeping our students safe so if you have concerns for a child’s safety you must act.

Further nformation for families and the school community:

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Whittlesea Primary School has reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our school website or a hard copy folder at the school office. We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact Whittlesea Primary School at whittlesea.ps@education.vic.gov.au  or by phone on  9716 2140.