STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO A CHILD SAFE ENVIRONMENT 

Viewbank Preschool is committed to the safety and well-being of all children.

This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making.

Viewbank Preschool has zero tolerance for child abuse. We are committed to providing a child safe environment where children are safe and feel safe, and their voices are 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 children with a disability. Every person involved with Viewbank Preschool has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the well-being and safety of all children is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

In its planning, decision-making and operations Viewbank Preschool will:

  1. Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;

  2. Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;

  3. Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children

  4. Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;

  5. Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;

  6. Engage only the most suitable people to work with children;

  7. Have high quality educators, staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;

  8. Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are encouraged to raise such issues;

  9. Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;

  10. Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and well-being of children is at risk; and

  11. Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.