Child Safe Policy

Child Safe Policy

We want children who participate in our program to have a safe and happy experience. We support and respect our children, their families and our workers.

Introduction

Our policy guides workers (paid and volunteer) on how to behave when interacting and engaging with children in our organisation. The policy focuses on how we can build and maintain a child safe environment which is inclusive, transparent and promotes children’s participation.

Children’s Participation

Our organization supports the active participation of children in the programs, activities, and services we offer.

We provide a range of ways to allow children to provide feedback or raise concerns. We listen to their views, respect what they say and involve them when we make decisions, especially about matters that will directly affect them.

Recruitment

To provide safety for children this organisation recruits teachers with a rigorous, consistent selection process. This is conducted through necessary interviews and references in addition to ensuring they possess a “Working with Children Check” (WWCC) and have completed their Child Safe eLearning Course.

Complaints Management and Reporting

  • In the case of any complaints immediately contact Sailability NSW at 0491 570 156. The complaint will be followed up with investigations as well as the contacting of the NSW office of Children’s Guardian.
  • You can personally contact the NSW office of Children’s Guardian at 132 111. Other services include the Department of Family and Community Services and the NSW Ombudsman.

Training, support and supervision of workers

  • We promote respect, fairness and consideration for all workers and students
  • All new workers will receive a copy of all children safe policies and procedures and a more senior worker will set up a meeting to discuss the policies and allow the new worker to ask questions and clarify their understanding
  • Training teachers through Child Safe eLearning Course and ensuring their possession of a WWCC (Working with Children Check)

Other legislation, industry standards or internal policies

  • Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
  • Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
  • WWCC (Working with Children Check)
  • Child Safe eLearning course

Communication

The policy will be accessible to both teachers and students online through the website: www.tomsguitarlessons.com
All teachers will be aware of updates or adjustments to the policy.

Review

The policy and guidelines will be reviewed every two years and incorporate comments and suggestions from our range of stakeholders (including workers, children, and families)