Child Safe Standards

 Auburn Primary School's processes and practices are fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards. 

An independent audit of our practices was undertaken in mid-2017. 

 

This means we have in place 

1. Strategies to embed an organisational culture of child safety.  

At APS this is addressed through the school's leadership structure: Principal, APs - key roles in welfare, wellbeing, engagement (Student Engagement Policy)

 

 

2. A child safe policy or commitment to child safety.

At APS this is addressed through a statement of commitment to child safety in school philosophy. Other policies related: Code of conduct, Mandatory reporting, Professional Development policy, Student Welfare Policy, Child Safe Policy (and code of conduct), 

3. A child safety code of conduct.

At APS this is addressed through the code of conduct – staff handbook, and induction, at sign in point for all volunteers/visitors, all external providers 

4. Screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse. 

At APS this is addressed through HR processes (recruitment online), panel processes, WWC’s recoded on file and regularly checked, ongoing PD, induction for new staff. Documents available on website.

5. Procedures for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse.

At APS this is addressed through mandatory reporting policy and processes.

6. Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse. 

At APS this is addressed through risk assessments completed for all excursions/camps viewed by School Council sub committee, OHS risk assessments completed as per requirements, Student Welfare Policy, Student Engagement & Wellbeing Policy.

7. Strategies to promote child participation and empowerment.

At APS this is addressed through circle time & restorative practises across school, school philosophy document, Professional Development policy, Student Welfare Policy, Student Engagement & Wellbeing Policy

 

If you suspect a case of child abuse or are mandated to report abuse, you can contact Child Protection for advice. East Division Intake - 1300 360 391. After hours Child Protection Emergency Service - 13 12 78. Further information can be found here.

 The criminal offence for failure to disclose child sexual abuse came into effect on 27 October 2014. Any adult who forms a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed in Victoria by an adult against a child under 16 years of age must report that information to police unless they have a reasonable excuse. A reasonable excuse may include fear for safety or where the information has already been reported.

The offence applies to all adults in Victoria, not just professionals who work with children.
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