The Child Safe Program at Herne Hill Primary School is made up of practices, policies and procedures designed to maintain a child safe environment and to embed an organisational culture of child safety within the school community. The program deals specifically with child protection issues and is designed to ensure compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and related protection laws. Broader child safety issues arising from our common law duty of care are dealt with through our Student Engagement Program.
Child Safe Principles:
Herne Hill Primary School is committed to child safety. The following overarching principles guide the development and regular review of our work systems, practices, policies and procedures to protect children from abuse.
- All children have the right to be safe.
- The welfare and best interests of the child are paramount.
- The views of the child and child’s privacy must be respected.
- The safety of children is dependent upon the existence of a child safe culture.
- Clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children are established in our Student Engagement Policy
- Child safety awareness is promoted and openly discussed within our school community.
- Procedures are in place to screen all staff, direct contact volunteers, third party contractors and external education providers who have direct contact with children.
- Child safety and protection is everyone’s responsibility.
- Mandatory reporting training is completed by all staff at Herne Hill Primary School.
- Procedures for responding to alleged or suspected incidents of child abuse are simple and accessible for all members of the school community.
- We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Children who have any kind of disability have the right to special care and support.
For any concerns or queries regarding Child Protection, please contact the school principal or wellbeing officer.
Click to download the following related policies: