Child Safe Standards

Chelsea Heights Kindergarten is fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our children.

There are 11 Child Safe Standards and these Standards are here to improve the way organizations who provide services for children prevent and respond to child abuse. They aim to keep children and young people safe.

Here at CHK we are committed to and regularly review our Child Safe Standards. Protecting children is essential, therefore we continually keep our children, families, staff, volunteers, and the wider community informed about child safety.

Every person involved in Chelsea Heights Kindergarten has a responsibility to understand the important and significant role they play both individually and collectively. The wellbeing and safety of all children is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make. Ensuring children’s safety has always underpinned our philosophy through creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere to support children’s wellbeing.

The Committee of Management, Educational Team and Operations team have implemented a wide variety of policies and procedures relating to the Child Safe Standards. Here are some examples:

Chelsea Heights Kindergarten is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children

We are committed to:

actively supporting and facilitating participation and inclusion of Aboriginal children, young people and their families within our service
the safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal children
providing an educational program that strengthens Aboriginal children’s culture and identity
actively supporting and encouraging Aboriginal children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights
supporting Aboriginal children and their families to identify as Aboriginal without fear of retribution or questioning
supporting Aboriginal children to maintain connection to their kinship ties, land and country
supporting Aboriginal children to be taught their cultural heritage by Elders
facilitating regular training and education on Aboriginal cultural and cultural safety
establishing policies, procedures, systems and processes to create a culturally safe and inclusive environment and meet the needs of Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

This commitment was reviewed by Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated

Reporting and Responding to Child Abuse

If you form a reasonable belief that a child in our kindergarten needs protection, or a criminal offence has been committed you must report your concern. These circumstances may include:

A disclosure made to you by a child.
Being present and witnessing an event or incident.
Observing events that cause you to form an objectively reasonable belief that a child is being harmed or abused or is at risk of being harmed or abused.

‘Child Abuse’ includes:

Sexual offences, grooming, physical violence, serious emotional or psychological harm, serious neglect, family violence or exposure to family violence.

For matters that cause you concern, please contact your child’s teacher or grievance officer.

vice.president@chelseaheightskinder.vic.edu.au

Child Safety Links and Information

Commission for Young Children and Young People
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/

What to look for in a child safe organisation
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/assets/resources/tipsheet-childsafe-org-5922.pdf

Teach your child how to keep themselves safe
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/assets/resources/tipsheet-teach-child-keep-safe.pdf

Orange Door -support for families experiencing family violence
https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/

Online safety for children
https://www.esafety.gov.au/