Chapter 2
At NERPSA, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a child safe environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe from harm. To achieve this, we adhere to the 11 Child Safe Standards. These standards provide a framework for organisations working with children and young people to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. This information will outline the standards and provide practical examples of how you, as a NERPSA staff member, can contribute to embedding them into your daily practice.
The 11 Child Safe Standards and Your Role at NERPSA
Culturally Safe Environment: We strive to create an environment that respects and values the diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences of all children and young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
What you can do: Learn about local Aboriginal culture and history. Use inclusive language and avoid making assumptions about cultural backgrounds. Be sensitive to cultural differences in communication styles and family structures. Participate in cultural awareness training offered by NERPSA.
Child Safety is Embedded in Leadership: Child safety is a core value at NERPSA and is reflected in our leadership, governance, and organisational culture.
What you can do: Familiarise yourself with NERPSA's Child Safe Policy and procedures. Understand your reporting responsibilities. Actively participate in child safety discussions and meetings. Raise any concerns you have with your supervisor.
Children and Young People are Empowered: We empower children and young people to express their views, participate in decisions that affect them, and know their rights.
What you can do: Actively listen to children and young people. Encourage their participation in activities and decision-making processes. Provide age-appropriate information about their rights and how to raise concerns. Take their concerns seriously and respond appropriately.
Families and Communities are Informed and Involved: We believe that families and communities play a vital role in keeping children safe. We strive to keep them informed and involved in our child safety practices.
What you can do: Communicate respectfully and openly with families. Share information about NERPSA’s child safety policies and procedures. Encourage family involvement in activities and events. Be mindful of privacy and confidentiality when communicating with families.
Equity is Upheld and Diverse Needs are Respected: We recognise and respect the diverse needs of all children and young people and strive to provide equitable access to our services.
What you can do: Be aware of the diverse needs of children and young people, including those with disabilities, from different cultural backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Adapt your communication and interactions to meet individual needs. Advocate for inclusive practices.
Suitable Staff and Volunteers are Recruited and Supported: We ensure that all staff and volunteers who work with children and young people are suitable and supported to uphold our child safety values.
What you can do: Understand the NERPSA Code of Conduct. Participate in required background checks and screening processes. Engage in ongoing professional development related to child safety. Seek support from your supervisor if you have any questions or concerns.
Complaints and Concerns are Child-Focused: We have clear and accessible processes for children, young people, and their families to raise concerns and make complaints.
What you can do: Be aware of NERPSA’s complaints handling procedures. Be approachable and create a safe space for children and young people to express concerns. Take all complaints seriously and report them to your supervisor.
Staff and Volunteers are Educated and Trained: We provide ongoing education and training to ensure that all staff and volunteers have the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children and young people safe.
What you can do: Actively participate in all mandatory child safety training. Stay up-to-date on current best practices in child protection. Seek out additional learning opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Physical and Online Environments are Safe: We strive to create safe physical and online environments that minimise the risk of harm to children and young people.
What you can do: Follow NERPSA’s policies and procedures related to physical and online safety. Supervise children and young people appropriately. Report any safety hazards or concerns to your supervisor. Be mindful of your online interactions with children and young people.
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is Regularly Reviewed and Improved: We regularly review and evaluate our child safety practices to ensure their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
What you can do: Participate in reviews and audits of child safety practices. Provide feedback on policies and procedures. Contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
Policies and Procedures Document How NERPSA is Safe for Children and Young People: Our policies and procedures clearly outline how we create and maintain a child safe environment.
What you can do: Familiarise yourself with all relevant NERPSA policies and procedures. Follow these policies and procedures in your daily work. Ask your supervisor for clarification if you have any questions.
By understanding and implementing these standards in your daily work, you play a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children and young people at NERPSA. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to your Nominated Supervisor or Education Manager.
Acceptable Behaviours for Early Childhood Staff:
Prioritising child safety and wellbeing: Acting in the best interests of the child, ensuring their physical and emotional safety.
Respectful communication: Using positive language, active listening, and acknowledging children's feelings and perspectives.
Positive role modelling: Demonstrating appropriate behaviour, language, and interactions.
Maintaining professional boundaries: Avoiding favouritism, physical over-familiarity, and inappropriate relationships.
Open communication with families: Sharing information about children's progress and addressing any concerns collaboratively.
Adhering to policies and procedures: Following the service's policies on child protection, supervision, and behaviour management.
Participating in professional development: Keeping up-to-date with best practices in child safety and wellbeing.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment: Promoting diversity, respect, and positive relationships among children.
Recognising and reporting child safety concerns: Being vigilant in identifying and reporting any signs of abuse or neglect.
Unacceptable Behaviours for Early Childhood Staff:
Any form of child abuse or neglect: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglectful behaviour.
Inappropriate physical contact: Hitting, slapping, pinching, or any other form of physical harm.
Verbal abuse or humiliation: Yelling, name-calling, belittling, or using sarcasm towards children.
Emotional manipulation or exploitation: Using children for personal gain or to fulfil emotional needs.
Breaching confidentiality: Sharing sensitive information about children or their families without consent.
Ignoring or dismissing child safety concerns: Failing to take appropriate action when a child discloses abuse or neglect.
Engaging in discriminatory behaviour: Treating children differently based on their race, gender, religion, or ability.
Developing inappropriate relationships with children: Forming close personal bonds or engaging in any form of sexualised behaviour.
Using inappropriate language or behaviour: Swearing, making sexual jokes, or engaging in any behaviour that could be considered offensive or harmful to children.
