Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare Commitment to Child Safety

Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare is committed to child safety by clearly stating that;

• We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures.
• We have a legal and moral obligation to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.
• We want children to be safe, happy and empowered.
• We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers.
• We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children and feel it is fundamental to their ability to learn and develop.
• Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.

• We provide and promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, Torres Strait Island children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and we provide a safe environment for children with a disability.
• We will ensure that all staff members understand the process for reporting any child safety issues
• We are committed to ensuring all staff members and volunteers understand that child safety is everyone’s responsibility.
• We support and respect all children and uphold their right to feel and be safe at all times.
• Actively work to listen to; and are committed to the participation and empowerment of all children.
• We are committed to preventing child abuse, identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.

• Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare has robust recruitment practices to reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing staff and volunteers.

• Before employing new staff; references, working with children checks (WWCC) and/or Victorian Institute of Teaching registration is checked and verified

• Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare is committed to regularly training and educating our committee members, staff and volunteers on child abuse risks.
• We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability and vulnerable children.

• We are committed to providing and promoting safe environments for all children.
• We promote our commitment to the Child Safe Standards and support our members to maintain these standards.

• We have specific policies and procedures in place that support our committee members, staff and volunteers to achieve these commitments.

Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare 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.