Providing a child safe environment policy.

Eikoh Seminar Australia, which comprises of West Ryde Long Day Care Centre, Normanhurst Child Care Centre, St Ives Chase Kindergarten and Roseville Preschool Kindergarten is committed to the effective implementation of our Providing a Child Safe Environment Policy, ensuring that the policy is appropriately reviewed and updated. As Early Childhood Education and Care services we are committed to ensuring that the children in our care are protected and their rights are respected and valued. Our aim is to ensure that all children feel safe, secure and supported within our learning environments and that educators are aware of their obligations and responsibilities in relation to child safety, ensuring that we provide a child safe environment for the children in which they are able to confidently express themselves and feel respected and listened to.

“Child safety is everyone’s responsibility.” (A guide to the Child Safe Standards, p.26, 2020)

Our service is legally and ethically obligated to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all children are respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We aim to take all practical steps to protect children from harm, ensuring a healthy and safe environment. Our service aligns with the National Model Code for taking images of children while providing education and care, and maintains a tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and illicit drug-free environment for children and staff.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) emphasises that all children and young people have the right to be safe and well-cared for regardless of their location or companions. It is imperative to understand and uphold the rights and needs of children to ensure their protection from violence, abuse, or neglect.

We are dedicated to advocating for child safety and ensuring the establishment and maintenance of a secure environment for children. At our service, the safety and well-being of children are of utmost importance. Our service incorporates the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, fostering a culture of safety and well-being to minimise the risk of harm to children while enhancing their sense of security and belonging.

The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, endorsed by all Australian governments, operationalise laws and regulations pertaining to child safety and offer guidance on key actions and performance measures essential for the implementation of these standards in early education and care settings.

Our service supports all children, with a strong commitment to ensuring their safety and creating a secure environment. We implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, child safety reforms, use safe recruitment practices, and foster a culture of safety and wellbeing. Our service promotes a sense of security and belonging, and acceptance of all children. We will provide training, resources, transparency, and guidance to support this in order to:

• ensure that the health, safety and wellbeing of children at the service is always prioritised

• ensure that people educating and caring for children at the service act in the best interests of the child

• protect and advocate the rights of all children to feel safe, and be safe, at all times

• maintain a culture in which children’s rights are respected

• encourage active participation from families at the service, supporting a partnership approach and shared responsibility for children’s health, safety, wellbeing and development

• ensure compliance with the child safety reforms and ensure children’s rights and best interests guide all decision making

• maintain child safe recruitment, screening, induction and employment practices

• ensure the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations are implemented and regularly reviewed

This policy applies to children, families, staff, the approved provider, the nominated supervisor, management, students, volunteers, and visitors of the Service.

COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (National Principles 1-10)

Our service is committed to providing a child safe environment where the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child is paramount in all decisions and actions. We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and are dedicated to creating and maintaining a culture where children feel safe, respected, valued, and empowered.

We actively promote and embed the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and ensure that all educators, staff, volunteers, and management understand their responsibilities to protect children from harm and respond appropriately to any concerns.

Commitment to Child-Centred Decision Making and Conflict of Interest

In accordance with Section 4 of the Education and Care Services National Law, our service recognises that the rights and best interests of the child are fundamental.

Where a conflict of interest arises between:

• the interests of the approved provider, nominated supervisor, staff member, or the service, and

• the rights, safety, welfare and best interests of a child or children,

the rights and best interests of the child or children will always take precedence.

Our service will:

• Proactively identify, disclose and manage conflicts of interest as they arise

• Ensure all decision-making remains child-focused and prioritises child safety and wellbeing

• Support educators and staff to raise concerns where they believe a conflict of interest may impact a child’s safety

• Document and review decisions where conflicts arise to ensure accountability and transparency

All staff, educators, and management are expected to act in the best interests of children at all times, ensuring that no organisational, financial, personal, or reputational considerations override a child’s right to be safe and protected

We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to the safety, participation, and empowerment of all children. All staff, educators, volunteers, and students adhere to child protection laws under national regulations laws and undergo current child protection training and understand their obligations as mandatory reporters. We promote diversity and tolerance, ensuring equitable and positive relationships with children. We listen to and respect children’s suggestions and ideas, responding to concerns, disclosures, allegations, or suspicions of harm by reporting to relevant authorities (refer to our Child Protection Policy).

We are dedicated to diversity and welcome all children regardless of their abilities, gender, or socio-economic or cultural backgrounds. Our service will not tolerate bullying or harassment and outlines preventative strategies and supervision in our Positive Behaviour Guidance Policy to protect children.

COMMUNICATION (National Principles 2 and 3)

We aim to build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children, families, staff, and educators, prioritising a child-safe environment. We communicate regularly and clearly with all stakeholders, ensuring our policies and procedures are accessible. Our policies are available at the service and online through our OWNA app, and we welcome feedback and evaluations of our policies and procedures through surveys, feedback sessions, or discussions with management.

PARTICIPATION OF FAMILIES, CHILDREN, AND YOUNG PEOPLE (National Principle 2)

Families are always welcome to ask questions about our prioritisation of child safety. We provide various opportunities for consultation and collaboration about their child’s safety, including policy reviews, child protection discussions, and grievance procedures. We promote a respectful child-safe culture where children’s concerns are always addressed, and they feel empowered to participate in decision-making and provide feedback.

We offer multiple channels for children and young people to lodge complaints, tailored to their communication preferences. We work individually with children and young people to support their participation in the complaint’s procedure.

CODE OF CONDUCT (National Principles 4 and 6)

Management, educators, staff, volunteers, and students adhere to our Code of Conduct located in our Educator and Management policy, which outlines expected behaviours and ethical guidelines. Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Concerns about inappropriate actions by any individual can be reported to management for prompt and thorough response.

We will:

• Promote a culture of child safety and well-being.

• Ensure all staff have a valid WWCC

• Adhere to our Child Safe Environment Policy, Child Protection Policy, Safe and Responsible Use of Digital Technologies and National Modal Code.

• Not be in possession of a personal electronic device that can take images, videos or personal storage and file transfer media when providing education and care, while working directly with children.

• Ensure all individuals have current child protection training.

• Provide adequate supervision of children.

• Ensure safe use of online environments.

• Take action to protect children from harm.

• Maintain a tobacco including vapes, drug, and alcohol-free environment.

• Be positive role models and promote building a child safe culture.

• Respect children’s privacy and dignity.

• Report allegations of child abuse or risk of harm to the approved provider or relevant authorities.

• Notify the approved provider and the regulatory authority within 24 hours of any serious incident or complaint as per the national regulations and law.

• Listen and respond appropriately to children’s concerns.

RECRUITMENT (National Principle 5)

Our service maintains a thorough recruitment process to employ the best staff based on skills, qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. All staff undergo robust interviews and reference checks. A comprehensive induction process covers our Code of Conduct, child abuse response, Safe and Responsible Use of Digital Technologies Policy, grievance processes, and Work Health and Safety Policy. Access to all centre policies is provided and educators are encouraged to spend time understanding and discussing them and strengthening their knowledge on policies and procedures.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS - POLICE CHECKS (National Principle 5)

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory for individuals working in child-related roles. It includes a national criminal history check and a review of workplace misconduct findings. Cleared applicants are subject to ongoing monitoring. Management ensures the periodic review and maintenance of WWCC records, verifying clearances and updating records as required.

CHILD PROTECTION - REPORTABLE CONDUCT SCHEME (National Principle 6)

Children have the right to be safe and protected. All educators, staff, volunteers, and students must understand current child protection laws and their obligations. Effective supervision ensures that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. Management will report allegations of harm or misconduct to the relevant authorities.

As mandatory reporters, approved providers, nominated supervisors, educators and staff have the responsibility to make reports if they have current concerns about the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child, this includes physical and/or sexual abuse of a child. The regulatory authority must be notified within 24 hours of the service becoming aware. Regulation 175 and 176.

CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING

All educators, staff and volunteers are provided with current child protection training and equipped with the most current knowledge and understanding to keep children safe. Training provides educators and staff the ability to identify, and report to acts of child abuse.

It is mandatory for the Nominated Supervisor and persons in day-to-day charge of a service to complete a child protection course and annual refresher as provided by the regulatory authority. Regulation 162 A

REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO GENERAL COMPLAINTS (National Principle 6)

Feedback from children, families, educators, and staff is essential for continuous improvement. We investigate complaints and grievances with fairness and equity, following procedural fairness and natural justice principles.

NATIONAL MODEL CODE – (National Principles 5 and 7)

We adhere to the National Model Code. Only service-issued devices should be used when taking images or videos of children while providing education and care. The appropriate use of service-issued devices for taking, sending and storing images or videos of children should be clearly outlined in policies and procedures.

Educators and staff do not use or have access to any personal electronic device. These include tablets, phones, digital cameras and smart watches.

Essential purposes for which use and / or possession of a personal electronic device may be authorised for purposes other than taking images or recording videos of children include:

• communication in an emergency situation involving a lost child, injury to child or staff member, or other serious incident, or in the case of a lockdown or evacuation of the service premises

• personal health requirements, e.g. heart or blood sugar level monitoring

• disability, e.g. where a personal electronic device is an essential means of communication for an educator or other staff member

• family necessity, e.g. a worker with an ill or dying family member

• technology failure, e.g. when a temporary outage of service-issued electronic devices has occurred

• local emergency event occurring, to receive emergency notifications through government warning systems, for example, bushfire evacuation text notification.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - SUPERVISION AND SAFETY CHECKLISTS (National Principles 5 and 7)

We ensure effective supervision and meet educator-to-child ratios at all times. Risk assessments are conducted to manage hazards in the physical environment. Educators understand their duty of care and responsibilities in maintaining a child-safe environment. Regular safety checks are conducted to uphold basic safety standards.

In order to promote a safe physical environment we will:

• ensure all equipment and materials used at the service meet relevant Australian safety standards

• conduct and complete daily checks of the indoor and outdoor environment and equipment

• remove, repair or replace worn and damaged buildings, structures, equipment and resources which may provide a safety risk for children in a timely manner

• maintain an equipment maintenance schedule

• ensure learning environments are established that provide appropriate child groupings, sufficient space, and include carefully chosen and well-maintained resources and equipment

• organise indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure risks to the health and safety are minimised

• conduct a risk assessment of the service environment on a quarterly basis to determine any risks to children’s health and safety

• analyse and evaluate the risks associated with identified hazards

• determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control identified hazards

• review risk assessments after any serious incident report is made to the Regulatory Authority

• ensure smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes are banned within the grounds of, and within the legislated distance for NSW of any entrance of an enclosed public space

• ensure secure storage of hazardous products including chemicals and medications

• ensure regular monitoring of the environment and the needs of the children are met

• maintain safe environments for children.

Supervision

• Ensure sufficient numbers of educators are employed to ensure adequate supervision of children at all times.

• Manage rosters to not only ensure that adequate numbers of educators are on duty to meet ratio and qualification requirements but that duty of care implications is considered to ensure adequate supervision at all times.

RISK ASSESSMENT & RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL (National Principle 8)

A risk management system is implemented to identify and manage hazards within the workplace. Strategies are in place to embed child safety principles and regulations across our service. Staff complete risk assessments for potential hazards, excursions, and transportation of children.

EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Emergency and evacuation floor plans are displayed prominently. Staff are familiar with emergency procedures, and rehearsals are conducted regularly. Records are kept for all rehearsals.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AUTHORIZATION

Children are only released to authorised individuals. Families must provide current court orders and parenting plans, if applicable. Records of arrivals and departures are maintained, including signatures for verification.

ONLINE SAFETY (National Principle 8)

We create and maintain a safe online environment, with antivirus and internet security systems in place. Confidential data is backed up regularly. The Safe and Responsible Use of Digital Technologies Policy and The National Model Code will be adhered to.

Digital technologies and the online environment

• Refer to the Safe and Responsible Use of Digital Technology policy.

• All stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure online safety. Children will be provided with information and educated about online safety.

• Our service adheres to the National Model Code and Guidelines, and the Education and Care Services (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2025, to comply with the effective and safe use of authorised digital and personal devices in daily practice.

• The National Model Code and the Guidelines, and the Education and Care Services (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2025, advise that staff, students, volunteers and families regarding child safety risks and considerations for authorised use of personal and service devices in the centre.

• Our service adheres to the National Model Code and the Education and Care Services (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2025, as follows:

  • Only service-issued electronic devices should be used when taking images or videos of children while providing education and care. The appropriate use of authorised, service-issued electronic devices for taking, sending and storing images or videos of children should be clearly outlined in policies and procedures.

  • Personal electronic devices that can take images or videos (such as tablets, phones, digital cameras, smart watches) and personal storage and file transfer media (such as SD cards, USB drives, hard drives and cloud storage) are not to be in the possession of any person while providing education and care and working directly with children. Any exceptions to this should be for limited, essential purposes that are authorised in writing (or through another means if written authorisation is not reasonably practicable) by the approved provider at the service, and where that access does not impede the active supervision of children.

  • Essential purposes for which use and / or possession of a personal electronic device may be authorised for purposes other than taking images or recording videos of children.

  • Approved providers and their services should have strict controls in place for the appropriate storage and retention of images and videos of children.

(Source: Guidelines for the National Model Code - ACECQA and Australian Government eSafety Commissioner. (n.d.). Online safety for under 5s).

STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

We use eco-friendly products where practical and ensure hazardous substances are safely stored. A register of hazardous chemicals is maintained.

EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE & MAINTENANCE RECORD

Regular audits ensure premises, equipment, and furniture are safe and in good repair. Hazards are specific to developmental stages, and toys and equipment are regularly checked for safety. Hazards are reported to management and rectified as quickly as possible.

Preventing other harms and hazards

The service will ensure that:

• at a governance level, approved providers/nominated supervisors identify and manage risk that align with the child safety reforms and the Child Safe Standards (see Risk management tips from the Office of the Children’s Guardian )

• risk assessments are conducted regularly for excursions and transportation provided or arranged by the service in conjunction with the service’s Excursions and/or Transportation of Children policies

• risk minimisation practices are in place for the management of medical conditions in conjunction with the service’s Medical Conditions policy

• emergency evacuation plans specific to the service are implemented in conjunction with the service’s Emergency and Evacuation policy

• if staff consume hot drinks, they are made and consumed away from children.

Roles and Responsibilities

Approved provider	Understand their responsibility under the child safety reforms and Reportable Conduct Scheme (NSW specific) Ensure the service operates in line with the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations with regard to the delivery and collection of children at all times Ensure employment recruitment, screening and suitability processes for the nominated supervisor are maintained, including reference checks, to meet policy and legislated requirements Ensure all staff have access to mandatory and relevant professional development Ensure that the Nominated Supervisor and staff members at the service who work with children are advised of current child protection legislation, its application, and any obligations that they may have under that law (Regulation 84) Ensure risk assessments and action plans are completed, and all identified actions are taken to minimise risk Promote a culture where children’s rights, interests, safety and wellbeing underpin all aspects of the service’s operations Take reasonable steps to ensure all staff are aware of their role and responsibilities, and that nominated supervisors, educators and staff follow service policies and procedures.
Nominated supervisor	Understand their responsibility under the child safety reforms and Reportable Conduct Scheme (NSW specific) Ensure risk assessments and action plans are completed, and all identified actions are taken to minimise risk Take reasonable steps to ensure all staff area aware of their role and responsibilities, and that nominated supervisors, educators and staff follow service policies and procedures Support educators and staff to make decisions that put children’s rights, interests, safety and wellbeing first Follow all record keeping requirements Continuously monitor and maintain staff to child ratios to ensure adequate supervision of children Ensure employment recruitment, screening and suitability processes are maintained, including reference checks, to meet policy and legislated requirements Identify and provide appropriate resources and training to assist staff, contractors, visitors, volunteers and students to implement this policy (refer to Sources) Keep up to date and comply with any relevant changes in legislation and practices in relation to this policy Cooperate with other services and/or professionals in the best interests of children and their families Ensure that families are made aware of support services available to them and of the assistance these services can provide Ensure that all staff who work with children are supported to implement this policy in the service Protect the rights of children and families and encourage their participation in decision-making at the service Ensuring risk management strategies are understood and adhered to.
Early childhood educators	Act in accordance with the obligations outlined in this policy Continuously monitor and maintain staff to child ratios to ensure adequate supervision of children Ensure children and young people participate in decision making in matters affecting them, including in relation to safety issues and risk identification Raise concerns when barriers or threats to the protection of children and young people’s rights, interests, safety and wellbeing are identified, including through the conduct of other adults at the site/service Keep up to date and comply with any relevant changes in legislation and practices in relation to this policy Follow all record keeping requirements Undertake appropriate training and education on child protection Identify any potential for risk and harm to a child at the service and develop and implement effective prevention strategies in consultation with the approved provider and the nominated supervisor Co-operate with other services and/or professionals in the best interests of children and their families Inform families of support services available to them, and of the assistance these services can provide Ensure that no child is left alone (or is out of sight) with a contractor, visitor, volunteer, student or parent/guardian at the service Implement the procedures for reporting suspected child abuse Notify the nominated supervisor or the approved provider immediately on becoming aware of any concerns, complaints or allegations regarding the health, safety and welfare of a child at the service Offer support to the child and their family, and to other and staff in response to concerns or reports relating to the health, safety and wellbeing of a child at the service Maintain confidentiality at all times Adhere to all service policies that adhere to the Child Safe Standards Understand and adhere to risk management strategies for the relevant children in their care.
Families	Read and comply with this policy Report any concerns, including in relation to potential for child abuse, to the Nominated Supervisor.

CONTINUOUS REVIEW (National Principle 9)

Our child-safe practices are regularly reviewed, evaluated, and improved. We invite feedback from children, staff, families, and the community. Updates are communicated to all stakeholders. Our Child Safe Environment Policy is reviewed annually.

• The Service will review this policy and guidelines every 12 months.

• Families are encouraged to collaborate with the service to review policies and procedures.

• Educators/Carers are essential stakeholders in the policy review process and are encouraged to be actively involved.

Related Guidelines, Standards, Frameworks

• National Quality Standard, Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety − Standard 2.2

• National Quality Standard, Quality Area 3: Physical Environment – Standard 3.1, 3.2

• National Quality Standard, Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership – Standard 7.1, 7.2

• National Principles of Child Safe Organisations

• National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children in Early Childhood Education and Care

Related Legislation

• Education and Care Services National Law: Sections 3A, 18, 162A, 165, 166, 167, 20

• Education and Care Services National Regulations: Regulations 82, 83, 84, 99, 102(A-D), 103, 104, 105, 106, 109, 115, 122, 123, 136, 145, 149, 155, 158-159, 162, 165, 166, 167, 168(2)(h)(ha), 170, 171, 175, 176

• Education and Care Services (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2025

• Australian Child Protection Legislation
  aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/australian-child-protection-legislation

• Australian Privacy Principles – www.oaic.gov.au

• Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) – www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/the-privacy-act

Sources

• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – www.oaic.gov.au

• Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Bill 2021

• Children’s Guardian Act 2019

• Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

• NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Child Safe Self-Assessment

• NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/

• (NSW Only) Reporting Obligations Poster Resources | Office of the Children’s Guardian (nsw.gov.au)

• NSW Dept of Education: Guide on the Child Safe Standards for early childhood education and outside school hours care services (nsw.gov.au)

• (NSW only) Child Safe Standards Fact Sheet

• Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) – www.acecqa.gov.au

• ACECQA’s Guide to the National Quality Framework

• Australian Institute of Family Studies: Pre-employment screening: Working With Children Checks and Police Checks - aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/pre-employment-screening-working-children-checks-and-police-checks

• Childsafety Australia – www.childsafetyaustralia.com.au

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child –

Appendix: Risk Management Tips for Centre-Based Services

Reproduced from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian. Centre-based services include long day care, preschools, occasional care, mobile services and Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services (MACS). Source: ocg.nsw.gov.au.

The Child Safe Standards provide a framework so organisations can be safer for children.

Child harm or abuse can occur in any child-related organisation. To effectively embed the Standards to help prevent or reduce child harm and abuse, you must identify the unique risks in your organisation, to help understand which areas may need to be improved.

Risks can be related to the service type, location, service and educator profile, and the children that access each service. Harm and abuse of children in organisations is not always intentional and can be the result of a lack of training and support when implementing child safe policies and procedures.

Read on to learn more about what you can do to identify and manage common risks in your service. In addition to identifying and managing these common risks, it is important to assess and manage any further risks that are unique to your service.