Our Commitment to Child Safety
At Eltham South Preschool, we are a community-run kindergarten that places the highest priority on the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of every child in our care.
In response to recent child abuse allegations and the subsequent Rapid Child Safety Review, our committee and staff are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all children.
We are actively reviewing and strengthening our policies and practices to ensure they meet or exceed current child safety standards. This includes:
- Clear and consistent supervision protocols
- Rigorous recruitment and screening processes
- Ongoing professional development and training for all staff
- A strong focus on listening to and valuing children’s voices
We believe child safety is a shared responsibility. Educators, families, and committee members all play a vital role in building a protective and supportive community around our children.
Please keep an eye out for emails from Eltham South Preschool with opportunities to learn more about how you, as parents and caregivers, can help equip your child to feel and be safe. If you have any questions or concerns about child safety, please feel free to speak with me or any of our ESPS staff—we’re always here to help.
We look forward to working in partnership with you to strengthen the safety and wellbeing of every child in our kindergarten community.
Warm regards,
Krystal Navez
President of Eltham South Preschool
The educators, families, children and committee are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for everyone, especially the children. We prioritise their well-being, safety and protection above all else.
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
Eltham South Preschool upholds the Child Safe Standards, introduced by the Victorian Government in January 2016.
OUR COMMITMENT STATEMENT
- We provide a secure and supportive space for children to grow and thrive.
- We have a duty of care to ensure that the children at our kinder are happy, safe and are empowered to have a voice.
- We ensure all interactions with children are respectful, appropriate, and professional.
- We implement robust safeguarding policies and procedures to prevent harm or abuse.
- Staff are trained on child protection and safety protocols.
- We encourage open communication and reporting of any concerns or incidents.
- We continuously reviewing and improving our practices to ensure the highest standards of child safety.
- Eltham South Preschool actively encourages children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights.
- Eltham South Preschool actively supports children with additional needs, children experiencing vulnerability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, children from linguistically diverse backgrounds and children who are unable to live at home.
- Eltham South Preschool supports children to express their views, to participate in decision making and raise their concerns.
- Eltham South Preschool takes all concerns, allegations and indicators seriously by responding in an empathetic and appropriate way. Responding in line with our policies and procedures.
- All Educators are trained in Child Protection, and this is updated annually.
- Eltham South Preschool shares information when required for child safety and well-being.
ELTHAM SOUTH PRESCHOOL DOES NOT TOLERATE:
The physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse of children or any form of child neglect, racism, discrimination or prejudice.
ELTHAM SOUTH PRESCHOOL MAINTAINS THESE PRACTICES BY:
- Following a Code of Conduct that includes expected behaviour standards and responsibilities for child safety and wellbeing.
- Developing and following risk management procedures and practices to identify and mitigate risks to children’s safety.
- Reference checks and screening for staff members looking to join us.
- Continuous education and training to ensure educators are fully up to date with their child safe knowledge.
- Have practices in place to ensure families participate in decisions affecting their children.
- Have effective practices and procedures for allowing families to raise concerns and that the complaint handling process is understood by families and educators.
- Regular reviews in child safe practices to ensure continuous improvement.
