Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Phillip Island Early Learning Centre is committed to safety and wellbeing of all children. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making
Phillip Island Early Learning Centre has zero tolerance for child abuse. Phillip Island Early Learning Centre is committed to providing a child-safe environment where children are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.
Every person involved in Phillip Island Early Learning Centre has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
In its planning, decision-making and operations Phillip Island Early Learning Centre does:
- Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety
- Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives
- Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
- Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount
- Support Aboriginal children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights
- Facilitate regular education on Aboriginal culture and cultural safety
- Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children
- Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development
- Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues
- Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities
- Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk
- Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.
Public Commitment to the Cultural Safety of Aboriginal Children
Phillip Island Early Learning Centre 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