Child Safety and Protection at Dubbo Early Learning Centre
At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child in our care. Your child’s safety is our top priority, and we take a proactive approach to protecting their well-being through comprehensive policies, staff training, and clear procedures.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
We believe that every child has the right to feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally. Our dedicated team is trained to recognise, respond to, and report any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being. We prioritise listening to children, supporting their voices, and ensuring their experiences are valued and respected.
National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, child safety is not just a policy—it’s a culture embedded in everything we do. To further strengthen this culture of safety and transparency, we implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, endorsed by the Australian Government in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
| Principle | Focus |
| 1. Leadership, Governance and Culture | Child safety is embedded at all levels. |
| 2. Children’s Participation | Children are informed of their rights and heard. |
| 3. Family and Community Engagement | Families are informed, involved, and supported. |
| 4. Equity and Inclusion | Cultural safety and diverse needs are respected. |
| 5. Staff Suitability and Support | Rigorous recruitment, induction, and supervision. |
| 6. Child-Focused Complaints Handling | Transparent and child-centred reporting processes. |
| 7. Education and Training | Staff are trained to identify, respond, and protect. |
| 8. Safe Physical and Online Spaces | Risks are actively identified and managed. |
| 9. Continuous Improvement | Practices and policies are regularly reviewed. |
| 10. Documented Policies | Clear, accessible procedures support accountability. |
Our approach to child protection includes:
- Recruitment and Staff Screening. All educators and staff: Hold valid Working With Children Checks Complete National Police Checks, including overseas police checks for our employees on visas. Participate in reference-checked recruitment. Undertake regular child protection training and performance reviews.
- Active Supervision: Our educators maintain a constant, watchful presence, ensuring children are always in sight and supported during play and learning.
- Risk Management: We conduct regular risk assessments to ensure that all environments are safe and that potential hazards are minimised.
- Training and Awareness: Our staff undergo continuous training on recognising signs of harm, understanding their reporting responsibilities, and promoting a child-safe culture.
- Collaboration with Families: We work closely with families to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Your involvement and input are valued and contribute to our commitment to child safety.
- CCTV Monitoring: Our service uses CCTV to monitor shared indoor and outdoor spaces to support child safety, supervision, and accountability. Cameras are never installed in private areas such as bathrooms or nappy change spaces, in line with privacy regulations. All 16 camera feeds are visible in real time on a monitor located next to the Nominated Supervisor’s desk, allowing continuous oversight of the learning environments. The system is a practical tool to support educators, assist with transitions, monitor supervision patterns, and make informed adjustments to practice where needed. Footage is securely stored and is accessible only to authorised management for safety and compliance purposes.
What Happens if a Concern Arises?
We have clear, structured procedures to follow if any concerns arise regarding a child’s safety:
- Listening and Supporting: If a child shares a concern or discloses harm, our educators listen with care, reassure the child, and follow our reporting procedures.
- Documenting and Reporting: Any concerns are documented accurately and reported to the relevant child protection authorities, as required by law. We take all reports seriously and ensure they are handled confidentially.
- Working with Authorities: We work closely with child protection services to ensure the safety and well-being of the child throughout any investigation or follow-up process.
Creating a Child-Safe Environment
Our centre is designed to be a safe and inclusive space for all children. We take a proactive approach to maintaining safety through:
- Physical Safety Checks: Regular inspections of our indoor and outdoor areas to identify and address any potential risks.
- Online Safety Practices: We monitor online activities and teach children about safe and respectful online behaviour.
- Respectful Relationships: Educators model positive, respectful interactions, and teach children about personal safety and their right to feel safe.
- Open Communication: We encourage children to express their feelings and concerns and actively teach them how to seek help when needed.
Code of Conduct for Safety
All our staff, volunteers, and visitors are required to follow our Child Safe Code of Conduct. This ensures that everyone interacting with children upholds the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism. Unacceptable behaviours are clearly outlined, and any breaches are taken seriously, with appropriate actions taken to address them.
How We Work with Families
We know that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility, and we value your involvement in promoting a child-safe environment. We encourage open communication between families and educators. If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please reach out to us. Your input helps us continually improve our practices and support your child’s safety and well-being.
Supporting Children Through Challenges
We understand that some children may face challenges that require extra care and support. Our team is trained to:
- Provide Emotional Support: Offering comfort and understanding when children are experiencing difficulties.
- Promote Resilience: Encouraging children to express themselves and develop coping skills.
- Work as a Team: Collaborating with families and professionals to ensure consistent and compassionate support.
How You Can Help
Families play a vital role in maintaining a child-safe environment. Here are some ways you can support our efforts:
- Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with our child protection policies and procedures.
- Communicate Openly: Share any concerns you have about your child’s safety or well-being with our staff.
- Support Safety Practices: Reinforce positive behaviours and safety messages at home.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to constantly improving our child safety practices. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us, whether through casual conversations, parent meetings, or formal feedback channels.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about our child safety practices or have any questions, please get in touch. We are here to support you and your family.
Phone: 02 6884 5566
Together, we can ensure that every child at Dubbo Early Learning Centre feels safe, valued, and supported.