Background
On 26 November 2015, the Victorian Parliament passed the Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment (Child Safe Standards) Bill 2015 to introduce seven child safe standards (the Standards) into law. The Standards apply to all organisations involved in child-related work in Victoria.
Following the Royal Commission, the Victorian Government reviewed the Standards The review found strong support for the Standards and recommended a number of changes to better align the Standards with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, and to strengthen administration of the Standards.
In line with these recommendations, the new Standards were released by the Victorian Government in 2021. They consist of 11 updated Standards and apply from 1 July 2022.
Ministerial Order 1359 provides the framework for how schools will be required to comply with the Standards. Overall responsibility for ensuring compliance rests with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).
The Child Safe Standards set out to create safe places for children to fully and actively participate in the life of the community benefiting everyone. Kingsville Primary School will ensure that the children in its care are protected to the best of its ability and in line with their duty of care and the compulsory Child Safe Standards.
Further information regarding the Child Safe Standards in schools can be found here: https://www.vic.gov.au/protect
The Standards
To create and maintain a child safe school, we will comply with the following standards.
Standard 1 - Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
Standard 2 - Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused
Standard 8 - Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
Standard 9 - Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
Standard 10 - Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
Standard 11 - Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
Supporting documents and policies can be found on our Policies page
Cyber safety