Child Protection and Well-being Policy

Our Commitment 

We, at The Buddhist School, are deeply committed to the safety, well-being, and protection of every student in our care. This dedication is fundamental, reflecting our ethical and legal responsibilities, and is guided by our core Buddhist values: compassion (Karuna), loving-kindness (Metta), non-violence (Ahimsa), and wisdom (Prajna). We hold a zero-tolerance stance towards child abuse and neglect, striving to cultivate a safe, nurturing, and ethical environment where each student feels secure, valued, and respected. In all our actions and decisions, the child's well-being is our primary focus.

Purpose

This policy aims to: Outline our school's approach to child protection, ensuring we comply with all relevant NSW legislation and standards. Integrate Buddhist principles into our child protection practices.
Provide clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns of child abuse and neglect.
Establish guidelines for staff conduct and ensure appropriate recruitment and ongoing training.
Promote a culture of child safety and awareness within our school community.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by, and adheres to, the following requirements:Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW): This Act sets out the legal obligations for the care and protection of children, including mandatory reporting requirements when there is a suspicion a child is at risk of significant harm. To guide our staff, we clearly define "significant harm" based on Section 23 of the Act. We will comply with directions from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) regarding information sharing (Section 248).

NSW Child Safe Standards: We are committed to embedding all ten NSW Child Safe Standards into our leadership, governance, culture, and practices. This includes ensuring children participate in decisions that affect them, involving families and communities, upholding equity, ensuring staff suitability and support, having child-focused complaint processes, providing ongoing training, minimising risks in physical and online environments, and continuously reviewing and improving our practices.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Legislation (NSW): We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all staff, students, volunteers, and visitors, acknowledging the connection between a safe physical environment and child protection.

Definitions of Abuse and Neglect

In alignment with the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW), child abuse and neglect include:Physical abuse: Any non-accidental physical act causing injury or harm.

• Sexual abuse: Any act involving a child in sexual activity.

• Emotional or psychological abuse: Behaviour causing significant emotional or psychological harm.

• Neglect: Failure to provide for a child's basic physical or psychological needs, including adequate food, shelter, hygiene, medical care, or education.

• Exposure to domestic violence: Living in a household where domestic violence occurs, placing the child at risk of serious physical or psychological harm. Our training programs provide further details and examples relevant to our school context.

Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and contractors must follow a Code of Conduct that outlines expected professional behaviour and boundaries when interacting with students, both in person and online. This Code aligns with Buddhist ethics, emphasising respect, kindness, non-violence, and empathy. It addresses appropriate physical contact, communication protocols, and social media use.

Reporting Procedures

All staff are mandatory reporters under NSW law.

• Recognising Risk of Significant Harm: Staff must be aware of the indicators of abuse and neglect. If a staff member has reasonable grounds to suspect a child is at risk of significant harm, based on information obtained during their work, they have a legal obligation to report it.

• Internal Reporting: Staff should report concerns immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer(s) within the school (Principal or other nominated senior staff).

• External Reporting: Mandatory reporters must report suspicions of a child being at risk of significant harm to the NSW Child Protection Helpline as soon as practicable. NSW Child Protection Helpline: 132 111 (24/7).

• Alternative Reporting: If applicable under Section 27A of the Act, staff may report to an internal assessment officer who will evaluate if a report to the Secretary of DCJ is required. Clear school procedures outline this process if utilised.

• Support for Reporters: We provide support to staff making reports, understanding this as a critical aspect of Right Action (Samma Kammanta).

Responding to Disclosures

If a child discloses abuse or neglect, staff must:Listen attentively and calmly. Reassure the child they are believed and have done the right thing by telling someone. Avoid asking leading questions or investigating the matter themselves.
Explain clearly that they must report the information to keep the child safe, and cannot promise absolute confidentiality. Report the disclosure promptly to the designated Child Protection Officer(s) according to school procedures. Respond with compassion (Karuna) and loving-kindness (Metta).

Recruitment and Screening

We implement robust recruitment and screening processes to ensure the suitability of all individuals working with children. This includes:Mandatory Working With Children Checks (WWCC) for all eligible staff, volunteers, and contractors engaged in child-related work. Thorough reference checks. Interviews assessing suitability and commitment to child safety and our school's values.

Staff Training and Education

All staff (including teachers, administrators, support staff, volunteers, and regular contractors) must complete mandatory annual child protection training.T

Training covers: legal obligations (including mandatory reporting), the NSW Child Safe Standards, this policy and school procedures, recognising indicators of abuse/neglect, responding to disclosures, risk management (including online safety), trauma-informed practices, and the integration of Buddhist values (compassion, mindfulness, non-violence). Training utilises varied methods (workshops, online modules, scenarios) and expert facilitators. 

Records of training completion are maintained.

Risk Management

We proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to child safety in all school environments (physical and online) and during school activities. This includes:Ensuring adequate supervision.

• Promoting open and transparent environments.

• Conducting risk assessments for activities and locations.

• Implementing strategies for online safety, addressing cyberbullying and online grooming risks.

Support Services

We provide information about available support services for children, families, and staff. Key contacts include:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (Free, confidential counselling for ages 5-25).

• Child Protection Helpline: 132 111 (For reporting concerns).

• Headspace: 1800 650 890 (Mental health support for 12-25 year olds).

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis support).

• Parentline NSW: 1300 1300 52 (Support for parents/carers).

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (Sexual assault, domestic violence counselling).

Record Keeping

Confidential and accurate records of all child safety concerns, disclosures, reports, and actions taken are maintained securely and in compliance with privacy legislation.

Communication and Accessibility

This policy is readily accessible to all members of our school community (staff, students, parents, volunteers) via our school website, school office, and regular communication channels. Key aspects are communicated through newsletters, staff meetings, and parent information sessions.

Policy Review and Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required by legislative changes or emerging issues. The review process will involve consultation with staff, parents, and, where appropriate, students, reflecting the Buddhist principle of continuous improvement.

Integration with Other Policies

This policy aligns and integrates with other relevant school policies, including the Student Code of Conduct, Bullying Prevention Policy, and Work Health and Safety Policy, ensuring a cohesive approach to student safety and well-being.

Endorsement

This policy has been endorsed by the School Leadership and Governing Body.