Child Safety Policy
At Pal Buddhist School, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of every child. We uphold the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) and follow the ten NSW Child Safe Standards. These standards, arising from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, guide us in creating a nurturing and safe environment. We aim to prevent harm, and when needed, respond with care and diligence.
Here is how we ensure a child-safe environment, grounded in our Buddhist values:
Leadership and Culture: Prioritising Child Safety
We embed child safety within our leadership, governance, and culture.
Our school's mission and values prioritise child safety at all levels.
Our leadership models and promotes a culture of protection.
We establish governance structures to monitor and improve child-safe practices.
Our Principal and governing body advocate for child safety, reflecting this in planning and daily actions.
Children's Participation: Valuing Their Voices
We involve children in decisions that affect their safety.
We provide opportunities for children to express their views and concerns.
We listen, value, and act upon their input.
We foster an environment where children feel safe to speak up.
We use feedback and student representative bodies to include student perspectives.
Our Buddhist values of respect and compassion guide our listening.
Family and Community Engagement: Working Together
We keep families informed about our child safety policies and practices.
We seek their input and involvement.
We provide clear information about our commitment to child safety.
We outline reporting procedures and ways families can contribute.
We engage with the Buddhist community to promote shared responsibility.
Equity and Diversity: Embracing All Children
We ensure equitable and inclusive child safety practices.
We consider the diverse needs of all children, including those with disabilities, cultural and linguistic diversity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
We address potential barriers and tailor our approaches to meet specific needs.
Our Buddhist principle of non-discrimination ensures we recognise the worth of every student.
Suitable and Supported Staff: Our Dedicated Team
We ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable for their roles.
We implement robust recruitment and screening, including Working With Children Checks (WWCC).
We provide ongoing training and professional development in child safety.
We establish clear guidelines for staff conduct.
Our Buddhist emphasis on ethical conduct ensures trustworthy interactions.
Child-Focused Complaint Processes: Prioritising Safety
We have clear policies for responding to child abuse concerns.
Our processes are child-focused, prioritising the child's safety and well-being.
We provide trauma-informed support for children and their families.
Our Buddhist values of compassion and non-violence guide our care.
Continual Education and Training: Empowering Staff
We provide child safety education and training for all staff.
We ensure staff recognise and respond to child abuse and neglect.
We cover legal obligations, school policies, risk identification, and response strategies.
Our Buddhist principle of Right Mindfulness encourages attentive awareness.
Safe Physical and Online Environments: Minimising Risks
We create physical and online environments that minimise abuse opportunities.
We ensure supervision and promote open environments.
We address risks associated with online interactions.
Our commitment to non-violence creates secure environments.
Continuous Review and Improvement: Ongoing Commitment
We regularly review and evaluate our implementation of the Child Safe Standards.
We monitor effectiveness, identify improvements, and enhance practices.
Our Buddhist principle of continuous improvement encourages ongoing reflection.
Comprehensive Documentation: Transparency and Accountability
We maintain clear policies documenting our child-safe practices.
These documents are accessible to staff, families, and the community.
This policy demonstrates our commitment to child safety.
At Pal Buddhist School, following these standards is a commitment to cultivating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child. We believe in the interconnectedness of these standards and embrace a holistic approach, ensuring child safety is part of our community. We are dedicated to continuous improvement, adapting to the needs of our students and families.