Commitment to Child Safety

Northwest Montessori Preschool’s commitment to the safety and well-being of children is based on our duty of care and responsibilities to children and always acting in their best interests.

Northwest Montessori Preschool has zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to actively contributing to a child safe preschool where children are protected from any form of abuse.

Northwest Montessori Preschool is committed to providing a child safe environment where children feel safe, empowered and are taken seriously if they raise concerns in relation to their safety and well-being. We value and support diversity, inclusion and equality. In acknowledgment of the vulnerabilities of these groups of children, and in accordance with the Child Safe Standards, we particularly support 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 Northwest Montessori Preschool has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the well-being and safety of all children is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

Northwest Montessori Preschool will:

• 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;
• Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;
• Ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and provide high quality supervision;
• Ensure children feel safe and can openly discuss their feelings in a comfortable and supportive environment;
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;
• Disclose information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and well-being of children is at risk; and
• Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.

For more information visit the Department of Education's website here or download a copy here