Child Safe Standards

Clarinda Primary School has zero tolerance for child abuse.
We are committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment where all children are safe, feel safe, and are heard.

Everyone working at Clarinda Primary School is responsible for the care and protection of children and young people and for reporting any concerns about child safety.

All members of staff must:

  • Familiarise themselves with the relevant child safety laws, the Child Safe Standards, the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, and Clarinda Primary School’s Child Safety Code of Conduct

  • Receive and commit to the school’s Code of Conduct for staff and volunteers

  • Take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm

  • Report any reasonable belief that a child’s safety is at risk to the Principal or their delegate

  • Fulfil mandatory reporting obligations, including reporting to Child Protection when required

  • Promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

  • Promote the safety, inclusion and empowerment of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

  • Promote the safety, inclusion and empowerment of children with a disability

  • Ensure child safety and wellbeing is embedded in decision-making, planning and everyday school practices

  • Create an inclusive environment that values student voice, participation, and empowerment

What Are the Child Safe Standards?

As of 1 July 2022, Victorian schools must comply with 11 updated Child Safe Standards, replacing the original 7. These are legally binding under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and managed through Ministerial Order No. 1359.

The 11 Child Safe Standards are:

    • Standard 1: Culturally safe environments – Ensure our school is a culturally safe place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are respected, celebrated and supported www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 2: Leadership, governance and culture – Embed child safety and wellbeing in our school leadership, policies and culture www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 3: Child and student empowerment – Empower children to understand their rights, involve them in decisions affecting them, and always listen when they speak up www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 4: Family engagement – Inform and involve families and the wider community in promoting child safety and wellbeing www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 5: Diversity and equity – Uphold equity and respect the diverse needs of all students in our policies and practices www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 6: Suitable staff and volunteers – Ensure that everyone who works with our students is carefully screened, trained and supported to uphold our child safety values www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 7: Child-focused complaints processes – Maintain a complaints and feedback process that is child-friendly, culturally safe and accessible to all, and take all concerns seriously www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 8: Child safety knowledge, skills and awareness – Provide ongoing training so that all staff and volunteers have the knowledge and skills to keep children safe www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 9: Physical and online environments – Ensure our physical spaces and online activities promote student safety and wellbeing, minimizing any opportunities for children to be harmed www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 10: Review of child safety practices – Regularly review and improve our child safety policies and practices, and share learnings with the school community www2.education.vic.gov.au.

    • Standard 11: Implementation of child safety practices – Maintain clear, accessible policies and procedures that document exactly how we keep children safe at school www2.education.vic.gov.au.

Clarinda Primary School is committed to maintaining compliance with all 11 standards. We continually review our practices, engage staff in professional learning, and promote a culture where every child feels safe, respected, and valued.

For more information, please refer to our:

  • Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

  • Child Safety Code of Conduct

  • Complaints Policy

  • DET guidelines and Victorian Government child safe resources