From the moment a child walks through the door to the way centres are designed and educators are trained, safety is now central to every part of the early learning experience at Uniting.
Uniting’s custom-designed Child Safe Action Plan has been implemented over 3 years, embedding even stronger protections across the organisation’s not-for-profit early learning centres throughout NSW and the ACT.
“We began implementing our Child Safe Action Plan in mid-2023 and it has transformed how we operate, making our safety processes even more rigorous,” said Uniting Head of Early Learning, Nadia Petrovski.
“Safety has always been our business as usual, but this plan applies a child-safe lens to everything we do. Through its implementation, we’ve taken a proactive leadership role in strengthening practices across the sector.
“We can see the success of the new approach in the feedback from children and families. They are telling us our Uniting Early Learning centres make them feel safe, supported and valued.”
With the Senate inquiry into the quality and safety of Australia’s early childhood education and care system due to report on 31 March, Uniting is proud to have already been implementing the highest safety standards, protocols and principles for over 3 years.
The Child Safe Action Plan was developed with direct input from children and families and is designed to ensure compliance with all child-safe regulations. It is operating in each of the 44 centres managed and supported by Uniting Early Learning and includes:
- Annual child protection training for all educators
- Nominated Child Safe Champions within each centre to lead and review child safe practices
- Child safe standards on display in all services
- Child safe policies and procedures as part of recruitment processes including interviews and referee checks
- Dedicated feedback channels for children and families
- Completion of the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) Child Safe Series by educators and children.
“At every point, from staff recruitment to centre design and daily learning experiences, our focus is on creating environments where children feel safe, heard and confident to express themselves,” said Nadia.
“Our educators are trained on an ongoing basis to prioritise safety and offer the best possible environment for all children in their care. With our support, they’re able to recognise and respond to any concerns children or carers may have.
“Now it becomes an iterative process, with ongoing review to make sure we have the right measures in place.
“When it comes to safety, the heavy lifting is never done.”
Visit the Uniting website for more information about Uniting Early Learning’s Child Safe practices.
ENDS
About us:
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through community services, spiritual care social impact and advocacy. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
Contact details:
Annabel McGilvray
Media and Public Affairs Manager
0403 411 385
[email protected]
