Safety, Security and being Sun-Safe
Safety
At SHBELC we believe that every child deserves a safe and inclusive environment where they can explore, learn and thrive. We are dedicated to safeguarding children from abuse, neglect and harm and fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and are supported to express and enjoy their cultural rights. To establish and maintain a child safe environment, we adhere to the Child Safe Standards and report to the Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS). This encompasses all children, staff, volunteers and parent helpers.
Child Safe Standards
In July 2022 the Child Safe Standards were updated in Victoria and SHBELC is proud to have undergone a Child Safe Standards audit finding us to be compliant with all 11 standards
For further information and an outline of the Child Safe standards take a look at the video above and/or visit the website below https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/
A Child Safe Organisation
At Surrey Hills Baptist Early Learning Centre, we take immense pride in being a Child Safe Organisation! Child safety practices are woven into the fabric of our organization, guiding our governance and culture. Our commitment to child safety is our utmost priority because we believe every child deserves to feel safe, happy, and empowered.
We support and respect all children, our dedicated team members, and our volunteers.
Ensuring the safety, participation, and empowerment of every child is at the heart of what we do.
Children thrive when nurtured in a safe and supportive environment alongside their family, community, and culture.
We actively focus on listening to and empowering children.
All allegations and concerns are taken seriously with responses in line with our policies, Child Protection Law, National Regulations and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
We conduct a comprehensive recruitment process to ensure the most suitable candidates are employed at SHBELC and provide training for employees, volunteers and students.
We maintain a zero tolerance for child abuse and neglect.
SHBELC actions and exceeds the 11 Child Safe Standards.
Together, we create an environment where every child feels safeguarded, respected, and heard!
Your Child’s Safety
SHBELC believes child safety is more than just meeting compliance responsibilities – it is one of our highest priorities. Staff amplify and promote the voice and rights of children through the prevention, identification and response to child abuse, neglect and harm. Our policies relating to all Health and Safety practices have been informed by the relevant State and Federal Health Regulatory bodies, respective early childhood education and care departments, and the Department of Education.
Our safety initiatives empower every staff member to take personal and professional accountability for maintaining safety standards and encourages a proactive approach to minimising risks and preventing incidents.
Key focus Areas in Child Safety and Security
Secure Entry and Controlled Access – Entry to SHBELC is restricted to authorised persons, with access controlled through secure gates and main door code system. Families sign their children in and out in each program area ensuring accurate records and reinforcing SHBELC’s commitment to security.
Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting – Staff are all trained in Child protection and understand their responsibilities regarding mandatory reporting. Any concerns are acted on immediately, with clear and concise procedures in place for escalation to appropriate authorities.
Mandated child to staff ratios and Supervision – Active supervision is a core practice. SHBELC adhere to educator-to child ratios, ensuring that staff are always present for attentive care and close supervision. Educators are strategically positioned both indoors and outdoors to allow for full visibility whenever children are present.
Regular Safety Checks and Quality Assurance – Our facilities, learning environments and play equipment are regularly reviewed and audited by management to identify potential hazards and implement solutions. These quality assurance checks assist in the highest safety standards being maintained, and protocols remaining effective and up to date.
Managing Medical Conditions - All educators and teacher maintain up to date First Aid qualifications. For children identified or suffering with medical conditions, we work closely with families to develop individual care plans. These include individual Medical Managment, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plans. Such plans are actioned to ensure each child receives the support they require.
Emergency Preparedness - Our emergency response training includes regular emergency drills, assisting children and educators be prepared for unexpected situations. In each program area children are engaged in positive and age- appropriate learning experiences to ensure they understand emergency procedures.
Food Safety Allergy Management – Good nutrition is essential for a child’s overall development. SHBELC caters to all dietary needs using placemats to identify allergies or food preferences, along with Food ID cards for children with specific dietary requirements. Cooks adhere to strict food safety guidelines, ensuring every meal is prepared with care.
Sun Safe Measures – with outdoor play is an important part of our daily curriculum we take precautions to protect children from harmful UV rays. Our Sun smart measures include scheduling outdoor play at appropriate times, requiring children and staff to wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and hats, and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. Our suitable clothing policy stipulates that children’s shoulders must be covered, and hats must be worn for children to spend time in the outdoor play space.
Safe Sleep Practices – For infants and toddlers, safe sleep is an extremely important priority. Our Early Years Learning Hub provides a calm and secure rest environment. Each child has their own designated sleep space, and our educators conduct and record sleep checks to ensure comfort and safety when any child is asleep.
Commitment to Cleanliness and Hygiene - Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential for the health of everyone entering SHBELC. Our rigorous hygiene procedures include frequent handwashing, sanitisation of surfaces and play resources, daily washing of linen and proactive illness prevention measures. Facilities are cleaned daily by a professional cleaning company as we prioritise cleanliness to create a healthier environment for children to learn and grow.
Your Child’s Sun Safety
As parents, you can support children to become sun smart by dressing them in clothes that cover their trunks, shoulders, necks and limbs, protecting them from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
As educators, we involve children in the routines of applying sunscreen and hats, raising their understanding of the need to protect their skin from UV rays when in the sun.
Staff monitor the UV rating at regular intervals throughout the day and share this with children to raise their awareness of sun safe practices. This information can be found at http://www.bom.gov.au.
Check out our sun safe policy here
Enrol Your Child
We would love to hear from you!
If you are wanting to enrol your child at Surrey Hills Baptist Early Learning Centre we invite you to book a tour to see our facilities and meet the Educators.