CHILD SAFETY POLICY
Nanny Cryssie (ABN 24201882928) ("Business")
Review date: 29 May 2028
(1) PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY
Nanny Cryssie as a sole trader (me, I, myself, my), is committed to providing an environment which is safe for children and young persons, and to ensuring that this is reflected in all aspects of my business operations. This Child Safety Policy (Policy) sets out the general principles that guide the management of child safe environments at Nanny Cryssie. I have developed this Policy to help my clients understand my approach to child and young person safety and to raise awareness of my Code of Conduct to ensure that I provide a safe environment for children and young persons, and that I meet all of the objectives and comply with all of the legal and regulatory obligations in relation to these matters.
(2) APPLICABLE RULES
(a) I am committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations as well as codes of conduct and other safety guidance in South Australia. This includes the following legislation:
- Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth)
- Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA)
(b) This also includes the following external policies, standards, codes of conduct or safety guidance:
- Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
- Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016
- National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
- Australian Nanny Association Code of Conduct
(3) NATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR CHILD SAFE ORGANISATIONS
(a) I support the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (National Principles) and will endeavour to embed them at my Business.
(b) The National Principles require that:
1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
5. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
9. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the [Business] is safe for children and young people.
(4) APPLICATION OF POLICY
(a) I am committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young persons at my Business. Throughout this Policy, I use the terms "young person(s)", "child" and "children" to refer generally to people under 18 years of age.
(b) This Policy applies to all activities in my Business which involve children, or which result in or relate to contact with children and their families.
(c) This Policy is intended to help manage the safety and wellbeing of any children that come into contact with my Business.
(5) COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
(a) Safeguarding children from harm is an essential responsibility for my business. I am committed to ensuring that any young person who comes into contact with my business or services is properly safeguarded. I play an active role in ensuring that children are properly safeguarded.
(b) I believe that no child or young person should experience harm or risk of harm and I am committed to the protection of children and young persons. This policy is intended to provide guidance on my approach to child protection and safeguarding.
(c) It is my intention that a child safe culture should be embedded in all levels of my Business.
(d) When dealing with concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing, I am guided by a consideration of what is in the best interests of the child.
(e) I strive to:
- ensure that I have the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe by maintaining a current Working with Children Check, transportation safety training, RRHAN-EC training (to be renewed every 3 years) and First Aid training
- ensure that I have the necessary skills, attributes, experience and qualifications to uphold this Policy and provide the support and supervision that children require
- ensure that any children who come into contact with my Business and who have concerns about their safety or need assistance know where to go and who to talk to
- ensure that any children who come into contact with my Business and who have concerns about their safety feel comfortable seeking assistance
- maintain the safety and security of any of my facilities or environments which may be accessed by children (including any online facilities or environments, websites or platforms)
- promote a business which values diversity and inclusion
- where appropriate, involve children and their families in decisions that affect them
- promote a culture of child safety at all levels in my Business
- take any allegations or complaints in relation to child safety seriously, and respond promptly and appropriately
- report any allegations or concerns to relevant authorities whenever appropriate or necessary
- value and respect children and young people
- provide diversity and equity
- not tolerate bullying and harassment
(7) CODE OF CONDUCT
(a) I will ensure:
1. that children’s routine needs, emotional and social needs are always met
2. that I maintain a safe environment for children at all times; particularly when out in the community
3. I respect the rights of children and treat them with dignity
4. I respect children’s personal space but give comfort and show affection where appropriate
5. I interact with children in a respectful and encouraging manner
6. that I model appropriate behaviour and language
7. that I encourage children to express themselves and respond respectfully and responsively
8. I provide experiences that assist in children’s overall development
9. I incorporate children’s interests when planning activities and excursions
10. that I utilise every day experiences as learning experiences
11. I help children develop a sense of belonging and awareness of their community
12. that I use positive and appropriate behavioural guidance techniques
13. I never physically discipline a child or speak to them in a degrading manner
14. report suspected risk of harm to a child to CARL (Child Abuse Report Line) or SA police for immediate risk
15. that I maintain confidentiality in regards to the private information of children and their families and to only share details where the family have given permission to do so
16. I am respectful and courteous in my interactions with families, their extended families and members of the wider community I interact with
17. I work within the cultural and social belief systems of families and respect these beliefs
18. I develop open communication styles with families and develop a culture of trust and welcome feedback and collaboration
19. I work collaboratively with families to provide quality of care to their children
20. I support families in their roles as caregivers by giving guidance where they seek it and provide access to information and resources available to them in the wider community
21. I report any accidents or injuries to the family as soon as possible
22. Give families opportunities for feedback and create a relationship where families feel they can raise concerns with me. Respond to and raise concerns with families in a respectful and diplomatic manner and aim to reach an outcome that all parties are comfortable with
23. I engage in reflective practice, learn from experience and identify areas for improvement
(b) If a family wants to raise a complaint or concern against my services, the first step would be that they approach me to see if the issue can be resolved in house. If it can not be resolved by consulting me or the concern warrants taking action through other means; these are some contacts families can reach out to:
- Australian Nanny Association [email protected]
- Department for Education 08 8226 3402 or [email protected]
- CARL (Child Abuse Report Line) 13 14 78
(7) MY RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) I will:
- remain alert and aware of possible safeguarding risks to children
- guard children against harmful environments with appropriate actions (for example, adequate supervision or ensuring safe environments)
- take positive steps to maintain the safety and wellbeing of children engaging with my business
- report concerns expeditiously and appropriately, in line with child protection procedures
- understand the duty to report specific concerns (and understanding how this interplays with confidentiality)
- challenge any inappropriate or harmful behaviour of any other adult and reporting this accordingly
- act appropriately in the presence of children
- not take any inappropriate risks
- not smoke, drink alcohol or take any form of illicit substances in the presence of children
- ensure that any children who come into contact with my business or access my services understand their rights and responsibilities
- communicate with children clearly and respectfully and using language which they can understand and which is appropriate for their age and level of development
- ensure that any children who come into contact with my Business or access my services are supported and get any necessary assistance with exercising their rights and responsibilities
(8) MANDATORY REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO HARM OR RISK OF HARM
(a) I will report any concern in relation to the safeguarding of children to ten Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78 or SA Police
(b) I will be guided by CARL/ SA Police if internal investigations are appropriate
(c) As a Mandatory Reporter I am obligated to report if I have reasonably suspected that a child or young person is at risk of harm. I understand it is my legal responsibility to report.
(d) I have a legal obligation to:
- Report child sexual abuse to the police and
- To protect a child from sexual abuse
- Failure to meet these obligations may be considered a criminal offence (Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (s. 64A & s. 65)
(e) I will keep notes on the suspected harm or risk of harm. These records must be kept till the young person reaches their 25th birthday.
(f) I will refer the child/young person and their family to an appropriate support service after I have made a notification where appropriate.
(9) THE RISKS TO CHILDREN
(a) Children can be vulnerable to different forms of harm or risk of harm. It is important to recognise that harm of children can cover a wide range of circumstances and behaviours. For example, children can be at risk of:
- physical or emotional harm
- neglect
- sexual abuse
- female genital mutilation (FGM)
- grooming and exploitation
- trafficking and modern slavery
- exposure to or infliction of domestic abuse
- bullying or cyber bullying
- exposure to other inappropriate content or behaviour, such as violence or criminal behaviour
- self-harm
- physical harm when engaging with activities without adequate supervision
(b) The causal factors of any such harm can also be wide-ranging. For example, children can be placed at risk by family members or by members of the community.
(10) TAKING CHILD PARTICIPATION SERIOUSLY
(a) I strive to ensure that children who come into contact with my Business or its services are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously.
(b) I use the following strategies to ensure that children have their rights respected, participate in decision-making and have their voices heard: Nanny Cryssie builds meaningful and respectful connections with young persons in her care to allow for open and honest conversations between young person and childminder by using age and developmentally appropriate language. For young persons unable to verbally voice, our practice reflects the ethics of a mandatory reporter alongside the support of the young person’s legal guardians.
(11) ENGAGING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
(a) I involve the families of children whenever it is appropriate.
(b) I keep in mind that in some cases, children can be placed at risk by family members or by members of the community, so involving the child's family could expose the child to additional risk.
(c) I use the following measures to ensure that I have effective communication and participation strategies for engaging with and responding to the diverse needs of families and communities: This policy is accessible through my website. Child safety is a topic regularly weaved into conversation with families and communities. Nanny Cryssie encourages caregivers to maintain open communication around child safety topics and concerns.
(12) RESPECTING EQUITY AND DIVERSITY
I strive to create an environment where children and young people's diverse needs and circumstances are recognised and all children feel safe, welcome and included. I do this by using the following measures:
Nanny Cryssie is trained to support and include culturally and mentally diverse needs for both children and their families.
(13) CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION
All personal information I may process relating to children, shall be processed and stored in accordance with Nanny Cryssie’s data protection privacy policy which can be located at: https://nannycryssie.com.au/policies-and-procedures
(14) REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK
(a) I aim to provide accessible and responsive complaints management processes that are focused on the needs of children and young persons
- By providing children/young people and their families with access to the complaints management process during enrolment
- By explaining the process to families and to children age appropriately
- By dealing with all complaints and feedback promptly, sensitively and fairly
(b) Children, young people and their families can provide feedback or make a complaint via:
- A verbal report to Nanny Cryssie
- Email to [email protected]
(15) SAFE PHYSICAL AND ONLINE ENVIRONMENTS
I believe in promoting child safety and wellbeing in physical and online environments in order to reduce the risk of harm. I use a variety of measures to ensure that Nanny Cryssie’s physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young persons to be harmed.
(16) SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN CARE IN CARE
Responsibilities I hold ultimate responsibility for overseeing the safety of children present during service delivery in my Business.
(b) Where a certain type of events, activity or trip is taking place, I may issue an additional code of conduct, policy, or other specific requirements which is unique to that occasion. Any such additional documentation will be made available to all those concerned (parents, guardians etc.) in advance. They should be read carefully and adhered to.
Venues
(a) The location for any events, activities and trips which are conducted by me shall always be risk assessed properly in reference to the suitability and safety for children. Fire and safety procedures and precautions shall be made clear to all those involved.
First Aid
(a) A first aid kit is located in the following location: A first aid kit is located in our transport vehicle and within accessible reach for excursions away from the vehicle, or at an accessible location at the event.
(b) If an ambulance is required, 000 will be called.
(c) Any accident or injury concerning a child will be managed by me using my first aid knowledge. If the matter is out of the scope of my training, I will call HealthDirect to speak to a GP where the matter is not indicative of needing to receive immediate medical attention from emergency services.
(d) In the rare possible episode that I am subjected to injury or harm where I am unable to care for a child or young person in my care, an emergency contact list can be located on my person and on the child’s person for another adult to notify caregivers and keep the children safe.
Consent Forms
(a) I shall always obtain written consent from a parent or guardian in the following circumstances: Whenever a trip is taken outside of the in-home environment, whether a general agreement is reached or permission is sought for each individual outing.
(b) Consent will be obtained at the time of enrolment. Or if obtained verbally over time, with written confirmation over email.
Supervision
(a) For most activities and events, my procedure for supervision of children is as follows: To ensure that I do not exceed an unmanageable number of children and this based on factors like children’s combined temperaments, ages, responsiveness to carer, presence of additional support and excursion environment and facilities.
(17) MANAGING BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN GENERALLY
(a) Whenever I am faced with challenging or inappropriate behaviour from a child or with conflict between children, I will:
- treat each child fairly and equally
- approach the situation in a calm and neutral manner
- only ever use physical restraint/intervention in order to protect the immediate safety of a person, for example to prevent an injury or harm either to the child or others
- wherever it is justified to physically restrain a child or to physically intervene, the amount of force used should be kept to the absolute minimum taking into account the risk posed
- make a written record of the incident and ensure this is reported appropriately
(18) PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos and videos
(a) On most occasions, I take photographs featuring children. I recognise that photography of children carries risks, such as: - the potential for images to be re-used, shared or adapted in a damaging or inappropriate manner - the general risk of sharing images and the impact this could have on child's public image as they grow older
(b) In view of these risks, I will:
- always ask for written permission from the parent/guardian or child/young person where appropriate before taking and sharing any image of them
- always ensure that a child/ young person and their parent/guardian are properly informed how an image will be used and shared
- always ensure that a child/young person’s identity is protected in accordance with the family and young person’s wishes as far as is possible within any published material
- ask that parents, guardians, children and any other person connected to them who may wish to share any of our published images which features other children to refrain from doing so unless they have the permission of the other children and their parent/guardian
- always store photos in a safe way.
(19) REVIEWING CHILD SAFE POLICIES AND PRACTICES
I aim to regularly review my child safe policies and practices at least every 5 years so that I can continue to improve them. I will lodge a new compliance statement when this policy is reviewed and updated.
(20) MAKING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AVAILABLE
(a) I strive to ensure that my child safe policies and procedures are understood by all relevant stakeholders.
(b) I strive to ensure that children who engage with my services, as well as their families and relevant community members, are aware of and have confidence in my child safety policies and procedures.
(c) My child safe policies and procedures (including this Policy) will remain available in the following manner: Via our website at www.nannycryssie.com.au
(21) ADMINISTRATION OF THIS POLICY
(a) This Policy was approved by: Crystle Range
(b) This Policy came into effect on: 29 May 2023
(c) This Policy is due to be reviewed on: 29 May 2028
(d) The following person is responsible for leading the review process for this Policy: Crystle Range
(22) FURTHER INFORMATION
I thank you for the time you have taken to review and consider this Policy. If you have further questions or want to discuss any matters in connection with this Policy, you can contact me here:
Crystle Range (Nanny Cryssie)
Last updated: 29 May 2023
