CHILDREN HAVE A VOICE
We listen — and children
know their voice matters.
Children are more likely to feel safe when they know they will be listened to and taken seriously. At Lakeview, we encourage children to express their ideas, feelings, preferences and concerns in ways that are appropriate to their age and development.
Our educators pay attention not only to what children say, but also to their behaviour, body language and changing responses. We want children to know they can communicate when something feels uncomfortable, ask for help and identify trusted adults they can turn to.
Children are supported to participate in decisions that affect their everyday experiences — from making choices in their play and learning to contributing ideas about routines, environments and relationships.
FAMILIES ARE PARTNERS
Open communication
helps keep children safe.
Families know their children deeply, and strong partnerships between families and educators are an important part of child safety.
We encourage families to share information that helps us understand their child’s individual needs, experiences, relationships, culture and wellbeing. In return, we aim to communicate openly about children’s experiences at Lakeview and make it easy for families to raise questions or concerns.
We want families to feel confident that concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing will be listened to, taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
EVERY CHILD BELONGS
Safety includes respect,
inclusion and cultural safety.
Every child has the right to feel that they belong.
At Lakeview, we recognise that children bring different identities, cultures, family experiences, abilities, strengths and ways of communicating. Our responsibility is to create an environment where those differences are understood, respected and supported.
We pay particular attention to children who may need additional support to participate, communicate or feel secure. We are also committed to culturally safe practice and to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families experience genuine respect for culture, identity and connection to Country.
SAFE & SUPPORTED EDUCATORS
Child safety begins with
the people children trust.
Our educators have an important responsibility to protect children and contribute to a strong child safe culture.
Recruitment and screening are part of this responsibility, but child safety does not stop once someone joins our team. Educators need clear expectations, ongoing guidance, professional learning and a shared understanding of appropriate behaviour and professional boundaries.
At Lakeview, we expect educators to understand their child protection responsibilities, follow our policies and Code of Conduct, maintain appropriate professional relationships, recognise signs of concern and know how to respond when a child discloses something or when a concern is raised.
SPEAKING UP
Concerns are
taken seriously.
Children, families, educators and members of our community should feel able to raise a concern about child safety without feeling dismissed or discouraged.
When concerns arise, our responsibility is to respond appropriately, follow required reporting and notification processes, protect the wellbeing and privacy of the child involved and ensure the matter is managed in accordance with our policies and legal obligations.
Our complaints and reporting processes are designed to be accessible, respectful and focused on the safety and wellbeing of children.
SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
We think carefully about
where and how children
spend their time.
Child safety is considered when we plan, supervise and review both our physical and digital environments.
This includes identifying areas where supervision could be compromised, considering privacy and dignity, managing access to children, using technology appropriately and reviewing risks when environments, routines or activities change.
Our aim is not to remove healthy exploration or independence from childhood, but to create environments where children can participate confidently while foreseeable risks are identified and managed.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Child safety is something
we continually strengthen.
A child safe organisation is never “finished”.
We regularly reflect on our policies, procedures, environments, educator practice, feedback and emerging guidance to identify where we can strengthen what we do.
Children’s experiences, family feedback, staff reflection, incidents, complaints and changes in legislation or professional guidance can all inform this process.
THE CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
A shared framework
for keeping children safe.
Lakeview’s child safe practice is informed by the NSW Child Safe Standards, which provide a framework for organisations to prevent, identify and respond to risks of harm and abuse.
Child safety is embedded in leadership, governance and culture.
Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Families and communities are informed and involved.
Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account.
People working with children are suitable and supported.
Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe.
Physical and online environments minimise opportunities for abuse.
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved.
Policies and procedures document how children are kept safe.
CHILD SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
Keeping children safe begins with strong relationships, open communication and a shared commitment to putting children first.
If you ever have a question or concern about your child’s safety or wellbeing at Lakeview, we encourage you to speak with us.
TALK TO OUR TEAM →