Recently there has been much media attention regarding Child Safety in schools and peak body boards. To provide clarity to our families, the following message from our Chair of School Council, outlines Claremont College’s school’s governance:
“The Claremont College School Council is accountable to the Board of the Anglican School Corporation (TASC) and the New South Wales Education Authority (NESA). Members of the School Council must possess a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). The WWCC is a key safeguarding requirement. School councillors are required to undertake NESA-approved courses in governance training, including financial compliance and risk management. Ensuring child-safe schools is central to the implementation of responsible governance, and training in understanding relevant child protection legislation is a vital part of governance training.”
At Claremont, we believe Child Safety is paramount. The Royal Commission has recommended 10 Child Safe Standards, each of which we are committed to at Claremont. These include:
1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3. Families and communities are informed and involved.
4. Equity is upheld, and diverse needs are taken into account.
5. People working with children are suitable and supported.
6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child-focused.
7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training.
8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur.
9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe.
