CHILD SAFETY

The Shepherd School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all students. We believe that when schools are safe, they allow children to look forward to being in an encouraging environment that promotes social and creative learning. When their basic safety needs aren’t met, children are at risk for not feeling comfortable at school and may stop showing up, or they may remain on edge throughout the day. Promoting school safety creates an open space for kids to explore, learn and grow.

Everyone in TSS has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all students is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make. We want all children at this school to be safe, happy and empowered. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.

We teach our children about their rights and the school values, to support them to recognise and know what they can do if they feel unsafe and enable them to understand, discuss and report on child safety. We listen to and act on any concern students, or their parents or carers, raise with us.

SCOPE

• To ensure all children feel safe and supported at school.
• To prevent accidents and child abuse by identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.
• To ensure that processes and procedures are in place to protect children from injuries.
• To value and empower children in decision-making processes.
• To ensure that all staff (including contractors), volunteers, visitors to the school and parents/carers, understand the school’s child safety guidelines and how to behave appropriately with and towards children.