Our Commitment to Child Safety and Well-being
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
— Dr Maria Montessori
At Wattle Montessori, we are proud to be a child safe childcare centre in Coomera. The safety and well-being of every child is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all children feel valued, respected, and protected.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse or harm of any kind. Our commitment extends to all children in our care, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability, and children from all family structures.
We acknowledge our responsibility to uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and implement the Queensland Child Safe Standards to strengthen our ability to prevent, identify, and respond to any risks or concerns.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
Wattle Montessori is committed to implementing the 10 Queensland Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle of Cultural Safety:
Standard 1: Leadership and Culture
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in our organisational leadership, governance, and culture. Our Director and educators lead by example, ensuring our child safe childcare practices are embedded in all aspects of our service..
Standard 2: Children’s Participation
Children are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously. In keeping with the Montessori philosophy of respecting the child, we actively listen to children’s voices and empower them to express their views and concerns.
Standard 3: Family and Community Involvement
Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. We maintain open communication with families and welcome their partnership in keeping children safe.
Standard 4: Equity and Respect for Diversity
Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected in our policies and practices. We celebrate each child’s unique identity, culture, and background.
Standard 5: Suitable Staff and Volunteers
People working with children are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. All educators hold current Blue Cards (Working with Children Checks) and undergo thorough screening before employment.
Standard 6: Child-Focused Complaints Processes
Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child-focused. We take all concerns seriously and respond promptly, with the child’s best interests as our priority.
Standard 7: Ongoing Education and Training
Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children safe through ongoing education and training. All educators complete annual child protection training and regular professional development.
Standard 8: Safe Physical and Online Environments
Physical and online environments promote safety and well-being and minimise the opportunity for children to be harmed. Our Montessori prepared environments are designed with safety at their core, reflecting our commitment to child safe Childcare in Coomera.
Standard 9: Continuous Improvement
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved. We reflect on our practices and policies to ensure continuous improvement in child safety.
Standard 10: Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures document how we keep children safe. Our comprehensive policies are regularly reviewed and available to families upon request.
UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLE: CULTURAL SAFETY
Wattle Montessori is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
We are committed to creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities feel welcome, safe, respected, and valued. We actively work to embed cultural safety into our everyday practice through:
- Respectful acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in our educational program
- Building genuine relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities
- Ensuring our environment reflects and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
- Ongoing educator training in cultural safety and awareness
How Our Child Safe Childcare Protects Children
Safe Recruitment
- All educators hold current Queensland Blue Cards
- Thorough reference checks and screening processes
- Clear position descriptions with child safety responsibilities
- Comprehensive induction including child protection policies
Ongoing Training
- Mandatory annual child protection training for all staff
- Regular professional development in child safety
- Training in recognising and responding to signs of abuse or harm
- Updates on legislative changes and best practices
Supervision and Ratios
- Maintaining educator-to-child ratios that exceed regulatory requirements
- Active supervision practices at all times
- Clear guidelines for supervision during transitions, outdoor play, and rest times
Safe Environments
- Daily safety checks of indoor and outdoor environments
- Risk assessments for all activities and excursions
- Secure entry and exit procedures
- Clear guidelines for the use of images and digital technologies
Mandatory Reporting All Wattle Montessori educators are Mandatory Reporters under Queensland law. We take this responsibility seriously and ensure all staff understand their obligations to report any reasonable suspicion that a child has suffered, is suffering, or is at unacceptable risk of suffering significant harm.
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AT OUR CHILD SAFE CHILDCARE CENTRE
In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we actively promote children’s rights including:
- The right to be safe and protected from harm
- The right to be listened to and taken seriously
- The right to privacy and dignity
- The right to participate in decisions that affect them
- The right to access information about keeping themselves safe
We empower children to speak up if they feel unsafe and encourage their participation in decisions that affect them. Their voices are heard, respected, and valued within our service.
RAISING CONCERNS AT OUR CHILD SAFE CHILDCARE
We welcome and encourage feedback from children, families, and the community. If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing:
At Our Service:
- Speak directly with our Director or any educator
- Email: Email our Director here
- Phone: 07 5681 0060
External Reporting: If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.
To report concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing:
- Child Safety Services: 1800 177 135 (after hours)
- Regional Intake Service: During business hours
To report concerns about an education and care service:
- Queensland Department of Education: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
All concerns are taken seriously and addressed with transparency. We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback that helps us strengthen our child safety practices.
OUR POLICIES
Wattle Montessori maintains comprehensive policies and procedures relating to child safety and wellbeing, including:
- Child Protection Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Supervision Policy
- Complaints and Grievances Policy
- Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
- Protective Behaviours and Child Safe Environment Policy
- Digital Technology and Online Safety Policy
These policies are reviewed regularly and are available to families upon request. Please speak with our Director if you would like to access any of our policies.