Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

At Tutoring4All Pty Ltd, the safety and well-being of children is one of our top priorities.

This policy outlines the commitment and approach we take to ensure that our tutoring services meet and exceed the child protection standards in New South Wales (NSW).

We adhere to relevant legislative requirements, including the NSW Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, and the NSW Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children.
  • Take appropriate action in instances of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • Provide guidance on the roles and responsibilities of tutors in maintaining child safety.
  • Ensure compliance with legislative obligations.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, tutors, volunteers, contractors, and any other individuals who work with children at Tutoring4All Pty Ltd.

4. Definitions

  • Child: Any person under the age of 18 years.
  • Child abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
  • Working with Children Check (WWCC): A mandatory screening process required by law for anyone working with children.

5. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidelines:

  • NSW Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
  • NSW Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
  • NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) guidelines
  • National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children

6. Child Protection Obligations

  • Working with Children Check (WWCC): All tutors and staff must hold a valid Working with Children Check as required by law. The WWCC verifies whether an individual has a history of child abuse or any other factors that would pose a risk to children.
  • Mandatory Reporting: There is a legal requirement to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). This includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Each instance will be delt with on an individual basis.
  • Risk Assessment: Tutors are required to assess and report any situation that may expose children to harm during tutoring sessions.

7. Code of Conduct

All staff and tutors are expected to adhere to a Code of Conduct that promotes child safety and well-being:

  • Respect and Dignity: Treat all children with respect, recognising their rights and dignity.
  • Boundaries: Maintain clear boundaries with children. Tutors must avoid any form of physical contact that could be misinterpreted or cause harm.
  • Safe Environment: Ensure that the physical environment where tutoring occurs is safe and free from hazards.
  • Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of children and their families. Any personal or sensitive information should be handled confidentially and in accordance with the law.
  • Non-discriminatory Practices: Ensure all children are treated equally, irrespective of their background, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

8. Procedures for Reporting Concerns

If a tutor suspects any form of child abuse or neglect, they must immediately report their concern following these steps:

  1. Report to Supervisor: Immediately inform the designated child protection officer or supervisor within Tutoring4All Pty Ltd (See point 15 below for more information)
  2. Contact Authorities: If the concern is urgent or the child is in immediate danger, tutors must contact NSW Policeor the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
  3. Document the Concern: Record any observations, conversations, or actions taken regarding the concern. This documentation must be kept confidential and stored securely.

9. Awareness

  • Ongoing awareness: Tutors are encouraged to engage in ongoing awareness and stay informed of best practices.
  • Resources: At the time of the drafting of this document, the following links are useful resources:
  • The Child Protection Helpline: The Child Protection Helpline is the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) contact centre for community members and mandatory reporters to report children and young people who are at risk of significant harm in NSW. Helpline: 13 21 11 (open 24 hours/7 day)

10. Supervision of Children

  • One-on-One Tutoring: Tutors must ensure that they are in a visible and open area when working with children. If possible, tutoring sessions should be conducted in the presence of a second adult or in a shared space.
  • Group Tutoring: For group tutoring sessions, the number of adults present should be appropriate for means of supervision and minimise risks.
  1. Physical and Emotional Safety
  • Safe Physical Environment: All tutoring locations, whether in-person or online, must meet safety standards. Any equipment used must be age-appropriate and regularly checked for safety.
  • Emotional Well-being: Tutors must foster an environment where children feel emotionally safe, supported, and valued. This includes using positive reinforcement and avoiding any language or behaviour that could harm a child’s self-esteem or mental health.

12. Online Safety

  • Tutors conducting online tutoring must:
    • Use secure and trusted platforms for online sessions.
    • Maintain appropriate boundaries, including avoiding sharing personal information or social media accounts with students.
    • Ensure that all online interactions are professional and adhere to child protection guidelines.

13. Complaints and Grievances

  • Student Complaints: If a child feels unsafe or uncomfortable with a tutor, they can make a complaint to a trusted adult. . Complaints will be handled in a confidential and non-retaliatory manner.
  • Feedback Mechanism: Parents and guardians will be encouraged to provide feedback on the safety and well-being of their children during tutoring sessions.

14. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required, to ensure it remains compliant with relevant legislation and best practices. Tutors and staff will be informed of any changes to the policy.

15. Contact Information

For further information or concerns regarding child protection, contact:

  • Tutoring4All Pty Ltd Child Protection Officer
  • NSW Department of Communities and Justice: 132 111
  • NSW Police (Emergency): 000

By implementing this policy, Tutoring4All Pty Ltd aims to create a safe and supportive learning environment where children can thrive, protected from harm and given the necessary resources to succeed academically.

Any questions or queries should be directed to the Child Protection Officer.

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