We listen
Children’s cues, words and experiences are taken seriously and responded to with care.
Children’s safety and wellbeing
Child safe environment
Our most important commitment
Safety children can feel.
At Hawthorn Street Early Learning Centre, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for every child in our care. Your child’s safety is our top priority, and we take a proactive approach to protecting their wellbeing through comprehensive policies, staff training and clear procedures.
Every child has the right to feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally. Our dedicated team is trained to recognise, respond to and report concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. We prioritise listening to children, supporting their voices and ensuring their experiences are valued and respected.
A child-safe culture
Protection is everyone’s responsibility.
Child safety is not just a policy—it is a culture embedded in everything we do. Our team, volunteers and visitors each have a responsibility to protect children, respect their rights and speak up when something does not feel right.
We prepare
Recruitment, training, supervision and risk assessment create dependable safeguards.
We act
Concerns are documented, reported and followed through using clear procedures.
We improve
Feedback, evidence and review help strengthen practice over time.
National Child Safe Principles
Ten principles. One clear purpose.
We implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, endorsed by the Australian Government in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. They turn child safety from a policy into visible, accountable practice across the service.
Leadership, governance and culture
Child safety is embedded at every level.
Children’s participation
Children know their rights and are heard.
Family and community engagement
Families are informed, involved and supported.
Equity and inclusion
Cultural safety and diverse needs are respected.
Staff suitability and support
Recruitment, induction and supervision are rigorous.
Child-focused complaints
Reporting processes are transparent and child-centred.
Education and training
Educators are trained to identify, respond and protect.
Safe physical and online spaces
Risks are actively identified and managed.
Continuous improvement
Practice and policies are regularly reviewed.
Documented policies
Clear procedures support accountability.
What families can expect
Safeguards in everyday practice.
Recruitment and staff screening
Educators and staff hold valid Working With Children Checks, complete National Police Checks where required, participate in reference-checked recruitment and undertake induction and ongoing child-protection training.
Active supervision
Educators maintain a constant, watchful presence so children remain visible and supported during play, routines, transitions and learning.
Risk management
We conduct regular risk assessments across indoor, outdoor and community environments so potential hazards can be identified, reduced and addressed.
Training and awareness
Our staff continue learning how to recognise signs of harm, understand their reporting responsibilities and actively promote a child-safe culture.
Collaboration with families
We work closely with families to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. Your involvement and input strengthen our approach to child safety.
CCTV monitoring
CCTV monitors shared indoor and outdoor spaces to support safety, supervision and accountability. Cameras are never installed in bathrooms or nappy-change spaces. Footage is stored securely and is accessible only to authorised management for safety and compliance purposes.
When a concern arises
Listen. Report. Protect.
Every concern about a child’s safety is taken seriously and handled confidentially.
- Listening and supportingIf a child shares a concern or discloses harm, educators listen with care, reassure the child and follow our reporting procedures.
- Documenting and reportingConcerns are documented accurately and reported to the relevant child-protection authorities as required by law. Reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially.
- Working with authoritiesWe work closely with child-protection services to support the child’s safety and wellbeing throughout any investigation or follow-up process.
Creating a child-safe environment
Safety is designed into every day.
Our centre is designed to be a safe and inclusive space for every child. We take a proactive approach to maintaining safety through the environment, relationships and communication.
Physical safety checks
We regularly inspect indoor and outdoor areas to identify and address potential risks before they affect children.
Online safety practices
We monitor online activities and help children learn about safe, respectful and age-appropriate online behaviour.
Respectful relationships
Educators model positive, respectful interactions and teach children about personal safety and their right to feel safe.
Open communication
Children are encouraged to express their feelings and concerns, and are actively taught how and where to seek help.
Code of Conduct for safety
Clear expectations for every adult.
All staff, volunteers and visitors must follow our Child Safe Code of Conduct. It sets the standards of behaviour and professionalism expected from every person who interacts with children.
Standards that protect children
Acceptable and unacceptable behaviours are clearly explained so adults understand their responsibilities and children’s rights remain central.
Breaches are taken seriously
Any breach of the Code of Conduct is addressed promptly and through the appropriate reporting, management and child-protection processes.
Accountability is visible
Leadership, supervision and open communication help ensure expectations are understood and consistently demonstrated in practice.
How we work with families
Keeping children safe is shared work.
We value families as essential partners in promoting a child-safe environment. Open communication between families and educators helps us understand each child, respond early to concerns and continually strengthen our practice.
Stay informed
Become familiar with our child-protection policies, procedures and the standards families should expect from a child-safe service.
Communicate openly
Share any concern about your child’s safety or wellbeing with our educators or service Director. Questions and suggestions are always welcome.
Support safety practices
Reinforce respectful behaviour, personal-safety messages and help-seeking skills at home in ways that suit your child.
Supporting children through challenges
Extra care when children need it.
Some children face challenges that require additional care, understanding and coordinated support. Our team responds compassionately and works with the people who know the child best.
Provide emotional support
Educators offer comfort, calm and understanding when children are experiencing difficulties or distress.
Promote resilience
Children are supported to express themselves, develop coping skills and recognise trusted adults who can help.
Work as a team
We collaborate with families and relevant professionals to provide consistent, compassionate and practical support.
Feedback and continuous improvement
Your voice helps make safety stronger.
We are committed to improving our child-safety practices. Families can share feedback through conversations with educators, meetings with leadership or formal feedback channels. Every concern, question and suggestion helps us learn.
Trusted NSW guidance
Helpful resources for families.
These independent resources come from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian. They can help you recognise safe practice, talk with your child and know how to speak up.
01 · For parents and carers
What a child-safe service looks like
Know what to look for, what to ask and what you should expect from any organisation caring for your child.
Read the family guide ↗02 · Downloadable checklistA practical checklist for families
Use this one-page checklist to record what you see and the questions you want to ask about child safety.
Open the checklist ↗03 · For children under sixHelp your child feel safe and speak up
The SAFE Series helps families talk about safe spaces, private body parts, feelings and trusted adults.
Explore the SAFE Series ↗04 · When something worries youHow parents can raise a concern
Clear guidance about speaking with a service and where families can go if a concern is not resolved.
See the reporting guidance ↗Need information in another language? View the Children’s Guardian’s translated Child Safe Standards brochures ↗
Acknowledgement of Country
We learn together on Wiradjuri Country.
We acknowledge the Tubbagah People of the Wiradjuri Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and learn. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge their continuing spiritual connection to Country.
Talk with us
If something matters to you, it matters to us.
Families are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns and provide feedback directly with the service Director.
Call (02) 6884 3583info@hawthornstreetelc.com.au