Child Safety
Introduction
Waverley Christian College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. As a Christian community, we believe that every child is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is worthy of protection, respect, and advocacy. Waverley Christian College has zero tolerance for child abuse. We are committed to providing an environment where children and young people feel safe, and their voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.
Every person involved in Waverley Christian College has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people are at the forefront of everything they do and every decision they make.
Definition of Child Abuse
Child Abuse can be defined as:
- Physical violence inflicted on a child.
- Sexual offences committed against a child.
- Grooming of a child by an adult.
- Family violence committed against or in the presence of a child.
- Serious emotional or psychological harm to a child.
- Serious neglect of a child.
Child abuse can be committed by a staff member, another student, a parent/carer or any other person on Waverley Christian College premises or at Waverley Christian College events.
Definition of Reportable Conduct
Reportable Conduct occurs when an allegation of child abuse is made against one of the workers in the organisation. The Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005(Vic) defines reportable conduct as including five key areas:
- Sexual offences committed against, with or in the presence of a child
- Sexual misconduct committed against, with or in the presence of a child
- Physical violence against, with or in the presence of a child
- Any behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child
- Significant neglect of a child
Reportable conduct is considered a child safety incident or concern under our Child Safety Policy. If an allegation meets the definition of reportable conduct, the College must investigate and notify the Social Services Regulator in accordance with the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic).
Some examples of conduct that likely would not constitute reportable conduct include:
- one-off touching of a child to get their attention, guide them or comfort them;
- a teacher occasionally raising their voice to attract attention or restore order in a classroom; or
- conduct that is established to be accidental.
Codes of Conduct
All staff must comply with the College’s Codes of Conduct and professional standards, including the Child Safe Code of Conduct and Staff and Student Professional Boundaries Policy, and must report any breaches.
The broader College community must comply with the Child Safe Code of Conduct, and parents must also comply with the Parent Code of Conduct. All College community members should report incidents of, or concerns about, child safety or reportable conduct to the College.
Reporting a Child Safety or Reportable Conduct concern related to Waverley Christian College
If you would like to report a child safety or reportable conduct related concern, you can do so by:
- Sending an email to childsafety@wcc.vic.edu.au
- Contacting the Deputy Principal at the College via College reception
If the Principal is the subject of your complaint or allegation, please contact the Council Chair via email: councilchair@wcc.vic.edu.au
Where to Find More Information
For more information about our policies and procedures relating to Waverley Christian College’s management of child safety incidents or concerns occurring at or involving Waverley Christian College or its staff members, child safety-related complaints, or complaints handling generally, please refer to the Child Safety Policies below or the Policies page on our website
