Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Purpose. This policy sets out how Summit meets the Victorian Child Safe Standards in every program, facility and interaction involving children and young people, and what every worker and volunteer must do to keep children safe.

1.Commitment

Summit is committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children and young people, including Aboriginal children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability and children who are LGBTIQ. Summit has zero tolerance for child abuse and will act on every concern. Children's views will be sought and respected in how programs are run.

2.Legal framework

This policy gives effect to the Victorian Child Safe Standards under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Victoria), the Working with Children Check requirements, the reportable conduct scheme where it applies and the criminal law duties to report and protect. Sport programs also follow the child safeguarding requirements of the relevant national sporting organisations.

3.Recruitment and screening

Every worker and volunteer whose role involves contact with children must hold a current Working with Children Check before they start, verified by Summit and recorded in the register. Recruitment will include referee checks and interview questions about child safety. Coaches and swim teachers will also hold the qualifications their role requires.

4.Code of conduct

Workers and volunteers must behave toward children in a way that is respectful, safe and transparent. The code of conduct is signed at induction and re-signed annually.

• Never be alone with a child out of sight of others
• No physical contact beyond what the activity requires, explained first
• No private electronic communication with a child
• No photographs or videos without written parental consent
• No favouritism, gifts or contact outside the program
• Change rooms supervised to the change room procedure
• Report every concern, however small

5.Recognising and reporting concerns

Any worker or volunteer who sees or hears something that concerns them about a child's safety, whether from another adult, another child or the child's home, must report it the same day to the Customer Experience and Safety Manager or the site manager on duty. Where a child is in immediate danger, call the police first. Summit will report to the police, child protection or the reportable conduct scheme as the law requires, and will support the child and the reporter. Reports are recorded confidentially in the incident register.

6.Supervision and program design

Programs for children will be run with supervision ratios set for the activity and the age group, with a documented process for arrival, departure and lost children. Children will only be released to a nominated adult. Overnight outdoor programs will have leaders of appropriate gender balance and sleeping arrangements that separate adults and children.

7.Training and review

All workers and volunteers complete child safety induction before starting and refresher training every twelve months. This policy is reviewed annually and after any reportable incident, with children and families consulted on how safe they feel in Summit programs.