Child Safety Policy

1. Purpose

Nibras Academy is committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe environment where all children are respected, protected, and empowered. This policy outlines our commitment to child safety and well-being, and the measures we take to ensure the care and protection of all students under the age of 18.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, tutors, contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals associated with Nibras Academy who interact with children in the course of providing educational services.

3. Commitment to Child Safety

Nibras Academy:

  • Has zero tolerance for child abuse in any form.

  • Supports the rights of the child to feel safe, valued, and heard.

  • Ensures that all staff and tutors understand their legal and ethical obligations to protect children from harm.

  • Adheres to the Child Safe Standards set out by the Victorian Commission for Children and Young People and other applicable state/territory regulations.

4. Responsibilities

Management and Directors

  • Ensure compliance with child safety legislation and policy.

  • Promote a culture of child safety within the organisation.

  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures.

Tutors and Staff

  • Must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) or equivalent clearance.

  • Must complete regular child safety training.

  • Must immediately report any suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or harm in line with mandatory reporting requirements.

Parents and Guardians

  • They are encouraged to support and participate in the development of a safe learning environment.

  • Should raise any concerns with the Academy’s management promptly.

5. Child Empowerment and Participation

We actively involve children in decisions that affect them, and we listen to their views with respect. Children are informed about their right to feel safe and how to raise concerns with trusted adults at the Academy.

6. Recruitment and Screening

We implement rigorous recruitment and screening practices to ensure only suitable people work with children. This includes:

  • Reference checks

  • Verification of qualifications

  • Mandatory Working With Children Checks

  • Ongoing performance and behaviour monitoring

7. Reporting Child Safety Concerns

All staff and volunteers must report any concerns or allegations of child abuse or neglect. Reports can be made to:

  • Academy management

  • Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)

  • Police or Child Protection Services, as required

Reports are treated seriously, promptly, and confidentially. We will cooperate fully with authorities during investigations.

8. Risk Management

We regularly assess risks to child safety in all programs, particularly:

  • One-on-one tutoring sessions (including online)

  • Excursions or events

  • Use of digital technologies

Appropriate safeguards are implemented to reduce potential harm, including the requirement that online sessions be monitored or recorded where appropriate and that children are never left unsupervised during tutoring hours.

9. Review and Communication

This policy is reviewed annually and after any significant incident or legislative change. All staff are required to read, understand, and comply with this policy.

We communicate this policy to parents/guardians during enrolment and make it publicly available on our website.

10. Contact and Support

If you have any concerns related to child safety, please contact:

Nibras Academy Pty Ltd.
Email: admin@nibrasacademy.com.au
Website: www.nibrasacademy.com.au

Last updated: 30/05/2025.