Safeguarding

Under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 the Scheme covers anyone who has a Working With Children Check to fulfil their role (employee and volunteer). The Scheme is in place to monitor the behaviour of those that work with children.

The Scheme monitors how organisations investigate and report on certain conduct (known as ‘reportable allegations’ and ‘reportable convictions’) made against their employees, volunteers or certain contractors who provide services to children. The Scheme is administered by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. For more information click here.

If you have concerns about alleged inappropriate behaviour by a staff member towards any child or young person, it is important that you discuss your concerns with the Principal who in turn will consult with the CSBB’s Safeguarding Office.

All school staff are mandatory reporters under the Children & Young Persons (Care & Protection) Act 1998.  This means that if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect, then a report must be made to the Department of Communities & Justice Child Protection Helpline (CP Helpline).

School staff are expected to inform the Principal if they are concerned that a child may be at risk.  It is the role of the Principal (or delegate) to make the report to the CP Helpline.

In making a report, the Principal will consider all of the information and seek appropriate advice from the CSBB’s Safeguarding Office.  Any information about a child at risk is kept confidentially by the Principal.

In situations where a child is considered to be at risk the school will work with the child/young person and family to assist them as much as possible. We recognise that a statutory response is not always required and where a family may need extra support, we will assist in making referrals to support the family if needed.

If you have concerns about a child who you consider may be at risk, please discuss your concerns with the Principal as soon as possible and maintain confidentiality.

Anyone applying for teaching or school support staff positions will be required to apply for a Working with Children Check in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 and obtain clearance before being eligible to work in a Broken Bay Catholic Systemic School. An approved employee or volunteer will email their WWCC Number, Full Name and Date of Birth to wwcc@dbb.catholic.edu.au for verification.

The purpose of the check is to exclude people from working with children who are not suitable.  A person who has been convicted or found guilty of a listed serious offence against children (whether in NSW or elsewhere) is prohibited from working in a child-related role.

Volunteers and contractors who are exempt from requiring a Working with Children Check will be required to complete a Declaration and Undertakings regarding Safe School Exs.