At Little Seeds, children’s safety, rights, and wellbeing are at the forefront of everything we do. Our comprehensive recruitment process including multiple reference checks, a National Police Check, an employee-verified Working With Children's check clearance, a six-month probation period, and a mandatory Prohibition Declaration ensures our educators are qualified, experienced, and committed to safe, nurturing care. All staff complete mandatory child protection training and participate in annual refresher courses, including the latest legislative GEKKO training. We provide ongoing professional development in mandatory reporting and child protection, actively preventing, identifying, and responding to any allegations, suspicions, or risks of abuse, neglect, grooming, or exploitation. Child safety is embedded in our governance, leadership, culture, systems, and everyday practice through robust policies and procedures.
Child Safe Commitment Statement
Little Seeds Early Learning is unequivocally committed to the safety, wellbeing, participation and empowerment of every child and young person in our care. We recognise our legal, ethical and moral obligations to comply with the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Child Safe Standards, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and all relevant state and federal child protection legislation.
We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse in any form.
1. Our Non-Negotiable Commitment
We prioritise children’s rights, safety and wellbeing in every decision, action and policy.We actively prevent, identify and respond to all allegations, suspicions or risks of abuse, neglect, grooming or exploitation.We embed child safety in our governance, leadership, culture, systems, and everyday practice.
2. Standards, Principles and Policy Foundations
We implement and abide by our Child Safe Environment Policy, which operationalises:
- The NSW OCG Child Safe Standards (10 Standards)
- The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (2019)
- The National Child Safe Standards (2022) where referenced in sector guidance
- Relevant obligations under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW), the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW), and the Reportable Conduct Scheme
- Mandatory reporting requirements, including use of the Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) in NSW
3. Zero Tolerance, Clear Boundaries and Safe Conduct
Little Seeds does not tolerate physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, exploitation, grooming or exposure to family violence.We maintain a Child Safe Code of Conduct that defines acceptable and unacceptable behaviour with children, families and colleagues.We enforce clear professional boundaries for all employees, volunteers, contractors, students and visitors.4. Inclusive, Culturally Safe and Accessible Practice
We are dedicated to creating environments that are safe, respectful and inclusive for all children, including:
- First Nations children and young people, with culturally informed and community-led approaches
- Children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
- Children with disability, neurodivergent children, and children with additional needs
We value diversity and do not tolerate discriminatory attitudes or practices.
5. Empowering Children and Centring Their Voice
- We uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring every child has the right to be safe, heard and respected.
- We teach protective strategies and body safety concepts in age-appropriate ways.
- Children are encouraged to express their views, and staff listen to, respect and act on them.
6. Families, Communities and Transparency
- We work in partnership with families and carers.
- We communicate openly about our child safe policies, procedures and expectations.
- We share information lawfully with external agencies when required.
- We welcome feedback, concerns and complaints, and provide clear pathways for resolution.
7. Capability, Supervision and Continuous Learning
- We invest in ongoing, role-appropriate professional development.
- Leaders are accountable for embedding and monitoring child safe practices.
- We regularly review and improve policies, procedures and training.
8. Reporting, Responding and Supporting
- All staff are mandatory reporters and act immediately on any concerns within 24 hours.
- We follow clear, trauma-informed reporting pathways to appropriate authorities.
- We support children, families and staff with respectful and timely responses.
- We protect whistleblowers from victimisation.
9. Safe Physical, Online and Organisational Environments
- We assess and manage risks across all environments, including excursions, transport, rest, personal care and digital spaces.
- We ensure appropriate supervision, visibility and record-keeping practices.
10. Governance, Accountability and Continuous Improvement
- Leadership holds ultimate responsibility for child safety and oversight.
- We are committed to continuous improvement and learning from our community and the sector.
Recruitment Strategy
- All educators, support staff and management undergo a thorough recruitment process, including:
All employees complete induction and a probation period with structured check-ins. Ongoing annual child protection training is required for all staff.
- Face-to-face interviews (two interviews for leadership roles)
- Behavioural and competency-based assessments
- Reference checks with previous employers
- Verification of qualifications and experience
- National Police Checks and compliance history
- Verified Working With Children Checks
- Mandatory child protection training
- Signed Child Safety Commitment
Further Child Protection Strategy
- Mandatory Training
All team members complete child protection training on induction and annually thereafter. - Clear Policies
Policies align with national regulations and are communicated and reviewed regularly. - Culture of Speaking Up
We foster an environment where concerns are encouraged and taken seriously. - Family Communication
We prioritise open, ongoing communication with families and welcome all feedback.
