Shine Learning is committed to:

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• Zero tolerance of child abuse; 

• Listening to and empowering children and young people; and 

• Keeping children and young people safe.

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At Shine Learning, our objective is for all staff to be confident to make and implement appropriate decisions, with child safety front of mind.

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This Code of Conduct has a specific focus on safeguarding children and young people against sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse or neglect.

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All staff and contractors are expected to actively contribute to a culture that respects the dignity of its members and observe child safe principles and expectations for appropriate behaviour towards and in the company of children, as noted below. 

 

Acceptable Behaviours

All staff and contractors are responsible for supporting the safety of children by:

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• taking all reasonable steps to protect children/young people from abuse.

• treating everyone with respect.

• listening and responding to the views and concerns of children/young people, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused or that they are worried about their safety/the safety of another child/young person.

• promoting the cultural safety, participation, and empowerment of all children, of all cultural backgrounds.

• promoting the safety, participation, and empowerment of children/young people with a disability.

• ensuring as far as practicable that adults are not alone with a child/young person.

• reporting any allegations of child abuse to Director of Shine Learning or/and the nominated Child Safety Officer.

• understanding and complying with all reporting obligations as they relate to mandatory reporting and reporting under the Crimes Act 1958.

• reporting any child safety concerns to the Director of Shine Learning or/and the nominated Child Safety Officer.

• if an allegation of child abuse is made, ensuring as quickly as possible that the child(ren)/young person(s) are safe.

• reporting to the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) any charges, committals for trial or convictions in relation to a sexual offence by a registered teacher, or certain allegations or concerns about a registered teacher.

 

Safety Measures

• At all times, have the safety of all children in the forefront of our minds.  This includes physical and emotional safety.

• We will walk every student to their parent/guardian/adult at the conclusion of their lesson, sighting each parent/guardian/adult who is responsible for the pick-up.

• Be aware of traffic hazards at all times and ensure children are aware of these.

• Have an open-door policy during every lesson, i.e., doors are left open (when possible) and unlocked at all times.  

• Windows are un-covered with all blinds up.

• Emergency Exit and Evacuation Exit in-place.

 

Unacceptable Behaviours

All staff and contractors must not:

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• ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse.

• develop any ‘special’ relationships with children/young person that could be seen as favouritism (for example, the offering of gifts or special treatment for specific children/young people).

• exhibit behaviours with children/young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical (for example inappropriate sitting on laps).

• put children/young people at risk of abuse (for example, interacting with students in an unsupervised space or one to one online live environment).

• initiate unnecessary physical contact with children/young people.

• engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children/young people.

• use inappropriate language in the presence of children/young people.

• express personal views on cultures, race, or sexuality in the presence of children/young people.

• discriminate against any child/young person, because of age, gender, race, culture, vulnerability, sexuality, ethnicity, or disability.

• have contact with a child/young person or their family outside of Shine Learning.  Accidental contact, such as seeing people in the street, is appropriate.

• have any online contact with a child/young person by social media, email, instant messaging etc, or their family (unless necessary, e.g. to cancel a lesson, advise of absence or sending lesson homework).

• photograph or video a child/young person without the consent of the individual and parents/carers.

• work with children/young people whilst under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs (face to face or online).

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Updated – March 2023

Review – March 2024