In Focus

Regulatory Spotlight

The Child Safe Project will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for small to medium organisations and regional organisations throughout WA, including their staff and volunteers, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to create safe environments for children and young people.

Workshops and live webinars will encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement and provide opportunities for collaboration and networking with other organisations on this implementation journey. This collaboration can lead to sharing resources and knowledge, ultimately strengthening child safety efforts. The project also offers organisations the chance to contribute to a collective effort in WA towards creating safer environments for children.

Workshop: Capacity Building for Child-Safe Organisations

This full-day training provides a holistic approach to creating and developing child-safe organisations. The training covers the National Principles and delves deeper into what it truly means to be a child-safe organisation. Participants will gain valuable insights and knowledge to create a safe and protective environment for children under their care.

The training addresses the importance of adopting a ‘child safe culture’. Furthermore, the training is designed to equip attendees with a thorough understanding of the impact of child abuse and its long-term effect on children’s well-being. By raising awareness about these critical issues, participants will be better prepared to recognise and respond to potential risks, ensuring the safety and protection of children within their organisation.

It involves fostering a proactive and preventive mindset within the organisation. Participants will explore the key principles and practices contributing to creating a child-safe environment.

Throughout the training, interactive activities, case studies and group discussions will encourage participants to share their experiences implementing the National Principles and learn from others.

By the end of the day, participants will be well-equipped to:

• understand the impact of child abuse and the importance of understanding
• understand the importance of early intervention and reporting mechanisms
• comprehend the critical elements of child safety policies and procedures
• implement National Principles to create a child-safe organisation
• foster a culture that places children's safety and well-being at the forefront.

This full-day training offers a transformative experience that empowers participants to become advocates for child safety within their organisation.

Workshop Agenda

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that the content in the workshop discusses child sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some participants. 

1. Understanding the Context of Child Safety
2. Prevalence of abuse, grooming and dynamics of offenders
3. National Principles for a Child-Safe Organisation with additional focus on:

• Responding to disclosures or complaints, and reporting abuse and concerns
• Risk Management and Organisational Safeguarding
• Empowering Children and Young People

Northcliffe Child Safe Organisation Workshop

• 29 January 2024
• 9am – 3.30pm
• Northcliffe Family and Community Centre, 158 Zamia St, Northcliffe
• Workshop Northcliffe

Albany Capacity Building for Child Safe Organisations

• 1 February 2024
• 9am – 3.30pm
• City of Albany Civic Rooms, 102 North Rd, Yakamia
• Capacity Building Albany

Port Hedland Child Safe Organisation Workshop

• 22 January 2024
• 9am – 3.30pm
• TBA
• Workshop Port Hedland

Karratha Child Safe Organisation Workshop

• 23 January 2024
• 9am – 3.30pm
• TBA
• Workshop Karratha

Enrolled children being fed known allergens

We are seeing an increase in the number of incidents where children with a known allergy or anaphylaxis diagnosis are being given and/or fed foods containing known allergens. This is a circumstance that poses a significant risk to children and highlights the importance for approved providers to ensure:

• that any child who has a specific health care need, allergy or medical condition has a medical management plan and relevant staff are aware of the plan requirements and the location of any medication
• that a risk minimisation plan has been developed in consultation with the parents of the child
• that a communications plan has been developed
• all relevant staff and volunteers are aware of the plans to support the needs of the child (induction, training and ongoing practice audits).

Approved providers are required to notify the Regulatory Authority when a child experiences an allergic reaction while at the service, where medical treatment is required. If a child is fed a known allergen but does not require medical treatment, this should still be reported to the Regulatory Authority via the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS) as a 'Notification of Incident', specifically a circumstance that poses a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing.

For further information and training please go to:

• Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
• Allergy Aware
• ACECQA Policy and procedure guidelines: Dealing with medical conditions in children.

Quality in Focus  

ECRU Website Redesign

We’ve just launched our new look website. It’s now easier to find our information and resources and keep up-to date on what's happening in the education and care sector.

With better navigation and a better user experience, we hope you love it as much as we do.

The website features:

• media statements and ECRU News
• videos relevant to the education and care sector
• information on legislative changes and updates
• Searchable enforcement actions and non-compliance information
• information and guidance around assessment & rating
• career opportunities at ECRU

We also have a new button to guide you through things to consider before you report a concern to the Education and Care Regulatory Unit.

We’d love to hear your feedback too, so please take a look around. Comments are welcome ECRU@communities.wa.gov.au

Help shape the future of the ECEC sector

The Australian Department of Education and ORIMA Research are calling on ECEC professionals to help shape the future of the sector. Participate in a brief online survey for your chance to win a $100 voucher. The survey ensures anonymity and the results, provided back to stakeholders, will offer valuable insights for future policies. Learn more.

My Community Directory 

My Community Directory lists organisations that provide services that are free or subsidised to the public in thousands of locations across Australia. It provides a common platform for community services organisations to list their services online, for free, as well as provide a source of up-to-date data for planning, referral and research. 

Upcoming Events 

3 December     International Day of People with Disability

5 December     International Volunteer Day

10 December   International Animal Rights Day

                           Human Rights Day

18 December   International Migrants Day