Child Safeguarding

The Cottage School is committed to ensuring the safety, protection and wellbeing of all children and young people at the school and in all school environments.

At The Cottage School, we have a zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect and grooming.

The school’s commitment to child safety is based on the following overarching principles that guide the development and regular review of our work systems, practices, policies and procedures to protect children from abuse.

1. All children and young people have the right to be safe.
2. The welfare and best interests of the child or young person are paramount.
3. The views of the child or young person and their privacy must be respected.
4. Clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children and young people are established in our Child Safe Code of Conduct and Maintaining Professional Boundaries policy.
5. The safety of children and young people is dependent upon the existence of a child safeguarding culture.
6. Child safety awareness is promoted and openly discussed within our School community.
7. Procedures are in place to screen all staff, Committee members, Volunteers, Third Party Contractors and External Education Providers in accordance with the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013 (Tas).
8. Child safety and protection is everyone’s responsibility.
9. Child protection training is mandatory for all Committee members, staff members, Direct Contact Volunteers and Direct Contact Contractors.
10. Procedures for responding to alleged or suspected incidents of child abuse, neglect or grooming are simple and accessible for all members of the school community.
11. Procedures are in place to ensure all school premises are designed to ensure the safety of children and young people.

Child Safe Code of Conduct

Family and Community Communication

Safeguarding Policy

Mandatory Reporting

2023 Actions completed 

2024 Completed Actions and Commitments (as at 20 June 2024)