Our Safety Commitment
At Affinity Education, we believe that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to upholding the safety, rights and wellbeing of all children and promote a culture of child safety with a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and harm.
Our mission is to provide safe, secure, and nurturing environments where children can thrive, and our safety policies are built on the highest standards of care and protection.
Safety is not just a priority; it is a fundamental part of our daily operations. Every educator, staff member, and leader is dedicated to upholding our stringent safety protocols, ensuring that children, families, and employees feel secure in our centres.
Child Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
Each member of our team is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Our #SafetyStartsWithMe initiative empowers every staff member to take personal accountability for maintaining safety standards and encourages a proactive approach to preventing incidents.
Key focus areas in child safety:
- Child protection and mandatory reporting: Every staff member is trained in child protection and understands their responsibilities regarding mandatory reporting. Any concerns are acted upon immediately, with clear procedures in place for escalation to appropriate authorities.
- Safe and secure environments: We regularly review and audit our learning environments to identify potential hazards and implement solutions. Our focus is on creating spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow safely.
- Vigilant supervision: Active supervision is a core practice at Affinity. Our educators are trained to maintain constant awareness of the children in their care, and we encourage open dialogue among staff to address any concerns. Our philosophy is simple: See Something, Say Something.
Key Safety Initiatives at Affinity Education
To maintain the highest safety standards, we have established a comprehensive range of initiatives across all centres. These initiatives ensure that children, families, and staff are protected at every level:
- Child and family records: We regularly audit child enrolment records and family contact information to ensure all details are up to date, including authorised collectors and immunization records.
- Medical management: Medical management plans, dietary needs, and risk assessments are reviewed and updated for each child. Food-related ID cards and placemats are created to ensure safety during mealtime.
- Hygiene practices: Maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential. Our staff is trained in the safe handling of chemicals and follow rigorous hygiene protocols to minimise illness.
- Supervision and educator safety: We review supervision plans regularly, ensuring that children are actively monitored at all times. Additionally, we focus on the safety of our educators, including uniform safety, footwear, and pregnancy safety at work.
- Safe sleep practices: We follow strict safe sleep guidelines to ensure that children are sleeping in a secure environment, with regular audits and checks conducted to maintain compliance.
- Excursions and transport safety: Our excursion and transport procedures are designed to keep children safe during external activities. We conduct regular training, audits, and car seat checks to ensure safety during every trip.
- Fences, gates, and egress points: Entry and exit points at all centres are monitored and checked regularly to prevent unauthorised access and ensure the safety of children and staff.
- Emergency management: We conduct regular emergency drills and ensure that staff are well-prepared to handle any situation. Our emergency management plans are continuously reviewed and updated to maintain readiness.
- Sun safety: We adhere to the SunSmart guidelines, ensuring that all children and staff are protected from harmful UV rays through safe outdoor practices.
Fostering a Culture of Safety
Our commitment to safety is deeply ingrained in our culture. Through clear policies, ongoing training, and regular audits, we ensure that safety remains a top priority across all our centres. At Affinity Education, we are dedicated to creating an environment where children, families, and staff can feel secure.
