The new standards came into effect on 1 July 2022.
Schools need to update their child safety strategies, policies and practices to comply with the new standards.
Ministerial Order 1359 provides the framework for child safety in schools.
New Child Safe Standards
Schools - culturally safe environments guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 1: Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
Schools - leadership, governance and culture guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 2: Ensure that child safety and wellbeing are embedded in school leadership, governance and culture.
Schools - child and student empowerment guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Schools - family engagement guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Schools - diversity and equity guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 5: Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected in policy and practice.
Schools - suitable staff and volunteers guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Schools - complaints processes guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 7: Ensure that processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
Schools - child safety knowledge, skills and awareness guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 8: Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Schools - child safety in physical and online environments guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Schools - review of child safety practices guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 10: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Schools - implementation of child safety practices guidance
Guidance on Child Safe Standard 11: Policies and procedures that document how schools are safe for children, young people and students.
Templates and resources
Child Safe Standards templates and resources
Further information and downloadable resources to meet the Child Safe Standards for schools.
Updated