Northern Beaches

Child Safe Policy for Northern Beaches Brazilian Soccer Schools

Introduced 10th July 2023

1. Introduction

At Northern Beaches Brazilian Soccer Schools we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all children participating in our junior and youth coaching programs. We have implemented the Child Safe Standards enforced by the Office of the Children's Guardian in New South Wales (NSW). This policy outlines our commitment to each of the standards and demonstrates how we are embedding child safety in our organization.

1. Standard 1: Embedding Child Safety

We are dedicated to embedding child safety throughout our organization. To reinforce a child safe culture, we:

• Conduct thorough background checks, including verification of Working with Children Checks (WWCC), for all staff members, volunteers, and contractors.

• Develop and regularly review policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the Child Safe Standards and best practices in child protection.

• Provide child safety training and education to all staff members, volunteers, and contractors.

• Encourage open communication and transparency regarding child safety concerns.

• Establish clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour and interactions with children.

• Foster a culture where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to voice their concerns.

1. Standard 2: Children's Rights

Children are safer when organizations teach them about their rights to be heard, listened to, and believed. To ensure children's voices are heard, we:

• Implement child-friendly communication channels to encourage children to express their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.

• Establish feedback mechanisms to actively listen to children's opinions and take appropriate actions.

• Encourage children's participation in decision-making processes that affect their experiences within our programs.

• Educate children about their rights and provide resources to help them understand and assert these rights.

1. Standard 3: Inclusion of Families

Children are safer when organizations include parents, carers, and families in their activities and consult them on children's development. To engage families, we:

• Foster open and regular communication with parents, carers, and families to keep them informed about program activities, expectations, and child safety measures.

• Collaborate with families to support children's development and address their individual needs.

• Seek parental consent for any activities involving children, such as off-site events or media release permissions.

• Encourage families to actively participate in our programs and provide feedback on their experiences.

1. Standard 4: Equity and Diversity

In our organization, we uphold equity and consider diverse needs. To ensure inclusivity, we:

• Embrace children of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds in our programs.

• Provide accessible facilities and accommodations for children with disabilities or specific needs.

• Celebrate and promote diversity by integrating cultural awareness and inclusivity into our coaching sessions.

• Train our staff members to recognize and respond appropriately to the unique needs of all children in our care.

1. Standard 5: Suitable and Supported Staff

At our organization, we work to ensure that the people working with children are suitable and supported. To achieve this, we:

• Verify and maintain up-to-date Working with Children Checks (WWCC) for all staff members, volunteers, and contractors.

• Implement robust recruitment processes, including interviews, reference checks, and thorough screening procedures.

• Provide ongoing professional development and training opportunities to enhance staff members' knowledge of child protection and best practices.

• Foster a supportive work environment where staff members can seek guidance and report any concerns related to child safety.

1. Standard 6: Complaints Policy

We know that child safe cultures create environments where staff can identify and report suspected harm to children. To facilitate reporting, we have established a comprehensive complaints policy that outlines the procedure for reporting concerns related to child safety. 

1. Standard 7: Ongoing Education and Training

A child safe organization promotes continuous learning and provides regular ongoing education and training. To ensure our employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills, we:

• Provide regular training sessions and workshops on child safe practices, child protection policies, and responding to child safety concerns.

• Encourage staff members to participate in external training programs and conferences related to child safety.

• Keep employees updated on any changes in legislation or best practices pertaining to child safety.

1. Standard 8: Risk Assessment and Physical Environments

A child safe organization adapts its physical environments to minimize opportunities for abuse to occur. To manage risks in our physical and online environments, we:

• Conduct regular risk assessments of our facilities, equipment, and online platforms to identify and address potential safety hazards.

• Implement appropriate safety measures, including secure access controls, supervision protocols, and age-appropriate equipment.

• Educate children about online safety, including guidelines for responsible internet use, privacy protection, and safe communication practices.

1. Standard 9: Continuous Improvement

Child safe organizations know it takes ongoing effort to maintain a safe environment for children. To stay updated with child safe practices, we:

• Stay informed about the latest research, guidelines, and best practices in child protection.

• Regularly review and update our policies, procedures, and training materials to reflect any changes in legislation or industry standards.

• Seek feedback from children, families, and staff members to continuously improve our child safety practices.

1. Standard 10: Policies and Procedures

Our organization's policies and procedures reflect the Child Safe Standards. 

By implementing this Northern Beaches Brazilian Soccer Schools aims to ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of every child in our care. We encourage open dialogue and collaboration with parents, carers, families, and the wider community to maintain a child safe environment.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like further information about our child safe practices, please contact us;

northernbeaches@braziliansoccerschools.com