Guidance
Guidance, policies and templates
The PROTECT website(opens in a new window) includes detailed templates, guidance and checklists to support schools to implement the new standards.
PROTECT includes:
- Ministerial Order 1359 (PDF)(opens in a new window)
- information about regulation and compliance(opens in a new window)
- guidance on how to implement the 11 Child Safe Standards(opens in a new window)
- training, resources and templates(opens in a new window).
Updated guidance for child safety champions(opens in a new window) is also available.
Other updated policy templates for schools are available through the School Policy Templates Portal (staff login required)(opens in a new window) – including bullying prevention, child safety responding and reporting obligations, complaints, digital learning, student wellbeing and engagement, supervision, visitors and volunteers.
Steps to implementation
Government schools can use this action list to implement the Standards:
Child Safety action list (DOCX)(opens in a new window)
To meet the Standards, schools should consult with families, students and the local community when developing policies and practices to address the Standards.
Template newsletter and website text to support schools to consult with the school community on their child safety policies is available on the Child Safe Standards page(opens in a new window) (staff login required) of the School Policy Templates Portal.
For additional guidance on how to consult, refer to Child Safe Standard 4: Family Engagement(opens in a new window).
Schools must review their child safety and wellbeing policies:
- after any significant child safety incident
- at least once every 2 years.
For further support to implement the Child Safe Standards, schools can contact child.safe.schools@education.vic.gov.au or school.compliance@education.vic.gov.au
Updated