The Arty Tribe After School Art Program Child Safe Policy

The Arty Tribe is a child Safe program. We are extremely committed to the care, safety and wellbeing of all children attending our program. Our primary goal is to provide quality Art education to the community, to empower children of all abilities to express themselves through art making in a safe, nurturing friendly environment. We believe that children, and volunteers have the right to feel happy, safe and respected. We celebrate cultural diversity, promoting its enrichment in the Art Classes, and treat all children, staff and volunteers with respect.

The Arty Tribes Commitment to Children

  • We commit to the safety and wellbeing of all children enrolled in our program

  • We commit to providing a positive and nurturing experience for children

  • We commit to listening to and empowering students, taking their views seriously and addressing any issues they may have

  • We commit to taking action to ensure children are protected from abuse and harm

The Arty Tribes Commitment to Parents and Guardians

  • We commit to communicating honestly and openly with parents and guardians about the wellbeing and safety of their children

  • We commit to engaging with and listening to the views of parents and carers about our child safe policies and procedures

  • We commit to acknowledging the cultural diversity of families and children

  • We commit to continuously reviewing our child safety policies and code of conduct to protect children from abuse

The Arty Tribes Commitment to Staff and Volunteers

  • We commit to providing staff and volunteers with the necessary support to fulfill their role

  • We commit to listening to all concerns of staff, volunteers and contractors about the safety and wellbeing of children

  • We commit to providing regular opportunities for staff to clarify and confirm policies and procedures in relation to the safety and wellbeing of the children in their care

  • All staff and volunteers are required to sign a statement acknowledging Arty Tribes commitment to Child Safety and Code of Conduct

Recruitment of Staff and Volunteers

  • All staff and volunteers are required to provide and maintain a current WWC.

  • All staff and volunteers are required to comply with Arty Tribes child safety policies and procedures and adhere to our code of conduct

Reporting a Concern or Complaint

  • Any parent, guardian, member of staff or other concerned person may report their concerns directly to Jenni on 0421 673 083 or theartytribe@gmail.com. Arty Tribe will investigate any and all concerns thoroughly and report back to the complainant with findings. If anyone believes a child is in immediate danger, they should call 000.

The Arty Tribe is committed to the prevention of abuse and to the wellbeing of children and their families. We have developed a code of conduct with a focus on creating positive interactions and environments for healthy development.

Code of Conduct

The Arty Tribe are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that all children being educated and cared for in the Art classes are protected from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury

  • Providing an environment that encourages positive interactions and supports constructive feedback from children, parents and carers

  • Respecting individual abilities, needs, cultural practices and beliefs in all interactions, both verbal and non-verbal.

  • Encouraging children to ‘have a say’ and participate in all relevant organisational activities where possible, especially on issues that are important to them.

  • Promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds (for example, by having a zero tolerance of discrimination)

  • Promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of children with a disability

  • Contacting Police in an emergency situation where it is believed that there is an immediate risk (e.g. when violence has been threatened or perpetrated)

  • Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse

  • Listening and responding to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused and/or are worried about their safety or the safety of another

  • Reporting any allegations of child abuse to Leadership

  • If an allegation of child abuse is made, ensure as quickly as possible that the child(ren) are safe

The Arty Tribe will not :

  • Exhibit behaviours with children, which may be construed as unnecessarily physical

  • Put children at risk of abuse

  • Engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children

  • Use inappropriate language in the presence of children

  • Express personal views on cultures, race or sexuality in the presence of children

  • Discriminate against any child, including or because of culture, race, ethnicity or disability

  • Ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse.

The Arty Tribe Staff and volunteers commit to:

  • Being positive role models at all times

  • Encouraging children to express themselves and their opinions

  • Allowing children to undertake experiences that develop self-reliance and self-esteem

  • Maintaining a safe environment for children

  • Respecting the rights of all children

  • Contributing to a service environment that is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment

  • Speaking to children in an encouraging and positive manner

  • Listening actively to children and offering empathy and support

  • Giving each child positive guidance and encouraging appropriate behaviour

  • Regarding all children equally and with respect and dignity

  • Having regard to the cultural values, age, physical and intellectual development, and abilities of each child

  • Providing opportunities for children to interact and develop respectful and positive relationships with each other, and with other staff members and volunteers

  • Informing children if physical contact is required for any purpose, and asking them if they are comfortable with this interaction

  • Ensuring all interactions with children are undertaken in full view of other adults

  • Respecting the confidential nature of information gained about each child while participating in the programs.

  • If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000