SAFE SERIES- Keeping all friends safe!

Safe Series-Fiona and her 5 heroes

Educators undertake child protection training on an annual basis as part of our regulatory requirements and this year our team also attended a training session facilitated by the Office of the Children’s Guardian unpacking The 10 Child Safe Standards.

The Office of the Children’s Guardian has also developed the SAFE series protective behaviours program that educators were planning to showcase during Child Protection Week. However, due to recent media reports related to the Early Childhood Sector we felt it was necessary to move our intentions to an earlier date.

In saying this, your child participated within a small group learning experience today unpacking the first book associated with the SAFE series, “Fiona finds five heroes”. The session was facilitated by Virginia and supported by Yasmin. While exploring the text we discussed the importance of having 5 heroes that can help keep us safe from harm, and that these heroes can be found within different environments too. For example, you might list your Mum as someone who could help you keep safe, a teacher from preschool, a close relative or family friend.

After engaging with the story, your child listed 5 heroes that they feel comfortable to speak with, to help keep them safe. Your child’s responses have been placed in your family pocket located within the foyer area. We have also attached a pamphlet with information about why you have been asked to be a hero. Please share this information with all your child’s chosen heroes too, ensuring their voices are heard, and they feel safe from harm.

Protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and we actively encourage children to think about their own safety. We will also continue to unpack the rest of the books and messages associated with the SAFE series in the coming weeks.