Child safety guides give families questions to ask early learning services

Families looking for information about an early learning service’s approach to child safety can access a collection of resources through WA’s Department of Communities. The material covers organisations working with children and young people, including services and community activities.

The department has published updates including links to national guidance, a WA parent checklist and resources about cultural safety, abuse prevention and online environments.

The department describes open discussion and practical safety measures as signs of an organisation’s commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Its guidance also highlights children’s rights and family participation.

“If you are unhappy or worried about something happening in an organisation, you have the right to tell someone and be listened to.”

Before enrolling or joining

The national Guide for Parents and Carers sets out matters to consider before visiting, during a visit and afterwards. It encourages families to contact the organisation, look at its website and speak with other parents.

Before enrolling, families can establish who runs the organisation and who is responsible for children’s safety. The guide also suggests checking how individual circumstances, including disability and cultural needs, will be accommodated at the centre.

Other questions relate to staff screening, behaviour expectations and the availability to child safety policies. During the visit at a centre, families are encouraged to also notice how adults interact with children and whether the environment appears safe.

The guide extends to everyday arrangements such as supervision, authorised collection, visitors and photographs. It also asks how children can influence decisions and how concerns will be handled.

A checklist for conversations with services

The WA Commissioner for Children and Young People’s parent checklist groups prompts around the ten National Principles. It asks families to look for examples of what an organisation does, including:

• How leaders identify and manage safety risks.

• Whether children have safe, accessible ways to raise concerns.

• How staff are recruited, checked, supervised and supported.

• Whether children and families contribute to reviews.

• How physical environments and online contact are managed.

The checklist also covers staff education about recognising abuse and responding when a child speaks about harm. It includes whether workers feel comfortable raising concerns about colleagues.

There is information provided on equity, backgrounds and circumstances. Families are also encouraged to ask how they will be involved if a problem is identified at the centre.

Resources for different families

The guide is available in translated versions and based on the National Principles, including the principle that families and communities should be informed and involved in promoting safety.

WA’s collection also includes cultural safety material and resources for conversations about abuse prevention. These sit alongside links to complaints information and help for people concerned that a child is unsafe.

Access the WA parent checklist here.