Our Lens on Safety
Child Safety and Wellbeing at Maples
At Maples Early Learning, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our top priority. Our Kilmore and Hawthorn East centres provide a secure, inclusive and caring environment where children feel valued, protected and free to grow with confidence.
Our Commitment to Child Protection and Wellbeing
We are dedicated to safeguarding every child's rights and ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Our policies outline clear standards and practices to create a secure, nurturing environment where children thrive.
- We follow strict child protection guidelines.
- Educators are trained to recognise and respond to risks.
- Inclusivity is central to all our practices.
- Children are encouraged to share their thoughts.
- Policies are regularly reviewed for excellence.
Safety and Wellbeing Every Day
At Maples, we prioritise your child's safety and your convenience. Here is how we keep every day safe.
Staffing Arrangements
Wherever possible, we roster so that children are always in the care of two educators rather than one adult on their own. Working in pairs means there is always a second trusted adult close by to supervise, support and speak up, creating a safer environment for children and educators alike.
CCTV for Added Peace of Mind
CCTV operates in all of our classrooms and outdoor play spaces, adding an extra layer of protection for children, families and educators. To respect children's privacy and dignity, there are no cameras in bathrooms.
Signing In and Out
Signing in and out is quick and easy using the Maples app (OWNA), with a kiosk at centre reception. Accurate attendance records help us plan the best rosters to meet children's needs, so we ask families to sign in and out every day.
Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups
Dedicated parent parking sits close to the entrance or lift area. We ask families to avoid staff parking spaces and to be mindful of other children when entering and leaving the building.
Secure Entry
Every centre uses a secure pin code system at entry points. You'll receive your unique pin at orientation; please don't share it. If someone else is collecting your child, give written authorisation or add them in the Maples app. They'll need photo ID.
Prepared for Emergencies
We encourage families to share custody arrangements with us so we can protect every child. Our centres regularly practise evacuation and lockdown drills, giving peace of mind to families and staff alike.
A Team Trained to Keep Children Safe
Mandatory Reporting Training
Every member of our team has completed Victoria's mandatory reporting training, so they know how to recognise signs of harm and exactly how to respond and report.
National Child Safety Training
Our team completes the new national child safety training through Geccko, the Australian Government's online learning platform for early childhood education and care.
Our Lens on Safety
Regular team discussions and reflective sessions around our Lens on Safety book keep child safety at the centre of everyday practice.
Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme
At Maples, we adhere to the Victorian Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme. These frameworks guide us in maintaining a culture of safety and inclusion, ensuring children are protected from harm and staff are held accountable through transparent reporting processes.
How We Ensure Every Child's Safety
- Proactive policies keep safety a priority at all times.
- Educator training means our whole team is trained in child protection.
- Inclusive practices celebrate diversity and promote equity for every child.
- Child participation empowers children to express their safety concerns.
At Maples, we work together to create a secure, welcoming environment where every child thrives.
Understanding the Voice of the Child
Children are the experts in their own lives. At Maples, we actively seek their views on the things that affect them, including how safe they feel.
Our Voices That Shape Maples wall invites children to record their own answers to questions like:
- Who makes you feel safe at Maples?
- What can you do if a friend is feeling sad or scared?
- What do you love most about coming to Maples?
Children and families can press a button and hear those voices. What children tell us guides how we plan our spaces, routines and practices, so every child knows they are heard and taken seriously.
Safeguarding Children: It's Everyone's Responsibility
Our team follows a simple strategy so every concern is noticed, shared and resolved.
See It!
- Remain alert to changes in behaviour, mood, physical signs or verbal disclosures that may indicate a child is at risk of harm.
- Understand that child safety concerns can be subtle. Listen carefully to what children say and how they act.
- Maintain environments where children feel safe to express themselves.
- Take note of adult and child interactions.
Say It!
- If you observe or suspect a risk to a child's safety, report it immediately in line with Maples' Child Safety Reporting Procedure.
- All concerns, no matter how small, are documented and passed to the Nominated Supervisor or Responsible Person.
- Use child-safe language and maintain confidentiality while making sure information reaches the right people.
- Reinforce that every child has the right to feel safe and be listened to.
- Always speak up!
Sort It!
- Confirm reports have been actioned and support has been provided to the child and family where appropriate.
- Make sure follow-up occurs, including liaising with Child Protection or relevant authorities if required.
- Review and reflect as a team to improve future responses and maintain continuous improvement.
- Record actions taken, support provided, and updates to risk management plans or child protection policies.
- Correct the physical environment if necessary.
Child Protection Week
Each September, National Child Protection Week reminds us that protecting children is everyone's business. It's a time for our children, families and educators to talk about feeling safe, trusted adults and speaking up.
This artwork was created by one of our children to mark the week. It shows what keeping each other safe means to them.
Family Resources
Trusted information to support your family and your child's safety and wellbeing.
Come and See Maples for Yourself
Visit our Kilmore or Hawthorn East centre and meet the team who keep your child safe every day.
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