Code Of Conduct For Parents/Guardians, Volunteers, Contractors And Visitors

All parents, guardians, volunteers, contractors and visitors commit to contributing to creating an environment at  Emma McLean Kindergarten and Daycare that:

·         respects the rights of the child and values diversity and upholds the rights of children to feel safe, be heard and be taken seriously

·         acknowledges the vulnerability of Aboriginal children, children from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and children with a disability and has zero tolerance of discrimination

·         recognises and respects the cultural rights, identities and strengths of Aboriginal children and their families

·         maintains a duty of care (refer to Definitions) towards all children at the service by supporting the service’s child safe policies and practices

·         is committed to the safety and wellbeing of each child at the service

·         is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all staff at the service

·         provides a safe and secure environment for all at the service, including physical and online environments

·         provides an open, welcoming environment in which everyone’s contribution is valued and respected

·         is committed to communicating openly and honestly

·         is committed to continually learning how to be inclusive and respectful of cultural needs

·         encourages parents/guardians, volunteers, students and community members to support and participate in the program and activities of the service

·         supports a culture where concerns about child safety can be raised without fear of blame or reprisal.

Relationships with children

·         being a positive role model at all times

·         encouraging children to express themselves and their opinions and listening and responding respectfully to their views

·         allowing children to undertake experiences that develop self-reliance and self-esteem

·         maintaining a safe environment for children

·         speaking to children in an encouraging and positive manner

·         giving each child positive guidance and encouraging appropriate behaviour

·         regarding all children equally, and with respect and dignity

·         having regard to each child’s cultural values

·         respecting individual difference including age, physical and intellectual development, and catering for the abilities of each child at the service

·         avoiding any behaviour that could be perceived as grooming, intimidating, discriminatory or unsafe

·         understanding of their right to be heard and believed by providing time to express themselves, seeking their views in developmentally appropriate ways and recognising preferred communication methods

·         reporting any concerns about a child’s safety, wellbeing or conduct of others to the nominated supervisor or approved provider as soon as possible

Relationships with the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisors, staff and others

·         reading and abiding by the Code of Conduct policy all child safety and wellbeing policies of the service

·         developing relationships based on mutual respect

·         working in partnership in a courteous, respectful and encouraging manner

·         valuing the input of others

·         sharing our expertise and knowledge in a considered manner

·         respecting the rights of others as individuals

·         giving encouraging and constructive feedback, and respecting the value of different professional approaches

·         respecting the privacy of children and their families and only disclosing information to people who have a need to know as required under the Privacy and Confidentiality policy

·         following the directions of staff at all times

·         treating the early childhood environment with respect

·         raising any concerns, including concerns about safety, as soon as possible with staff to ensure that they can be resolved efficiently and in line with the service’s documented complaint handling procedures

·         raising any complaints or grievances in accordance with the Compliments and Complaints Policy

·         complying with visitor sign in requirements, supervision arrangements and any risk management measures implemented to protect children