At Donvale Montessori, the safety, wellbeing and rights of every child are our highest priority. Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Victorian Child Safe Standards, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where all children feel valued, respected and empowered to learn and thrive.

We believe that every child has the right to be safe and protected from harm. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to always acting in the best interests of children. Any concerns regarding a child’s safety or wellbeing are taken seriously and responded to promptly in accordance with our policies, procedures and legal obligations.

We are committed to promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, ensuring the cultural safety of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, providing a safe and inclusive environment for children with disability, and supporting children who may be vulnerable or at increased risk of harm.

Donvale Montessori actively works to identify, assess and minimise risks to children’s safety and wellbeing. We maintain effective recruitment, screening and induction processes and provide ongoing training and professional learning to ensure that Committee members, staff and volunteers understand and uphold their responsibilities to keep children safe.

We foster a culture where children are encouraged to express their views, participate in decisions that affect them, and feel confident to speak up if they feel unsafe, uncomfortable or worried. We listen to children, take their concerns seriously, and respond in ways that are appropriate to their age, developmental and individual needs.

Through our child safe policies, procedures and practices, we are committed to continuously strengthening our child safe culture and ensuring that every child who attends Donvale Montessori Early Education Centre is safe, respected, included and supported.