William Ruthven Primary School is a Child Safe School.

We have a firm commitment to uphold the Child Safe Standards and to embed a culture of child safety. Strategies that seek to prevent harm and neglect (including physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, racial and cultural or religious abuse) all contribute to a child safe culture. It is therefore critical that child safety is part of the everyday thinking and practice of all within the school community.

Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children enrolled at William Ruthven Primary School is our highest priority.  Families put their trust in the staff, volunteers and external providers to keep their children safe as they learn. We know students learn best when they feel they are in a safe and supportive environment.

As required by Ministerial Order 870 all schools are required to:

• have zero tolerance for child abuse
• demonstrate commitment to providing a child safe environment
• have systems to protect children from abuse, and takes all allegations and concerns seriously with the commitment to respond to them consistently in line with the Schools policies and procedures
• be committed to raising awareness of the importance of child safety
• actively work to listen to and empower children
• promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with a disability

Meeting the Standards is about considering the needs of all children, particularly those who may be vulnerable due to age, family circumstances, abilities, or indigenous, cultural or linguistic backgrounds.All members of our community share the responsibility for keeping our students safe so if you have concerns for a child’s safety you must take action. 

Please see our: Child Safety policy, Child Safety Responding and Reporting policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct. 

Please also see:
WRPS Responsibilities of Child Safety Officer: Peter Marco
WRPS Child Safety Commitment
WRPS Child Safety Incident Report form
WRPS Child Safety Risk Assessment 

How to Keep Children Safe (Easy English)
Protecting Children from Abuse

Flowchart: Child Safety Reporting Process

Fact Sheet: Identifying sex exploitation
Fact Sheet: Preventing sex exploitation
Fact Sheet: Responding to sex exploitation

Tip Sheet: Cultural Safety of Aboriginal Children
Tip Sheet: Safety of Children from Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Tip Sheet: Safety of Children with a Disability
Tip Sheet: Empowerment & Participation of Children

For further information and resources, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/protect