Duty of Care Policy

Help for non-English speakers

If you need help to understand this policy, please contact Donald Eddington, Principal. Non-English speakers can also access Google translate at the bottom of this web page.

 

As valuable partners in your child's wellbeing, learning and engagement at William Ruthven Primary School, we welcome and encourage your feedback. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions in relation to our policies and practices, please contact the Principal, Donald Eddington via email, donald.eddington@education.vic.gov.au.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to explain to our school community the non-delegable duty of care obligations that all staff at William Ruthven Primary School owe to our students and members of the school community who visit and use the school premises.

 

Policy

“Duty of care” is a legal obligation that requires schools to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of reasonably foreseeable harm, which can include personal injury (physical or psychological) or damage to property. The reasonable steps that our school may decide to take in response to a potential risk or hazard will depend on the circumstances of the risk. 

Our school has developed policies and procedures to manage common risks in the school environment, including:

Our school acknowledges we are required to take reasonable precautions to prevent the abuse of a child by an individual associated with the organisation while the child is under the care, supervision or authority of the organisation.

 

Staff at our school understand that school activities involve different levels of risk and that particular care may need to be taken to support younger students or students with additional needs.  Our school also understands that it is responsible for ensuring that the school premises are kept in good repair and will take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of members of our community suffering injury or damage because of the state of the premises.

 

School staff, parents, carers and students are encouraged to speak to the principal to raise any concerns about risks or hazards at our school, or our duty of care obligations.

 

External Providers

Staff at our school acknowledge that, as our duty of care is non-delegable, we are also required to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of reasonably foreseeable harm when external providers have been engaged to plan for or conduct an activity involving our students. Our Visitors Policy and Camps and Excursions Policy include information on the safety and care of our students when engaged with external providers. 

 

Communication

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:

  • Made available publicly on our school's website
  • Provided to staff at induction and included in staff handbook
  • Discussed at staff meetings/briefings as required
  • Included as an annual reference in school newsletter
  • Made available in hard copy from school administration upon request.

Further information and resources

  • Department’s Policy and Advisory Library (PAL): Duty of Care

Policy review and approval

  • Policy last reviewed: June 2022
  • Approved by: Donald Eddington, Principal
  • Next scheduled review date: June 2026

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