Our Commitment to Child Safety
At Lilac Early Learning, the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children are paramount and underpin every aspect of our practice and decision-making.
We are committed to creating a child safe culture where every child feels safe, respected, valued and empowered. Child safety is not simply a policy—it is embedded into our everyday interactions, our learning environments, our leadership and the relationships we build with children and families.
We recognise that every child has the right to feel safe, be heard and participate in decisions that affect them. Together with our educators, families and community, we work to create an environment where children can learn, grow and thrive with confidence.
How We Embed the Child Safe Standards at Lilac Early Learning
Standard 1
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
At Lilac Early Learning, child safety is at the heart of every decision we make. Our leadership team is committed to fostering a culture where the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children are always the highest priority.
We promote open communication, reflective practice and continuous improvement across the service. Child safety is embedded into our policies, procedures, daily routines and decision-making, ensuring every educator understands their responsibility in protecting children and creating safe learning environments.
At Lilac we:
- Place children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of every decision.
- Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability and respect.
- Regularly review our policies and practices.
- Support educators through mentoring and professional development.
Standard 2
Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
We believe children are capable, competent and active participants in their own learning. Their voices, ideas and opinions are valued and respected.
Educators intentionally create opportunities for children to make choices, express themselves and contribute to daily routines and learning experiences. By listening to children and responding respectfully, we empower them to develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
At Lilac we:
- Encourage children to express their ideas and feelings.
- Support children to make choices throughout their day.
- Respect children’s rights and individual voices.
- Foster confidence through meaningful participation.
Standard 3
Families and communities are informed and involved.
Strong partnerships with families are essential to children’s safety, wellbeing and development.
We value open, honest and respectful communication, recognising that families know their children best. By working together, sharing information and encouraging family participation, we create a collaborative approach that supports the best possible outcomes for every child.
At Lilac we:
- Build respectful partnerships with families.
- Share information openly and regularly.
- Welcome family feedback and involvement.
- Work collaboratively with community services when appropriate.
Standard 4
Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected.
Every child has the right to feel welcomed, included and valued.
We celebrate diversity and create inclusive learning environments where children and families from all backgrounds feel a genuine sense of belonging. Our educators respect each child’s identity, culture, abilities and experiences, ensuring learning opportunities are meaningful and accessible for everyone.
At Lilac we:
- Celebrate diversity and inclusion.
- Respect each child’s identity and culture.
- Support equitable participation for all children.
- Foster environments where everyone belongs.
Standard 5
People working with children are suitable and supported.
Our educators are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring every member of our team is appropriately recruited, supported and equipped to provide high-quality education and care.
We implement thorough recruitment and screening processes, provide comprehensive inductions and support ongoing professional learning to ensure educators remain informed and confident in their child safety responsibilities.
At Lilac we:
- Conduct thorough recruitment and screening processes.
- Ensure all educators hold a valid Working With Children Check.
- Provide comprehensive induction and mentoring.
- Support continuous professional development.
Standard 6
Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
We encourage children, families, educators and members of the community to raise concerns, ask questions and provide feedback.
All concerns are taken seriously, responded to respectfully and managed in accordance with our policies and legislative requirements. We are committed to maintaining an environment where everyone feels confident speaking up and knows they will be heard.
At Lilac we:
- Promote a culture of openness and transparency.
- Respond promptly to concerns and complaints.
- Follow clear reporting procedures.
- Prioritise children’s safety and wellbeing throughout every process.
Standard 7
Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe.
Professional learning is an important part of maintaining a strong child safe culture.
Our educators participate in ongoing training and reflective practice to strengthen their knowledge of child protection, mandatory reporting, active supervision and child safe practices.
At Lilac we:
- Provide ongoing child protection training.
- Support reflective practice and continuous learning.
- Regularly review supervision practices.
- Ensure educators understand their responsibilities as mandatory reporters.
Standard 8
Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising opportunities for children to be harmed.
We carefully design our learning environments to support children’s safety, development and wellbeing.
Regular risk assessments, active supervision, secure entry procedures and thoughtful environment design ensure children can confidently explore while remaining safe. We also maintain strict expectations regarding digital technology, photography and privacy.
At Lilac we:
- Maintain secure indoor and outdoor environments.
- Conduct regular risk assessments.
- Implement active supervision practices.
- Follow strict procedures for technology and photography.
Standard 9
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Child safety is an ongoing commitment.
We regularly reflect on our practices, review policies, seek feedback from families and educators and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. This ensures our child safe culture continues to evolve and meet the needs of our children and community.
At Lilac we:
- Review our policies and procedures regularly.
- Engage in reflective practice.
- Welcome feedback from families and educators.
- Continuously improve our child safe practices.
Standard 10
Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children.
Our commitment to child safety is supported by comprehensive policies and procedures that guide our everyday practice.
These documents clearly outline the expectations of educators, families and visitors, ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for children.
At Lilac we:
- Maintain current child safe policies and procedures.
- Make policies accessible to families and educators.
- Review documentation regularly.
- Embed child safety into all areas of service operation.
Children’s Rights
At Lilac Early Learning, we recognise and uphold the rights of every child as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). We believe every child has the right to feel safe, be heard, be respected, participate in decisions that affect them and learn in an environment where their wellbeing and best interests are paramount. These rights are embedded throughout our everyday practice and are reflected in our commitment to the Child Safe Standards.
Our Promise to Children and Families
At Lilac Early Learning, child safety is more than a responsibility—it is a commitment that guides everything we do. We are dedicated to creating a culture where every child feels safe, respected, heard and empowered to reach their full potential.
Together with our educators, families and community, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of child safety, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a secure and nurturing environment.