The implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations is critical for all schools and early childhood services. While Lutheran education school and early childhood services are diligent in complying with relevant legislation, more can be done to establish a child safe culture where every activity is looked at through a child safe lens.
Compliance is relevant to Principle 1 (standard 2 in Victoria) meaning there are many other areas where schools can examine their child safe practices. A safe and caring culture for all children is not only our response to external regulations but also because we understand that children flourish in safe and supportive learning environments where they are given the opportunity to develop their God given abilities. While there are slight differences in some states in Australia, child safe principles or standards apply to all. Resources on school audits and plans to develop a child safe culture are available from Dianne Eckermann Dianne.eckermann@lutheran.edu.au.