CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

RATIONALE

To ensure that children who attend angelCare preSchool are kept safe from harm at all times.

PURPOSE

Parents and whanau have entrusted the care of their children to angelCare preSchool and
their physical, mental and spiritual health is nurtured at all times.

BASIC PRINCIPLES

angelCare preSchool is committed to the prevention of child abuse and to the protection of
children. This commitment means that the interests and welfare of the child are the prime
consideration when any decision is made about suspected abuse. angelCare preSchool
supports the roles of the police and the New Zealand Children and Young Persons Family
Agency in the investigation of suspected abuse and will report suspected abuse to these
agencies. We are committed to giving support to families. We maintain knowledge of, and
relationships with, agencies and individuals in the community available to support and counsel
families.

DEFINITION OF ABUSE OR ILL TREATMENT.

Ill treatment as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as any physical, verbal,
emotional, or sexual abuse or failure to provide the necessities of life as defined as food,
shelter and education.

Children who attend angelCare preSchool will never be subjected to any form of emotional
abuse such as being shouted at, ridiculed, or spoken to with sarcasm or disrespect.

No child or infant will be immobilised in any way, or forced to sit in a place where others may
ridicule or embarrass them, causing loss of self respect or dignity.
Children will not be isolated from their peers except in the case of infectious diseases or if
they are going to harm themselves or others.
PROCEDURES

* Where it is suspected that child abuse has occurred and a child is unsafe, anyone can
report the matter to the Child Youth and Family or the Police.
* angelCare preSchool management team is committed to maintaining and increasing teachers’
awareness of how to recognise and respond to abuse. All teachers will be offered to
attend, whenever possible, in-service courses on child abuse.
* Information on abuse detection will be available at the preschool for teachers to read and
to become aware of the indications of child abuse (Copy of “How Can I tell”, attached to
policy).
* Teachers of the preschool are aware of the existence of the “Care and Protection” division
of the Children and Young Persons Family Agency and the availability of their services and
specialist knowledge to help us protect children from abuse. angelCare preSchool will
consult with these and other appropriate agencies whenever needed. Teachers will not
assume responsibility beyond the level of our own expertise.
* Teachers of the preschool will respond to suspected child abuse by writing down
observations, impressions and communications which cause concern in a notebook kept for
this purpose at the preschool. This will follow appropriate procedures of dating, signing and
witnessing by the supervisor or another teacher.
* If we are certain that the suspected child abuse has occurred outside the family or by a
person not closely known to the family, we may discuss the matter with the parents before
we consult or report. We will ensure that we have the skills, help and support to present
the information to the parents.
* Where we think abuse may have been perpetrated by a family member, or someone close to
the family, we may not initially inform the family of our decision to report or consult, but
will ensure they are informed by the appropriate person at the appropriate time. Each case
will be reviewed individually.
* Any adult within the grounds of angelcare deemed to be inflicting any form of abuse will be
asked to leave immediately and appropriate action will be taken.
* The children’s toilets and nappy changing area are always visible when teachers and children
are in toilets.
* Children who are toilet trained will be encouraged to take care of themselves while in the
toilet.
* More than one adult will accompany children on outings.
* Except in an emergency, children are not taken from the preschool without parental
approval in writing.
* No person on the premises uses, or is under the influence of, alcohol or any other
substances that has a detrimental effect of their functioning or behaviour during the
service’s hours
* There is always more than one person in the preschool on duty with the children at any time.
* angelCare preSchool has a no babysitting policy for teachers at the preschool.
* Teachers, who have cared for children privately before enrolment, may continue to do so, at
the discretion of the parents and teacher concerned.
* We review on a regular basis, our child abuse policies and evaluate our performance in
meeting the standards outlined by them.
* angelCare preSchool follow the guidelines of the Early Childhood Code of Ethics with which
the teachers are familiar.
* If parents have concerns about the treatment of a child by our teachers, they are
encouraged to use the complaints procedure that is on the notice board or talk with the
head teachers or management.

PREVENTION PROGRAMME
* The preschool has a copy of the “Feeling Safe Kit”, which will be available for loan
to parents.
* Teachers will always be available for parents to discuss any concerns they may have
about the programme or routines.
* Implementation of the “All About Me” programme specifically designed for Early Childhood
Services from the New Zealand Police.

PRODEDURE FOR SELECTING TEACHERS

* All applicants for positions of teachers of the preschool will be asked to sign a declaration
stating whether or not they have a criminal record, and this declaration will be part of the
application form.
* Referees will be contacted by telephone and where appropriate other childcare employers
with whom they have been employed.

All applicants will be screened by Police Licensing and Vetting Service.

REVIEWED: JANUARY 2007

NEXT REVIEW DATE; JANUARY 2010
C.C Staff Manual